Target Updates Coupon Policy

Target updated its point-of-sale (POS) cash register software and its coupon policy to make sure discounts are accurate at checkout. In the past, cashiers could press a button on the register and apply a discount when the system didn’t recognize the coupon. With the new update, this will no longer be possible. The new system will also better match coupons to items and automatically adjust the value of coupons if the discount is greater than an item’s retail price. Target says these changes will be rolled out in late July.

Total Retail’s Take: Sorry extreme couponers — Target is no longer the place for you. The mega store doesn’t want people coming in and getting 87 percent off their purchases (easy to understand why). The new POS system will save Target money and be easier for employees to use. In the past, cashiers had to identify the coupons that gave shoppers money back and deny them the coupon. I could imagine that lead to a few complaints. Now, it’s all up to the technology.