Retailers add spin to tax-rebate checks

With many consumers about to receive tax rebates worth hundreds of dollars, a handful of retail chains are dangling discounts and promotions to try to get people to spend their checks in the companies' stores.

As consumer spending slows, these retailers have hit on a marketing pitch: We'll make your tax rebate go further.

"The trick will be to convince the consumer that the rebate check is bigger than it is," says Pat Conroy of consulting firm Deloitte & Touche.

The tax rebates -- ranging from $300 to $600, or up to $1,200 for married couples who file jointly -- will be available to some direct-deposit taxpayers as early as Monday, though checks by mail will take longer. Many parents will receive an additional $300 per child.

Wal-Mart, the largest U.S. retailer, says it plans to announce a tax-rebate-related program within a few days. Here's what other retailers plan: ...