Does Anyone Pay Full Price Anymore? Coupon Usage Up 47% as Retailers Start Boxing Day Early

If you're subscribed to retailer email lists, or you've hit the malls recently, then all of December has probably felt like Boxing Day to you. That's because stores are offering crazy discounts everywhere. Why? Driving factors are that they overstocked for the holiday season and the fact that their customers have become "hyper-aware on pricing." Plus, with online one-stop shops like Amazon, consumer retail has never been so cut-throat.

Online coupon website Discounts.ca believes that consumers are making bigger savings than ever before via the use of coupons and smarter bargain hunting. With retailers desperately looking to stimulate business this holiday season, the savings offered on coupons and discounts are at an all-time high, the company believes.

"Shopping with coupons and finding online deals has become something that consumers have become very adept at," says Christina Jackson, president of Discounts.ca. "The Big Brands are really reacting to this and are being much more aggressive with their discount and coupon offers this year. Offers are commonly surpassing 50% off in major retail stores this season."

Research data from Impulse Research has shown that coupon usage is up 47% from 2010 levels, and numerous studies have proven that consumers are more likely to spend with the incentive of a coupon or deal.