Start Shopping: Sears Add A Layaway Program

Sears is obviously not waiting for a bailout.  They plan to keep customers coming through the door this Holiday Season during tough economic times.   I can’t even finish this post for thinking of what I can buy.  but here are the details from early press announcement:

When Sears asked its customers what they wished for this holiday season — they said they wanted more ways to make the holidays special. To fulfill these wishes and make gift giving even easier and more accessible for families on a budget, Sears today announced it will offer layaway on a wide selection of merchandise. Beginning Sunday, Nov. 16, Sears will enable customers to reserve the best merchandise, pay in installments and pick up the items just in time for the holidays.

“In this difficult economic climate, extending the layaway program at Sears is an easy decision and one that we hope will provide additional value to our customers,” said Don Hamblen, Sears’ chief marketing officer.

Sears will offer an extensive range of merchandise for layaway from apparel and jewelry to a wide Craftsman* tool selection. The Sears layaway program is similar in scope to the Kmart program, yet provides customers with the opportunity to take advantage of Sears’ products that may not be available at Kmart. The Sears layaway program will be available in Full Line and Sears Hardware Stores.

“We want our valued Sears customers to be able to stay within their holiday budgets this year. We’re making that happen by offering the benefits of layaway, as well as Early Black Friday pricing — all starting this weekend,” said Hamblen.

The final day to add new merchandise to layaway will be Dec. 22, 2008. Additionally, holiday merchandise must be paid in full by Dec. 23, 2008. The layaway program does not affect the existing Fine Jewelry program. Layaway fees do apply and layaway is not available at all Sears stores. The total down payment for layaway must be $15 or 20 percent, whichever is greater. Please visit sears.com/layaway for more information.

Wishing I had that Sears affiliate program now.