By George Anderson
Despite the growing concern of merchants and manufacturers about counterfeiting activity, coupons downloaded from the Internet for redemption in stores are gaining in popularity.
A study from CMS Inc. found an increase in redemption rates of 134 percent last year despite the fact that many supermarket chain stores are refusing to accept them. To keep things in perspective, the Charlotte Observer's retail columnist, Leigh Dyer, reports online coupons make up less than one percent of the coupons distributed.
Moderator's Comment: What are your thoughts on the use of downloadable coupons as a marketing tactic?
The use of Internet coupons increased in a year when the total number of coupons dropped was down 5.6 percent. - George Anderson - Moderator