- Yana Polikarpov

Figures from Entertainment Publications, a discount coupon provider and promoter, show coupon clipping has increased in the current economic climate.

“In this economic downturn, discount offers drive consumer-purchase behavior, from small businesses using coupons to reduce the cost of client dinners and business travel to families using their Entertainment book as a guide to determine their weekend leisure activities and friends meeting for ‘coupon exchange’ parties,” said Entertainment Publications CEO Mary Ann Rivers in a statement.

The top cities for active coupon users were ranked, in order: Detroit, Dallas, Irvine/Orange/Fullerton in Orange County, Calif., Chicago, Portland, Phoenix, St. Louis, Seattle, Milwaukee and Minneapolis/St. Paul.

Entertainment.com coupon printouts increased by 26 percent this March when compared to the month before. Online printouts increased 56 percent for local attractions during this period, a category that includes discounts for activities including movies, museums, zoos and aquariums.

Based in Troy, Mich., Entertainment Publications generates more than $6.5 billion in revenue annually for its more than 55,000 local and national business partners. The book helps consumers save more than $1 billion annually. Each book sells for $25-35 depending on location and has an option to activate additional online membership. The coupon book contains "2-for-1" and up-to-50 percent off discounts at local and national restaurants, grocery stores, movie theaters, car washes, retail shopping, sporting events, and attractions.

Online membership for printable coupons is offered in lieu of the traditional thick paper book, and has access to many of the same offers for $30 a year, or on a month-by-month basis for $4.95 per month. The Web site is currently promoting the book for $15 for the balance of 2009 and free shipping.