Produce Retailer Blog

When I think of coupons, I think of getting a good deal on napkins.

Or household cleaners. Or maybe crackers. This doesn’t mean we can’t capture that bargain-hungry consumer in the produce department.

Free standing inserts typically are too expensive for companies that don’t have a large scale marketing budget, but FSIs aren’t the only way to reach consumers these days.

Why do you think consumers follow your Facebook page? I suspect, for the vast majority, it’s not because they just love your store or brand. They want the inside information. They want to know about flash deals and, most importantly, coupons.

Consider the phenomenon of the IHeartPublix.com blog. Here’s a stay-at-home mom who started a blog just to track all the coupons and deals she was finding at her local retailer, Lakeland, Fla.-based Publix Supermarket.

The blog evolved over the past few years to include a database of printable coupons, what’s available in the Sunday newspaper FSIs, through coupon mailers and promotions from regional retailers besides Publix.

And if you’re worried about losing your shirt to the “extreme couponers,” consider this: you can’t stash a case of mushrooms or 12 bags of carrots in the closet along with 15 tooth brushes or a case of crackers.

Consumers want to eat more healthful foods. Be assured that if they get their hands on coupons for fresh fruits and vegetables, they’ll readily accept.