Publix releases new coupon policy
The most notable change – which is a clarification, really – limits shoppers to using the same coupon eight times per household per day.
Starting October 1, Publix now also explicitly defines the term household for purposes of redemption.
“Publix defines a household as a single family,” the company said on its website. “Children can't redeem coupons if their parent already redeemed the maximum amount allowed for their household that day.”
For comparison, Winn Dixie limits coupon use to five like coupons for the same item per customer, per day.
Publix's revised coupon policy doesn't explicitly name them, but it's evident from Wednesday's changes that Publix has had it with shelf-clearing, product-hoarding extreme ‘couponers' – some of whom have no qualms interpreting store rules in whatever manner best benefits them.
Coupon blogger Kati Kiefer, who leads TrueCouponing.com, welcomed Publix's revisions.
“We receive a load of feedback from readers and we knew too much abuse was happening,” she said. “When too many people take advantage of a good company, it is only fair that the company restrict the guidelines for using coupons there.”
Lakeland-based Publix's revised coupon policy also unambiguously limits the use of lucrative dollars-off coupons— though the store remains generous in accepting competitor offers.
“Dollars-off-total-order coupons will be limited to one Publix and one competitor's coupon per day, per household,” the grocer said.
Those popular and easily found coupons, which can easily shave between $5 and $15 off your tab, are favourites of strategic coupon clippers.
Competition is fierce for Floridians' grocery dollar. Coupons and specials have taken centre stage in that intense rivalry. According to The Shelby Report, which analyses the grocery market, Publix and Walmart are battling for the number one spot.
Walmart has taken the extraordinary step of matching Publix's buy-one-get-one-free offers (which Walmart doesn't do in any other state). Walmart has even automated its price-matching program with a system called Savings Catcher.
There's crossfire in every direction.
A now-larger Winn Dixie, which recently absorbed Sweetbay, has also ramped up its participation in the food price war by accepting competitor coupons and offering weekly buy-one-get-one free specials. Publix, in turn, accepts Winn Dixie coupons.
Even with its new revisions, Publix's coupon policy remains liberal— both a win for consumers and a sign that the grocery war in Florida is far from reaching a truce.
