Toys"R"Us launches layaway options
Posted: 10.08.2011 at 7:00 AM
Christmas is coming!
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Christmas is still a little over two months away, but some people are already stocking up for the holiday.

Walmart announced last month that the store was bringing back a layaway plan, and now Toys"R"Us is announcing offers to help make your holiday shopping a little easier.

First, the store has introduced its first online catalog at Toysrus.com or Babiesrus.com which highlights big tickets items, along with $900 worth of savings. 

Both stores already have layaway plans for large items like bikes and swing sets, but starting October 15, customers can also take advantage of the program with items like dolls and video games.

"We know that consumers will continue to look for ways to stretch their dollars this holiday season, but they still want to make sure they have that special Christmas gift for the children in their lives," said Neil Friedman, President, Toys"R"Us, U.S.

To take advantage of the layaway option, customers must pay a 20 percent down payment and a $5 service fee. That will give customers 45 days to pay 50 percent of the cost, and it has to be paid off within 90 days. All orders must be paid in full by December 4th. If you decide to cancel your layaway, you might be charged $10.

Another new option is Bill Me Later, which lets online customers make a series of smaller payments over time as an alternative to layaway.

There are a few perks with this option, including saving $20 on purchases of $100 or more, no payments or interest if your balance is paid off in six months for purchases over $100, and a year for purchases over $500.

The downside is that you have to get a credit approval from WebBank, the lender out of Salt Lake City, Utah, and to get the discount you have to be a first time Bill Me Later user for your purchases. That savings will appear on your statement in 1-2 billing cycles and can only be used once per customer.

So do you think you will use the Toys"R"Us layaway or the Bill Me Later options this holiday?

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