Cash for Crib Clunkers

Toys R Us has launched a trade-in campaign, whereby consumers can bring back their old unsafe cribs, car seats, high chairs, and the like and receive a 20% discount off their purchase of a new replacement for that old item. The marketing campaign appears to be a great example of "doing well by doing good." After all, getting all those older items out of households and automobiles certainly enhances the safety of our children. Far too many old cribs, for instance, have wide spaces between their rails - too wide by current safety standards. On the other hand, the campaign may create new demand for Toys R Us products, since it may encourage new purchases by some people who would otherwise have simply kept their old items for many more years. Toys R Us may generate new sales and profits, even with the 20% discount offer, while enhancing safety for its customers.