The best part: All of the proceeds go to the American Cancer Society. The Big Bundle, as this special offer is being called, includes gift cards and certificates to vendors like Papa Johns and ShoeBuy.com, subscriptions to services such as Zagat.com, and discount coupons to retailers like The Gap and Nordstrom. The value totals just …
Saving & Spending
Barter Bonanza
Swapping your stuff for someone else’s has never been easier. There are now fairly simple ways to barter for home appliances, video games, clothes, even car leases and the services of accountants and hair dressers.
It’s a Deal: Two Kids Eat Free at Boston Market
Through October 31, two kids’ meals (for children up to age 14) will be given away free of charge for each adult purchase of $6 or more at Boston Market. No coupon necessary, but kids must be present to get the freebies. More details here.
Will the Recession Effect Last?
For now at least, cheap is cool. Frugality is viewed as acceptable, sensible. The assumption is that this “Great Recession,” which has thrown the nation (and our retailers) all for a loop, will have lasting effects. Here’s why it won’t.
Ten Ways the Mall Has Changed During the Recession
The shopping mall, that wonderfully iconic, most American of places, is changing, and the economic downturn bears a lot of the responsibility. Store names that were once ubiquitous have disappeared. Vacancy rates are seriously high. And just about everybody is discounting merchandise and looking for new ways to connect to consumers.
It’s a Deal: Free Coffee at Starbucks Now to October 5
From today, October 2, through October 5, if you go into a Starbucks and taste VIA, the company’s new instant coffee, you’ll get a free brewed coffee as thanks for your time. More details here.
It’s a Deal: Up to 40% Off at Garnet Hill
An October Clearance Sale knocks 20% to 40% off of Garnet Hill sweaters, boots, coats, children’s clothes, and other fall merchandise. More details here.
Amex Drops Some Gift Card Fees. Know What? You Still Shouldn’t Buy Them
The gift card is viewed as a thoughtful, less crass alternative to cash. When you present a gift card to someone, the message sent is something like, “I didn’t want to buy you something you don’t need, so you decide.” But if it’s truly the thought that counts, old-fashioned greenbacks are the better way to go.
But Apparently People Do Like to Buy Weddings on eBay
A couple in England bid just $81 on eBay and won a wedding at a classy country inn, easily saving them more than $2,000.
It’s a Deal: £1 Hotel Rooms in London
The Hoxton Hotel in London periodically offers rooms for just £1, and the next sale starts tomorrow, October 1, at 12 p.m. London time (7 a.m. EST). At that time, 500 rooms will be offered for £1 per night for reservations between November 1 and January 31, 2010, and another 500 rooms will be offered for £29 (about $47). More details here.
Apparently People Just Don’t Want to Buy Cars on eBay
Well, at least not if the cars are GMs, and if the prices are nothing special. The troubled car manufacturer is putting an end to a briefly-lived strategy of trying to sell cars on eBay.
A Dozen Disturbing Health Care Statistics
Most people know the big number: 45 million. That’s the generally accepted tally of Americans currently without health insurance. With the prospect of a public option all but gone, it appears that any change that does occur will pretty much bring more of the status quo—meaning more numbers like these.
