© ▓▒░ TORLEY ░▒▓

The largest free coupons and cash back website on the internet, ShopAtHome.com has recently released data about 2011 holiday shopping trends. This data also includes a list of the top ten cities where residents are saving money through online coupons. The website analyzed the online usage of coupons during November 2011 among its 40 million members and determined which city has the largest population of users of online coupons. Chicago was at the top position, with the city having the most number of people that use online coupons. Houston, Philadelphia, Miami and Las Vegas are amongst the top five cities with the biggest population of users of online coupons. ShopAtHome.com also reviewed the most popular stores visited by its members last month to gauge which retailers are the most popular for online shopping. Walmart.com, JC Penny.com and Target.com were the top three in this category. The most popular of the Black Friday/Cyber Monday coupons was Walmart's free shipping offer on electronics purchases over $45. The website compared the amount of online coupons used this November with that November 2010 and revealed a dramatic 105% year-on-year increase in the adoption of online coupons for purchases. This indicates that shoppers have become more conscious about getting the best deals nowadays, also that there are a lot more outfits that offer online coupons.

© Matt Hampel

Kathryn Finney literally wrote the book on frugal shopping, titled "How to be a Budget Fashionista", and she maintains a blog called thebudgetfashionista.com which is filled with savvy advice on how to look good for less.

This year she's on a mission to find colorful items at a great price, and she recommends three different categories of stores where bargains abound. These include giant fashion retailers like Forever 21, consignment shops, and thrift shops. One of her tips for shopping at these discount venues is that just because something is ultra-cheap doesn't mean its a bargain if you will never wear it. Another tip is that you should always try on everything before you buy because sizing is drastically inconsistent across brands. Prices can still be high on designer items at consignment and thrift stores, but expensive designer bag labels retain vale and can later be re-sold on eBay.

© ralphhogaboom

The advent of smart phones is changing the world in ways which were unimagined earlier as digital coupons are fast replacing the printed coupons. According to an info graphic released by the "Promotional Codes" , the digital media is rapidly decreasing the share of printed coupons from the market.
As more users get technology friendly, even the companies are shifting their focus from the traditional printed coupons to the more popular digital ones. The number of people with access to internet increases everyday and so does the volumes of online shopping. In such situations an online coupon is preferred over printed coupons.
The printed coupons still hold sway over the retail store market but its presence in newspapers and magazines is also reducing due to the presence of Craigslist and other operator on the Internet.
Otherwise the statistics reveal that the USA is now redeeming coupons much more than they did before the recession. The average amount has gone up to $3.7 billion in 2010 from the $2.6 billion in 2006.