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 beforehand. 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 use them, the Owsley County Extension Office hosted Saving Savvy with Apps for Coupons and Grocery Lists financial workshop. Educational emphasis was placed on: 

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

After the workshop, 38 consumers participated in the workshop evaluation survey. Of the respondents, 95 percent indicated they are able to identify at least two common functions of grocery shopping list apps and coupon apps; 92 percent are confident in their ability to identify at least two factors to research and consider before using an app; and 97 percent understand how grocery shopping apps and coupon apps may save time and money. Of the respondents, 89 percent indicated they plan to use the information they learned when selecting a grocery shopping list app and/or coupon app and 87 percent plan to research apps before selecting one to download and utilize.

Overall, respondents found the information to be timely, practical, and useful. When asked the most significant thing respondents will apply from the lesson, they answered: saving money (8 respondents), tips for using apps (7 respondents), researching apps (5 respondents), value of coupons (4 respondents), meal planning (3 respondents), and stacking offers (3 respondents). A few respondents also mentioned learning more about comparison shopping, privacy concerns, being a wise shopper, saving time, choosing store-brand items, and eating healthy.

“I used to clip coupons, but often forgot them at home. I plan to use the apps to transition from clipping. I rarely forget my phone at home,” said one respondent.

“I am going to try and start using apps for couponing. Using an app, I can get more money off products, get rebates and store loyalty offers,” said another respondent.

“It will help me better utilize my time shopping and help save money on grocery bills,” said another respondent.

One respondent learned “To be careful in using apps. Don't purchase sale items if not something you will use. Will try apps haven't used before.”