Couponers React to New Rules at Publix

CAROL ANGRISANI

LAKELAND, Fla. — After months of concern, Amy Selleck was relieved when she learned the details of Publix Super Markets' first formal coupon policy.

That's because the policy, which takes effect today, won't significantly alter the way the self-described “extreme couponer” uses coupons.

“The changes weren't as big as some people expected,” said Selleck, who runs the couponing blog www.whosaidnothinginlifeisfree.com. Part of what she likes about the policy is that it limits the number of items shoppers can purchase using coupons.

“This prevents people from wiping out the shelves,” she said.

This is exactly what Publix intended. The retailer's goal is to have products in stock for all customers, Publix spokeswoman Maria Brous said.

“We reserve the right to limit quantities as to not leave the shelves bare,” Brous told SN.

The policy also means stores must now post a list of which other retailers are considered competitors.

“Before our coupon policy, we may have accepted coupons from competitors outside our operating area,” said Brous.

Having a posted list of store-specific competitors makes it easier for Selleck and other couponers to know which competitors' coupons they can use, said Selleck.

Selleck was pleasantly surprised, for instance, to see that Whole Foods Market and Sedano's were among the retailers listed as competitors to the store at which she shops.

While Selleck supports the policy for the most part, there are some aspects that could reduce the number of coupons she uses. For instance, the policy states that Publix “will only accept coupons for identical merchandise we sell.” That means no more substituting a coupon for, say, Target private-label cookies and using it for Publix private-label cookies. It also prevents her from using coupons like Albertsons' fresh meat buy-one, get-one-free offers. That's because Publix can now say Albertsons' meat is not an identical product to Publix's meat.

Selleck was anxious for months as word got out that Publix, long known for its lenient couponing practices, was developing its first formal policy. For Selleck, who uses couponing to get her $150 weekly food bill down to just $10, certain changes could have adversely affected her budget.

“The money I save from couponing is how I pay for my kids' gymnastic and other sports and activities,” she said.

Michelle Atwood, a stay-at-home mother who lives in Metro Atlanta and runs www.iheartpublix.com, a blog about how to save money at Publix, was just as concerned.

Like Selleck, once she learned the specifics, Atwood supported the policy. A big reason for this is that she saw many couponers take advantage of the retailer's lenient coupon policy by using coupons from Lowes, Home Depot and other retailers that aren't food stores.

“Now, there's no question as to who a competitor is,” she said.

Atwood uses coupons and shops specials to save up to 70% on her food bill, spending just $50 a week for a family of four.

The implemented policy prompted hundreds of comments on her site, the majority of which were positive.

“It puts an end to a lot of the confusion,” she said.

Publix Policy

LAKELAND, Fla. — Publix Super Market's first formal coupon policy officially launches today.

Here's a look at what it says:

Couponers React to Reality Show

ORLANDO, Fla. - Publix Super Markets' first formal couponing policy will prevent shelf clearing, a controversial practice most couponers don't support, according to coupon blogger Amy Selleck.

Unlike some of the people profiled in the new TLC reality show “Extreme Couponing,” most coupon users don't buy so many products that they leave the shelves bare, said Selleck, who runs the blog www.whosaidnothinginlifeisfree.com.

A single mom who lives here with her two children, Selleck is not a fan of the show, saying it puts coupon users in a bad light.

“I only buy enough items to get me to the next sale; not to last the next five years,” she said.

Michelle Atwood, a stay-at-home mother who lives in Metro Atlanta and runs the blog www.iheartpublix.com, also doesn't like how “Extreme Couponing” shows couponers clearing out the shelves. She says she always tries to be fair to other shoppers by not buying too much of one item.

“The show gives honest couponers a bad name,” she said.