While paper coupons still dominate, the number of digital coupons jumped nearly 24% during the first half of 2016.
October 12, 2016
NEW YORK CITY – Free-standing inserts coupons are retaining their popularity, but digital coupons are making inroads, Progressive Grocer reports. During the first half of 2016, the number of digital coupons rose 23.4%, according to Kantar Media.
During the past year, the number of U.S. mobile coupon users jumped nearly 18% to reach 92.6 million, according to eMarketer data. By the end of this year, mobile coupon users are predicted to advance an additional 11% to reach 104 million.
Supporting the transition to paperless couponing is a new standard from GS1 US and the Joint Industry Coupon Committee (JICC) to assist merchants in tracking and identifying digital coupon transactions at the cash register. This standard will provide retailers with enhanced traceability at checkout and allow for easier redemption from coupon issuers.
“The new GS1 Standard is a step forward in addressing industry needs at a time when consumers are relying on their mobile devices more than ever to shop,” said Jeffrey Bumgarner, manager, industry affairs for the Grocery Manufacturers Association. “Industry members and their app developer partners will be able to use the new standard as soon as the proper infrastructure is in place at the end of this year.”
Other mobile payment systems like Samsung Pay are seeing the potential for digital coupons and are enhancing features to make it easier for shoppers to search, save and redeem mobile coupons. Millennials in particular have embraced digital couponing.
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