Retail Roundup: Sears, Toys R Us, Harry & David

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To celebrate the opening of 79 in-store toy shops, Sears stores are hosting a grand opening event Saturday that will feature cupcakes, prizes and other activities.

Sears launched 20 pilot toy shops last year and recently decided to extend the shops to more markets. Sears Toy Shops feature popular toys and specialty items that help to build creativity and motor skills, the company said. Brands include Fisher-Price, Hasbro and Bakugan as well as Sears exclusive brands.

Several Los Angeles-area stores will be participating in the event, including Sears locations in Glendale, Pasadena, Torrance and Riverside. The events will take place from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m.

Toys R Us is launching its first-ever Apple iPod trade-in program from Sunday, Oct. 17, through Saturday, Oct. 23.

At more than 550 Toys R Us stores nationwide, customers can trade in their used, working iPods for a credit of up to $100 that can be used toward the purchase of a new iPod.

Toys R Us carries the iPod touch, iPod nano and iPod shuffle.

Gourmet gifts company Harry & David is opening ‘pop-up orchards’ for the holiday season in 16 neighborhoods nationwide.

The temporary shops feature new selections of the company’s fresh fruits, cheeses and other food items.

Its Southern California location is in Los Angeles, on Robertson Boulevard. The stores will be open through January.

-- Andrea Chang