In Response to Customer Demand, Toys"R"Us Expands In-Store Layaway to Help Parents Prepare Backyards and Playrooms for Summer Fun

At Babies"R"Us, Flexible Payment Options Help New and Expectant Parents Nationwide When Purchasing Cribs, Car Seats and Other Must-Have Items for Infants

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Toys"R"Us

Feb 24, 2010, 05:00 ET

WAYNE, N.J., Feb. 24 /PRNewswire/ -- Toys"R"Us has announced that it has expanded its popular in-store layaway program, offering customers the opportunity to make small payments over an extended period on everything needed for warm-weather fun. With layaway, items purchased now such as bikes, ride-on toys, swing sets, trampolines, pools, water slides and basketball systems can be in the backyard and ready to be jumped on and splashed in before school is out for the summer.

The company also continues to offer layaway on a selection of must-haves for infants and toddlers in Babies"R"Us and Toys"R"Us stores nationwide. Whether setting up a nursery or preparing baby for travel, new and expectant parents can take advantage of layaway's flexible payment plan when purchasing select furniture items or baby gear.

"Thousands of customers took advantage of layaway during the 2009 holiday season, so we're pleased to offer this service as customers count down to warmer weather and outdoor play or begin designing a nursery," said Greg Ahearn, Senior Vice President, Marketing and e-commerce, Toys"R"Us, Inc. "Whether customers are looking to purchase pools and swing sets to provide hours of at-home, affordable fun or baby necessities like cribs and car seats, layaway provides families a convenient way to make smaller payments over an extended period of time."

Toys"R"Us stores are the destination for everything needed to keep kids entertained during the not-so-lazy days of summer, offering hundreds of timeless favorites such as BMX bikes, Power Wheels and Cozy Coupes, all available on layaway. By giving parents convenient and flexible payment options, layaway makes it even easier to create a backyard play area that will provide hours of fun all summer long and for years to come.

Layaway is also offered on select dollhouses, play kitchens, karaoke machines, keyboards, musical instruments and indoor table games, including air hockey, foosball and table tennis – playthings that are perfect for both rainy summer days and year-round entertainment.

Expectant parents can continue to take advantage of layaway's flexible payment plan when purchasing cribs, bassinets, dressers and high chairs to get the home ready for baby's arrival. Items such as car seats, play yards, travel systems and strollers that will keep baby safe on-the-go can also be put on layaway. Purchasing these items early via layaway can help parents ensure they are paid for in full before welcoming a new baby home.

Following are the layaway terms and conditions at Toys"R"Us and Babies"R"Us stores:

Orders require a 20 percent deposit of the total purchase, including all applicable taxes, and a $10 service charge.
Customers have 90 days to pay for their items, with 50 percent of the total due 45 days after the initial purchase date.
Payments may be made at the store in the form of cash, check, or credit, debit or gift cards.
Merchandise will be made available within 14 days of final payment.
A fee will apply to canceled layaway orders*.

Layaway will be promoted in print and online advertising, as well as through extensive in-store signage. More details on the program will be included in brochures available in all Toys"R"Us and Babies"R"Us stores nationwide**.

*Ohio and Rhode Island have different policies for canceled orders. See stores for details.

**The program will not be available in Maryland at this time.

***Video game hardware is not eligible for layaway.

About Toys"R"Us, Inc.

Toys"R"Us, Inc. is the world's leading dedicated toy and baby products retailer, offering a differentiated shopping experience through its family of brands. It currently sells merchandise in more than 1,550 stores, including 849 Toys"R"Us and Babies"R"Us stores in the United States, and more than 700 international stores in 33 countries, consisting of both licensed and franchised stores. In addition, it owns and operates the legendary FAO Schwarz brand and sells extraordinary toys in the brand's flagship store on Fifth Avenue in New York City. With its strong portfolio of e-commerce sites including Toysrus.com, Babiesrus.com, eToys.com, FAO.com and babyuniverse.com, it provides shoppers with an unparalleled online selection of distinctive toy and baby products. Headquartered in Wayne, NJ, Toys"R"Us, Inc. employs approximately 70,000 associates worldwide. The company is committed to serving its communities as a caring and reputable neighbor through programs dedicated to keeping kids safe and helping them in times of need.

SOURCE Toys"R"Us