Seven in ten consumers (72 percent) use more coupons now than six months ago, some three-quarters of them (equating to about half of all consumers) ascribe the increased use to the troubled economy, according to a recent study by Prospectiv, writes Brandweek (via Retailer Daily).

About 8 in 10 (81 percent) of the 1,386 consumers surveyed say they use coupons for grocery items. About half (51 percent) of those polled said their main coupon sources were newspapers and magazines.

The preferred method for receiving coupons in the future are as follows:

• 39 percent say direct mail.
• 26 percent say email (direct or via newsletters).
• 16 percent say websites.
• 14 percent say newspapers.

Among other findings:

• 80 percent of consumers say they would likely increase coupon use if coupons were tailored to their interests and delivered online.
• 87 percent say they are more likely to shop at a retailer that offers coupons.
• 47 percent say print and online coupons are equally convenient.
• 9 percent say online coupons are the most convenient.