Topic: Kmart

A news story about a "Secret Santa" paying off layaway accounts at a Kmart in Melbourne is deconstructed as a native advertisement for Mattel. The hosts point out that the news segment specifically highlighted the prices of a Barbie house and dreamboat, suggesting the entire event was a coordinated marketing stunt for the Barbie brand.

Reports of "layaway angels" paying off Christmas bills at Walmarts in Indiana are discussed. While some suspect corporate PR, a letter from Tom Animas confirms that his family has maintained a 40-year tradition of secretly paying off layaway tabs, originally starting at Kmart before moving to Walmart.