Those government “refund” checks come in handy for paying bills, but $300-$600 won’t go far toward the purchase of a “luxury” item, according to a recent JCK Retail Panel Survey. Just 17% of jewelers surveyed said they expected to get those refund checks through store promotions. Marketing efforts from these jewelers made checks stretch a little further by:

• adding 25% to refund checks if the whole check was spent at the store

• offering $299 and $599 specials

• matching refund checks.

Jewelers also noted other types of sales for $300-$600, including new mountings, repairs, restyling pieces, or down payments on layaway items.