May 26, 2008

Retailers hope we spend those rebatesBy Gary HaberDelawareOnline.com

Struggling retailers, crossing their fingers for a stampede of shoppers waving economic stimulus checks that began arriving this month, are likely to be disappointed, according to retail experts and the folks who really know — consumers themselves.

Asked what she plans to do with her check, Jennifer Thompson, a 24-year-old customer service representative from Middletown, says, “Most of it is going to paying off bills.”

“It seems like everything’s going up,” said Thompson, who was shopping for a pair of sneakers for her son at Christiana Mall recently.

Retailers, including Wal-Mart, Home Depot and Sears, are running promotions to get shoppers to part with their checks — up to $600 for individuals and as much as $1,200 for families plus an additional $300 per child.

Wal-Mart and its Sam’s Club warehouse outlets are offering to cash stimulus checks for free. Sears is offering shoppers a 10 percent bonus if they put the entire amount of their check on a store gift card.

“We see it as an opportunity for our customers to let their checks go a little bit further,” said Kirsten Whipple, a Sears spokeswoman.

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