Larger consumer packaged goods companies are offering sales promotions and coupons in an effort to drive sales and ward off lower-priced competition from economy brands and retail private labels. Colgate-Palmolive generally targets its programs for the first and third week of the month when consumers have more money. “You want to make sure that your merchandising strategy is aligned [with] those weeks when consumers are a little more strapped,” said John Faucher, head of the company’s investor relations.