Cash--Duct Tape for America

For those of us that fully embrace the capitalist lifestyle, we firmly believe in cold hard cash. Economy in crisis? Infuse some cash into the system. Can't afford gas prices? Go buy some lipstick. Paper cut? Cover it in cash. See, cash is much like duct tape--there's nothing it won't fix.

And that's why retailers are practically jumping for joy at the President's decision to send out economic stimulus checks to Americans. In fact, checks are officially hitting a consumer near you this week. To entice customers to spend their newfound cash immediately, a variety of retailers are offering incentives.

Hoffman Estates, Ill.-based Sears Holdings Corp. announced a campaign that will allow shoppers to exchange stimulus checks for store gift cards, worth the total purchase amount, plus an additional 10 percent. The cards will not expire and can be used at any Sears and Kmart store, as well as online at Sears.com and Landsend.com

San Jose, Calif.-based Fry's Electronics Inc. and Minneapolis-based Supervalu Inc. are also offering a similar bonus exchange May 2, 2008 to July 31, 2008. For checks of $300, shoppers will receive a gift card worth $330, while those with a check for $600 will receive a card worth $660. At Fry's, for a $1,200 check, customers will receive cards valued at $1,320. In addition, the cards will have no expiration date. Supervalu stores offering this special incentive include, Acme, Albertsons, bigg’s, Cub Foods, Farm Fresh, Hornbacher’s, Jewel-Osco, Lucky, Shaw’s/Star Market, Shop ‘n Save and Shoppers Food & Pharmacy.

An extra $30 at a Sears or Supervalu store could actually be worth quite a bit--another bag of groceries, a pair of capris or socks for a year. But, an additional $30 at Fry's? I'm not so sure. Maybe I could get a pack of 20 DVDs or ear buds...

Either way, receiving extra cash from the government and retailers (not ones to willingly give us money back!) is pretty exciting. I plan to shop around and take advantage of the best deal before spending my cash. Thank you capitalism!

What do you plan to spend your stimulus check on? Or do you know of a great incentive from another retailer? Tell us about it here.

Oh, and be sure to visit the IRS site to find out when to expect your check.

--Heather Strang