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SALT LAKE CITY — Attention shoppers: Stores are cracking down on extreme couponing and the lengths to which some shoppers will go to save money.
For example, some Kroger stores have announced they plan to discontinue double and triple coupons.
Sometimes I'll go in the middle of the day and the shelves are cleared of the items that I can get with my coupons.
–Heather Ryan, couponer
Target will halt using two "buy one get one free coupons" to get both items free.
Other stores like Rite Aid, Walgreens and Target have created and posted new rules to limit the number of coupons people can use.
Now, even expert coupon shoppers say some people are taking it to the extreme, and they're worried more changes are on the way.
"People are looking for ways to save money, and they've round out through friends, or through the Internet or a few TV shows, that coupons are a serious way to save money and cut the budget," says Heather Ryan.
On her blog savvysistershops.com, Ryan says she's trying to help families save money with coupons — a practice that has become very competitive.
Related:
Super shoppers share tricks for saving big
KSL News recently found two super shoppers who promise to save you money using two different techniques: one with coupons, one with just deals."Sometimes I'll go in the middle of the day and the shelves are cleared of the items that I can get with my coupons," Ryan says.
She says in Utah County, Walmart competes with Ridley's grocery stores and offers double coupons — big business for extreme coupon shoppers.
"Some ladies will go into the store at 9 p.m. or 10 p.m. and start shopping, filling up their carts so that they can check out at midnight and be the first one to check out, and get all of their items with double coupons," Ryan says.
She says because extreme coupon shopping is so rampant, she's noticed some cashiers are even getting fed up with shoppers. "But once you've been coupon shopping for a while, you get to know your cashiers and you get in the right line," she adds.
The "savvy sister shopper" says while couponing has treated her good so far, she fears retailers might be putting even more limits on coupon shopping. She also says all the attention to extreme couponing has created a backlash.
"I think it's important to be considerate and realize that there are other people who have the same coupons that you do, and they're going to be coming to the store right after you; and it's a nice thing to do to not clear the whole shelf," she says.
Email: niyamba@ksl.com
