New Research Shows Coupon Use Up 27%

NEW YORK, Jan. 28 /PRNewswire/ -- Shoppers redeemed 3.3 billion consumer package goods coupons in 2009 -- a 27% increase over the 2.6 billion redeemed in 2008. It seems harsh economic times have forced many people to suddenly get serious about saving.  

A just-released report states that for the five consecutive quarters following October 2008 consumer coupon use grew by double-digits. Marketers invested heavily in coupons and brands issued 367 billion coupons in 2009 (up 16.5% from 2008).

Stephanie Nelson, founder of CouponMom.com, the largest grocery savings website of its kind, is not surprised by this trend. CouponMom.com experienced an unprecedented spike in membership during the fall of 2008 and has increased steadily since then, now with 2.2 million members. Nelson recently told Investors Business Daily that she "sees an uptick in online coupon popularity, partly because manufacturers save by shifting print costs to coupon users. It's good for the consumer and it's also good for the manufacturer."

Nelson's new book The Coupon Mom's Guide to Cutting Your Grocery Bills in Half (Avery, a member of Penguin Group, USA) has been on the New York Times Bestseller List for three weeks, more proof that consumers are hungry for new ways to save. "Saving money doesn't have to be complicated," says Nelson. "The Coupon Mom's Guide outlines my Strategic Shopping Method and shows consumers how easy it is to save at every type of store, in every department, and for every type of shopper."

Tailoring her practical advice to different types of shoppers, The Coupon Mom's Guide enables even the busiest consumers (those with very little for planning) to save up to 30% by shopping strategically.  The Internet has also made it easier for busy shoppers to take advantage of savings. Internet distribution of coupons increased by 92% and consumer redemption of these coupons is up over 360%.  CouponMom.com members alone printed over $40 million worth of free grocery coupons in 2009. "We will most certainly see an increase in the number of coupons available in 2010."

A new wave of couponing is taking the world by storm, and Stephanie Nelson knows all the tricks to the trade. Don't miss your chance to speak with the Coupon Mom about new couponing trends and practical methods for saving.

**Statistics sourced by a recent report released by Inmar.**

SOURCE Avery, a member of Penguin Group, USA