I would like to start this blog by discussing a major problem that is reaching epidemic proportions. It is something that is plaguing this nation and other nations as well. Its a very difficult and hard thing to talk about. This problem....is called Shelf Clearing.
Shelf Clearing is when a person goes in and completely clears a shelf of a certain product. For example, the much acclaimed Ziploc coupon was a major cause of this epidemic. I will admit it. I have shelf cleared. I wanted to feel what it was like. It felt weird. Like everyone was watching me. Like I was doing something I shouldn't have been doing. There are a few problems being linked to being a shelf clearer. Firstly, the couponing community is getting larger and larger by the day and when you are going to a specific store to get something you are DYING inside to get for free...and you arrive and there is nothing left but tiny specs of dust where the product once was, its like a small piece of your heart breaks off and gets run over by some other couponers full cart. It totally sucks. But that isnt the only reason. The other reason is that people who are doing this are starting to in fact ruin couponing for everyone involved.
Already, Procter & Gamble have re-worded the way their coupons are so you are no longer able to stack them "Use of More Than One ManuFacturer's Coupon is Strictly Prohibited". This makes obtaining things like cheap diapers next to impossible....not totally impossible, but pretty close. Prior to the release of these coupons, P & G met with London Drugs and the executives at London Drugs were told that they were no longer able to allow stacking of these coupons. If they did, they would not be reimbursed.
I was in London Drugs the other day, stacking to get Aveeno Body Wash and Off Bug Spray, and the lady told me that someone had come in earlier that week and completely cleaned them out of all the bug spray and Dove Body Wash products, using coupon stacks to pay for it all. The stores are getting very upset with this happening repeatedly. I have read that some London Drugs are even starting to no longer allow stacking which is a real shame.
Stacking and using coupons has hit an all time high and the stores are starting to take notice. Save-On Foods is starting to allow stacking as well and we can only hope that in time more stores will begin to follow suit. Unfortunately, one store that did follow suit for a short time was one Shoppers Drug Mart in B.C., which was apparently some sort of test store. It was leaked that they were allowing stacking and people flocked to the store and cleared it out of many products which quickly lead Shoppers Drug Mart to release their new coupon policy (released earlier this week) which clearly states you can only use one coupon per item.
If we want to keep coupons going and keep stores and companies from no longer allowing these incredible discounts, we need to be respectful. If you want to build a stock pile, do it in small steps. Then lay back for a bit and use the stock pile for awhile....its nice to have.
Having said that, here are a few goodies that I noticed in this weeks flyers:
Safeway has Purex laundry detergent on 2 bottles for $8. If you use two of the $3 off coupons, they are then 2 bottles for $2 (or $1.00 per bottle...or approximately $0.03 per load). NICE! Shoppers has a similar deal but it finishes today, Purex is $3.99 there on a timed special Saturday only. With the $3 off coupon it is then $0.99 per bottle. I couldn't be bothered to try to brave it there. I just elected to pay the extra penny and price match Safeway's flyer at London Drugs.
Superstore has their Lysol Cleaners (spray kind) on for $1.99. There are numerous options for these. Firstly, there is the buy 2 save 2 coupon. Which would essentially have you get one for free. There are the $1.00 coupons, bringing the price to $0.99. Or there is the option I elected for. Stack all the coupons and price match at London Drugs which allowed me to get 2 bottles for free. Nice.
Speaking of London Drugs, they have their Dove products on for $2.99. There are TONS of coupons out for Dove right now, so the possibilities are endless for the combinations of coupons. I was able to get two Dove body washes for free as well.
Sobey's is having a BOGO event again, which makes it a good time to stock up on food and household items. For instance, their Bush's Beans are on 4 cans for $5, but you could use two of the $1.00 off coupons from the May Smart Source (I believe), and then they are 4 cans for $3...or $0.75 per can. A GREAT price since I have seen them cost upwards of $1.50 per can and they will last well past 2012...you know....just in case! :)
I will review the flyers for more deals shortly, but those are some good ones to get you started! Happy Shopping!
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