• Reuters, Monday, August 14, 2006 12:30 PM

Apparel retailers are turning to promotions such as free movies and music downloads to tempt back-to-school shoppers to buy blue jeans. Chains must market harder this season because new muted, skinny-leg styles are not the same must-haves as last year's embroidered and ripped jeans. American Eagle Outfitters offered customers free movie passes just to try on jeans. Sears is giving away free music downloads with the purchase of Levi's at its new college-oriented Web site.

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