Chances are, you are among the millions of Americans who received gift cards during the Christmas holiday season. CEB TowerGroup, a research firm, estimates that gift card sales will top $100 billion in 2013 and will reach $130 billion by … Continue reading
Consumer Watchdog Readies to Bare Its Teeth The Consumer Financial Protection Bureau is entering 2013 poised to flex its muscles as it finishes up a list of studies and rules required by the law. They will have wide latitude to … Continue reading
Once again, the most popular gift this past holiday season was a gift card. If you received one, this weekend may be the time to use it. The second annual Gift Card Weekend http://www.giftcardweekend.com/ will take place from January 4 … Continue reading
Websites Vary Prices, Deals Based on User Information A Wall Street Journal investigation found that the Staples website displays different prices to people after estimating their locations and appeared to consider the person's distance from a rival brick-and-mortar store, such … Continue reading
A new study gives more evidence about American's growing love affair with gift cards. Approximately 85 percent of Americans will purchase a gift card in 2012 according to CEB TowerGroup research. Sales will exceed $110 billion, and spillage--the amount of … Continue reading
A new poll from Consumer Reports shows what holiday shoppers dread most about the holiday season. Crowds and long lines were at the top of the list. Other big concerns included weight gain, other drivers and going into debt. The … Continue reading
The latest must-have Christmas gift appears to be the $450 Starbucks stainless steel gift card that was introduced last Friday. Only 5,000 of these gift cards were made available on Gilt.com. They sold out in a matter of minutes. Now … Continue reading
Credit Card Penalty Payments are Arriving More than $425 million in refunds and restitution will soon be sent to millions of consumers nationwide, penalties paid for deceptive credit card practices. And another $410 million--from Bank of America--is already landing in … Continue reading
Buying gift cards this holiday season is even easier with the growing availability of virtual gift cards. Ordering is done online, and an email is sent to the recipient with the details needed to claim the gift. Gift cards continue … Continue reading
If you are scrambling for Christmas gift ideas, Starbucks will begin selling a $450 gift card this week that is made of stainless steel. This card provides $400 in store credit; $50 covers the cost of making the card. The … Continue reading
The Discover Annual Holiday Shopping Survey shows holiday spending will increase by about $100 or 12 percent this year to an average of $838. Nearly one-quarter (23 percent) of respondents say they plan to spend more this season. Almost half (46 … Continue reading