Consumer News

Strategic shopping nets best deals

Saturday, December 01, 2007

Ric Romero
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By Ric Romero

Nov. 22, 2007 (KABC) -- Retailers are facing their worst holiday season in five years, so some stores will be desperate for you to buy. But before you start snapping up what appears to a holiday deal, be more strategic before you buy.

In October Wal-Mart slashed prices on 15,000 items. That move got other retailers to start sales early too. But according to SmartMoney.com, the discounts may be early, but they're not necessarily bigger or better. Here's how to improve your shopping savings.

Retailers, especially department stores, are offering on-the-spot discounts above and beyond the usual savings. And how do you get them?

Consider a store credit card.

Some stores are offering up to 20 percent off to new cardholders this season, plus others will give additional discounts for subsequent use.

Kohl's, for example, offers 10 percent when you open the store card, five to 20 percent off later on.

Sign up for e-mail newsletters and updates, and, join rewards programs.

About 60 percent of all retailers this holiday season are increasing their promotional e-mails. In fact, just yesterday I got an e-mail from Barnes and Noble (bn.com) telling me about a special deal.

As a member of their rewards program, I can gain access to their 40-percent-off winter sale -- four days before everyone else.

Watch for gift card promotions.

Some retailers are offering bonuses after you buy the card to get you to return to the store.

At shoe retailer DSW, buy a $50 gift card and you get a $10 bonus card good for use between January 14 and February 3.

Toys-R-Us is giving away a $5 card with every $30 "Transformers" toy purchase.

And Best Buy is giving $10 cards to those who buy the "Spider-Man 3" DVD and video game.

Shop online.

That's because most online retailers are going all out on their online deals. Most are offering coupon codes and some are offering free shipping. L.L. Bean, for example, is offering free shipping with no minimum purchase requirement. And remember: No sales tax.

Retailers, by the way, aren't the only ones offering deals.

American Airlines, American Express, Citibank, and Discover are all offering some sort of bonus reward points or gift cards.

Just a reminder about store credit cards: Make sure you pay in full each month or you could be hit with 20 percent interest or more. And sometimes opening a new account can lower your credit score enough to make a difference.

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