Publix to offer digital coupons

Publix Supermarkets is about to take a huge leap into the world of digital couponing.

The grocery giant is launching an online system this week that lets shoppers browse hundreds of relatively higher-value coupons online, virtually clip them out, and redeem the discounts automatically at the checkout lane.

The digital system is not a replacement for the paper coupons.

Publix started testing its online system at a few locations in Florida last year, and is training store employees to turn the system on this week in parts of Tampa Bay. The remainder of the stores in Central Florida will be on the program in the next few weeks, and all 1,000-plus stores through March.

To use the new system, shoppers sign up online at the Publix website