HOFFMAN ESTATES, Ill., Oct. 3, 2011 /PRNewswire/ -- Kmart® and Sears® are kicking off the holiday shopping season by declaring Oct. 3 through Oct. 7 National Layaway Week. Created to help budget-conscious shoppers get what they want and need, the week-long event encourages consumers to utilize layaway as a smart budgeting tool and interest-free shopping solution.

As people look to give this season, the layaway programs from Kmart and Sears allow shoppers to reserve holiday must-haves now, manage payments over time and pick up items just in time for the holidays.  To complement in-store layaway, customers can also enjoy the benefits of layaway when shopping online by visiting Kmart's and Sears' websites.  Kmart and Sears' layaway programs make this year's hottest holiday gifts attainable on any budget.  

"Our goal is to provide shoppers with real solutions to help manage spending without compromising on quality," said Salima Yala, divisional vice president, Layaway, Sears Holdings.  "We're proud to lead the industry with our comprehensive layaway program.  Whether online or in-store, we are committed to helping our customers get the most while staying within their budget."

To further help their customers, Kmart and Sears' created a "Shop Here, Give There" online layaway feature.  Whether gift-giving across the state or across the country, customers can complete their layaway payments online and invite family or friends to pick up their gift item from any Kmart or Sears location nationwide.  The new online feature is one more way that the Kmart and Sears layaway programs help shoppers maximize their holiday budgets.

For more information about the layaway programs* available at Kmart and Sears, visit http://www.kmart.com/layaway or http://www.sears.com/layaway.

About Sears Holdings Corporation

Sears Holdings Corporation is the nation's fourth largest broadline retailer with over 4,000 full-line and specialty retail stores in the United States and Canada. Sears Holdings is the leading home appliance retailer as well as a leader in tools, lawn and garden, consumer electronics and automotive repair and maintenance. Sears Holdings is the 2011 ENERGY STAR® Retail Partner of the Year. Key proprietary brands include Kenmore, Craftsman and DieHard, and a broad apparel offering, including such well-known labels as Lands' End, Jaclyn Smith and Joe Boxer, as well as the Apostrophe and Covington brands. It also has the Country Living collection, which is offered by Sears and Kmart. We are the nation's largest provider of home services, with more than 11 million service calls made annually. Sears Holdings Corporation operates through its subsidiaries, including Sears, Roebuck and Co. and Kmart Corporation. For more information, visit Sears Holdings' website at www.searsholdings.com.

*Requires down and biweekly payments.  All fees non-negotiable.  Cancellation fees apply.  Not available at all stores.  Exclusions apply.  See store for details.

SOURCE Sears Holdings Corporation