THE FRIDAY STORY: Retailers copy Slovak scrappage scheme

First it was the car industry copying supermarkets' 'BOGOF' (buy one, get one free) promotions. Here in the UK, that was the recent offer from one well known broker on Dodge Avengers (two for GBP20,000) while, in Auckland, New Zealand, a new dealership was launched recently offering BOGOFs like a free Citroën C4 hatchback with every C6 sold or a free Fiat Punto with every Alfa Romeo Brera. Now, in Slovakia, other retailers are borrowing the scrap-for-new scheme that has recently boosted new car sales. According to news agency AFP, the scrappage scheme there has sparked copycat slogans to revive washing machines, trainers or wallet sales amid the economic crisis. Full story...