Coupons/ Rebates/ Pricing

HOFFMAN ESTATES, Ill. — Sears announced that it has partnered with H&R Block to launch a new website dedicated to helping consumers prepare for tax season. 

JCPenney got a lot of love this week from investors and the media after the company’s senior leadership unveiled a simplified pricing and promotional strategy that sounded an awful lot like another well-known retailer’s success formula.

London -- A report released Thursday by the Confederation of British Industry said that U.K. retail sales fell in January at the fastest pace in almost three years, reversing an increase in December when discounting by stores drew shoppers.

The gauge of annual sales growth fell to minus 22, the lowest since March 2009, from nine in December, according to the report.

Dallas -- Loyalty and marketing solution-provider Alliance Data Systems Corp. said Thursday that it has signed a multi-year renewal agreement to continue providing private label credit card services to Reeds Jewelers.

BENTONVILLE, Ark. — Walmart announced that it is expanding its Race Time 2012 program to give fans more accessibility to discounted race tickets, driver appearances and fan events at stores, a greater selection of authentic NASCAR merchandise and a special sponsorship of Bill Elliott at the Coke Zero 400.

Bedford, Mass. -- Mobile marketing solution-provider SoundBite Communications announced Thursday it has deployed a new mobile campaign with Westlake Ace Hardware, the largest member of the Ace Hardware Cooperative. Westlake is leveraging SoundBite’s multichannel communications platform and mobile marketing expertise for its Weather the Storm mobile campaign.

SAN ANTONIO, Texas — H-E-B is committed to improve the health of its customers by providing them with fresh, healthy and affordable food, and by supporting their healthy eating and weight-loss goals.

QUINCY, Mass. — Stop & Shop has reintroduced its Guaranteed Value product line in an effort to help customers on a budget.

The line, which includes about 200 items, touts prices that are an average of 20% to 25% less than national brands. What's more, 60% of the items cost $2 or less. What's more, packaging for items that are part of Guaranteed Value have undergone a makeover, with the yellow, blue and red packaging being replaced with a bright orange and white design that highlights the value offered with each product.