Angling for your rebate

Retailers offering extra 10 percent

More than 60 percent of Americans say they will use their pending tax rebate checks to repay debt or bolster savings. But some retailers are trying their best to tempt thrifty taxpayers.

Beginning May 2, Kroger stores will offer bonuses for customers who put the entire value of their rebates onto a Kroger gift card. If you have a $1,200 check, Kroger will add $120 -- roughly the cost of one week's worth of groceries for the average family.

Sears and Kmart stores also will offer a 10 percent bonus to customers who load their entire rebate's value onto store gift cards starting May 14.

"This is one way to help customers stretch their household budgets," said Kroger spokeswoman Meghan Glynn. "Shoppers today are making different choices than they did even a year ago because the economy is where it is."

No doubt there's also something in it for the retailers, many of whom have seen sales slump as shoppers have cut discretionary purchases, said NPD Group retail analyst Marshal Cohen.

"They are working very hard on trying to get them to spend the check at their store," he said.

As the government stimulus checks begin to arrive next month, watch for other retailers to roll out similar promotions. Car dealers, which also are struggling with slowing sales, traditionally offer deals tied to tax refunds.

The extra money will likely convince at least a few shoppers to splurge, Cohen said.

"We all say we want to save more every year, and nobody ever does," he said. "We always have good intentions."