Yesterday Kroger shocked some shoppers when it posted this message on its Facebook page about how the grocer will no longer be doubling coupons:

“In an effort to provide you with the most value for your dollar, we are updating our coupon policy and implementing a New Lower Prices program. Effective May 12, 2013, we are discontinuing our practice of doubling (up to 50 cents) manufacturer coupons in the Mid-Atlantic region. We will continue to accept manufacturer coupons and other coupons at face value, including: digital coupons, e-coupons, …Catalina coupons and printables. We will also be investing additional resources into lowering prices for our customers on everyday items. We understand that this is a significant change. We hope that you come and see our new low prices – as well as the many other ways to save — for yourself.
• Downloadable, clip-free coupons daily on www.kroger.com
• Special sales events such as Mega Event and Cart Busters
• Fuel savings program that offers up to $1 off per gallon at Kroger Fuel Centers
• 10¢ off per gallon gas savings opportunity at participating Shell stations
• Loyal Customer Mailings containing customized coupons.
• $4/$10 generic drug pricing (see Pharmacy for details)”

Amanda Codispoti has more about this announcement and the retailer’s lower prices on the Storefront blog.

I’m interested in knowing what this means for your shopping habits. Will you continue to be a Kroger shopper?

The gas points are still valuable, but is that enough? The digital coupons Kroger is promoting so heavily can’t be combined with manufacturer coupons, unlike the paper store coupons Food Lion offers. Will that encourage you to switch, or is the New Lower Prices program enough to keep your business?

Lately there have been some news stories about the decline of coupons (like this USA Today story). Over the past year coupon values have dropped, the number of coupons available has dropped and the number of coupons redeemed in stores has dropped. If shoppers aren’t using as many coupons, will this change at Kroger be a big deal for shoppers?

Tell me your thoughts in the comments section below.

Details are finally coming out about the new rewards program being offered by Walgreens.

With the new system you’ll earn points for every purchase you make in stores and online. You’ll also get points for other activities, like participating in the Walk with Walgreens program.

Points earned can then be cashed in for Redeption Dollars that can be used on products throughout the store. There’s even an app for iPhone and Android to help you track your points. Members can also scan their mobile devices at the register to earn points and savings and redeem awards without carrying around a plastic card.

Here’s the break down of the points system:
5,000 points = $5
10,000 points = $10
18,000 points = $20
30,000 points = $35
40,000 points = $50

The new program won’t take effect until September 16, but if you sign up early you’ll be entered to win 1 million points.

For more info, check out the video below or click here.

How do you feel about the changes being made at Walgreens?

From time to time, retailers update their policies and smart shoppers need to stay in the know. Here are some changes that effect shoppers locally:

Dollar Tree stores, where everything is $1 or less, are now accepting manufacturer’s coupons.

If you’re shopping in-store, you can use up to two print-at-home coupons per shopping trip and one manufacturer coupon per item. There are a few important details: Coupons for free items with no purchase requirements will not be accepted and coupons cannot be redeemed for more than the purchase price of the item. Management also has the right to refuse any coupon or limit quantities, so certain rules could differ depending on which store you shop. For more information, visit www.dollartree.com.

Target recently introduced Target Baby Alerts. Exclusive baby coupons, deals and other announcements will be texted to shoppers up to six times per month. Some of the deals for August include buy one, get one half-off Gerber onesies, $2 off Burt’s Bees Baby Bee toiletry items, $2 off Huggies and 10 percent off your first baby order. To start receiving these text alerts, text BABY to 827438.

Walgreens is reworking its shopping rewards program and will soon introduce Balance Rewards.

Shoppers can enroll in the new program online early at bit.ly/R7Ohr8, though the program won’t officially start until Sept. 16. Full details haven’t been released yet, but the new program will be points-based, giving shoppers the opportunity to earn points for shopping and redeem them for products and other rewards.

Walmart is bringing back layaway for the 2012 holiday season after a successful run in 2011. Layaway will become available again Sept. 16 and be available through Dec. 14. Customers who “like” their favorite store will have the opportunity to put items on layaway two days early.

This year’s program offers an extended list of eligible categories. Also, shoppers who make their final payment will receive a refund of the $15 layaway fee in the form of a Walmart gift card. According to the retailer’s website, the down payment for layaway is 10 percent or $10 (whichever is greater). To be eligible, individual items must be priced at $15 or more, and the total layaway purchase must be $50 or more. For more information, visit www.walmart.com/layaway.

I’m a big CVS shopper. If you can get in the right rotation with their Extra Bucks rewards program, a lot of money can be saved. If you’re just starting out or an avid CVS shopper, this promotion is very attractive.

From Sept. 16 to Dec. 15, CVS is offering 4 percent back quarterly — double the 2 percent they usually offer — each time you use your Extra Care card in stores or for online purchases. You will have to sign up at bit.ly/PrSO8H to take advantage of this deal, but this could have a huge impact on the Extra Bucks you receive. Have your Extra Care card handy when you sign up, you will need to enter the number on the back.

Details about the evolving Walgreens rewards policy will be updated there as they are released.