CHICAGO — A new bill introduced in the Illinois General Assembly aims to address a growing concern for shoppers statewide: broken or inaccessible digital coupons. After mounting complaints from consumers — especially the elderly and low-income — lawmakers are calling for grocery stores to offer paper coupon alternatives.
Digital Coupons: Convenient — Until They’re Not
Digital coupons have become a staple in modern grocery shopping, promising quick savings at checkout. But for many, the reality has been anything but seamless.
“It’s super convenient, but there’s always issues — apps crashing, glitches, or coupons not loading,” said Rosie Keomala, a popular Chicago deal-hunter known as the “City Coupon Mom.”
Even Keomala admits that coupons frequently fail to apply correctly, and frustrated users often struggle to find assistance or clarity when things go wrong. She’s built an online community over the past decade to help others navigate digital savings — but admits even seasoned users often face hurdles.
New Law Would Mandate Paper Alternatives
Responding to these frustrations, State Representative Janet Yang Rohr (D-41st District) introduced House Bill 45, which would require that any grocery store offering a digital coupon also provide a paper version — readily available at service desks or other in-store locations.
“If you’re going to advertise that price, you better be able to give that price,” Yang Rohr said in a statement, noting that failure to comply could violate Illinois’ Consumer Fraud Act.
Advocates Say Current Systems Hurt Vulnerable Populations
Kevin Brasler, executive editor at Consumers’ Checkbook, emphasized how digital coupon systems disproportionately impact those who need savings the most — including low-income families and the elderly.
“These groups often don’t have smartphones or can’t figure out how to use the apps,” Brasler explained. “Even when we tried to use the coupons, they often didn’t register. We’d have to go to customer service just to get basic discounts applied.”
One store manager told the group that price corrections from failed digital coupons now take up most of their day.
Retailers Push Back On Proposed Legislation
Not all are on board with the plan. Retail industry representatives — including the Illinois Retail Merchants Association — argue that requiring paper alternatives could lead to increased operational costs or even eliminate coupons altogether.
“They’ve said things like, ‘If this law goes into place, coupons will disappear,’ which just seems a little over the top,” Yang Rohr said.
Similar Moves in California Offer Clues
Illinois isn’t the first to propose changes. Earlier this year, San Diego passed an ordinance banning digital-only coupons. But retailers in California quickly pushed back, citing logistical challenges in printing thousands of offers on-demand.
“There are thousands of different discounts offered digitally,” said Tim James of the California Grocers Association. “It’s just not realistic to print them all for shoppers to grab at any time.”
Next Steps for Shoppers
While Yang Rohr revises her bill for potential re-introduction next spring, shoppers are encouraged to stay vigilant.
- Always check your receipt at checkout.
- Speak to a customer service rep if a discount didn’t apply.
- Use online communities like “City Coupon Mom” for deal tips and app troubleshooting.
Consumer groups say the fight for fair coupon access will continue — especially as more retailers shift entirely to digital systems.
Have You Struggled With Digital Coupons?
We want to hear from you. Have you missed savings due to broken grocery apps or coupons that didn’t work? Tell us your experience in the comments on chicagosuburbanfamily.com.
