Journal-News.com

About 130 million consumers are expected to received their federal economic stimulus checks within the next few weeks, and more businesses continue to introduce incentive programs to compete for your rebate bucks.

While many people plan to save the money or use it to pay down debt, National Retail Federation officials estimates about $43 billion still will make it into the coffers of area businesses.

Businesses after your rebate bucks

• Marsh Supermarkets will cash stimulus checks free of charge. Also, with each check cashed, Marsh will issue a coupon for $10 off a purchase of $50 or more order, said spokeswoman Connie Gardner.

"If you have your check direct deposited, just bring proof of the deposit and receive your $10 coupon," she said.

The program begins May 8 and will run through the end of July.

• Staples now offers $50 off purchases of $500 or more as well as $150 off furniture costing at least $1,000. This is in addition to their small business incentive of no interest or payments for six months or 10 percent off select purchases

• Expedia, the hotel and airline flight booking Web site, is offering 30 percent off select hotels when booked as part of a package. Officials said the promotion is meant to encourage customers to use their rebates to visit American cities.

• Target officials said their stores are offering extra discounts on high-ticket items to encourage consumers to spend their rebate bucks with them.

• CVS is offering ExtraCare Card customers $15 a purchase of $60 or more on their Web site at cvs.com. The coupon is not valid in-stores, officials said.

Contact this reporter at (513) 705-2843 or jlander@coxohio.com.

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