ATLANTA -- The wave of couponers' cries heard in the Midwest and Texas has finally hit the Southeast!

For years, we have enjoyed the everyday doubling of coupons $0.50 and less. We got FREE items because of this great policy and it made handling an almost impossible budget easier for us couponers and savvy shoppers.

While I am not saying that this will hurt us (I will be posting some other things Kroger is doing), it does have me wondering -- in this competitive Atlanta market, where we use more coupons per capita then ANYWHERE in the US -- how will this fare? Will Publix jump on the bandwagon?

The end of double coupons becomes effective September 21, 2013. For this couponer, I will be having to double check my shopping list with this new rule. It's not fun, but a lot of new things are coming from Kroger, and I think this is why the program of double couponing is ending.

SUGAR HILL, Ga. -- Nine Kroger employees from across Georgia are gearing up to participate in this year's division Bag-Off.

The annual event pits young grocery baggers against each other as they compete for scholarships and the chance to represent Kroger at the statewide Georgia Food Industry Association Bag-Off.

"Baggers from all over the state work hard to prepare for this unique action-packed competition," Glynn Jenkins, director of communications and public relations for Kroger's Atlanta division, said in a statement. "The spirit and enthusiasm displayed by our contestants is what makes this a must-see event year after year."

The Kroger Bag-Off will be held Thursday, June 27 at the store on Cumming Highway in Sugar Hill. Contestants will be judged on their bagging speed, technique, weight distribution, appearance and overall style.