Stop & Shop introduces kiosks for digital-only coupons access

In a move to improve customer access to savings, Stop & Shop, a regional supermarket chain operating in the Northeast U.S., has announced that it will install kiosks in all 365 locations by early January. This initiative aims to facilitate access to digital-only coupons, which shoppers can retrieve by scanning their loyalty cards or entering their phone numbers at the kiosks, also referred to as Savings Stations. The decision to implement these kiosks follows a growing concern from consumer advocacy groups, who urged supermarket chains, including Stop & Shop, to provide equitable access to savings for all shoppers, especially those who lack internet access or smartphones. The kiosks will print out a list of digital coupons that have been loaded onto customers' loyalty cards, allowing them not only to view their available savings while shopping but also to ensure they capture any deals they may have otherwise missed. According to Consumer Reports and other advocacy organizations, many shoppers face obstacles in utilizing digital coupons due to various technological gaps, such as a lack of awareness or familiarity with mobile apps and online platforms. This new initiative by Stop & Shop can be seen as a response to these challenges. Edgar Dworsky, the founder of Consumer World, praised Stop & Shop as the first supermarket chain to actively address the requests from advocacy groups by taking concrete steps to ensure that all customers can access discounts. He believes that while the kiosks will primarily help those who have struggled with digital coupon accessibility, they will also benefit regular app users by streamlining the coupon retrieval process. The kiosks will thus serve a dual purpose: providing a means for customers without the necessary technology to access savings and enhancing the overall shopping experience for tech-savvy clientele. This move comes at a crucial time as the holiday shopping season approaches, a period when savings become a top priority for consumers. Stop & Shop President Roger Wheeler emphasized that feedback from customers indicated a strong desire for better access to deals, confirming the necessity of this initiative. The deployment of Savings Stations shows that Stop & Shop is committed to ensuring its customers can enjoy significant savings, particularly during times when budgeting and financial efficiency become increasingly important.