• The Cincinnati Enquirer/AP, Monday, January 14, 2008 12 PM

In a move that could increase coupon use by attracting shoppers who don't bother with paper coupons, supermarket chains around the country are testing online digital coupons that shoppers load onto their store loyalty cards, receiving the credit at checkout.

Kroger and Procter & Gamble are partners in a digital coupon trial that began last month Ken Fenyo, Kroger's vice president for corporate loyalty, says Kroger means to complement traditional paper coupons but expects to expand its current pilot program as part of its recently overhauled Web site. It will use e-mails to alert customers that coupons for products they regularly buy are available online.

Matt Kemme, a P&G marketing manager, says the company sees good security and strong consumer targeting opportunities with the digital coupons and expects to expand its "eSavers" program beyond the current test.

Read the whole story at The Cincinnati Enquirer/AP »