The Coupon Bureau Announces the Release of AI (8112) Coupon Data Specifications, a New Coupon Application Type

DALLAS, April 20, 2020 /PRNewswire-PRWeb/ -- The Coupon Bureau, in association with the Joint Industry Coupon Council (JICC), today announced the release of the Application Identifier (AI) (8112) Coupon Data Specifications. With support from key partner organizations, including Association of Coupon Professionals, Consumer Brands Association, FMI and GS1 US®, the new coupon application type will enable a singular industry positive offer file for retailer agnostic mobile coupons. The JICC is led by co- chairs Jackie Broberg, General Mills and Mary Oster, Target.

For brand manufacturers, the new offer type will allow for more consolidated and secure promotions on a national level. By authorizing coupons via real-time connectivity, the ability to create and redeem fraudulent coupons is removed from the ecosystem. Additional benefits include Global Trade Item Number® (GTIN®)-level validation, real-time redemption data, and improved functionality for media distribution.

For retailers, AI (8112) will allow for a single connection to a universal industry positive offer file, as well as increased access to national manufacturer offers. Additionally, it will automate offer acceptance or rejection, thereby reducing friction between store associates and consumers. As was demonstrated throughout the testing process, retailer connectivity is simple, and authorization does not slow lane times.

For consumers, this new offer type will enable mobile coupons that can be redeemed at any connected retailer, something that is new to the marketplace. "Over the last several years, consumers have seen a decline in manufacturer coupons, especially free or high-value offers", said Brandi Johnson, CEO of The Coupon Bureau (TCB). "Based on feedback from our manufacturer partners, we expect to once again see an increase in this offer type due to the enhanced security of universal positive offer file authentication".

TCB has worked in conjunction with the JICC to ensure continuity of industry standardization and to maintain the best interests of all stakeholders. This supports JICC's mission of the simplification of dialogue between retailers and brand manufacturers as it relates to coupon standards, usage, hurdles and opportunities.

For additional information and to download the specifications, visit The Coupon Bureau US web site: https://thecouponbureau.org

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The JICC works to increase efficiency and effectiveness in the development, distribution and redemption of coupons. It is comprised of retailer and manufacturer executives who oversee coupon programs and is administered by the Consumer Brands Association, FMI, National Association of Chain Drug Stores and National Grocers Association.

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The Association of Coupon Professionals is an industry trade organization whose manufacturer, retailer and solution provider members, create a forum that fosters expertise, education, and leadership to enrich the development, distribution, and redemption of coupons, ensuring they remain a viable sales and marketing tool.

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The Consumer Brands Association champions the industry whose products Americans depend on every day. From household and personal care to food and beverage products, the consumer -packaged goods industry plays a vital role in powering the economy, contributing $2 trillion to U.S. GDP and supporting more than 20 million American jobs.

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FMI proudly advocates on behalf of the food retail industry. FMI's U.S. members operate nearly 40,000 retail food stores and 25,000 pharmacies, representing a combined annual sales volume of almost $770 billion. Through programs in public affairs, food safety, research, education and industry relations, FMI offers resources and provides valuable benefits to more than 1,225 food retail and wholesale member companies in the United States and around the world.

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GS1 US is a not-for-profit information standards organization that facilitates industry collaboration to improve supply chain visibility and efficiency using GS1 Standards, the most widely used supply chain standards system in the world. Nearly 300,000 businesses in 25 industries rely on GS1 US for trading-partner collaboration that optimizes their supply chains, drives cost performance and revenue growth while also enabling regulatory compliance.

SOURCE The Coupon Bureau