Toys R Us adds benefits to rewards program

WAYNE, N.J. (AP) - October 27, 2010 -- Toys R Us is the latest retailer to increase benefits related to its customer loyalty program ahead of the holidays to entice shoppers into their stores.

The largest independent U.S. toy seller said Wednesday it will offer rewards program members 10 percent back in store credit on purchases in stores and online.

The toy seller had previously offered members $5 back for $150 in purchases. The new deal will run beginning Sunday through Christmas Eve.

Members of the program also get access to member shopping events and are notified first when shipments of popular items arrive. The cap is $50 in store credit for a $500 purchase. Joining the rewards program is free.

As shoppers remain cautious due to high unemployment and a wavering economy, other retailers have recently increased rewards program offerings as well.

Discounter Target Corp. said earlier this month it will offer 5 percent off most products when shoppers use a Target card. The program replaced its existing program under which card users got an initial 10 percent off coupon and then earned 10-percent off depending on how much they shopped.

And bookseller Borders Inc. recently revamped its rewards program, introducing a paid option that offers more benefits than the free program.

Privately-held Toys R Us, based in Wayne, N.J., has been aiming to gain market share this holiday, opening 600 temporary stores in malls and 10 temporary stores under its FAO Schwarz brand. It is hiring about 45,000 employees to help with the holiday season, doubling its U.S. work force.

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