Theresa Gibson
High Point, N.C. – After combing the aisles of a Family Dollar Store on a recent morning, Theresa Gibson gave the thumbs-up sign.
Gibson, a coupon and savings expert, had just priced several everyday items such as body soap and toothpaste. “The total cost without using coupons is $16.12,” Gibson said. “Using several manufacturers’
And that’s just for everyday items. For holiday gifts, Gibson pointed to a Dora the Explorer backpack for $5 and a Hannah Montana Dance Mat for $15. Gibson instantly recognized them as great deals. “It’s important during the holidays to know what things cost,” she said.
For the last seven years, this stay-at-home mom has become well-versed in “couponing,”
As a tough economy forces many holiday shoppers to cut back on spending, the use of coupons, in-store-sales and other means can help people stay within their budgets without sacrificing quality.
Discount retail chain stores like Family Dollar typically experience an increase in sales during slow economic times. “Our net sales increased by 8.2 percent in the fourth quarter,” said Josh Braverman, Family Dollar public relations manager. “Value and convenience are more important than ever to our customers. Our stores are strategically situated in neighborhoods with an easy in, easy out options. We are happy to be a great asset for families who are on a budget and make it easy for them to stay within that budget.”
Braverman said to coincide with that budget saving mission, this year the growing retail chain introduced a large selection of name brand toys for $5 or less. Among them include items from Disney, Barbie, Fisher Price, Little Tykes and Matchbox.
Great deals on name brand toys or every day items put a smile to Gibson’s face. “Some people may think name-brand items are always more expensive than generics or off-brand toys,” Gibson said. “That’s often not the case. Sometimes you can get them cheaper. Sometimes you can even get them for free when you use the right combination of coupons and sales.”
Gibson enjoys couponing, and she often gives seminars and individual consultations on how to save money. Her number one location to find them is the Sunday paper.
“To get started, you can buy three or four different newspapers a week,” she said. “You can also ask friends and relatives for their inserts.”
Coupons can be found on many online sites where you can print them for free or pay a small handling fee to receive the original clipped coupons, Gibson said, although she prefers using the Sunday newspapers.
Shoppers who are serious about couponing must be diligent about checking and comparing prices. And that takes time. “But if you are diligent, you’ll be amazed at the savings you can enjoy. These are difficult financial times, but that doesn’t mean you have to compromise your gift-giving or enjoyment of the holidays,” Gibson said as she eyed the Hannah Montana Dance Mat for her 9-year-old daughter.
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