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Tuesday February 9, 2010 3:48 PM ET
SmartMoney
Published June 24, 2005  |  A A A
Deal of the Day by Kelli B. Grant (Author Archive)

I Love Spam!

THIS WEEK, DURING A grand-opening celebration of cosmetic chain Sephora's newest Manhattan store, a line of eager women waited for more than an hour to get a coupon for a deluxe bag of samples.

But some lucky women sashayed right by them and got their bag of goodies after a mere five-minute wait.

Were they celebrities? Publicists to the stars? Relatives of Sephora employees?

Nope. They were savvy web shoppers who printed out an exclusive coupon delivered via an e-newsletter that Sephora sent out a few days before.

Not all spam email messages are junk. Signing up for the e-newsletters of your favorite retailers is a great way to find out about sales — and might give you access to deals available only to those on the list.

Usually you can sign up for these services directly at retailer web sites. But before you do, look for:

  • Statements about how and with whom your sign-up information will be shared. Many newsletters don't require much personal information beyond your name and email address, but others ask for your mailing address and phone number. Check the company's privacy policy to make sure you won't get unwanted junk mail, spam and phone calls.
  • Opt-ins. Some retailers won't excessively spam you — unless you ask for it. Borders allows you to sign up for alerts (including coupons) only, if you wish. Or, you can add monthly newsletters and notices for special interests (audiobooks, African-American literature) or events (the new "Harry Potter" book).

For one-time purchases, consider frequenting these coupon web sites, which catch many (but not all) of the web and email coupons for major retailers:

Here's a sampling of some of the deals currently offered by major retailers to email subscribers.

StoreEmails IncludeCurrent Deal
Banana RepublicNotices about new collections, sales and special offers.The "Event of the Season" 40% off sale started on June 21 and runs through June 26. Email included a promotion code for free shipping for orders of $125 or more.
Bath & Body WorksExclusive offers and notification of new products.Weekly emails during "The Big Semi-Annual Sale," which started on June 6 and runs though July 5. Recipients receive advance notice of weekly sale items and exclusive email coupons. The latest email on June 21 included an exclusive offer for a free 15 oz. RealEssence candle with a $30 purchase. Valid through June 26.
BordersMonthly emails on new or noteworthy books, movies and music. Also includes notices on store events and email coupons.Exclusive summer savings coupon for 30% off a regularly priced book through June 29.
Buy.comEmails "Best Deals Alerts" for sales and other special promotions."Everything's on Sale" coupon for 10% off. Offer good through June 26.
PETCONewsletter offers pet care tips, links to articles on the web site, notes on in-store events and special offers.Customers were notified of two web site specials — free shipping on supply orders of $50 or more (no weight limit) as well as 10% off purchases in the Travel Center, which caters to pet owners on the go. Offers good through July 4.
QuiznosAlerts on new menu items, weekly print-out coupons.This week's coupons were for a free cookie with purchase, and $2 off the purchase of a sub, drink and chips/dessert.
1-800-ContactsEmails remind you when it's time to reorder and alert you to web site specials and rebates on the products you buy regularly.On June 17, subscribers were sent an offer for a rebate worth $40 off the regular prices of a one-year supply of Soflens or Optima FW, plus free shipping. Good through June 30.

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User Comments
Posted: 3:12 AM EST August 19, 2009
hotdeals

17 Comments
Great Stores to deals with coupon, i also find my coupon from http://www.dealshunt.com
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