WAYNE, N.J., July 14 (UPI) -- U.S. retail giant Toys R Us said Monday it was not necessary to have snow to get into the spirit of Christmas, announcing a holiday sale starting July 18.
"With temperatures around the country breaking 100 degrees, Santa has traded in his big red suit for a swimsuit," the retailer announced in a press release.
The company said it would offer discounts of 20 percent to 50 percent on many items and toss in a $20 gift card free with the purchase of a Wii Fit Plus with balance board.
Many stock Christmas gifts, such as board games -- Monopoly, Scrabble and Sorry! -- would be offered at half price through July 24. In addition, mimicking its holiday tradition, the retailer is duplicating its Monday after Thanksgiving sale with a Cyber Monday sale on July 26.
Not sparing any of the trimmings, Toys R Us said it would open its Christmas Savers Club through the sale period and accept donations for Christmas funds for needy children, as well.
"While taking advantage of the deals, our customers can really get into the Christmas spirit by donating to Toys for Tots or opening a Christmas Savers Club account to start putting money aside for the holiday season now," said Greg Ahearn, senior vice president of marketing and e-commerce.
