Retailers coordinate with rebates

HOFFMAN ESTATES, Ill., April 25 (UPI) -- Some retail chains are planning sales and other programs designed to coordinate with the tax rebate checks being issued by the U.S. government.

Sears, based in Hoffman Estates, Ill., announced customers can receive a 10 percent boost to their rebate checks if they place the entire amount of the check on a Sears gift card that can be used at Sears, Kmart and Lands' End stores between May 14 and July 19, USA Today reported Friday.

Meanwhile, Supervalu, based in Minnesota, announced the checks can be exchanged for gift cards at Albertsons, Jewel-Osco, Shop 'n Save and other grocery stores for the amount of the check plus $30 for each $300 in the check before July 31, the newspaper reeported.

Kroger grocery stores are offering customers the opportunity to exchange the checks for gift cards of the same amount plus 10 percent for every $300.

Home Depot announced fluorescent light bulbs and Energy Star appliances will go on sale through July to allow customers to "take a short-term stimulus and turn it into a long-term investment," spokeswoman Jean Niemi told USA Today.