Around the Net

Consumers Reverse Declining Coupon Trend

Couponing is making a comeback. The expanding availability of printable coupons online, of paperless digital coupons that can be accessed from cell phones and store loyalty cards, and an explosion of Web sites and bloggers focused on sharing coupon information are feeding a comeback of what had been a fading Sunday tradition.

Amid soaring fuel costs and a housing and credit crisis, Americans last year halted a 16-year trend of declining redemptions by turning in 2.6 billion manufacturers' coupons, according to CMS Inc., a coupon processing agent and promotions logistics service.

Coupons are also available in more ways than ever. Julia Kozlov, a 32-year-old mother of two, typically saves about $50 on an $80 bill, using mainly online coupons. Another trend: a younger demographic getting involved in an activity traditionally dominated by 50-plus women. "My generation is electronically based, so anything you can do by point and click, we're more likely to do," says Ariel Redmon, 23.

advertisement

advertisement

Read the whole story at The Chicago Tribune/AP »

Next story loading loading..