Retailer's guarantee covers kids' clothes

My 8-year-old son is pretty rough on clothes. It's frustrating to spend money on outfits and have the soles of shoes fall off or the knees of his pants wear out after only a short time.

So I was extremely excited to learn about the Sears KidVantage program, which has a rewards program and a wear-out guarantee. If your child wears out apparel or shoes before outgrowing them, Sears will replace the items for free.

For information about the program, visit mysears.com/kidvantage.

Signing up

Registering for this free progam is easy. Give your phone number and email address to a Sears cashier at any full-size store (locations are at Citadel and Northwoods malls and on Ladson Road in Summerville).

How it works

--Children's clothing and shoes qualify toward your account. For sizes, visit the website.

--At checkout, give the cashier your phone number, and eligible items will be applied to your account.

--Once you've spent $100, a coupon prints on your receipt for 15 percent off your next purchase. Each $100 spent generates a new coupon. Sales tax doesn't count toward the $100, but clearance items do.

--You may not use the coupon on clearance items.

--You don't get credit for online purchases.

--Kids' Lands' End merchandise, Great Price and clearance items count toward your $100 total and the wear-out guarantee, but you can't use your coupon on these items.

--The program doesn't include infant furniture, accessories, electronics or toys.

The guarantee

--There is no time restriction.

--You must have the original sales receipt to return clothes.

--Stained or damaged clothing doesn't count.

--Sears will replace it with the same item in the same size. If the item is no longer available, they will replace it with a similar item or you'll get the purchase price credited toward another item in the same size as the one being returned.

Bonus

If you have a Shop Your Way rewards card with Kmart, you get 10 points for every $1 spent on qualifying purchases in addition to the credit for KidVantage. Read next week's column to learn more about this program.

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