Harbor Freight sent an email newsletter out today, with an all-caps subject line: WE’RE BRINGING BACK COUPONS!
In the email, starting with an “Inflation Busters – More Coupons” graphic, a series of a tool and equipment coupons followed. There are quite a few “Super Coupons” and “Wow! Super Coupons” for usually-discounted items.
There are any number of reasons why Harbor Freight discontinued their coupons for a while. Things were a bit different, and while they still offered some coupons on occasion, it was nothing like customers were used to.
Harbor Freight was also pushing their paid “Inside Track Club” membership program, as well as their [high interest] rate credit card.
A lot of readers have spoke about Harbor Freight’s seemingly anti-coupon strategy in recent months. Many of you have made it clear, that you won’t shop at Harbor Freight without coupons.
Around 10 years ago, in a now-textbook example of pricing strategy, JCPenney discontinued coupons and offered low prices with no coupon needed. Their sales plummeted in the months that followed, forcing them to reverse course. Bed Bath & Beyond is another retailer that depends heavily on their coupon strategy.
Maybe Harbor Freight has started to see that customers were staying true to their sentiment.
Harbor Freight coupons used to appear in all types of magazines and newspapers, and were of course also sent directly to customers via mail and email. It’s an integrated part of their success and their business model.
Coupons are back, and chances are they’re back for good.
Now, the only question is whether the coupons will be relevant to what Harbor Freight shoppers are looking to buy.
Harbor Freight has been building up their more premium tool lines, such as Hercules and Icon, and we’re unlikely to see coupons or discounts on these lines except on rare occasion.
