"People like the flexibility a debit card gives them," says David Wilkerson, vp of marketing for Shaw Hard Surfaces. "It's like having a bonus savings account that can be used in any way participants want, from putting a down payment on a car to buying a special gift."

The card, which is backed by Visa, can be recharged with sales earnings from both this and future "Shaw Me the Money" sales promotions -- the company says it plans to run "Shaw Me the Money" events for the next two years. Retailers can register online at www.Shaw-Me-the-Money.com, or with a registration form supplied by their sales representative. Participants will be given a web access code and password to access their accounts on the website and track sales, Shaw says.

Accepted at more than 28 million locations worldwide, the card can be redeemed at any time during the promotion for merchandise, travel or services. The card cannot be used at ATMs, pay-at-the-pump gas pumps or for automatic draft services, Shaw says.