NEW YORK — Sears Holdings Corp. aims to get an edge over its competition this holiday season by getting shoppers to start saving for Christmas presents now through a new card that mimics an old-fashioned Christmas club account.

Shoppers can put aside money on a regular basis through Nov. 14 to add value to what it calls its Christmas Club card, according the Hoffman Estates, Ill.-based retailer, which operates Sears, Roebuck and Co. and Kmart stores.
When activated between now and Oct. 31, card holders can earn a 3 percent reward, up to a maximum of $100, based on the card’s value.
The launch follows Sears’ move last holiday season to resurrect its layaway program at its namesake department stores after a two-decade hiatus.