Kroger: Double Coupons Replaced With Lower Prices + Better Weekly Specials (Central Region)
Calling all you Central Region Kroger shoppers (including stores in Indiana, Illinois and some stores in Missouri, Michigan, and Ohio!). Rumor has it that beginning on July 31st, stores in the Central region will be discontinuing the practice of doubling coupons. In place of double coupons, Kroger has promised lower prices and more aggressive weekly specials.
What are your thoughts about these changes?! Do you think the lower prices and more aggressive weekly specials will make up for the end of double coupons?!
(Thanks, Brieanna!)
Part of the fun is the hunt. Would go elsewhere without double coupons.
I will no longer shop our kroger store!!!!
Welcome to my world, haven’t doubled coupons i TX for ages, some weeks are ok with the sales but not many
And, they sure did not lower the prices in Houston. In fact, I think they are higher. I seldom shop there anymore since they quit doubling coupons. What about you ?
I agree with you guest24, it seems like the 3 nearby krogers to me has varied prices due so much to their location. Its almost definite that during the first few days of each month everything gets priced up due to the fact that a large chunk of people near where I live at have access to food stamps or gov. assistance which sucks.
I almost always price match in Walmart or Fiesta if I can’t get it from the discount grocery stores nearby.
Agreed, Kroger is so expensive here in TN. I rarely go there, maybe 3-4 times a year if I hear of a REALLY good sale.
@guest24, I totally agree with you. I don’t think they lowered their prices at all. I am in Spring, Texas and I mostly price match at Walmart, even though I HATE Walmart. I live less than a mile from our Kroger and I only go when I have to. They lost a lot of my money when they discontinued the double coupons.
Hate it that this is happening. Figured it would due to other regions going to no double coupons. I do not believe that their “lower prices” will make up for not doubling coupons. I currently shop at Meijer and Kroger and will probably skip Kroger for the most part unless there is a really good deal going on. Unfortunately, I assume that Meijer will probably go to no double coupons in our region as they have in others too. It appears to be the new norm, and it makes me so unhappy.
Thanks for the Harris Teeter/Kroger buyout news. That’s a bummer. I was hoping Publix was going to buy HT.
I hear there’s a chance others can still bid for HT before the deal is done. Publix seems like a better fit.
This is happening at my Arkansas store starting July 11th. So bummed.
Ditto in NLR…………
well i guess that would be great in my area…Kroger doubles the 50 cent or lower coupons here but i found that most of the coupons nowadays are over 50, so hopefully i will get better savings with the “newer and improved” sales
already happened in MS. going to other stores for lower prices.
Hi. I live in southwest MS. I’m going to switch to another store that doubles. The stores are Sunflower, Piggly Wiggly and Sullivans.
Don’t hold your breathe for those lower prices and better weekly deals. I never saw a difference when our Texas store stopped doubling 2 years ago. To make matters worse, I see the same ads with the same prices for Kroger regions that double. Our only store that doubles is Randalls (and they are super outrageous so the coupons still dont make a deal). So frustrating.
I agree. Houston did NOT lower any prices. In fact the 2 by me are higher. I seldom go there anymore. Randalls does have some good “mark-down” items. But, too expensive to “shop”.
They started this in Dayton Oh earlier this year. I only go their for sale items now. Some of the prices are actually lower…but it has soured me a bit on Kroger, I must admit.
I have been comparing my central Indiana ads to the Dayton ads since they quit doubling and most of the time we are lower than your “new improved prices” definitely will only be good for very good sales if they quit doubling here.
I live in Dayton area and I too have curbed my Kroger shopping since they stopped doubling. I go only to check their clearance section-which I must admit is sometimes awesome- for the free item we get to down load on Fridays to our store card and when they have boneless chicken breasts on sale.
They have taken away doubling in our area for a long time. We have family who use Fry’s where they do double in AZ and the prices don’t seem cheaper here now that they’ve discontinued. They get the same deals plus double coupons. Doesn’t seem fair, but looks like the change is sweeping westward. Sorry everyone.
I live in Georgia and my main grocery store is and always will be Publix.
If K pulls this here, no reason to ever walk thru their doors again. No love will be lost.
I only go there now when I get free items.
There’s NO way they can lower prices enough to make up for losing double coupons. Kroger is one of the most expensive grocery stores in my area. The only reason I shop there is b/c of the double coupons & mega event sales. They would need to lower all prices by @ least half & we know they’re not going to be doing that. Meijer the other grocery in my town stopped double coupons this past March & promised lower prices & yep you guessed it their so called lower prices are a joke just like Krogers are going to be I predict. But it is what it is & there’s nothing we can do about it but change our shopping habits. Which I have done. I’m now shopping for my meat @ local amish farms, buying organic meat thru Zaycon, buying more natural & organic foods for my family & cutting out the processed foods. There are a lot of coupons for organics you just need to search for them. The new Whole Foods that opened up in the next town over I’ve fallen in love with & by using organic coupons my grocery bill is really not that much higher.
Would love to know some of your sources for organic products – I’m always on the lookout for those.
organic product coupons is what I meant
Hi Suzanne,
I found this today and thought it might help you locate some coupons: https://www.savingeveryday.net/2013/07/organic-natural-coupons-july-2013/
Thanks for posting my link Dawn! We’re working on posting more organic deals and coupons 🙂
PLEASE NOOOOOO!
It’s a “no-brainer” for me … I’ll be shopping at Walmart ALL the time now!
Hate to say it but, Barbara, I agree with you. Don’t like Walmart all but my money means as much to me as it does to Kroger and they are WAY higher than Walmart. Sorry Kroger but goodbye.
WM will certainly NOT be receiving our grocery dollars.
I’d rather take a beating than deal with the INCOMPETENCE that is WALMART!!!
I agree about Walmart’s incompetence. I hate the checkout at Walmart. Can’t say how many times they have made mistakes with my coupons and then I have to stand in a long line at the customer service to get the problem fixed. I shop there some, but only when I have coupon deals.
You will not see cheaper prices at Kroger to make up for the lost double coupons. That was a joke. Cincinnati just lost the double coupons in March. I don’t shop at Kroger as much.
I only shopped at Kroger for sales and they are great when they have the 4 for 4, etc. – many even great deals without coupons. I looked back on my receipts I’ve found and really the savings on doubling coupons is minimal in comparison to the other savings – so I will miss it but it’s not going to hit the pocketbook as hard as I initially thought. In the Jackson MS area we still have two stores that double on a regular basis so I will be watching those ads more closely!
How did Kroger’s let you know they would stop doubling coupons? How much advance notice do they give? Do they limit the number of same identical coupons they allow you to use?
I don’t remember Kroger doubling coupons here in Ky for a long time. Was getting kind of mad that Fry’s customers in AZ (where I have family) were still able to get double value on their coupons while they had basically the same promotions and ads. So I don’t think the lack of doubling did anything about lowering prices. I think they just don’t want to double coupons in other areas anymore. Anymore, unless it’s a great sale, I’ll shop at Meijer’s because they will take manufacturer’s coupons and competitor’s coupons on the same product (like Target does with manufacturers and their own) and let you stack them. Way better deal most of the time. Wish more stores did that.
The stores in Louisville, KY still double $0.50 and under.
The stores in Lexington double too! $0.50 and under.
Ours stopped doubling back in May. A sign on the door for maybe a week prior. I knew regular prices on the items that I bought consistently. Had to laugh when a can of organic black beans had originally been $.89/can and their new lower price (sticker right there) was $.88. Seriously ~ their prices are high and quality is low in our area of VA. My only alternatives are Food Lion, which is actually higher than Kroger on most items, and Walmart. I absolutely HATE Walmart and only go there if I absolutely have to, and rarely for food items unless it’s something Kroger doesn’t carry. I do not find Walmart’s grocery prices to be much better, other than some produce products. Poor service, too. I was actually called a *itch by a person at the service deli one day because I changed my mind on which brand of deli meat I wanted. That was the final straw for me.
No!!! They stopped doubling at a local grocery store, Marsh, in Indiana and the prices are so bad I haven’t shopped there since, except to get their meat sales. Now that only leaves Meijer and without the competition, they have no reason not to quit, too. I surely won’t shop at Kroger as much if they stop. This makes me sad.
We have never had any stores in Utah DIY le so at least you got it for a while
I’m calling the wambulance.
I’m sticking my fishing pole in the lake and going trolling.
So funny!
Disappointed! I will change my grocery store from Kroger. Although I, we couponers, don’t impact Kroger’s bottom dollar there decision to stop double values affects mine!
Here’s a map if you would like to see if it affects you… I am in Ohio and just barely made it into the “Columbus” region, not the central region, so we’re safe for now. https://www.freetastesgood.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/07/1a45.jpg
hallelujah, thank you Dash. I have a feeling it may be in the making that’s why everytime I coupon, I thank the managers for the ability to double (not that it matters to them but I am grateful). As long as Giant Eagle and Meijer stay with it, no reason for Kroger to quit =)
The map shows I am in the Central Region. However, they had this on the local news and said that our local store (Dillons) would not be affected. We are supposed to still have double coupons. Our stores double up to $1, and even coupons that are between $.51-$.99 are doubled to $1.
Thanks for the map. I am in the Columbus region too. 🙂
I hate this idea! I’m sure their idea of “lowering prices” and mine are not the same. I too will shop elsewhere!
I’m not sure about this one and honestly, not looking forward to it. I like the mental exercise. Kentucky wasn’t listed but I wouldn’t be surprised. The only reason I shop at Kroger is because they double coupons. I don’t think better sales will cover it though. They’re gonna feel the difference and maybe they’ll change it back.
My Kroger here in Indiana told me today that it is one of the stores that will stop doubling. Apparently Kroger corporate said that no other stores are doubling anymore so they have decided to go the same way. Kroger is so much more expensive than anyone else. I just don’t see that it will be worth going except for sale items. Also, Walmart now matches any sales so Kroger won’t have an advantage over them. Meijer has better sales, Mperks, and they will take competitor coupons like Target’s. It is a sad day for me. Couponing used to be fun and I liked the hunt for the best deal but it really isn’t worth buying coupons or multiple papers anymore.
My Kroger in Virginia stopped doubling a few months ago and their lower prices meant at least a .50 cent increase on most products. They also began not wanting to accept any coupons. I got tired of how poorly I was being treated and after 12 years of being a loyal customer, I refuse to step foot in a Kroger again.
The Kroger in Paducah, Ky begins the new policy July 10, 2013. Took me awhile to get used to policy when they quit letting u use manufacture coupon with e coupon. Not sure if I will like this new one either.
I love that the Kroger in my area allows the doubling of coupons. It allows me to be able to afford the every day goods that I use. If this happened I would most likely stop shopping at Kroger. I give the company all of my business for produce, meat, toiletries, household goods, etc. You would not only load my business but you would lose the business of several others. I feel that two doubling of coupons should be kept. It is giving more incentive to the companies that produce the goods to perhaps publish a coupon so the word can get out about how good their product is.
o boy, NOT GOOD. only one store within an hour of me will double coupons now, ((((unless you count Fred’s on saturdays, limit one like coupon per transaction))) they have changed their rules too ( TOM’s price right, our nice and friendly very helpful local small town grocery store!) but kroger ad is one they will still match. but they dont take printables anymore cause somebody was copying them. one bad apple spoiled it for the rest. im in southern illinois. Mcleansboro
That’s interesting to me – here in AZ (yes, we still get double coupons at Fry’s) the prices are still cheaper at Fry’s than Safeway, and WAY cheaper than Albertson’s (even without any coupons). Those are our 3 main grocery stores. Safeway also still doubles coupons here, so I don’t think they’ll stop doubling – they tried to stop about 1 1/2 years ago, but I think they lost so much business, that they brought it back a month or two later! They also used to accept competitor’s coupons back then, but they didn’t bring that back unfortunately!
I have never known a company to make a policy change so that they will make less money.
Therefore I am sure that this change will not result in the consumer benefiting more.
excellent point
Tucson AZ — Little over a year ago the Fry’s here tried that. Then brought it back a couple of months later. Lost a lot of business to Walmart.
I don’t know why everyone don’t express there opinion to krogers I know im going to maybe it will make a difference if they know ask this stuff like how u won’t be shopping there I know they have to care that there losing money and that there not being very competitive that they had a advantage and now they won’t thats just my apinion thanks for listening god,bless
I am getting ready to fly to Virginia to teach my sisters how to coupon. They have Kroger there, but they haven’t doubled in awhile. Nothing new for me down here in Florida since we have never doubled. It would be nice if Kroger’s lower prices and more aggressive weekly specials would include weekly buy one get one deals like our Publix does down here. Essentially, after the BOGO and use of coupons, it is like doubling coupons. I forsee a challenge in getting them the low grocery bills that I get according to what I am seeing here.
I think Kroger might be getting ahead of themselves with buying Harris Teeter and also denying double coupons. Too many changes at once can call for disaster. Just look at how JCPenny handled their no coupon policy and lower price strategy. It’s bad for business and people may look elsewhere for better competitive deals and steals. It’s a sad news week for Kroger for sure.
This happened in Virginia a few months ago. People were up in arms. Kroger has attempted their “new lower prices” but it’s a joke. I will give them credit that there has been a 2-3 GREAT prices on a things each week to try to get you in the door. But without the doubling, I don’t set foot in the door much anymore.
I love Kroger but one of the reasons is the coupon doubling. Will be very disappointed if this happens
go figure! i think this is terrible.. we who clip coupons and compare deals in our ads work for what we do.. it takes time to put everything together to get a good deal and to try and save money for our families.. the cost of food these days is outrageous! every dollar saved makes a difference. i am very disappointed to hear that this is happening. i dont believe i will be a “regular” kroger shopper when this becomes effective where i live.. .. i will def go to meijer, or community market where they double coupons…
Our Kroger, in Charleston, West Virginia, quit doubling several weeks ago. I have seen a few prices lowered but not near enough to make up for not doubling. I hate Walmart, but now there’s no incentive to go to Kroger instead of Walmart. I think it will be cheaper at Walmart now. Very disappointing as I only shopped at Kroger.
I live in West Virginia and like every large company, they always promise and never deliver. Sign of the times. Next will be no coupons at all.
they will eventually wind up making us pay more so I will be shopping elsewhere
Aldi, here I come!
I live in the Northern part of MS. After hearing about our Kroger no longer doubling coupons, I switched stores. I do all my shopping at Walgreens for my beauty & health supplies. I can usually find great deals there on my dairy products. I take my grocery shopping to our local Piggly WIggly & Save-A-Lot. I never shop at Kroger unless they have cheap deals, which as we all know that never happens. Kroger is loosing too many customers because of this and I hope they realize what they are doing now.
I am on a fixed income with the economy being horrible we are caring for family seems like there is never a light ahead.kroger will b makin my family go hungry! I am not on foodstamps nor do I want to be but watch how I will have to slump to the govt’s new lows because coupons is how I make our lil bit of money stretch.People laugh at me when I tell them our income and our bills because they dont know how we do it. I take time to buy papers for the coupons and spend hours searchin to save the most . The nearest Kroger to me is about 33 miles maybe a lil farther do they think I would drive there if they stop doubling hell no! kroger used to be a good store my kids would sing Lets go krogering krogering krogering for the best of everything its te better way to shop.} wont teach my grandkids that song.I will make up a new one.Come On Kroger listen to ur customers!
Well just found out today in news reports that doubling will stop September 22, 2013 in most of Kentucky… including the Louisville are which is where I am located. No more Kroger for me. I would take my mom every senior day 1st Wednesday for her 10% discount. What a joke. I tried to tell her when Kroger charges 3X more for items it doesn’t matter if you get that whopping 10%. Hope she will decide to go to Walmart or Value Supermarket.
It was on the news they are gonna stop doubling coupons in KY now, I don’t think they realize how much business they are gonna lose. Walmart will put them out of business!!!! That’s the only 2 stores we have too choose from so I will be shopping at walmart from now on!! Pissed and aggravated that kroger has done this!!!!!