It's April 15 and that means Uncle Sam isn't the only one who wants your money. No, pretty much every retailer and restaurant across the land has some kind of pitch intended to use tax day (better yet, tax refund day) as a means to get you to spend your money with them.
Heck, if you are a TurboTax user, you're getting a retail pitch before you even e-file your taxes. The tax preparation software company and Amazon.com have worked out a deal whereby the e-tailer will add five percent (if you use the Basic or online package) or 10 percent (for all other versions) to any $100 you get in your federal refund. The bonus is added to a gift card to be used on the site.
Many others, as numerous reports have pointed out, offer freebies to get you into stores and restaurants. Restaurants, in particular, have taken April 15 as a day to drive traffic with special offers.
According to Bloomberg, customers who shop at participating Whole Foods will receive a free drip coffee this morning. Some of the chain's stores are running a "Tax Day Giveaway" while supplies of an unspecified item last.
Another report, this from USA Today, says customers can walk into select Hard Rock Café locations today and get a free "Local Legendary Burger." All they need to do to earn their prize is get on stage and belt out a karaoke tune between 5:00 and 7:00 p.m local time.