The Sears Holdings Corporation has decided that it’s never too early to shop for Christmas gifts. The company, which owns Sears and Kmart, has launched their “Christmas Lane” website as an early attempt to promote their layaway program:
“This is the first year we’ve done the Christmas Lane event,” said [Sears spokeswoman Natalie] Norris-Howser. “We’re allowing customers to put these items on layaway and pay over time.”
Layaway, the payment method nearly driven to extinction in recent years by credit cards, is again becoming popular with many retailers, discount and online shoppers. An upside to when times are tough is that there will always be added strategies designed to entice consumers to spend, especially with the holiday season approaching. Retailers such as Kmart, Marshalls, and TJ Maxx have kick-started campaigns, advertising their latest incentive, layaway.
On their website, Kmart has set up a specific page dedicated to the layaway process. The retailer outlines the simple process: 1. Select item(s). 2. Bring them to the layaway counter and make a down payment. 3. Make payments every two weeks until your item(s) are paid off, then they’re yours.
