Kmart has historically offered various freebies and promotional deals to attract customers, ranging from in-store free items for children to digital coupons for groceries and household products. These offers often require specific actions, such as membership enrollment, text message sign-ups, or meeting purchase thresholds. The availability of these deals has been impacted by store closures and changing corporate strategies over the years. This guide outlines the types of freebies and promotions found in the provided source material, detailing eligibility requirements and redemption processes.
In-Store Freebies and Saturday Events
Kmart has periodically hosted in-store events where customers can receive free items without a purchase. One specific promotion mentioned is the "Kmart Friday Freebies" program. In August 2015, participants could text a specific number to receive a coupon valid for a free choice of Smart Sense Potato Chips, with a retail value of $2.00. This offer was valid only on the specified Friday, and the free item changed each week. The mechanism required texting "FREE" to 56278 to receive the coupon.
Another recurring event was the "Freebie Saturday" program, which targeted families. This offer provided a free item every Saturday to children aged 12 and under, while supplies lasted. Items distributed through this program were generally low-value, such as granola bars. No purchase was necessary to participate in the Freebie Saturday event. These in-store freebies were designed to drive foot traffic and encourage family visits.
Digital Coupons and Grocery Freebies
Kmart’s promotional strategies also included digital coupons and grocery freebies, often tied to the Shop Your Way loyalty program. A notable promotion was the "Double Coupon Event," where Kmart would double the face value of coupons up to $2.00. For example, a $0.75 coupon would become $1.50 off, and a $1.00 coupon would become $2.00 off.
Participation in the Double Coupon Event required several conditions: * Membership in the Shop Your Way program. * A minimum purchase of $25 or more on grocery, household, or drugstore items. * A limit of five coupons doubled per customer per day.
Through this event, specific items could be obtained for free or at a very low cost. Examples included: * Always Discreet Liners: Free after applying a $2.00/1 manufacturer coupon. * Renuzit Pearl Scents (9 oz): Low cost after coupon. * Gillette Series and Satin Shave Gel: Priced at $0.39 after a $1.00/1 coupon.
Additionally, the source material references a "free organic macaroni and cheese" offer available through a digital coupon loaded to a loyalty card (likely a grocery store card, though Kmart has historically had similar digital coupon programs). This type of offer allows users to pick up the item within a specific timeframe (e.g., three weeks) after loading the coupon.
Prescription and Health Service Incentives
Kmart has offered financial incentives for healthcare services, specifically regarding prescription transfers and flu shots. These are not free products but rather free money in the form of gift cards. * Prescription Transfer: Customers could receive a $25 gift card for transferring a prescription to Kmart. * Flu Shot: Customers could receive a $5 gift card for receiving a flu shot at Kmart.
These offers are typically detailed in weekly ads or store sleeves and serve to drive pharmacy traffic.
Back-to-School Deals
While not strictly "freebies," Kmart’s back-to-school sales offer significant discounts on essential items, which can be combined with coupons to reduce costs. The source material lists specific low prices for school supplies for the year 2025 (though the reference year may be aspirational or hypothetical in the source context): * 2 Pocket Folders: $0.19 * 1 Subject Notebooks: $0.49 * Fashion 2 Pocket Folders: $0.99 * Fashion 1 Subject Notebooks: $1.99 * Character Backpacks: $10.00 * Character Lunchboxes: $6.99
These deals are typically found in weekly ads and are available for a limited time.
Store Closures and Clearance Considerations
The context documents mention that Sears Holdings, the parent company of Kmart, announced the closure of 108 Kmart stores and 42 Sears stores in early 2017. For consumers visiting stores scheduled for going-out-of-business sales, specific warnings and advice were issued: * Coupons: Coupons might be rejected during liquidation sales. * Inventory: Inventory may be trucked in from other stores, potentially including older stock. * Expiration Dates: Consumers should double-check expiration dates on makeup, food, and other perishables. * Returns: Return policies are typically limited or non-existent during store closures. * Management: If a store is in bankruptcy, a conservator posts special rules for the sale.
These factors are important for consumers seeking deals during liquidation events, as the standard operational rules do not apply.
Digital Rebates and Instant Win Games
The source material references digital rebate apps like MobiSave, which can be used in conjunction with Kmart purchases to achieve lower prices or free items. For example, a Starbucks Iced Coffee deal was noted where the final cost was $0.24 after a coupon and a MobiSave rebate.
Additionally, the context mentions "instant win games" on websites (specifically Kroger in the text, but a common tactic among retailers). These games allow users to play for a chance to win free products. While the source specifically cites a grocery store sister company, the mechanic of digital instant win games is a relevant digital freebie strategy often used by retailers to engage customers.
Conclusion
Kmart has offered a variety of freebies and promotional deals, ranging from in-store free items for children to digital coupons for groceries and household goods. These offers often require specific actions, such as membership enrollment, text message sign-ups, or meeting purchase thresholds. The availability of these deals has been impacted by store closures and changing corporate strategies over the years. Consumers interested in Kmart freebies should monitor weekly ads, join the Shop Your Way program, and utilize text-to-save services where available. However, caution is advised when shopping at closing locations, as standard coupon policies and inventory standards may not apply.