Local Readers: Changes to Kroger Coupon Policy

While shopping at our usual Kroger location, on Euclid Avenue in Bay City, we were informed of new coupon policy changes that we want to share with our local readers.

First, we want to start by saying we all need to realize we are very lucky that our stores double coupons up to $1.  This is really rare and with the explosion of coupon usage you know there are many more coupon users shoppers at Kroger and using coupons.  Realize when Kroger doubles the coupons they are absorbing the cost of the double amount.  They are not paid back from the manufacturer for the doubled bonus amount.

That being said, not too much is changing, and as long as you know ahead of time what the changes are we know you will be able to adapt.

We did spend time researching 5 local Kroger stores, calling and asking specific questions about their policy.  Frankly, Euclid Avenue’s policy seemed the most stringent.  Keep in mind that the following information was gathered by us on the phone, so the information is only as good as the person on the other side of the phone.  However, we feel confident that the responses we received were from well informed employees.

Here are the specifics, per location:

Kroger on Euclid Ave., Bay City:

• Double coupons up to $1
• Will accept & double up to 3 like manufacturer’s printed coupons (additional identical coupons are accepted at face value)
• Internet printable coupons are accepted, but only 2 per manufacturer.  This is important because previously their limit was 2 identical; now it doesn’t matter if they are identical or not – it is per manufacturer.  For example, if you had an Internet printed coupon for Kraft Mac & Cheese and an Internet printed coupon for Kraft Miracle Whip both would double.  If you had 2 Kraft Mac & Cheese coupons and 2 Kraft Miracle Whip coupons, only 2 total will be accepted!  When questioned they said they would not accept the others even at face value.
• Catalina coupons are not doubled

Kroger on Center Ave., Essexville:

• Double coupons up to $1
• Will accept & double up to 3 like manufacturer’s printed coupons (additional identical coupons are accepted at face value)
• Internet printable coupons are accepted & they will double up to 2 identical coupons.  When questioned about the “per  manufacturer” stipulation Euclid Ave. is using the person on the phone said that while it is the formal policy, no one enforces that.  
• Catalina coupons are not doubled

Kroger on Gratiot Rd., Saginaw:

• Double coupons up to $1
• Will accept & double up to 3 like manufacturer’s printed coupons (additional identical coupons are accepted at face value)
• Internet printable coupons are accepted & they will double up to 3 identical coupons. 
• Catalina coupons are not doubled

Kroger on State St., Saginaw:

• Double coupons up to $1
• Will accept & double up to 3 like manufacturer’s printed coupons (additional identical coupons are accepted at face value)
• Internet printable coupons are accepted & they will double up to 3 identical coupons. 
• Catalina coupons are not doubled

Kroger in Frankenmuth:

• Double coupons up to $1
• Will accept & double up to 3 like manufacturer’s printed coupons (additional identical coupons are accepted at face value)
• Internet printable coupons are accepted & they will double up to 2 identical coupons. 
• Catalina coupons are not doubled

As you can see, they are similar with slight differences.  The Euclid Ave., location seems to be bringing a lot of attention and frenzy to the “new” policy, so our advice is to be prepared for your coupons to be carefully reviewed upon checkout.

I think we’ll be switching to shopping on Center Ave. in Essexville where they will double 3 of our printed coupons!