Coupons/ Rebates/ Pricing

Atlanta -- Consumer spending reached a three-year low during the month of December, according to a report released Thursday by First Data Corp.

First Data’s SpendTrend tracks same-store consumer spending by credit, signature debit, PIN debit, EBT, closed-loop prepaid cards and checks at U.S. merchant locations.

Las Vegas -- Walmart and Straight Talk Wireless, America's largest no-contract cell phone provider, announced that starting on Jan. 11, customers in more than 2,000 Walmart stores and online at Walmart.com will have access to the iPhone 5 and iPhone 4 on Straight Talk's $45 no contract unlimited talk, text and data plan. In addition, Walmart will be offering customers who purchase the phone in the store, a no interest fixed-monthly payments special financing offer for only $25 a month with a Walmart credit card.

NEW YORK — Tecate and Tecate Light announced the launch of their national retail program focused on helping U.S. Hispanics 21 and older celebrate their passion for football. The brand equity will place bilingual thematic POS materials with the slogan "A Man Knows How to Choose His Team," cross-merchandise and consumer promotions at off-premise locations across the country between Jan. 1 and Feb. 15, 2013.

An iPhone 5 with a $45 unlimited talk, text and data plan is being characterized as an industry game changer by Walmart and its prepaid cell phone service provider Straight Talk Wireless.

Online prices are now part of Target’s "low price promise" following an adjustment to the three year old price matching program.

Minneapolis -- Target Corp. said Tuesday it plans to price-match top online retailers year-round, including Amazon.com, Walmart.com, BestBuy.com and Toysrus.com (including Babiesrus.com).

Target stores will also price-match items found on Target.com, the company said.

Richmond, Va. -- Survey results released Tuesday by Affinion Loyalty Group found that 89% of consumers are interested in redeeming points at point-of-sale.

The survey also found that the respondents identified cash and retail store gift cards as their two favorite redemption items.

Oak Brook, Ill.-based Ace Hardware launched Instant Savings, a program for Ace Rewards members that allows them to receive instant discounts at the register.

“We have made it even easier for our customers to shop with Ace by delivering more value and convenience for them,” said John Surane, senior VP, merchandising, marketing, advertising and paint. “We constantly look for ways to add value for our customers, and Instant Savings is a major new exclusive benefit to our Ace Rewards loyalty program that does just that.”