Out of work? Sears lets you keep your fridge.

Customers who spend $399 on appliances between July 6 and Aug. 1 with a store credit card will receive a portion of the debt credited for each month they’re unemployed. The offer is designed for customers who may be hesitant to buy in the middle of a weak economy.

Starbucks overhauls food items

The Seattle-based coffee chain is introducing a new line of products today in hopes of improving declining sales. Starbucks has also rolled out a new ad campaign to market the new items.

Redbox becomes cashbox

Redbox, a vending machine that offers $1 movie rentals, has grown in popularity thanks to its convenient locations. (In Yakima, for example, you can find one at Albertson’s). But Blockbuster is trying to compete with its own kiosks.

Consumer confidence down in June after strong uptick in May

The Conference Board Consumer Confidence Index now stands at 49.3 compared to 54.8 in May. Officials cite the retreat as people worried more about losing jobs and were less positive of improvement coming to the economy. The index, which is based on a scale of 100, is determined through a survey of 5,000 households. 

-- Mai Hoang

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