Kroger's Houston Coupon Policy Change - In a Nutshell

Thanks to my stepsister, Kelly, who pointed out that I did not say what exactly changed with the Houston-area Krogers' policies regarding couponing in my post from earlier today. Duh! I guess I was "talking to" the folks who already knew about the issue. So, if you'd like more details or have not heard what's going on at all in regards to this change, then please keep reading.  :-)

Krogers is discontinuing it's double / triple coupon program effective 4/13/11. They also will no longer allow folks to stack their coupons (i.e. the use of an electronic AND a paper coupon on the same item.)  This is for the Houston market ONLY.

I shop at Fred Meyer (a Kroger company) here in Oregon (we don't have Kroger) and we cannot double/triple coupons, nor can we stack coupons. I know that I do not have a horse in this race, however, I recognize how this change in policy will hurt many Krogers' customers in the Houston market, therefore, it's pertinent to the main theme of my blog, saving money!

Krogers says it has a new program in the works, but neither provides details as to what it is, nor when it will be rolled out to the Houston market. Folks speculate Krogers' use of Houston as a test market means this program will eventually spread across the country. Krogers has said the program is only in Houston, but I personally cannot imagine why, if the discontinuation of doubles / triples and the subsequent release of a new yet-to-be-named program are successful, then why wouldn't they roll out the same program to the rest of the region or even to all their locations nationwide? Isn't that why companies have test markets??

Given these tough economic times, many folks depend greatly on the ability to use double/triple coupons and stack coupons at Kroger. Many folks are so inflamed with the change in policy that consumers across the country are vowing to leave Kroger and shop elsewhere. If you'd like more info, here is a link to Kroger's site where they explain in detail the changes they are making.

http://www.kroger.com/mykroger/034/Pages/houston_announcement.aspx

I liken this change to my time in college when my university tore out a parking lot on campus to build a new business school. However, they didn't build the new parking garage to accommodate those who lost their parking spaces in the lot till years later! I just wish that Kroger would announce the discontinuation of one program and the beginning of the new program in the same message. However, I'm certain there is some wise business decision behind their reasoning. If you hear what that decision is, please share in the comments below!