• Los Angeles Times, Friday, November 26, 2010 9:15 AM

Toys R Us Inc. recently announced it was tripling its Rewards R Us program, offering 10% back on purchases made in stores or online through Christmas Eve. Target Corp.'s RED card program is upping its ante to 5% back on merchandise. GameStop Corp., a leading video game retailer, has unleashed its Power Up Rewards program, a first for the company.

GameStop rolled out its Power Up Rewards program after positive consumer tests in the summer. Aiming for those seeking immediate gratification, GameStop's program gives customers benefits before they even buy anything. Members can choose between the free version of the program or paying $14.99 to join Power Up Pro. The paid rewards card offers more year-round deals and discounts than the free version, such as 10% off on used games and a free subscription to Game Informer magazine.

Shoppers will find that there's often a catch. For instance, the 10% Toys R Us rebates are paid in "R Us Dollars" that can be spent only at the toy retailer. Still, it triples the program's usual offering of $5 R Us Dollars for every $150 spent during select earning periods.

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