CMS News & Events

Press: Consumers Rave About Deal Enjoyment of Using Coupons, As Well As Cost Savings
(September 8, 2005)

Promotion Marketing Association Coupon Council Celebrates National Coupon Month in September

According to data released by the Promotion Marketing Association (PMA) Coupon Council, 76% of the overall population use coupons and many do so for both the cost savings benefit and the deal-enjoyment factor. Each year, the PMA designates September as National Coupon Month, and reminds consumers of the $3 billion saved annually with coupons.

"It was really interesting to note that for coupons users, saving money on purchases pales in comparison to the rush they get from hunting out a coupon and feeling smarter for using it," said Lorraine Gallaher, co-chair of the PMA Coupon Council. "In fact, it is those with the highest level of education – post-graduates – who use coupons the most, showing that shopping with coupons is truly shopping smart."

Charles Brown, co-chair of the PMA Coupon Council, added, "By using coupons, consumers are doing something positive for their family's budget. The typical coupon is worth $1 today and those dollars add up quickly. What's more, 63% percent of coupon shoppers say that they are often able to combine coupons with other in-store specials, sales or frequent shopper card discounts to increase their savings even more."

In 2004, 84% of females and 68% of males used coupons they received from Sunday newspaper inserts and retailers' fliers, as well as those found in magazines, in and on packages and online. And manufacturer offers are just one slice of the coupon pie — retailers are increasingly turning to coupon promotions as well to help attract, retain and reward loyal shoppers.

Consumers can find more information about coupons at the National Coupon Month Web site, www.couponmonth.com. From tips like making coupon-clipping a family affair - as a great math and savings lesson for the kids - to using coupons with shorter expiration dates first to stock up on necessary items, the Web site is a great year-round resource for those looking to maximize their savings and shop smart with coupons.

About the PMA Coupon Council

Founded in 1994, the PMA Coupon Council is an advocacy group for coupons within the Promotion Marketing Association. The group focuses on providing education on, and promoting the use of, couponing among manufacturers, retailers and consumers.

About the PMA

Established in 1911, the Promotion Marketing Association, Inc (PMA) is the premier not for profit organization and resource for research, education and collaboration for marketing professionals. Representing the $400+ billion promotion marketing industry, the organization is comprised of a majority of Fortune 500 companies, top marketing agencies, law firms, retailers, service suppliers and academia, representing thousands of brands worldwide. Championing the highest standards of excellence and recognition in the promotion and integrated marketing industry globally, PMA's objective is to foster a better understanding of promotion and integrated marketing and its role in the overall marketing process. The PMA is headquartered in New York City. For more information visit www.pmalink.org, e-mail pma@pmalink.org, or call (212) 420-1100.

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