My Double-Couponing at Von’s Supermarket
About a year ago my chosen supermarket, Von’s, here in North Park decided to stop offering Double Coupons. They made no official announcement. There were no banners outside joyously proclaiming their new decision. Of course not, they knew customers were going to be pretty pissed off. I know I was. They did their homework and now it was time to test the waters.
Luckily, I found this out before I made it to the checkout counter. I would have been horrified if the normal 25-35% savings I enjoy using coupons were suddenly decreased to 10-15% with debit card in hand standing at the checkout line. Pouting, I asked the manager why they decided to do such a despicable thing. He dryly, without looking me in the eye, told me that his company feels they offer savings well above what their competitors do and that double coupons weren’t needed to still save money. He knew that was ridiculous and so did I. I told him I would be taking my business elsewhere.
Unfortunately, my only other choices close by are Ralph’s and Albertson’s. Ralph’s in Hillcrest is extremely overpriced. I figure that since it’s in a trendy spot of San Diego, they get away with it. Albertson’s on University Avenue around the corner from my house is a pit. It’s dirty and the product selection, especially their meat department is very sad. I had to admit, someone at Von’s did their homework. They knew they had me so I kept shopping, grudgingly, at Von’s.
Clipping coupons became depressing. No longer could I gaze down at a $1.00 off a single item coupon with delight. For 6 months this drudgery went on. Then, one bright sunny San Diego day, I pulled into the Von’s parking lot and there was a new banner. It read, “Now Doubling Coupons.” In small print it said “For a limited time.” That limited time continues as of this post.
There you have it. Perhaps there were other shoppers that really did take their business elsewhere. If thats what causd Von’s to stop the madness, I congratulate you and offer my thanks. My wallet feels much better now!
July 2nd, 2007 at 5:12 pm
This week I rang up a $283 bill at Von’s. After my double coupons and store discount the bill went down to $181. They also gave me great coupons including $10 off my next purchases.