A KROGER customer criticized the coupon system because it was too confusing for older people.

The customer said her 89-year-old father could not use Kroger’s digital coupon program through the app.

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“Hey Kroger, there are an incredible number of steps required to redeem a digital coupon!” said Shari on X/formerly Twitter.

Shari said she worries about her father and other Kroger customers who are frustrated with digital coupons or have trouble using the retailer’s app.

She urged the Cincinnati, Ohio-based retailer to clarify the situation.

“I think of my 89-year-old father and so many others like him who don’t use apps,” Shari said on August 17.

“These are your customers who need the best price the most! Do better, Kroger.”

The retailer, which operates 2,750 grocery stores under various brand names, had previously been criticized for excluding some customers from its digital offerings.

“They make it too difficult, I mean that,” customer Pat O’Brien told ABC affiliate WCPO last May.

She told the station that she struggles with her smartphone and does not have access to digital coupons that could save her money on some items.

Other Kroger customers have reported similar problems.

“I shop for my elderly customers because it is so difficult and complicated for them to understand,” says Tina Hern, a geriatric nurse.

“Anyone who doesn’t have a connection today is missing out on savings at the supermarket,” warned Edgar Dworsky of Consumer World.

A 2022 review by the consumer advocacy group found that older people without cell phones or internet access have a hard time finding bargains in grocery stores.

“You have to have the supermarkets’ apps or go to their website to find the respective offer,” Dworsky said at the time.

“We have millions of seniors who do not have internet access and who are left behind.”

KROGER ANSWERS

“We understand that not all customers interact digitally when shopping in retail stores,” Kroger said in a statement after the results were released.

“Customers who wish to benefit from the digital coupons can secure the discounted prices at any customer service counter.

How to use Kroger coupons

Kroger accepts paper and digital coupons

Customers can sign up for a shopping card and create a digital account on Kroger’s website or mobile app.

To load coupons onto your card, click the “Load onto card” button on each coupon.

Digital coupons and offers are deducted from a customer’s total purchase price before any paper coupons or other discounts are applied.

The start and end dates of the voucher vary depending on the offer.

Shopper Card holders who do not have a digital account can take advantage of the price reductions in the form of a digital coupon or offer from customer service.

“Kroger still offers significant savings through non-digital means; nearly 80 percent of the coupons offered to repeat customers are printed coupons that are mailed directly to customers.

“Customers don’t need a smartphone to access the savings. All they have to do is log in to Kroger.com and start clipping – it’s as easy as sending an email.”

“Loaded offers are redeemed automatically, regardless of whether a customer pays online or in-store.

“Across all age groups, shoppers tell us they redeem digital offers more often than printed coupons.”

INVESTIGATION

The complaints about the coupon payments come at a time when Kroger is facing fierce consumer backlash and the threat of a government investigation.

Two senators have said they are investigating the chain’s practices, citing allegations that the chain may be using personal data to “gouge prices” in its stores.

This controversial practice involves a company increasing service prices based on real-time demand.

However, Kroger representatives have firmly denied the allegations of price gouging.

“Kroger’s business model is to lower prices over time so more customers shop with us, which leads to more revenue, which we then invest in lower prices, higher wages and an even better shopping experience,” a spokesperson told Fox Business.

“Any trial of electronic shelf labels is intended to lower prices for customers where it matters most,” the statement continued. “To say otherwise is untrue.”