HOFFMAN ESTATES, IL--(Marketwire - July 31, 2009) - While economic conditions are beginning
to look up, Kmart realizes that the tough times aren't over yet and some
families may be experiencing anxiety in regards to making back-to-school
purchases. From school supplies to new clothes, back-to-school shopping is
an added expense that can strain an already tight budget. Kmart's layaway
program enables parents to reserve the must-have back-to-school supplies,
pay in installments and pick up their items in time for the first day of
school.
"We recognize many families may be unable to make the necessary
back-to-school purchases without a proper plan in place. To alleviate some
of this financial pressure, we encourage them to manage their budgets by
taking advantage of Kmart's layaway plan," said Mark Snyder, chief
marketing officer, Kmart. "Kmart will continue offering services that
ensure kids go back-to-school with everything they need to make their
school year a success."
Layaway has been a staple in many families for years, most popular during
big shopping seasons such as the holiday season. Preparing for the upcoming
school year should be no exception. Kmart is the one-stop destination for
amazing quality and value and continues to be the only national discount
department store that offers layaway as a shopping solution.
"As a mother of five school-aged children, Kmart's layaway program is
essential as I prepare for back-to-school," said Dee Dee Jackson, national
president of Mocha Moms, Inc., a national non-profit that supports at-home
mothers of color. "Layaway saves our family money because it allows us to
plan and not overspend by making impulse purchases. It also saves us time
because we aren't struggling to find things at the last minute."
According to the National Retail Federation, the average family spends
nearly $600 on back-to-school supplies. To aid in this expense, in addition
to offering its layaway services, Kmart will offer a different free item
each week when customers make a $15 purchase in school supplies:
-- Now-August 1 receive a FREE color pencils
-- August 1-8 receive a FREE 70-page theme book
-- August 9-15 receive FREE Woodcase pencils
-- August 16-22 receive FREE Kleenex
-- August 23-29 receive a FREE Sharpie
"Kmart has proudly provided budget-conscious families with quality products
and convenient services, such as layaway, for more than 40 years. We want
to continue providing every resource possible for our customer to save
money while fulfilling their school supply needs. Double coupon deals along
with Layaway, allow our families to continue to embrace the excitement of
the first day of school," said Snyder.
About Kmart
Kmart, a wholly-owned subsidiary of Sears Holding Corporation, is a
mass-merchandising company that offers customers quality products through a
portfolio of exclusive brands that include Jaclyn Smith, Joe Boxer, Martha
Stewart Everyday and Route 66. For more information, visit the company's
website at
www.kmart.com or the Sears Holding Corporation website at
www.searsholdings.com.
Contact Information: MEDIA CONTACTS:
Shannelle Armstrong
Sears Holding Corporation
(847) 286-0715
Felischa Marye
Flowers Communications Group
(312) 228-8805