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Here’s a special “Merry Christmas” message from Publix…
Starting New Years Day most Publix stores in South Carolina will no longer double coupons. This could include other areas, but so far I only have confirmation for my state.
They are moving SC stores under the Charlotte Division and that means no doubles to match what they are doing in NC. Here’s a message that one reader in Charleston got from Corporate:
“Our coupon acceptance guidelines were recently revised in an effort to offer more valuable savings to our customers. As a result, we will no longer double coupons in our Charlotte Division stores. This decision will allow Publix to offer better prices and programs, while continuing to offer quality products, a clean shopping environment and exceptional customer service.
We will continue our commitment to helping our customers save money with our coupon friendly policy, which includes accepting manufacturer’s coupons, Publix coupons, Internet coupons and coupons from nearby competitors, as well as offering savings through our Digital Coupons program, flyers and weekly ads.”
I have always pointed out to folks in Florida and North Carolina that double coupons doesn’t really add massive savings on for us. Pulling up the current Publix ad there are only 8 deals that would be better if your store doubles coupons. Assuming you bought all 8 of them that would be a difference of $4 off in the store. It doesn’t seem as bad when you look at it like that.
Now that I’ve given my diplomatic answer, here are my real thoughts…
Living in an area with another store that double coupons regularly, and accept more competitor coupons than Publix (namely Bi-Lo), I just lost some of my loyalty to Publix. The sentence where they mention “better prices and programs” because of not doubling is pr hogwash. You’ll find the exact same sales and somewhat higher prices in most stores in FL and NC where they currently don’t double. You’ll also find in NC many other stores that double coupons higher than Publix, and they still offer mobile coupons, take competitor coupons and have lots of the same deals. This doesn’t make for a hard decision.
Thanks for the Christmas cheer Publix, I feel all warm and bubbly inside…
What do you think about this change?
