Retailers gearing up for holiday season

(WPRI) -- The fight for your holiday money is on.

Retailers are beginning to pull out all the stops and announce their incentives to get you to shop until you drop.

They may seem fairly upbeat about the upcoming holiday shopping season, but there are still some factors that could impact you between now and the holiday rush. That's why retailers are cranking out the deals to get you in the door.

Price match guarantees, no-fee layaways, price adjustments - all key phases to inspire you to get out there and shop.

Retailers expect more jingle at cash registers this holiday season. The National Retail Federation estimates holiday sales will total more than $586 billion, a 4.1 percent increase from last year. For most stores, it's the biggest season of the year.

In its latest retail strategy ahead of the holiday shopping season, Toys 'R' Us announced it will match its prices against competing retailers. All consumers have to do is present a local competitors' coupons or advertisements showing the item available for less.

In fact, the deal extends to include the seven days after you've made your purchase at Toys 'R' Us. The company is also offering free layaway and a "hot toy reservation" offer through Oct. 31.

WalMart has also tried to make its layaway program more appealing by reducing its upfront fee from $15 to $5.

With more online options, consumers are expected to do more holiday shopping on the Internet this year, potentially as much as $96 billion, a jump of 12 percent over last year.

Many retailers are already offering sneak peaks to their Black Friday specials online. They're bracing for the day after Thanksgiving since it's one of the most important shopping days of the year, and a critical gauge of just how the rest of the season will go.