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SMALL BUSINESS
Retailers Vie For Your Rebate Spending
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Wal-Mart joins a growing list of retailers trying to get a piece of the rebate checks being distributed to millions of taxpayers as part of a $152 billion economic stimulus plan. The world's largest retailer is cutting prices on key grocery and consumable items like cereal, lunch meats and shampoo and said that it would cash rebate checks free of charge.
--Supervalu, parent company of Albertsons, Jewel-Osco, Shop 'n Save and other grocery chains, says shoppers will be able to exchange tax-rebate checks for store gift cards, with an extra $30 added for every $300 in rebate checks. The offer will be valid through July 31.
--Sears will also give customers an additional return if they spend their entire rebate on a gift card, for use at Sears, Kmart or Lands' End stores. From May 14 to July 19, customers can cash in the rebates for a gift card in the amount of the check plus 10%. The gift cards carry no expiration dates or fees.
--Similarly, Kroger grocery stores will add 10% to the value of rebate checks when customers use them in $300 increments to buy Kroger gift cards. Customers with a rebate check worth more than $300 but less than $600 would get a $330 Kroger gift card and the rest of their rebate back.
--Staples is using promotions to urge small-business owners to spend their rebates. Until May 4, it's offering $50 off purchases of $500 or more and $150 off furniture costing at least $1,000. Through June 30, for purchases of more than $499 with a Staples credit card, the store will charge no interest and require no payments for six months.
--Home Depot is urging customers to use rebates to invest in the environment and cut energy bills. It'll offer discounts through July on compact fluorescent light bulbs and Energy Star appliances. That helps "take a short-term stimulus and turn it into a long-term investment," spokeswoman Jean Niemi says.
Linking the rebates to gift cards is a smart tactic, Conroy says, because shoppers typically spend more than the value of a gift card when they use one.
"The key is to get through the clutter of the media and make the offer targeted and compelling," says Ann Raider of Affinity Solutions, which develops corporate marketing programs.
Recent Comments
Scottlansinger 03:39:09 AM May 04 2008
TAKE THE CASH AND JUST STOP COMPLAINING......YOU ALL COULD BE LIVING IN A THIRD WORLD COUNTRY LIKE MEXICO !!!!!!!!!!!!1
Ashman197229 01:06:12 AM Apr 29 2008
Besides I plan on buying $600.00 worth of PowerBall tickets!
Ashman197229 01:04:15 AM Apr 29 2008
Just remember to spend the balance of the gift card before the company goes under like some store did earlier this year and people lost all of the balance of their cards!
BillysGirl0612 01:54:12 PM Apr 28 2008
This money isn't free, people! It may not count as income for next years taxes... but we will somehow have to pay it back.
My guess is higher taxes somewhere.
Besides the fact that gas, food, clothes, you name has gone up in price... We'd need to recieve a bit more than a paltry 300 per person to get ahead. Stimulus my butt!
Khemerick 10:49:26 AM Apr 28 2008
I plan to give 1/2 of my rebate check, 150.00 to local food pantries and nature conservancy. the other part of my "windfall" will be used to pay down bills
NONE WILL BE USED TO PURCHASE GOODS.
StarFox7432 10:36:53 AM Apr 28 2008
whatever.......we do not win anything here with this.... money is good for time being i rekkon tho....good when you get it...... Stephanie
Speedra639 09:57:57 AM Apr 28 2008
im gonna use mine to pay closing costs on a mortgage im taking to get a full tank of gas
Sidney0124 09:40:57 AM Apr 28 2008
Buy ORGANIC......and start stockpiling if you smoke, drink alcohol, and canned veggies.......it's gonna go fast very shortly!
Sidney0124 09:39:23 AM Apr 28 2008
I live in Chicago, gas is at $3.99/gallon, food is out of control, and I have to buy my kids some summer clothes, That check should last me about 30seconds!........Come rtax time next year we will all have to pay it back just like last time. Big OL WHATEVER!
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