Pricing

With the recent economic uncertainty, consumers’ purchasing strategies have dramatically changed over the years. Many are turning to e-coupons not only to save money, but to avoid looking for print coupons and the hassle that comes along with them — i.e., getting in your car, driving across town to find what you're looking for, then standing in line to purchase it.

Following recent research demonstrating coupon distribution in the U.S. increased 6.8 percent in 2010 and that more coupons were distributed during the year than ever before, Coupons.com Incorporated issued its Digital Coupons Trends Report for 2010, releasing data about consumer use of digital coupons.

Offline retailers are knocking on eBay's door and asking its PayPal unit to provide an in-store payment alternative to credit cards and debit cards, the company’s chief executive said.

In a move that's about as subtle as a sledge hammer, Groupon sent out a "Super Coupon" offering $20 of merchandise from Barnes & Noble for $10. This appears to be in direct response to LivingSocial and Amazon teaming up and offering gift cards for $10 following the retail giant’s $175 million investment in the number two daily deals site. That offer sold 1.3 million vouchers for a total of $13 million.

There's been a great deal of talk about the resurgence of consumer spending, and for good reason. Many retailers and organizations went on record to declare this past holiday season the best ever. That doesn't happen unless individuals are feeling more comfortable about their income prospects in 2011.

Michigan retailers took aim at the state's strict item-pricing law, releasing a study that concludes the regulation adds $2.2 billion to retail costs without providing tangible benefits to consumers.

Price optimization offers Family Dollar a "substantial opportunity," according to Chairman and CEO Howard Levine, with the discount retailing giant seeking improvements in the areas of promotions, everyday pricing and possibly in clearance markdowns. Family Dollar is in a growth mode: its average inventory per store has risen 8 percent compared to last year, and the retailer plans to add approximately 300 new stores and renovate another 600 sites in 2011. Learn more about the chain's wide-ranging commitment to using solutions that increase productivity and boost customer service.

Amazon is working on a solution that could revolutionize digital gift buying. The online retailer has quietly patented a way for people to return gifts before they receive them, and the patent documents even mention poor Aunt Mildred.

Jewelry lovers in Oregon have an extra incentive to cheer for the Ducks during the January 10, 2011 Bowl Championship Series game. The Oregon-based jeweler will offer a percentage off regular priced jewelry on January 11 that's equal to the amount of points the Oregon Ducks win by, up to 50 percent off. For example, if the Ducks win over Auburn by 20 points, then 20 percent off on Jan 11. "Although now you can find Fred Meyer Jewelers in 36 states nationwide, we're still very much an Oregon company," said Kirsten Darrow of Fred Meyer Jewelers.

PriceGrabber conducted a Black Friday Shopping survey between September and October of this year. The survey data, consisting of 1,839 U.S. online consumers planning to spend this holiday season, reveals that holiday shoppers perceive that retailers offer their best deals during Thanksgiving weekend.