Coupons/ Rebates/ Pricing

Schaumburg, Ill. -- Online, club, dollar, toy and consumer electronics retailers, as well as categories such as gift cards, technology, vacations and toys, will all perform well this season, according to Nielsen’s fourth-annual Holiday Shopping Sales Survey.

Across all income levels, only 5% of U.S. households plan to spend more this year, with affluent households (those earning $100,000 or more) leading the way.

Dallas -- Alliance Data Systems Corp., a provider of loyalty and marketing solutions derived from transaction-rich data, announced it has signed a new long-term agreement to provide private label and co-branded credit-card services for Marathon Petroleum Corp., Findlay, Ohio.

Chicago -- A survey released Monday by Mintel Inspire found that bargain-hunting has become a desirable pastime among shoppers.

According to the latest data, Mintel found that nearly two-thirds (64%) of U.S. moms said they're spending more time looking for sales, discounts and coupons, compared with last year, while 28% of U.K. consumers were classified by Mintel as "bargain hunters" due to their dedication to comparing prices and reading online reviews.

Keurig brewed up a powerful incentive at Target this week with an ad on the cover of its weekly circular touting a $30 gift card for those who purchase the B60 Special Edition single-serve brewer from Keurig for $149.99. The offer appeared quite alluring at first because $30 would help soften the blow of purchasing a coffee maker that is fairly expensive.

CHICAGO — Searching for the best bargains has become pastime among shoppers, according to research conducted by Mintel Inspire.

According to the latest data, Mintel found that nearly two-thirds (64%) of U.S. moms said they're spending more time looking for sales, discounts and coupons, compared with last year; while 28% of U.K. consumers were classified by Mintel as "bargain hunters" due to their dedication to comparing prices and reading online reviews.

The Promenade Shops at Centerra and the City of Loveland, Colo., are gearing up for a single September evening event that combines local artists, musicians and a one-night-only VIP shopping experience. 

The Art of Fashion takes over The Promenade Shops at Centerra on Sept. 22 from 5 p.m. to 10 p.m., and offers one-night-only shopping discounts, complimentary drinks, hors d’oeuvres, in-store events, door prizes, chair massages, makeovers, demonstrations and more.

FORT WORTH, Texas — RadioShack has announced that it is celebrating the arrival of Verizon Wireless products and services in more than 4,400 U.S. stores with a series of special offers. 

TORONTO — Safeway and Wegman’s Food Markets ranked highest across all customer service elements, according to a survey by Empathica.

Empathica, a customer experience management solution-provider, polled more than 16,000 consumers, and found that operations and merchandise were the two most important elements in grocery shopping versus other elements such as promotions, people and technology.

NEW YORK — Walmart is bringing back its layaway program this holiday season, responding to pressures on low income consumers, MarketWatch reported.

Walmart, which canceled the program in 2006, except for fine jewelery, based on costs and limited use, is bringing back the program at its Walmart U.S. stores for Oct. 17 to Dec. 16 for electronics and toys, according to the report.

Portland, Ore. -- Daily deal site LivingSocial said Tuesday that it has reached new records with its first nationwide grocery deal, implemented with Whole Foods Market.

The debut deal offered shoppers $20 worth of products at Whole Foods for $10.