Fry's grocery stores changing its coupon policies

• Fry's has a new couponing policy.
• All coupons now are face-value.
• The grocer also has reduced prices on hundreds of items.

You may be saving less than you used to when you use grocery coupons at Fry's.

That's because the grocery chain has changed its couponing policy.

As of Wednesday, Oct. 1, all coupons are now face-value. Previously in the Valley, every coupon less than $1 equaled $1. In Yuma, Fry's previously offered double coupons.

If you're a fervent couponer, you may find your bill is $15, $20 or even more higher than usual. If you're the average couponer, you might spend $4 or $5 more.

However, your total bill could be less than you expect.

That's because Fry's has reduced its everyday prices on hundreds of items, spokeswoman JoEllen Lynn said. The company started reducing prices in September on select items that range from fruit and vegetables to household staples and natural foods.

They include:

• Kellogg's Frosted Flakes (15-ounce box): Now $2.99, previously $3.49.

• Bar-S franks (1 pound): Now $1 a package, previously $1.99.

• Quilted Northern Ultra Plush bath tissue (12 double rolls): Now $5.97, perviously $7.49.

Other ways to save include Fry's digital coupons and Fry's "Free Friday Downloads," Lynn said. Under the latter program, customers can download a digital coupon for a select free item each Friday on the website, frysfood.com.

Part of the reason for the coupon policy change is that heavy couponers were a small percentage of customers, Lynn said. The company felt that the price-reduction policy would reach more customers.

Also under Fry's new coupon policy, coupons are limited to no more than five paper manufacturer coupons for like products. There's also a limit of one manufacturer coupon per item purchased.

Reach the reporter at sue.doerfler@arizonarepublic.com.