A recent survey by Deloitte found that $0.56 of every dollar spent in a store is influenced by a digital interaction. This growing trend is shaping how consumers shop and make decisions both in-store and before-hand. There are hundreds of grocery apps available that offer help with a wide range of shopping-related services and functions. Grocery apps can help save time and money through lists and meal planning, comparison shopping, coupons, store loyalty and rebates. 

To increase consumer knowledge of the types of apps available and how to utilize them, FCS Extension created a homemaker leader lesson called Saving Savvy with Grocery List and Coupon Apps that was piloted at the Kentucky Extension Homemakers Association State Meeting on May 16, 2019. Educational emphasis was placed on: 

• Identifying common functions of grocery shopping list and coupon apps.
• Identifying factors to research and consider prior to using an app.
• Understanding how grocery shopping and coupon apps may save time and money.

Eleven homemakers participated in the pilot workshop. Participants were surveyed following the class and 90 percent indicated they were able to identify at least two common functions of grocery shopping list and coupon apps; 90 percent felt confident in their ability to identify at least two factors to research and consider prior to using an app; and 90 percent better understood how grocery shopping and coupon apps may save time and money. Of those who participated, six indicated they plan to use the information they learned when selecting a grocery shopping list and/or coupon app and eight plan to research apps before selecting one to download and utilize.

At least two participants noted that they do not currently use a smartphone or grocery-related apps, but they still appreciated the information that was presented. One wrote: (This is) “not anything I will do – but very helpful for younger homemakers and it is what is happening now. Great topic that we all need to know about. I like knowing about it even if I do not use.”

At least one of the participants plans to share the lesson with her club as soon as it is available. Two noted that they will try some new apps. One will think more about couponing. And another participant plans to share the app checklist with her daughter and check some of her phone settings.