TLC Extreme Couponing Backlash - Lowes Foods Statement

When I'm grocery shopping with my big binder, people often approach me and say "Are you extreme?" or ask me if I've seen the TLC - Extreme Couponing show. While these people are innocently curious, I don't think they realize that to be categorized with the women on this show is somewhat insulting! For those of us out there who coupon fairly and with much etiquette, the bad name that couponing has started to receive because of the show is a bit irritating.

Lowes Foods was the most recent store to participate in the filming of the show - the premiere, in fact. Their experience was so bad that they've released a statement on Facebook apologizing to their customers and expressing regret -

"While we can not undo our participation in the taping of Extreme Couponing, what we can do is share with you our reason for doing so and some truths that will not be aired with the show. Lowes Foods agreed to allow the taping in our store in hope to show viewers that we are a coupon friendly grocer with outstanding products and customer service.

Some of what appears in the clip you saw was staged by the production company. In fact, the young man who approaches the empty shelf in dismay is actually a crew member. What is not conveyed well is time spent by the customer to clip and sort her coupons, not to mention the 8 – 10 hours in the store shopping and at the register.  Another unfortunate aspect of the taping is Lowes Foods did not have access to the taping in the woman’s home.

Lowes Foods was recently asked to make our stores available for a new show from the production company that films Extreme Couponing. We have declined and have no intention of participating in future tapings.

We do not share this to deflect blame. We share it simply to let you know that things aren’t as they always appear. We definitely made a poor decision by participating in the show. What is most disturbing to us is we disappointed you, our valued customer. We sincerely hope you can look beyond our mistake."

Before I moved to CO, I lived in NC which is one of the main hubs for Lowes Foods and I can tell you they are an great place to coupon and save a good deal of money. They truly double coupons (a $0.75 coupon is worth $1.50) and even have Triples Events where any coupon $0.99 or less is tripled in value at the register.

Check out Lowes Foods if you are fortunate enough to be in an area with one!