SavingStar Launches Fully Digital Grocery eCoupon Service

SavingStar, Inc. launched a new service today that provides consumer packaged goods (CPG) companies and retailers fully digital eCoupons for use at nearly 100 supermarket and drugstore banners – covering over 20,000 stores nationwide including Albertsons, CVS, Wegmans, and Winn-Dixie.

According to SavingStar, its eCoupons are linked to each of the shopper’s store loyalty cards, so there’s nothing to clip and nothing to print. They are available for free to consumers on SavingStar’s iPhone and Android mobile apps, and on the company’s website, SavingStar.com which launches tomorrow.

“CVS/pharmacy's ExtraCare program provides personalized value to our customers by making it easy for them save money every time they shop,” said Melissa Studzinski, VP, customer relationship management for CVS/pharmacy. “We remain committed to providing today’s tech savvy customer with new ways to save. SavingStar eCoupons now allow our customers the option of linking the eCoupons they select right to their ExtraCare card, giving them an additional way to save while shopping at CVS/pharmacy.”

SavingStar was also developed to empower shoppers to choose how they save, with a variety of payout options for their savings including cash, gift cards, and charity donations. The company’s launch includes over 50 eCoupons, worth over $50 in savings on name-brand items including Bounty, Charmin, Heinz, and Welch’s. Through SavingStar, CPGs and retailers can offer nationwide paperless coupons both in their internet advertising and to their fans on Facebook.

Using the web or phone application, users select those SavingStar eCoupons which are linked to all of their registered store loyalty cards. After the loyalty card is swiped at checkout in the store, the money is automatically added to the shopper’s SavingStar account (rather than being deducted at the register). Users can then pick their preferred payout – from direct deposit into any bank or Paypal account, Amazon gift cards, or a charity donation to American Forests.

“Consumers are hungry for new ways to save money that are easy and convenient,” said David Rochon, CEO of SavingStar. “SavingStar is the first and only national digital coupon provider with no clipping or printing required. This creates an experience that is simple for the consumer and gives them the power to choose how they receive their savings.”

Built on a pay-for-performance model, the service also eliminates risk for CPG brands, as they pay only when an eCoupon is actually redeemed. There is no upfront cost. National distribution is also not required for a CPG to participate as SavingStar can specify where the eCoupon is redeemable.

CPGs looking to engage their fans on Facebook can share SavingStar eCoupons through Facebook’s newsfeed and fan pages, enabling users to link the eCoupon to their store loyalty card without downloading any printer software. The eCoupons can also be seamlessly included in internet, mobile, or email advertising – including search and other digital marketing campaigns.

Waltham, Mass.-based SavingStar is a national, fully digital, grocery coupons service, available for free at savingstar.com and on iPhone and Android mobile apps.