NPR went to a local Walmart to test a new toy safety search that works via text message, and while the shoppers there were definitely interested in being able to retrieve chemical test results right there in the store—the service didn’t work very well in practice.
Retail Services
Four Months Later, The Fridge You Paid Sears To Remove Is Still Sitting There
By 12.17.07
As with many of the real life stories on your site, ours is filled with astonishment, confusion and anger. It began in August of this year and continues until today.
Some Gift Cards Sorta Friendlier, Thanks To FTC
By 12.17.07
Gift cards have fewer hidden fees and expiration dates this holiday season, thanks to FTC action, reports the Washington Post. A survey by the Montgomery County’s Office of Consumer Protection found that about 80% of the 22 retail examined had no fees or expiration dates, could be replaced if lost or stolen and had scratch-off PINS for security.
Sales Of Women's Clothing Down, Bargains Are Coming
By 12.17.07
The New York Times says that sales of women’s apparel, usually a staple of the holiday season, are down 6% so far this season.
Morning Deals
By 12.17.07
Dillard's Boots Disabled Iraq War Vet And His Service Dog, Too
By 12.16.07
Dillard’s ejected disabled Army Staff Sergeant J. Alex Gozalez and his service dog Mason for violating the store’s no animals policy. The store manager did not believe that Gonzalez is disabled because he is neither blind nor deaf. Gonzalez uses Mason—who wore a vest reading: “SERVICE DOG – DO NOT PET”—to help keep his balance.
By 12.15.07
../../../..//2007/12/15/shoppers-who-pay-the/
“Shoppers who pay the full price of about $249 for an out-of-stock Wii on December 20 and 21 at retailer GameStop Corp will get a certificate promising a Wii ‘sometime in January,'” sez Nintendo’s Reggie Fils-Aime. Only at GameStop, urg. [Reuters]
3 Sites To Help You Save Money Online
By 12.14.07
PriceSpider works much like WishRadar that we mentioned last week, except PriceSpider focuses exclusively on electronics, and searches more sites. You choose the product and set a target price, and when it sees that price somewhere online, it sends you an alert.
Save Money By Buying Last Year's Gadgets
By 12.14.07
The evolutionary cycle of gadgetry is fast enough now that you can score some great deals on last year’s products, which are perfectly fine for all but the most technologically literate (or obsessed) people in your life. A perfect example: the first generation Zune, which can be found for as low as $80, has a bigger screen than a non-Touch iPod, and a 30 gigabyte capacity. Yes, it’s also got lots of drawbacks. But that’s why it’s $80, and for the average consumer who just wants a decent mp3 and movie player, it does the job nicely.
By 12.13.07
../../../..//2007/12/13/mention-coupon-code-more4u-on/
Mention coupon code MORE4U on your next Sprint phone purchase and get $25 off.
Wii Stolen From Porch, Amazon Executive Customer Service Replaces For Free
By 12.13.07
I read consumerist everyday and your tips help me procure a Wii for xmas. I had bought one through Amazon, and it was delivered when I wasn’t home. By the time I got home, someone had stolen it off my porch…
Best Buy Refuses To Accept Legit XBOX Exchange Because Of Typo
By 12.13.07
The XBOX that I bought on Black Friday had recently been scratching my discs.
10 Magazine Gift Guides Reviewed & Ranked
By 12.13.07
You’re busy: you don’t have time to shop, or to read magazines, or to look at magazines for ideas to guide you when you go shopping, which you’re not going to do because you’re too busy. Luckily Slate has pre-digested the gift guides from ten magazines including Vogue, Maxim, Consumer Reports, and Gourmet, then barfed them up like an HTML mama bird for your shopping convenience.
By 12.13.07
../../../..//2007/12/13/a-national-labor-committee-report/
A National Labor Committee report says that Christmas ornaments sold by Walmart are manufactured in sweatshops in which workers are not given safety gear to protect them from toxic chemicals. [KUTV] (Thanks, Jay!)
Morning Deals
By 12.13.07
Best Buy Apologizes For Sending Cease And Desist Letter To Blogger For Reporting Factual Information
By 12.12.07
Best Buy has backed off and apologized for sending the Laughing Squid blog a cease and desist letter over their posting on other group’s Best Buy parody shirts. Initially, Best Buy didn’t feel the blogger’s free speech rights were of importance, saying Laughing Squid was “promoting” rather than reporting.” Now Best Buy says, “…we do not object to fair and accurate reporting of fact, and respect the First Amendment rights of Laughing Squid and other bloggers to provide articles or commentary on current events. Now that we have a better understanding of your website, we regret sending you the demand letter.” Hooray, the internet wins again!
Want To Shop At Amazon.com Without A Credit Card?
By 12.12.07
BusinessWeek says Amazon is buying a stake in “Bill Me Later” a firm that offers open lines of credit to customers so they can shop without using a credit card.
