Sears takes the buyer's remorse out of back-to-school

Sears Canada has come up with an innovative way to appeal to back-to-school shoppers -- especially those parents who have kids who don't wear uniforms to school.

The retailer has launched the KidVantage Grow Out Guarantee, "created to take the stress and guesswork out of back-to-school shopping." The KidVantage Grow Out Guarantee promises that if your child grows out of an article of clothing purchased at Sears, you can exchange it for the next size up before the end of the current school year.

"We are thrilled to announce the Sears KidVantage Grow Out Guarantee," said Vincent Power, Vice-President Corporate Affairs and Communication, Sears Canada. "Back-to-school shopping can be stressful on parents and on their budget, but the Grow Out Guarantee means parents can buy what fits their kids now and exchange later if needed. The KidVantage Grow Out Guarantee is another way Sears is supporting the needs of Canadian families."

A survey conducted by Fusion Retail Analytics revealed parents' frustration with this yearly struggle, 64% citing their children grew out of new clothing during the school year – 76% of those children being aged 3 to 14 – resulting in new replacement items having to be purchased. With this staggering statistic, it is no surprise that 62% of the parents surveyed purposely purchase larger sized items for their children to grow into throughout the school year, avoiding a revised wardrobe mid-season. With the new Grow Out Guarantee at Sears Canada, parents can choose a perfect fit for their children today, guaranteed for tomorrow.

In 2015, Sears is celebrating its 50th year as a corporate fundraising partner of the Boys and Girls Clubs of Canada and, as part of the Grow Out Guarantee program, the company will be donating all articles in good condition to Clubs across the country throughout the school year. Garments will be used as each community Club sees fit, whether for spills, playground rips and tears, extra warm layers or creative costumes.

Sears also continues to offer the KidVantage Lifetime Wear Out Warrantee, which covers children's clothing and footwear as long as a child in the family continues to wear the size. If kids wear out their Sears purchased clothing and footwear, Sears will repair or replace it with the identical item in the same size or, if it's unavailable, a similar item of equal value in the same size.