Josh Elledge - Chief Executive Angel
This time of year is one of the best to find stackable coupons and incentives. To be competitive for your holiday dollars, retailers put out more store coupons and store incentives for both groceries and regular merchandise. Non-grocery store coupons include ones for general merchandise, like gifts, toys, and electronics. (Think Meijer's “Santa Bucks” or Target's “Cartwheel”.) Grocery store coupons are plentiful and tend to hover around the most common holiday ingredients, snacks, and more.
On top of an increase in store coupons, manufacturers also release coupons that are difficult to find any other time of the year. For example, traditionally, this is the time coupons for necessities appear. (Think Hanes or Fruit of the Loom.) Toy coupons come out during this season, too. In fact, some have already made their appearance. (For example, Hasbro put out coupons in the November 9 SmartSource newspaper coupon insert.)
What is Coupon Stacking and how do I use it?
Stacking is using a store coupon (or store incentive), and a manufacturer's coupon on the same purchase. The difference is who backs the coupon. To tell them apart, read the coupon or offer details; and, of course, always be sure to follow any stipulations listed.
Some of the biggest savings can be realized on general merchandise during the holidays. But by regularly stacking coupons and incentives on groceries, household supplies, and health and beauty, you can really save money that can be used for other holiday fun.
Where do I find out about store incentives?
Thoroughly read store ads, check the store's website, and pay attention to signs in store. Pharmacy stores run special offers every week, so finding them is easy. Many grocery stores run store offers on a regular basis as well, and these will be spelled out in their ad. (Store offers like this would be things such as getting a dollar amount off at the register when you purchase in quantity. Because these offers are almost always backed by the store, you can also use manufacturer's coupons on the items in your purchase.)
Where do I get store coupons?
CVS Pharmacy: use the free CVS Extra Care Card store loyalty card, and swipe it at the in-store kiosk; also by signing up, you'll occasionally receive special offers through email.
Spartan Stores: online, printable coupons are available at turntospartan.com.
Meijer: With their mPerks program, get digital coupons by simply using your mobile phone number. Click and virtually clip coupons online, or from any mobile device. (Some mPerks are actually manufacturer's coupons, so watch carefully.) Meijer also puts out store coupons in special flyers, like their Santa Bucks holiday coupons.
RiteAid: In addition to their weekly +Up Rewards Program offers, RiteAid releases store coupons through their Video Values program, and occasionally in their weekly ad. On top of these, shoppers gain Wellness Rewards when they use their free store loyalty card.
Target: In addition to easy printable coupons at Target.com/coupons, Target's Cartwheel digital program offers additional percentages off on select purchases. (Some Target coupons are actually manufacturer's coupons, so watch carefully.)
Walgreens (and Happy Harry's): In additional to their weekly Register Rewards offers, Walgreens puts store coupons in their weekly store ad, and in their monthly coupon book. You can even go paperless by “clipping” digital coupons to your free store loyalty card. And, to top it all off, Walgreens offers special incentives through their free Balance Rewards program.
