Say what you will about the environmental impact of Cash for Clunkers, but the fact is it moved new cars. And it seems another nonautomotive company, at least, is jumping on the trade in, trade up idea.

 

Announcing an incentive that is eerily reminiscent of one recently offered at your local dealership, Toys R Us has said that beginning Friday it will offer a 20 percent discount on new purchases when consumers trade in baby items such as car seats, cribs, travel systems and strollers. The discount will apply only to the selected, baby-related categories, and will no longer be available after Sept. 20.

 

It’s called the Great Trade-In event by the Toys R Us people (aka “cash for cribs” in some media reports), and the impetus is, according to company reps, to get unsafe products out of homes after a number of high-profile safety recalls netted little in the way of consumer response.

 

I’m sure the new sales the program will bring in are just an added benefit. You’ve got to love those big-box retailer behemoths: They’re always looking out for the little guy, right?