A couple of months ago, armed with a handful of coupons, I headed for The Mall to do some shopping at one of my favorite clothing stores. As I was browsing I kept in mind the value of my coupon pile, but at the register I was shocked to see a total of $290 come down to $26! In that moment I felt like one of those reality-show extreme couponers. And I have to admit, I felt a little rush from the huge savings.
During the rest of the shopping trip (and since) I’ve had a hard time paying full price. I’ve always had a little wallet designated for coupons but now I find myself going through it checking expiration dates. I recently bought a couple pairs of shoes I didn’t need just because I had a really good coupon about to expire.
I’ve heard the argument that offering coupons can cheapen a business’ image. But the way I see it, coupons can greatly affect where, when and how much people shop. Especially in this economy, retail shopping will never be the same for me. Keep ‘em coming!
I’m enjoying the coupons while it lasts. A lot of companies are cracking down because us shoppers are getting more savvy about couponing. I’ve found a lot of store cashiers hassle the crap out of you if a coupon won’t scan right. Only place this was the opposite was at Phantom Fireworks – where the cashiers were chipper and even congratulatory of all the savings my brother and I managed for the 4th!
Do you think, as couponing gains serious momentum, that it becomes such a chore for the minimum wage cashiers that they’re actually getting over pressured? (Hurry up the line, but you’re not allowed to OK a coupon that may be wrong somehow which slows down the line, etc?)