Toys R Us. Walmart raise stakes in layaway battle

Walmart Stores Inc. is lowering its fee that shoppers pay for its interest-free pay-over-time program for the winter holidays. The fee to open up a layaway account will now be $5 instead of $15, the world’s largest retailer said Tuesday. The announcement comes a day after Toys R Us announced it was waiving the upfront service fee for layaway orders created in store from Sept. 4 through Oct. 31. After Oct. 31, a $5 service fee will apply. Also, there will be no minimum purchase price. Customers h...