The last few days have been busy, media-wise! I’ve been in The New York Times, the Chicago Tribune, and The Wall Street Journal’s SmartMoney… all in the last four days! Coupons and savings are back in the news again, and here’s the new SmartMoney piece:
Food manufacturers and supermarkets were slow to pass on higher prices to customers when the economy was tough, but forecasts for still higher costs forced them to reassess in recent months, says Jack Plunkett, chief executive of Plunkett Research. In March, food prices rose 0.2%, contributing to a 3.3% increase year-over-year, according to the Consumer Price Index. “They don’t want to be caught again in a position of having their prices too low,” he says.
Those higher prices are reaching customers in a variety of ways. Some chains reduced sale discounts and cut back on promotions doubling the value of manufacturers coupons in favor of more stable “everyday low prices…
These skimpier sales means that while shoppers buying at full price may pay a little less, there are fewer opportunities for bigger savings, she says. Shoppers’ dollars may also be buying less. “Package shrink continues to be a big problem,” says Jill Cataldo, founder of Super Couponing. On recent trips, she’s spotted scaled-back juice containers and boxed granola bars with fewer pieces per pack.
When manufacturers scale back package sizes, stores often have some of the old and the new versions on shelves simultaneously, says Cataldo. Dig through to grab any left of the older, bigger sizes. Just check the expiration dates first to avoid stocking up on an item that won’t last long enough to consume.
Frugal Skills says
I’ve definitely noticed that sales at my local grocery store are not as good as they were a few months ago. Just means that I stock up on products even more than usual when they do run a good sale.
dancingwolves says
as I was looking through the ads this week, I definitely felt the lack of deals to be had for my household. And I’m not necessarily talking about “free” or multiple “rolling cat” deals either. It’s understood our economy isn’t doing so well and it’s to be expected so are my costs.
Been couponing for many years, and even before joining this blog, I would buy on sale with coupons to keep costs down. I’ve recently noticed a pattern where coupons are available but the items are not on sale or there is a sale but no coupon available (or it just expired).
Maybe its just me or the items I am in need of but seems to be a trend. Has anyone else notice this?