Clipping coupons is no longer the only way for price-conscious shoppers to get a good deal. Coupon usage is on the rise, and companies are responding by providing customers with convenient multi-media coupon offers that can benefit the consumer—and the retailer. By offering multi-media coupons, retailers are able to un-clutter their print ads by dispersing weekly items to other platforms while still collecting co-op money. Email and text message programs also enable businesses to continuously build their customer databases, laying the foundation for stronger and more enduring customer relationships.

Arriving home from work a few weeks ago, my wife greeted me at the door excitedly. “I saved $172.25 on groceries today with coupons!” she exclaimed.

“Wow, how much did she spend?” I wondered. In twenty-eight years of marriage, I can’t recall a conversation about coupons, excitedly or otherwise.