News: Giant Eagle Lettuce Recall

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration has told Giant Eagle about the presence of listeria in a routine test of Giant Eagle Farmer's Market eight-ounce package of shredded iceberg lettuce, the company said in a statement dated Wednesday and appearing on the FDA website.

The lettuce was produced by River Ranch Fresh Foods LLC, with a use-by date of Oct. 14. There have been no reported cases of customer illness because of eating the food, it said.

Source: MSNBC.com

News: Go To Japan For Free- 10,000 Free Plane Tickets

Ever wanted to go to Japan? Now is your chance! The tourism agency says it plans to open a website to solicit applicants interested in the free tickets. They are choosing 10,000 people to receive free round-trip plane tickets.

To apply, would- be visitors will have to detail in writing their travel plans in Japan, and explain what they hope to get out of the trip. Successful applicants would pay for their own accommodation and meals. They would also be required to write a review their travel experiences, and post it online.

“We are hoping to get highly influential blogger-types, and others who can spread the word that Japan is a safe place to visit,” said Kazuyoshi Sato, with the agency.

More info here.

Source: Good Morning America



News: Contact Lens Recall

Amid growing reports of eye problems ranging from blurry vision to torn corneas, federal health officials are threatening to issue a public warning about recalled contact lenses manufactured by CooperVision Inc. and sold widely at stores such as Costco, Wal-Mart and LensCrafters.

A notice posted on the company’s website includes a fill-in box where customers can check to see if their lots are affected. However, it does not include a list of retailers or a complete list of affect




News: Giant Eagle Coupon Policy Update

Giant Eagle's new coupon policy went into effect last week.  You can read the full policy; the most important changes are listed below.  It seems their attempt at clarification only served to create more questions.

  • One coupon per item(s) purchased as stated on the coupon with a maximum of 12 coupons per same 12 items purchased in a 24-hour period per Giant Eagle Advantage Card® customer.
  • Stacking (combining electronic and paper coupons) of manufacturers’ coupons is prohibited.
  • If you forget to use your coupons at the time of purchase, we will accept them with your receipt and Giant Eagle Advantage Card® up to 10 days beyond the date on the receipt.
  • Coupon value cannot exceed the price of the item(s) purchased. If it does, we can only redeem up to the value of the item(s) purchased. (Excluding sales tax) (NO OVERAGES WILL BE GIVEN)
  • INTERNET PRINTABLES:  A maximum of two “like” coupons will be accepted.

Obviously there needs to be some clarification on some of the wording, but until we can get some clarification from Giant Eagle, we are taking everything here at face value, and will be posting deals accordingly.

Source: Saving In Akron

News: Costco Raising Membership Fees

Costco has decided to raise their membership price. Here is how it breaks down:

  • U.S. individual (Gold Star) memberships and business memberships in the U.S. and Canada will cost $55 a year, up $5.  It's the first fee increase since 2006.
  • Executive members, who earn cash back on what they spend in the stores, will pay $110, up by $10, the first fee increase for them since 1997. Also, The Seattle Times reports that "the maximum 2% reward tied to the executive membership will rise from $500 to $750."
  • The higher rates go into effect Nov. 1 for new memberships, so if you're planning to join, do it now.
  • For current members, the higher rates take effect whenever they renew after Jan. 1.

Source: MSN.com

I have been a Costco member since 2005 and will stick with Costco because they offer a lot of products you can't find anywhere else. Recently, I found a tailgating chair, retail $50, for only $18. For the past 5+ years, I have found some amazing deals @ Costco. So I am sticking with Costco- though I am not happy with the price increase!




News: Groupon Rewards

From the Groupon Blog:

Today we’ve announced Groupon Rewards, a new program allowing consumers to unlock special Groupon deals from their favorite local businesses through repeat visits. Consumers earn rewards at participating merchants simply by paying with the credit or debit card they have on file at Groupon.com. After spending an amount set by the merchant, the consumer unlocks the ability to purchase a special Groupon for that business. 

See if your local city is participating



News: Bank of America Announces $5 Debit Fee

Bank of America customers who make purchases using their debit cards will be charged $5 a month, starting next year, the bank announced today. Customers will be charged the fee whether they make one purchase or several in any given month.

Source: Wall Street Journal

My thought: As predicted, banks are coming up with more and more fees, after losing billions after the overdraft law was passed in 2010.





News: Kindle Price Drop To Only $79

As the Amazon tablet made its debut Wednesday, Amazon also announced that it would reduce the price of its e-ink Kindle to $79.

The most expensive of these is the Kindle Touch 3G, an eink reader with 3G connectivity and touchscreen support. A Wi-Fi-only version is available for $149, and a regular eink Kindle — i.e., one without a touchscreen — is priced at $79. The latter is lighter and faster than its predecessor, the Kindle 3.

All three devices will go on sale Wednesday at amazon.com.

See the commerical here.

Source: Mashable.com



News: Reebok Refund

Reebok is issuing $25 million in refunds to consumers who bought its toning shoes based on advertising claims that simply wearing the shoes could get them "better legs and a better butt with every step."

Consumers who bought any Reebok toning products – not just shoes, but apparel as well – can apply for refunds online. The amount each consumer gets back depends on how many people apply.

A purchase must have been made after Dec. 4, 2008, to be eligible.

Consumers do not have to provide a receipt or proof of purchase when they initially apply for the refund, but they may be asked to do so later.

Source: Cleveland.com



News: New CVS Coupon Policy

CVS has released a corporate coupon policy today that is available to print from their website. You’ll want to print this and bring it with you when you shop in case there is confusion as to the CVS corporate coupon policy.

Some key points, as pointed out by Couponing to Disney:

    * In the event that any item’s price is less than the value of the coupon, CVS/pharmacy will accept the coupon only to the price of the item. CVS/pharmacy does not provide cash back in exchange for any coupons.
    * The coupon amount will be reduced if it exceeds the value of the item after other discounts or coupons are applied. (For example, a $5.00 coupon for a $4.99 item will result in a $4.99 coupon value).
    * CVS/pharmacy accepts one third-party manufacturer coupon and applicable CVS/pharmacy coupon(s) for the purchase of a single item, unless prohibited by either coupon offer.
    * CVS/pharmacy accepts valid internet/print at home coupons containing a barcode.




News: Walmart Is Offering Holiday Layaway

The convenience of Christmas Layaway is now available on eligible toys and electronics that you purchase at your nearby Walmart store. It's easy to take advantage of Christmas Layaway from Oct. 17 until you make your final payment and pick up your items by December 16, 2011. Just place your eligible items on layaway at the Walmart.com desk in your local store, where you will also pick up the items. Each item must be $15 or more and your total purchase must be over $50. There is a $5 service charge, and you can make payments on your Christmas Layaway items at any register in your Walmart store.

Christmas Layaway is not offered on Friday, November 25, 2011 and is not offered on wireless phones that require contracts. Cancellation and service fees may vary by state and are non-refundable. Our store associates can provide you with complete details on these fees and any other restrictions that may apply. So get ready for the holidays with the convenience of Christmas Layaway at Walmart stores.

Source: Walmart Press Release



New: Chase Class Action Lawsuit

You're eligible to claim cash if you had a Chase credit card and got charged for a payment protection product between Sept 2, 2004 and Nov 11, 2010, thanks to a recent class action settlement.

The suit alleges that JP Morgan Chase enrolled cardholders in Payment Protection Plans without being completely upfront about the terms of the plans. These plans suspend interest on balances and let you make only minimum monthly payments for up to two years. They are supposed to be for when a major life event or tragedy makes it impossible for you to keep paying your credit card bill. While normal interest is suspended, the program charged .8% of your balance as a monthly fee.

Additionally, in order to increase enrollment, Chase sent out $20 checks to prospects. If you cashed the check, you were enrolled in the program. The lawsuit, and complaints online, like this one on Consumerist, say that canceling was difficult and customers were subjected to a lengthy retention process.

Chase has admitted no wrongdoing and agreed to settle, creating a fund of $20,000,000.

You have until August 8th to make your claim and only people who fill out the claim form will get checks. The checks will be $15, $30, or $60 depending on how aggrieved is the class you fall into.

Thanks Consumerist for this information!

News: Tax Free Shopping Dates

Just in time for back to school shopping.

The sales tax exemption is limited to and may vary from state to state:

  • Clothing – any article having a taxable value of $100 or less
  • School supplies – not to exceed $50 per purchase
  • Computer software – taxable value of $350 or less
  • Personal computers – not to exceed $3,500
  • Computer peripheral devices – not to exceed $3,500

 

States Tax Free dates and links:




News: Target Coupon Policy Update

 

Target shoppers, better read up on this before heading out to the store. And you can print out your copy of the New Target Coupon Policy.

The biggest changes are in the BOGO’s. These have never been in print before so it was left up to each store to decide.

1. BOGO coupons cannot be combined (i.e. you cannot use two BOGO coupons on two items and get both for free). Unless stated otherwise on the coupon, the use of one Buy One Get One Free coupon requires that two of the valid items are presented at checkout of which one item will be charged to the guest and the 2nd item will be discounted by its full retail price.

2. A second cents-off coupon of the same type cannot be redeemed towards the purchase price of the first item.
This means you cannot use a $1 off Gillette along with a BOGO Free Gillette coupon.

3. If a Target BOGO coupon is used, one additional manufacturer coupon maybe used on the first item.
You cannot use a B1G1 Free Pantene Target Coupon,along with  2 manufacturer’s coupons against both items. You can only use 1.

4. If a Manufacturer BOGO coupon is used, one additional Target coupon may be used on the first item.
So in other words if you have a B1G1 Old Spice Body Wash Manufacturer’s Coupon, you can no longer use two $1/1 Old Spice Body Wash Target Store Coupons along with it. you may only use 1 store coupon.



News: Land's End Clearance Event

I wish I lived close enough to go to this! From their Facebook page:

Mark your calendars! There are two reasons to visit Wisconsin in the summer: 1.The glorious weather 2.The Lands' End Warehouse Clearance Event! Fans of Lands’ End travel from all over the United States for this 6-day event featuring their favorite Lands' End items up to 75% off original prices. Be sure to save these dates: 7/27 – 8/1. RSVP above and check back for more information along with fan exclusive offers.

Lands' End Warehouse Clearance Event Schedule

Wednesday, July 27
9:00 a.m. - 7:00 p.m.

Thursday, July 28
7:00 a.m. - 7:00 p.m.

Friday, July 29
7:00 a.m. - 7:00 p.m.

Saturday, July 30
7:00 a.m. - 7:00 p.m.

Sunday, July 31
10:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m.

Monday, August 1
9:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.

 

RSVP here and more info

News: Exclusive Black Friday Email from Walmart

I just got this email directly from Walmart. Here is the official word on Black Friday:

The Friday-After-Thanksgiving is traditionally one of the biggest shopping days of the year. Therefore, we’re excited to share the news with you that Walmart Stores will be having an all night “Open House” the Friday-After-Thanksgiving beginning at midnight* with deals on toys, apparel and home followed by a Must-Have Electronics Event beginning at 5:00 a.m. You can find the most up to date Friday-After-Thanksgiving pricing for both stores and online now by becoming a fan on Facebook at facebook.com/Walmart or visiting Walmart.com starting tomorrow.

As a sneak peek, we can confirm the following items and prices that I’m sure you’ll find to be the best savings of the season.

In-Store Electronics Savings Starting at 5:00 a.m. on Friday, Nov. 26 while supplies last (Online times may vary):

  • 15.6" HP Laptop – $298
  • Emerson 32" LCD HDTV – $198
  • Sansui 19" LCD HDTV – $98
  • Nintendo DS Lite (in multiple colors) – $89
  • 15.6” eMachines Laptop – $198
  • Kodak C183 Digital Camera (14 megapixels) – $59
  • Tom Tom GPS XL 335 SE 4.3" GPS – $79
  • Magnavox Wi-Fi Blu-Ray Player with $10 free VUDU movie credits – $69

In-Store Savings on Toys, Home and Apparel Starting at Midnight* on Friday, Nov 26 while supplies last (Online times may vary):

  • Nintendo Wii ¿ $199 with $50 Walmart Gift Card **
  • Toy Story 3 DVD ¿ $10 ** 
  • Zhu Zhu Pets – $4
  • Hamilton Beach Slow Cooker, 5-qt Oval – $9.97
  • 500 Thread Count Sheets from Beautyrest – Full, Queen, King – $19.88
  • Shark Steam Mop – $36
  • Wrangler Jeans – $9
  • Infant and Toddler 2-piece Character Sleepwear Sets – $4
  • Lego Tubs – $15
  • Power Wheels – $88 
  • Bikes – starting at $29