Furlough and Shutdown Freebies

As the government shutdown enters it eighth day, workers who have been sent home without pay could be facing tough times making ends meet. Here’s a look at businesses around the nation’s capital that are taking advantage of the political bickering and using it as a marketing tool to attract new customers and help ease the financial pain for furloughed workers. (Reuters)

Caffeine Fix Starbucks (NYSE:SBUX) CEO Howard Schultz just wants everyone in D.C. to get along. And for customers who set an example of how to do this, the coffee giant is giving away free drinks. Customers who “pay it forward” by purchasing a drink for a fellow customer will receive a free tall coffee. (Reuters)

Delayed Car Payments Hyundai is allowing furloughed workers to skip making payments during the government shutdown when they aren’t receiving pay. (REUTERS)

Career Hints Bash Foo, an internet marketing company in Ohio, is offering free 20-minute LinkedIn sessions to furloughed workers, according to its website (http://bashfoo.com/). (Reuters)

Sugary Treats If the government shutdown has left a sour taste in  your mouth, turn to something sweet. The cupcake maker offered free treats to workers Tuesday showing valid government IDs. (REUTERS)

Blockbuster Enhancements AMC theaters are offering free small popcorn for movie goers as long as the shutdown lasts, or until they run out of popcorn, the company says, according to MovieFone.com. (REUTERS)

Alcohol A host of DC-area bars are offering free drinks or special deals for furloughed workers. For example, D.C Reynolds said the shutdown turned it into the “busiest Tuesday ever” for the business, according to its Twitter. (REUTERS)