Being new to the country - at just the right time for this little treasure - the concept of Christmas lay-bys was a revelation. Here's how it works:
You can do your Christmas toy buying in July during the summer sale, pay a deposit and the store will hold it for you until Christmas. You can then drop in and pay any amount you like off the bill until it is settled. Brilliant!
You can do it on-line too.
This is an amazing service for customers and also a brilliant way of planning and managing inventory and stock investment for retailers and reducing post Christmas mark-downs.
One of those rare win-win situations.
Can't imagine why retailers internationally haven't cottoned onto this one - or have they?
Would love to hear some other examples - and why stop at toys?
In the current economic climate, spreading the cost for customers and risk for retailers would surely make good sense.
From what I've seen, Target do it best in Australia, but I'm sure there are more variations on the idea that I've yet to come across.
I wouldn't say I've done all my Christmas shopping for the kids already, but I certainly have all the big stuff - now I can relax and enjoy the rest of the buying without battling the frantic crowds in the run up to the big day...
Well done Aussies for leading the way :)
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