Unemployed? Kmart wants your business

[Jody_Branin]

Edit:  Oh brother - it's not valid anymore - course it's still on their website. 

Interesting program they have here - just noticed it today.

http://www.kmart.com/shc/s/dap_10151_10101_DAP_Unemployment+Program?storeId=10151&vName=Unemployment+Program&catalogInd=DAP&catalogId=10101&rioptype=KC&ruid=1001578&lid=smart_assist_banner&sid=IOx20100903KMBAUF1&eml=9026486

20% Off Select Own-Brand Merchandise for Unemployed Customers
Kmart own-brands give you huge savings versus your favorite national brands every day...and now you'll get to increase those savings by an additional 20% off over 1,500 regular-priced grocery and drugstore items for up to six months!

Eligibility:
Kmart customers who present state-issued identification (driver’s license or identification card) and a state-issued unemployment benefits enrollment confirmation are eligible to participate in the program (“Eligible Participants”). At checkout, cardholders will be required to show their valid discount card, their state-issued identification card for signature verification and their state-issued unemployment benefits enrollment verification. Valid signature verification is required to use the card.

Terms & Conditions:  http://www.kmart.com/ue/home/FINAL_Kmart_smart_assist_Savings_Program_TC_REV_09-10-09.pdf

[Pat Garaffa]

It’s a nice gesture but it seems a bit inequitable to me.  It only includes one small group and it should go further.  How many people are hurting but aren’t on unemployment?  There weren’t any social security increases this year and they wouldn’t qualify for K-Marts generosity either.   Nor would all the self-employed, under employed, commissioned workers or those whose benefits ran out. 

They should just do what that canned tuna company did in the Mr. Mom movie.  Drop the prices across the board until the recession is over.  They’ll win some much needed fans over there and many will probably stay loyal going forward.