Target return policy changes and it needs to be more upfront about it

Click here: Target return policy changes and it needs to be more upfront about it

Madhusmita Bora
Oct 26th 2009 at 3:30PM

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Filed under: Shopping, Economizer

Last month, Target ushered in the busy shopping season with changes in its return policy. The timing couldn't make more sense considering the premonition and speculation about a disastrous holiday season for retailers.

We all know the big discounter can't better rival Walmart on prices, but can it take a shot at them with the new policy and swing away traffic? Maybe not, according to ConsumerReports.org

On the face of it, the changes, which are still being rolled out, look awesome. In a year-long period, you can exchange any item or items up to $70 and many times as you want, as compared to the previous cap of $35 and only two returns without receipts.

The changes also allow for using a gift registry as a receipt. If you've reached your $70 limit, Target will still let you have an even exchange without a receipt. Walmart, on the other hand, allows the exchange of three items without receipts in a 45-day cycle.

So, which is a better deal? Well, Walmart wins on clarity and a cleaner policy. The company clearly spells out the details of a receipt-less return on its Web site, unlike Target which says it "allows a limited amount of no receipt refunds or exchanges for guests that don't have a receipt."

When asked why the company hasn't updated the policy changes on its Web site, Sonja Pothen, a Target spokeswoman, said it's because the company focuses on encouraging shoppers to always bring receipts for returns and exchanges.

Really, does anyone have the time to dig for the hidden changes? Target will have to do better than that.

Meanwhile, I think I'll just continue with my tried and tested habit of stashing those receipts in a secret compartment in my wallet.

Check out Max & Erma's Files For Chapter 11 | NBC4i.com

Click here: Max & Erma's Files For Chapter 11 | NBC4i.com

Max & Erma’s Files For Chapter 11

Associated Press
Published: October 26, 2009
Updated: October 26, 2009

PITTSBURGH—Max & Erma’s Inc. has filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection in Pittsburgh listing between $1 million and $10 million in debts.

The Columbus, Ohio-based hamburger and casual dining chain has 79 company-owned restaurants and 27 owned by franchisees, all of which remain open. Most are in Pennsylvania, Ohio and Michigan, though the chain has a few locations in Kentucky and in Chicago, Atlanta and Washington, D.C.

Pittsburgh-based G&R Acquisitions bought out Max & Erma’s for $10.2 million in April 2008.

Documents filed Friday in U.S. Bankruptcy Court in Pittsburgh say Max & Erma’s has between 200 and 999 creditors.

Typically, companies file for Chapter 11 protection so they can reorganize or restructure debt. Robert Lampl, the chain’s attorney, says Max & Erma’s filed primarily because of money it owes to National City Bank.

Company spokesperson Tracy Coats said the company will probably either close some of the restaurants if they cannot restructure rent.

Coats said the restaurants in Columbus will stay open.

“We’re at that point where we filed this reorganization to restructure and renew and reinvigorate this chain, because it is a good chain and there are 8,000 jobs and these are 8,000 entry jobs that for me are the backbone of America.“

Mark Glasper, the head of the Ohio Restaurant Association said all eateries are not enjoying a feast in this ailing economy and salaries are being cut as much as celery. “People are losing their jobs, they’re seeing their salaries slashed and so there just isn’t the disposable incomes to go around to dine out.“

For additional information, stay with nbc4i.com and NBC 4 and refresh nbc4i.com—Where Accuracy Matters.

Check out Toys R Us Adds Layaway For Big-Ticket Items | NBC4i.com

Click here: Toys R Us Adds Layaway For Big-Ticket Items | NBC4i.com

Toys R Us Adds Layaway For Big-Ticket Items

Associated Press
Published: October 19, 2009

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NEW YORK—Toys R Us Inc. is introducing a layaway program for larger-ticket items such as bikes and cribs ahead of the holiday season.

The largest U.S. toy retailer says the program is effective immediately in stores nationwide. Customers can put a variety of items on hold and make a series of payments until the item is paid in full.

Layaway programs are financing agreements in which retailers—without charging interest—hold merchandise for customers until they have finished paying in installments.

Retailers who have introduced the programs see them as a way to keep customers buying in a time of tight credit and other economic problems. Toys R Us CEO Gerald Storch says his company’s customers have been requesting a layaway program.

There’s currently no online layaway at Toys R Us, though the company says there might be in the future. The Wayne, N.J.-based company says the program is likely to keep going after the holidays, though terms may change.

For additional information, stay with NBC 4 and refresh nbc4i.com—Where Accuracy Matters.

Fundraiser for Pat Cox... from Value City #110 (From the Facebook Event Page)

We'd love to see you and need YOUR help!!!!

Host:	Donna Mason and friends
Type:	Party - Benefit
Network:	Global

Start Time:	Friday, October 23, 2009 at 7:00pm
End Time:	Saturday, October 24, 2009 at 1:00am
Location:	Legends Bar & Grill (Backroom)
Street:	3530 Decoursey Ave
City/Town:	Covington, KY
	View Map

Hello All...

Pat Cox, from Value City Latonia, was recently diagnosed with cancer.

If you are not familiar with Pat, she worked at the Latonia location for over 28 years,

while raising 3 daughters. Donna Mason and friends are throwing a Benefit and

VC Reunion in her honor to help with the related medical expenses.

There will be a $10 donation fee at the door, which will include beer,

snacks, a DJ, door prizes, split the pots and more!

Donna is looking for items that can be auctioned. If you can get a hold of any donations

from vendors or businesses, please talk to them. If you have money to donate or would like

to donate an item or basket to auction, that would be appreciated as well.

A VC Reunion shirt has been created for this event. If interested, please contact Jill at jfloyd62@live.com with your size and order information. The shirts are $10 each,

with the $5 net proceed going to Pat.

This event will be updated as more information is available...

DON'T FORGET: FRIDAY, October 23 at Legends!!!!!!!
HOPE TO SEE YOU THERE!

Other Animals!

Horses & Others

Birds & Wild Life

Pet Pictures - Cats & Dogs

Witch kiss!

Thanks to Lisa C for this one!

OHHH NOOO!!

There are witches in my mailbox.
What am I to do?
I found them there this morning,

doing things they shouldn't do!!

How the witches got there,
I haven't got a clue.
But they won't be there much longer
because I'm sending them to

YOU!!!!!!
You've been Witch Kissed!
Before the warts begin to spread,
pass the kisses on instead!

This looks like some of my old test papers!

Thanks to Bill H for this good laugh!!

The Economy is SO bad...

Thanks to Lisa C. for this funny!

The economy is so bad that
I got a pre-declined credit card in the mail..

It's so bad, I ordered a burger at McDonalds
and the kid behind the counter asked,

"Can you afford fries with that?"

The economy is so bad that
CEO's are now playing miniature golf.

The economy is so bad
if the bank returns your check marked "Insufficient Funds,"

you call them and ask if they meant you or them.

The economy is so bad
Hot Wheels and Matchbox stocks are trading higher than GM.

The economy is so bad
McDonalds is selling the 1/4 ouncer.

The economy is so bad

parents in Beverly Hills fired their nannies

and learned their children's names.

The economy is so bad

a truckload of Americans was caught sneaking into Mexico.

The economy is so bad
Dick Cheney took his stockbroker hunting.

The economy is so bad
people in Africa are donating money to Americans.

The economy is so bad
Motel Six won't leave the light on anymore.

Light travels faster than sound..
That's why some people appear bright until you hear them speak.

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