Kmart Beefs Up Layaway Plan Eyeing Early Holiday Demand

Kmart has expanded its layaway program and dropped a required down payment on a lease-to-own plan, joining other U.S. retailers in trying to get a jump start on grabbing holiday shoppers. Kmart, a unit of Sears, started allowing customers to buy in installments with no down payment last week, an option it will offer every day through the end of November.