KROGER has rolled out a policy U-turn in the hopes it will make saving a bit simpler and more convenient for shoppers.
The company is making a change to its coupon policy that many customers are looking forward to after making complaints about previous rules.
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Kroger is now bringing back paper coupons as part of its weekly digital deals after it previously phased them out for digital versions.
Now shoppers can have the paper and digital coupons scanned at the register or through self checkout to make the most of in-store deals.
These new paper coupons are available in stores on Wednesdays.
The company made the move after customers complained about having technical difficulties with their digital coupons which made it “hard” to access deals.
Many have brought up a “digital divide” that unfairly shuns seniors and those who are not technology inclined.
“They are obnoxious in the sense that if you can’t figure out how to use the app, then you don’t get that discount,” shopper Robin Casagrande told ABC affiliate WCPO.
“They are making it too hard. I mean, seriously,” Pat O’Brien added.
“I guess just being able to see it and have it in my hand when I’m going to the store and knowing I actually have the deal and that when I go to scan it will actually work,” a third said.
Kroger says it made the change in response to customer demand.
“We are always listening to our customers to create a better shopping experience,” the company told the news outlet.
“To make it simpler for our customers to take advantage of the full value our stores offer, we are providing an easy-to-use flyer that customers can scan to save with digital coupons.”
“Simply grab a flyer and scan it at the self-checkout or ask for help from one of our friendly clerks,” the company added.
However, as other retailers ditch paper coupons and go fully digital while the federal government also ditches paper checks for electronic payments, it is not known how long the new ‘paper policy’ will last.
CHECKOUT SHIFT
It comes as Kroger and other retailers are set to make other changes.
Under a new California law, self-checkouts will not be allowed in stores without at least one open manned cashier at checkout.
Senate Bill 442 aims to crackdown on retailers throughout the state.
“Retailers have increasingly implemented automated checkout to drastically cut staffing and reduce labor costs,” lawmakers said in a statement.
“Self-checkout and the reduction in frontline grocery workers have created a range of problems for retailers, workers, and the public.”
Plus, customers using self checkout will need to limit their shopping to 15 items.
Read more about the change here.
