By Felicia Taylor
New York (CNN) - Summer's drawing to a close which means the holiday season will be here before you know it.
One major retailer is already preparing by revamping its lay-away program.
Toys 'R Us is gearing up for the holiday shopping season, but with the economic outlook so uncertain, the store is making some changes. Now it's offering free layaway.
The toy store plans to waive its $5 upfront fee for layaway items through the end of October.
Shoppers have to make a 20 percent down payment, which is normal for Toys 'R Us, and then pay the full total by mid-December.
There is some fine print though. The free layaway only applies to products like toys and video games, but not clothing, diapers, and holiday related items.
Layaway has been around for years, but has become popular again because of the recession, and many retailers are continuing to offer it because consumer spending hasn't returned to normal levels.
A 2011 consumer search survey found that more than 40 percent of shoppers planned to use layaway to purchase gifts during last year's holiday season.
With the economy still struggling, that trend is expected to hold through this holiday season.
Toys 'R Us isn't the only retailer temporarily changing its layaway program. Last month Walmart announced that it would expand its layaway program to include more items and extend the program's time frame.
As we get closer to the holidays, you can probably expect more retailers to roll out special offers as well.
CNN