LIVONIA, Mich.-- RedPlum, a leading provider of deals and savings on brands consumers want most, announced today the results of its second-annual coupon and savings survey conducted on its value and lifestyle Web site, www.redplum.com. This year's survey had almost four times the participation of last year, a likely indication of the increased interest in deals and saving money. The findings reveal insight into how today's consumers are saving, in what categories they are seeking their greatest savings and how much time they are devoting to deal-seeking.

According to the survey of more than 19,300 consumers across the country, 93% of the respondents think it is more important to find ways to save money today than it was last year, up 5% from the same period in 2008. This sentiment exists across all income levels, whether consumers make $20,000, $50,000 or $100,000. The survey revealed key drivers to find deals and ways to save. Taking first place, 84% cited saving as "the intelligent thing to do;" a signal of the shift in shopper mindset toward value. This was followed by 76% citing rising food costs as a practical reason to seek coupons and 73% liking to find deals or treasures, which aligns with the company's research indicating consumers enjoy scoring a great deal. The poll also shows that 98% are most interested in coupons and deals for groceries, up 10% from last September.

"Our survey quantifies the importance of deals, coupons and savings," said Lisa Reynolds, Valassis Vice President of Consumer Engagement. "In today's uncertain economy, it's no surprise that saving is more important than before, but the significant finding is that the numbers are pointing even higher this year. As some analysts report signs of an economic upturn, the value-seeking consumer mindset will likely remain and their spending habits may change permanently."

By spending as little as 20 minutes per week, the average consumer can save $1,000 per year by taking advantage of the coupon and special offers they receive. Forty-three percent of survey respondents save $21 or more per week using coupons. When planning shopping lists, 78% of respondents are likely to match it to both their grocery circulars and coupons, further maximizing their savings. RedPlum's media portfolio delivers value-oriented promotions on a weekly basis to over 100 million people in the mail, newspaper, in-store and online. On redplum.com, consumers can quickly find coupons, offers and tips - ranging from grocery to kids, home to healthy living, and dining to entertainment - in their local area.

Notable Savings Numbers:
    --  47% spend more than 30% of their time looking for coupons online versus
        27% of respondents last year
    --  46% spent up to one hour per week looking for coupons in 2008, compared
        to 26% in 2009
    --  18% save $21-30 weekly by using coupons; 25% save more than $30
    --  98% use coupons for groceries; followed by 75% for restaurants/dining
        out and 60% for clothing
    --  52% visit their favorite savings or deals Web site weekly
    --  80% are redeeming more printable/online coupons than last year
    --  67% share/swap coupons and hot deals with family and friends
    --  94% said a coupon is "somewhat likely" or "likely"
        to influence them to switch brands/retailers