Content about Layaway

MEMPHIS, Tenn. — Fred's Super Dollar on Thursday reported an increase of 1% in total sales to $450.6 million for its third quarter ended Oct. 27. Comparable store sales for the quarter declined 2.5% compared with an increase of 1.5% in the third quarter of 2011.

HOFFMAN ESTATES, Ill. — Sears Holdings now is offering its Kmart and Sears customers the option of ship-to-home delivery for items purchased through online layaway.

The new service, also available on store kiosks, now enables shoppers to select, purchase and have the items delivered directly to their homes, bypassing the layaway line altogether. Both retailers will begin the exclusive layaway ship-to-home service starting Nov. 7.

Sears has also joined Kmart in removing all layaway service fees both online and in-store leading up to the holiday season.

MEMPHIS — Fred's on Friday launched a holiday layaway plan featuring no fees and a down payment of only $1.

"Fred’s realizes that the current economy presents difficult challenges to its customers and Fred's wants to offer as much assistance as it can," Fred's SVP sales and marketing Dave Mueller said. "That’s why we came up with a layaway plan that — with just one dollar down and absolutely no fees — is unlike any others and will stretch shoppers’ dollars during a time when it will be most welcome."

HOFFMAN ESTATES, Ill. — Kmart has removed its layaway service fee both in stores and online through Nov. 17.

The mass retailer, which offers the program year round, said the decision to make the program free "emphasizes the company's commitment to delivering value and convenience to customers, acknowledging family budgets are strained during the holiday."

HOFFMAN ESTATES, Ill. — Kmart announced it is providing its customers with back-to-school offers.

Until Aug. 18, the retailer said its shoppers will receive 5% off new in-store layaway purchases and noted that online shoppers also can utilize online layaway or shop online and pick up items in stores. Kmart also said for the back-to-school season, its Shop Your Way loyalty program is offering the following deals:

BENTONVILLE, Ark. — Walmart announced that it is helping ensure customers pay the lowest price on holiday gifts with the launch of its Christmas price guarantee.

Customers who purchase eligible product at Walmart anytime between Nov. 1 and Dec. 25, and then find those same products advertised for less at another store, will receive a Walmart gift card for the difference through Dec. 25.

BENTONVILLE, Ark. — After disappearing from its lineup of offerings in 2006, Walmart is bringing back its layaway program in time for the holiday season.

The new Christmas layaway program will encompass two of the season’s most popular gift categories — electronics and toys — and will be available at all stores nationwide from Oct. 17 through Dec. 16.

Walmart phased out its layaway program five years ago, citing declining use and increasing costs.

HOFFMAN ESTATES, Ill. — Kmart tapped "Modern Family" star Rico Rodriguez to unveil the retailer's Fab 15 toy list for the upcoming holiday season.

As Kmart's "fun ambassador," Rodriguez, who plays Manny on the hit ABC show, revealed the list in New York's Times Square on Friday. Must-have toys featured on the list this year include Paper Jamz guitars, Hot Wheels R/C stealth rides, Loopz and more.