They are old school, media and took it on the chin for most of the past ten years. But coupons are continuing their comeback, fueled in part by companies like Prospectiv that have connected their rich female databases to digital publishing.

According to meart research company Inmar, Indeed, coupon redemption hit a peak in 1999 with  4.6 billion redeemed. During the three-year period ending 2008, annual manufacturer coupon redemptions leveled off at just 2.6 billion per year. But 2009 changed all of that and marked a sort of renaissance for the coupon. Inmar reports that coupon redemptions grew by 27% as Americans searched for ways to cut household costs and get more for their money. NCH Marketing Services claimed 2009 coupon redemption levels “achieved the second highest year-over-year growth ever recorded.”

Nielsen reports that newspaper inserts are still the primary method of coupon distribution (89%) and redemption (53%), Internet redemption growth has skyrocketed, rising 263% in 2009.

Prospectiv is owner of the second-biggest couponing website in America, Eversave.com, and last week announced a major re-launch of the site.  In addition to offers and coupons from national brands, the site will now offer local daily deals in cities across the country, starting in Boston.  Expansion into other markets is planned over the next year. 

"We've been helping big national brands connect with the right consumers for more than a decade, and now we're excited to take our expertise local by helping merchants target consumers right in their communities with incredible offers and gain new customers," said Jere Doyle, president and CEO of Prospectiv.

What makes Eversave's entry into the group buying space unique is community giving; a portion of the proceeds from many deals will be donated to local schools, charities and other community organizations.With over two million email subscribers, the company is well-positioned for a solid launch in each new market, and due to the viral nature of group-buying, expects to grow exponentially.  Eversave Boston will email Boston-area members at launch and the first Eversave Boston deals will include Mantra Restaurant, The Salon at 10 Newbury and Angelato Cafe.