DETROIT, Oct. 21 /PRNewswire/ -- Troy, Mich.-based Entertainment Publications Inc., http://www.entertainment.com , the leading provider of discounts and promotions, today reports Entertainment.com usage has risen more than 50 percent in 2008 as consumers scramble for savings. One of the world's largest local online savings sites, Entertainment.com is experiencing more than 33 percent growth in 2008 coupon prints and anticipates more than 1.5 million prints by the end of 2008. Combined with the company's flagship Entertainment membership book, Entertainment Publications saves consumers more than $1 billion each year.

Nationally, coupon usage has risen 72 percent in just the past six months, according to a consumer poll released in September by online marketing company Prospectiv. National merchants including Target, Liz Claiborne, American Airlines, Foot Locker, Enterprise Rent-A-Car, Best Buy, Blockbuster, Bed, Bath & Beyond, PetSmart, Walgreens and more include offers in this year's Entertainment book and online, offering consumers even more value as wallets tighten.

In a region with substantial job loss and unemployment (9 percent as of August 2008, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics data released Sept. 19), the Entertainment(R) book provides opportunities for metro-Detroit residents to purchase what they need and want. Entertainment's valuable "2-for-1" and up-to-50%-off discount offers are prized for savings on groceries, car rentals, movie tickets, dining and many other services.

Included in the book are hundreds of discounts from a wide variety of metro Detroit restaurants such as Ernesto's in Plymouth, Weber's in Ann Arbor, Bistro Bourdeau in Auburn Hills and the Alley Grille in Detroit and all local locations for Rio Wraps and Shield's Pizza. The new book also provides coupons for grocery savings from Meijer and discounts at entertainment locations such as Lucky Strike Lanes in Novi, eMagine theaters, The Henry Ford, The Palace of Auburn Hills and the Detroit Science Center.

With the down economy ranking as the top concern for many Americans, metro Detroit based Entertainment is helping non-profit organizations raise millions of dollars nationally while simultaneously helping top local and national retailers, restaurants and entertainment venues increase their customer traffic and introduce themselves to new customers.

Entertainment Publications recently released the 2009 edition of its Entertainment book, which offers consumer discount coupons for local top- quality retail and service locations in 150 markets across the United States, Canada and Puerto Rico.

While consumers eagerly await the latest edition every year, in 2008 the book and online offers are especially welcome in metro Detroit, a region where battered budgets have compelled many families to cut back significantly on dining out and other forms of entertainment, said MaryAnn Rivers, CEO of Entertainment Publications. "Entertainment's coupons make these leisure activities much more affordable for consumers and help generate increased revenue for local businesses."

Of equal significance, Entertainment Books long have served as a fund- raising resource for local organizations and schools. Non-profits, schools and community groups sell the books to consumers and retain a portion of the revenues to support ongoing activities. Nationally, Entertainment Publications supports more than 30,000 schools, community groups and charities. Over the past five years, it has enabled these organizations to raise more than $435 million in charitable funds. In metro Detroit, Entertainment books have provided Michigan non-profits with $1.6 million more in funding annually, allowing them to increase their staffs and service programs at a time when they are urgently needed in Southeast Michigan.

Local Detroit school, Bates Academy, sells the Entertainment book annually as a fundraiser.

"The money our school makes from the Entertainment book sales each year allows our school to fulfill teacher requests for classroom supplies, fund field trips and other student activities throughout the year," said Devonna Adams, treasurer of Bates Academy's Local School Community Organization. "The Entertainment team makes our most important fundraiser of the year successful."

During 2008, Entertainment Publications expects to have hired nearly 100 employees, and plans to continue to expand its staff in 2009. The company is one of Detroit's top employers in the marketing industry.

"We are a growing company during difficult economic times," said Rivers. "Our unique business model enables us to spread success beyond our four walls, fueling the local economy and supporting local businesses, schools, and charities."

Entertainment Publications was founded in 1962 as a "mom and pop" coupon book developed by a suburban Detroit couple, Hughes and Sheila Potiker. Over the next four decades the business has diversified into additional product offerings including Sally Foster(R) Giftwrap and Gift Products, and Cookie Dough Fundraisers, and most recently was acquired by MHE Equity Investors.

Today, the Entertainment brand, honed in metro Detroit, is appreciated across America for the quality of its business partners, the substantial funds that it generates for charitable purposes and the opportunity it provides for citizens to enjoy their neighborhood shops and entertainment sites at an affordable price.

To find an Entertainment book near you, contact your local schools or visit http://www.entertainment.com.

About Entertainment Publications, Inc. (EPI)

Entertainment Publications, Inc. (EPI), http://www.entertainment.com, is the leading provider of discounts and promotions. EPI helps people improve their quality of life by providing them with billions of dollars in discounts every year. EPI's best-in-class offers can be found in the Entertainment membership book, on Entertainment.com, through its business partner's private label savings programs, and via various local search partner Web sites. Annually, EPI generates over $7 billion in revenue for its over 50,000 local and national business partners representing 185,000 merchant locations throughout North America. Over the last five years, the company helped raise over $435 million for the charities it serves. The company's other fundraising product lines include Sally Foster giftwrap and gift products, and cookie dough. EPI is a privately held company, acquired in June 2008 by MH Equity Investors, a subsidiary of MHE Private Equity Fund, LLC.

    PR Contact:

    Elin Nozewski
    Airfoil PR for Entertainment Publications
    Nozewski@airfoilpr.com
    248-304-1412

SOURCE Entertainment Publications Inc.