Sears gets into the travel business, offering layaway for vacations...

(WXYZ) - When you start planning a vacation, many people these days go online to sites like Expedia, Orbitz, and Travelocity. Or we call a trusted travel agent.  What about sears?  Yes, the retailer is getting into the travel business.

When you think Sears, most of us think about washing machines and refrigerators, or the indestructible Toughskins jeans you had to wear as a kid.

But sears now wants you to think of it as your travel agent. 

They’re offering travel services and deals at SearsVacations.com . And here’s the part that’s attractive to a lot of people. Unlike other travel agencies,  Sears will offer layaway, just like mom's old washer and dryer.

"Thats really good,” Sears shopper Chelsea Zahlen says. “Because I go on a lot of trips, especially Europe and stuff. And I’m going to Europe tomorrow, and the plane ticket is $1,000. So that would be really helpful."

The struggling retailer is hoping that layaway, its century old brand name, and some great starter deals will lure customers.

But with and tough competition from established travel websites, its anyone guess if many travelers will visit the new softer side of sears.

Right now, some of the startup specials at sears vacations look like great deals. You need to register at the site first to see all the deals... and you need to book by the end of July to take advantage of some of them.