Supermarket Manager Refuses to Accept Coupons from Regular Customer

Many Americans are using coupons to make ends meet in tough economic times, but INSIDE EDITION talks to one mother who was told by a supermarket manager that she couldn't use her coupons to buy groceries.

It's supposed to be a lifeline in these tough economic times—clipping coupons, the little pieces of paper that can save families big money.

But one mom says one supermarket manager refused to honor her coupons, labeling her "a habitual coupon user."

Khadijah Herring says money-saving coupons are an essential part of feeding and clothing her family of ten. She even caught the incident on her cell phone camera.

"I can't use my coupons?" asked Herring.

"You're a habitual user of the coupons," said the store manager.

"The manager approached me and said, 'I'm not taking any of your coupons,' " said Herring.

Herring and her kids go through piles of newspapers and fliers, looking for coupons to use at her local Kroger supermarket near Atlanta. She makes sure to stock up whenever she sees a bargain.

"I can save $500 a month clipping coupons," said Herring.

She says TV shows like Extreme Couponing inspired her to start clipping.

"I have a coupon for every item I'm going to buy," Herring said.

But on her most recent visit to Kroger, she says the manager told her flat out he would not be taking any of her coupons.

"We've dealt with you a lot and I'm not taking them. No," said the manager.

"I can't use any coupons today?" asked Herring.

"I'm not taking your coupons," he said.

"Okay, what about tomorrow?" asked Herring.

"Limited to four," said the manager.

"And that's for everybody, or just me?" asked Herring.

"Well, we are talking about you right now," said the manager.

"I felt like I came in with some counterfeit money, I was busted and on my way to jail," said Herring.

She says being labeled a "habitual coupon user" particularly upset her.

"I said 'I'm supposed to be. You're a grocery store. You gave me coupons,' " she said.

Kroger told INSIDE EDITION, "Kroger regrets the frustration that this caused our customer. We welcome coupon use. We hope she will continue to shop at our stores."

Herring says she's paid the price for being a devoted couponer.

"This was personal," said Herring.