When Wal-Mart, Amazon, Target, and Sears jumped into a price war for bestselling authors’ new books, they probably didn’t think their best customers would be independent bookstores.
Smart Spending
Shout-Out: Buxr’s “Swap-portunity” Roundup
The coupon-crazed deal-posting website Buxr rounded up a whole mess of the best sites for swapping your stuff, free of charge.
It’s a Deal: 50% Off at Payless Shoes
Thanks to Oprah, you can get half off of all purchases at Payless Shoes, but only through Friday, October 30. And only if you present a coupon.
Ten Signs that the Economy Is Still in Awful Shape
News is out: The economy grew in the third quarter. But don’t start the celebratory parade just yet.
For Shoppers, the New Black Friday is Tomorrow
Retailers, desperate to milk everything they can out of the holiday shopping season, are introducing a second Black Friday. Even though October 30 is usually a night for toilet-papering people’s homes and other pranks, this is no trick.
It’s a Deal: Free $10 Gift Cards to First 100 Macy’s Shoppers on 10/31
On Halloween morning, the first 100 customers to enter Macy’s stores receive free $10 gift cards. Free face-painting for kids too.
It’s a Deal: $15 to $150 Off from Victoria’s Secret
Use the coupon code FALL09 for the following discounts at Victoria’s Secret: $15 off orders of $100, $30 off orders of $150, $75 off orders of $250, and $150 off orders of $500. The code is valid for purchases made by November 18.
It’s a Deal: Flights from $25 on Southwest Airlines
During a “Fourth Quarter Sale” from Southwest Airlines, short one-way flights start at just $25, and long cross-country flights are $100. Tickets must be purchased by October 29, and travel is valid from December 2 to 16 and January 5 to February 10. More details here.
It’s a Deal: Free Black Jack Taco on Halloween
Taco Bell is giving out free Black Jack Tacos between 6 p.m. and midnight on Halloween. As the promotion says, it’s their treat. More details here.
It’s a Deal: Free Chicken at KFC on Monday, October 26
Stop by a KFC on Monday, October 26, for a free piece of Kentucky Grilled Chicken. The promotion, curiously enough, has something to do with the United Nations. More details here.
Cheapskate Wisdom from … Philip Roth
Electronics and Toys: Cheap and Getting Cheaper
Flat-panel TVs, laptops, camcorders, GPS devices, and video-game consoles are all being sold at record-low prices. As we head into the heart of the holiday shopping season, Wal-Mart is planning on big price reductions on toys too.