Looks like another region has joined the no doubling band wagon. This time, a Kroger affiliate store – Dillons has confirmed that they are no longer doubling coupons. For those of you in this area (which encompasses stores in Kansas, Missouri, Arkansas and Nebraska) – this policy change will be taking effect starting August 20th. That means your paper coupons will only be accepted at FACE value.

Official Statement:  In an effort to provide all of our customers with the most value for their dollar, we’re implementing a New Lower Prices program. Effective August 7, we’re reducing prices on thousands of everyday items that you and your family rely on. To make this possible, on August 20, we’re discontinuing our practice of doubling (up to 50 cents and rounding to $1.00) manufacturer coupons in Dillons stores. We will continue to accept manufacturer coupons and other coupons at face value, including digital coupons, e-coupons, Catalina coupons and printable coupons.

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We truly believe these changes reflect our efforts in providing the best shopping experience to all of our customers. We hope that you’ll come in and see our new low prices as well as the many other ways to save. • Downloadable, clip-free coupons daily on www.Dillons.com/digitalcoupons • Weekly sales and special sales events, such as Mega Event and Cart Busters • Fuel savings program that offers up to $1 off per gallon when you redeem up to 1,000 fuel points at Dillons Fuel Centers and Kwik Shops • Loyal customer mailings containing customized coupons • Faster checkouts The regions that no longer double coupons are as follows:

• Southwest
• Delta
• Mid-Atlantic
• Central
• Cincinnati
• Dillons (affiliate store)

Before you vow to boycott Kroger altogether, I encourage you to go through my posts from the last few weeks and notice that the MAJORITY of deals do not require any doubling. You may find that even after taking off the extra $0.50 or $0.60 out of the equation, you may still consider the final cost a stockup price. Of course if you need to vent, feel free to do so in the comments below. I just prefer to come from a place of yes. 🙂

Find your Kroger region.

(thanks Andrea & Jessica!)

We’ve been hearing rumors for quite some time, but it was officially announced today that Kroger Co. agreed to acquire U.S. grocery chain Harris Teeter Supermarkets Inc. for $2.44 billion, a move that puts the company into more markets in the Southeast. Additionally, Randy forwarded me this email he received from Harris Teeter today, which makes it seem like not much will be changing for those markets.

July 9, 2013 Dear Harris Teeter Customer, Harris Teeter announced today that it is merging with Kroger. While a contract has been signed, the merger will not be complete for a few months. We announced in January that we were going through a process of looking at strategic options; this announcement completes that process. While details are still being finalized, we can tell you our name will remain Harris Teeter; our own brands will continue to reflect our name; Boar’s Head Brands will be in our Deli and the same high-quality Angus Beef will be sold in our meat departments. We do not anticipate any Associate changes with this merger, so rest assured you should find your favorite meat cutter, cake decorator or cashier at your Harris Teeter. We will continue to be committed to delivering excellent customer service and outstanding quality. You will continue to find fast check-out lanes and friendly Associates when you visit your Harris Teeter store. Kroger is the second largest food retailer in the US with sales approaching $100 billion. By joining them, we will become even more efficient in our ability to deliver outstanding value to our customers. In addition, they will provide growth opportunities for our company and our associates. We appreciate your business and support over the years. Your loyalty is valued more than you will ever know. Rest assured it is the desire of both Kroger and Harris Teeter to only make Harris Teeter better through this merger for many years to come. Sincerely, Fred Morganthall President & Chief Operating Officer

Looks like it’s only a matter of time folks! Another Kroger region (Central) has confirmed that they are no longer doubling coupons. Bill with Coupons in the News contacted me just a little bit ago and cofirmed such with an an official statement. For those of you in the Central region (which encompasses stores in Indiana and Illinois, as well as a few stray stores in Missouri, Michigan and Ohio) – this policy change will be taking effect after July 31st. That means your paper coupons will only be accepted at FACE value. There are promises of lower pricing to help offset this new policy change. The regions that no longer double coupons are as follows:

• Southwest
• Delta
• Mid-Atlantic
• Central
• Cincinnati

Before you vow to boycott Kroger altogether, I encourage you to go through my posts from the last few weeks and notice that the MAJORITY of deals do not require any doubling. You may find that even after taking off the extra $0.50 or $0.60 out of the equation, you may still consider the final cost a stockup price. Of course if you need to vent, feel free to do so in the comments below. I just prefer to come from a place of yes. 🙂

Find your Kroger region.

photo credit

Looks like it’s only a matter of time folks! Another Kroger region (Delta) has confirmed that they are no longer doubling coupons. Bill with Coupons in the News contacted me just a little bit ago and cofirmed such with an an official statement. For those of you in the Delta region (which encompasses stores in Memphis, Arkansas, Mississippi, western Kentucky and southern Missouri) – this policy change will be taking effect July 10th. That means your paper coupons will only be accepted at FACE value. There are promises of lower pricing to help offset this new policy change.

Find your Kroger region.

photo credit

Well, the rumors are true. I have been bombarded this week with comments and emails that your Mid-Atlantic Kroger stores were no longer doubling coupons (thanks to Kroger employees spilling the beans). Bill with Coupons in the News also contacted me last night that he received an official statement confirming this.  I was going to wait for the official release from Kroger, but since it’s basically front page news at this point, I wanted to confirm that this is true. For those of you in the Mid-Atlantic region (which encompasses stores in North Carolina, Virginia, most of West Virginia, and tiny adjacent slivers of Tennessee, Kentucky and Ohio) – this policy change will be taking effect May 12th. That means your paper coupons will only be accepted at FACE value. There are promises of lower pricing to help offset this new policy change.

At this point, ONLY the Mid-Atlantic region (Cincinnati region and Texas regions have already seen this policy take effect) has been affected by this change and I will be updating if and when other regions follow suit. photo credit I will update with the official press release when I receive it.

I also wanted to pass along the information that I received from my Columbus/Great Lakes Region marketing contact:

“While business needs could dictate changes be made at some point we currently do not have plans to make any changes in the coupon policy for Columbus Division Kroger stores.”

I was informed last night that the Kroger Cincinnati/Dayton region (118 stores) will no longer be doubling coupons. At All. This was officially announced this morning and will be taking effect March 1st. That means your paper coupons will only be accepted at FACE value. There are promises of lower pricing to help offset this new policy change. At this point, ONLY the Cincinnati region has been affected by this change and I will be updating if and when other regions follow suit. photo credit Official Press Release

KROGER INTRODUCES NEW LOWER PRICES TO SHOPPERS IN THE CINCINNATI AND DAYTON AREAS

The Cincinnati/Dayton Division of Kroger has announced the launch of an exciting new price campaign. On Monday, February 4 Kroger, will lower prices on thousands of items in several commodities including Grocery, Produce, Organics, Natural Foods, and General Merchandise. This venture is a multi-million dollar investment for the company and shoppers will reap the benefits. Since 2008, Kroger has been lowering prices in several categories including packaged meat,produce, health and beauty care and other departments. The savings now will be even better. For example, the price on Kroger 24 pack water will drop 71 cents and the cost of a 3 lb. bag of onions will go down $1.00 and the retail on Soy Milk has been reduced by $1.40. “We know price continues to be a top, and at times a deciding, factor when it comes to where to grocery shop”, said Sukanya Madlinger, President of Kroger’s Cincinnati/Dayton Division. “The savings shoppers see on items they buy every week are going to be better. Every aisle, every department in the store will contain newly lowered prices on Kroger Private Label and National Brand products. In addition to the price reductions on groceries and merchandise, Kroger will continue to offer their Fuel Program, where customers can save up to $1.00 off a gallon at Kroger Fuel Centers, their $4 and $10 Prescription Program, weekly specials and themed events. Kroger has also made a 4 million dollar commitment to the 2013 Community Rewards program which benefits more than 2,000 local non-profit groups and organizations. “This is an exciting time for us at Kroger, “said Scot Hendricks, the Cincinnati/Dayton Division’s Vice-President of Merchandising. “We’re very committed to offering our customers the products they want, the friendly fast service they deserve at good…no…very good prices.” The coupon policy at the 110 Cincinnati and Dayton area Kroger stores will change effective March 1, 2013. Kroger will discontinue their double coupon, 50 cents or less, program but will continue to redeem paper manufacturer coupons at face value as well as digital and e-coupons. Kroger indicated the investment in the new pricing program is 3 times the expense of doubling coupons. “Kroger data for our area indicates coupon shopping is changing,” said Rachael Betzler Customer Communications Manager for the Cincinnati/Dayton Division. “In fact, of the coupons available in the January 27, 2013 newspaper 65% had a value of $1.00 or more. That, along with the increased use of digital coupons emphasizes how customers will continue to realize significant savings shopping Kroger.” Kroger invites shoppers to come see for themselves how much they will save at Kroger.

I also wanted to pass along the information that I received from my Columbus/Great Lakes Region marketing contact:

“While business needs could dictate changes be made at some point we currently do not have plans to make any changes in the coupon policy for Columbus Division Kroger stores.”