Publix to roll out more restrictive coupon policies

TAMPA BAY, Fla. - Extreme couponing, discount digging aficionados who shop at Publix may have to re-strategize their game plans.

Beginning May 23, the grocery store chain will be tightening the reigns on their rather liberal coupon policy, making it more difficult for customers to whittle down grocery bills to pennies on the dollar as seen on TLC’s television series, “Extreme Couponing".

Company Spokeswoman Shannon Patten has confirmed the following changes.

• Coupons for percent-off items or percent-off total order coupons will not be accepted.
• The order total must be equal to or greater than the total purchase requirements indicated on the coupon(s) presented. Dollars-off total order coupons will be limited to one Publix and one competitor coupon per order.
• Coupons from competing pharmacies will only be accepted for prescriptions only.
• Publix will accept manufacturers’ coupons, only limit one per item. Only original Publix coupons will be accepted, no copies. Only coupons for identical merchandise Publix sells will be accepted.
• Valid Internet coupons and coupons from nearby competitors will be identified by each Publix store. Competitor names will be posted at each Publix store.
• Acceptance is subject to any restrictions on the coupon and we reserve the right to limit quantities. Manager approval is needed for individual coupons above $5.
• For a buy-one-get-one free (BOGO) offer, each item is considered a separate sale. Publix will accept a manufacturer’s coupon and either a Publix or a competitor coupon on the same item.

Over the next several days, Publix cashiers and managers will undergo training and they will answer questions customers may have to help them transition to the new policy.