he wanted 10% off at REI and to bomb the airport

http://www.charlotteobserver.com/news/local/crime/article178895936.html

You can be a homegrown terrorist or you can get good deals on outdoor gear.

Pffffft.  10%.   I can get 15 off

Would REI have exchanged his "used" backpack for new?

The terrorist are feeling it in their wallets these days.  

It’s all a marketing scheme. 

"Thank god for idiots" in not something I think very often. But in this case...