Retailers offer incentives to get piece of tax rebate pie

The government won't start mailing them out until next month, but already the federal rebate checks -- intended to stimulate the economy -- have stimulated some pretty good incentives from retailers fighting for a slice of the pie.

And it's a pretty big pie.

People plan to spend about $42.9 billion, or 40.6 percent, of the $105.7 billion the governemnt is distributing in tax rebates, according to a survey conducted by the National Retail Federation.

The survey also found that with gas prices soaring and home values sinking, consumers plan to put about $30 billion toward debt and about $20 billion in savings.

Most individuals who file their taxes will receive $600, or $1,200 for couples who file jointly, and an extra $300 per child.

So, where can you go to get the most out of your rebate check?

--Sears and Kmart: Sears Holding Co. , which owns both chains as well as Land's End, will offer a 10 percent bonus to customers who convert their stimulus check into a gift card at one of the stores.

--Kroger Co. : The grocery chain will offer shoppers free groceries through a gift card program. It works like this: If you turn in your $300 tax refund or economic stimulus check for a Kroger gift card, you will receive an extra $30 on that card.

--Staples: The company has launched the "Staples Economic Stimulus Center" on its Web site, providing tips to find savings. Through June, the office supply chain will offer weekly promotions, no interest and no payments for six months on any purchase of $499 and up (excluding computers) and $50 off a $500 purchase (excluding computers).

--Sony: Partnering with Turbo Tax, Sony wants you to combine your tax refund with the rebate and spend before either arrive. In an advertising campaign, the company urges you to "Turn your 1040 into a Sony 1080p" -- the 1080p HD-TV -- and is offering $400 discounts on its high-definition Bravia TVs through the end of this month.

--Home Depot: In honor of Earth Day, that Atlanta-based chain will launch an advertising campaign tomorrow, encouraging consumers to spend their rebate on environmentally friendly products and offering promotions such as 10 percent off a $1,000 Bahama Blue LG washer.

Reach Abi Nicholas at 937-5524 or anicholas@postandcourier.com.