Toys ‘R’ Us card allows shoppers to save for toys

Wayne, N.J. Toys “R” Us is allowing shoppers to set aside money to spend later at its stores during the holidays, with a new program called Christmas Savers Club. The initiative also gives out a bonus for those who start early.

Customers can now get a Christmas Savers Club card at any store in the United States. If customers sign up before Oct. 16, they get a 3% bonus based on the money placed into the account.

Unlike traditional layaway plans, shoppers don't have to decide ahead of time what they want to buy with the Christmas Savers Club. Layaway plans have seen resurgence as shoppers pull back their spending in the tough economy and avoid credit cards.

Customers can save up to $2,500 per card -- so the top bonus is worth $75, which can be used to buy store merchandise. Bonuses will be added to cards by Oct. 31, the first day people can start to use the card for purchases at Toys “R” Us and Babies “R” Us.

There are no fees for the program, and a card can be opened with as little as $1.