Retailers Launch Back-To-School Promos

NEW YORK — CompUSA and Circuit City have launched a series of promotions to help spur back-to-school sales.

CompUSA's effort, "CompUSA on Campus," running now through Aug. 25, includes bundled products, discounts on select items and technical services, and an instant-win sweepstakes.

The product bundles, or "campus packs," feature a variety of items such as printers, software, backpacks and CDs. The packs, valued at over $200, will be available for as low as $17 after savings and rebates and with the purchase of a desktop or laptop computer. New back-to-school packs will be available online weekly at compusa.com and in all CompUSA stores.

"While it's essential that students get the technology they need, purchasing products is just half of the equation," noted Paul Ewert, executive VP and general merchandising manager of CompUSA. "New products often bring new questions, and this is why CompUSA is also providing a special technology services offer to make sure students have the complete package to help them excel at school."

To that end, CompUSA's TechPro service will provide unlimited technology assistance for 30 days via phone, chat or remote login for $30 for customers who purchase a desktop or laptop.

The retailer is also marking the back-to-school season with an instant-win, no purchase necessary sweepstakes.

Separately, Circuit City has created a special micro site, www.circuitcity.com/school, featuring promotions, customer ratings and reviews, and exclusive interview segments with pop band Fall Out Boy. The chain is also offering free PC check-ups in stores through Sept. 8. The service, a $40 value, is offered to all customers, and will be performed by Circuit City's Firedog technicians on notebook or desktop PCs, regardless of where they were purchased.