NEW YORK — You may have to wait until May to see your economic-stimulus check, but some retailers already have their sights set on how you will spend it.
Kroger, parent of King Soopers and City Market grocery stores, and department- store operator Sears Holdings are already offering discounts and freebies to consumers who turn the rebate checks into gift cards.
Other retailers such as Home Depot are launching advertising campaigns to suggest ways to spend those extra dollars.
Many retailers have yet to announce any special promotions, and some, like Target, say they aren’t planning to. But industry-watchers say it’s likely more companies will announce ad campaigns and special deals as the weeks go by to try to persuade shoppers to spend.
“Certainly, it does seem like retailers are planning for a battle on where to spend that check,” said Chris Donnelly, a partner in the retail practice at consulting group Accenture. “We’re going to see a lot of competition from a promotional standpoint among retailers really trying to lay claim to that.”
The Associated Press
