Is couponing a strategy that helps build long term loyal customers?

First, think about your marketing strategy for a second and regardless of a coupons ability to bring (lasting) brand value to your consumer, as important, is the need for trade support. The all important need to add value to the trade relationship is a mandatory and couponing is a retail traffic builder.

We helped our clients drop billions (yes, billions) of coupons over the years and we see couponing as a significant tool in the marketing mix. As a matter of fact when used in conjunction with other sales building vehicles/tools, coupons effectively increase the register ring with multiple, cross category purchases if used in tie-in programming and other meaningful sales programs.

• They help build awareness when used in in-home FSI or other direct mail solutions.

• They can be used as defensive strategies to offset a competitors program used as regional overlays or on a national program.

So back to the original question, lasting brand loyalty, maybe, but the fact is they are an important part of a brand marketers necessary toolkit and shouldn't be discounted.