(AP) - It's still summer for a few more days, but the holidays are already heating up at Toys R Us.
The largest U.S. specialty toy retailer outlined its plan for its busiest season Wednesday - including adding a "hot toy" reservation system, beefing up services like layaway and ship-to-store, and offering more exclusive toys like its $149.99 Tabeo tablet.
The holidays are crucial for retailers, particularly toy stores. The season can account for up to 40 percent of annual sales.
CEO Jerry Storch told reporters during an event at its Time Square flagship that the company is entering the season with lean inventories and strong profit margins. He added the same thing he says every year: that Christmas will come and parents will buy their children toys, no matter the economy.
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