Last year we blogged about how a bad economy and the credit crunch were leading to “The Return of Layaway” in your favorite stores. This year, there’s a new twist.
Same lame economy, but now it’s an election year. I heard on the radio that Wal-Mart is worried that with politicians buying up every moment of commercial time, they won’t be able to do the kind of advertising they need to make a profit at the Holidays. So, one thing they are doing is improving their layaway program to get your attention.
So, in addition to starting the program much earlier this year…
Walmart will refund the $15 fee to open a layaway account after customers make their final payment, and it will no longer charge a cancellation fee to customers who fail to finish paying for the item. USNews.com
Other stores like Kmart, Sears and Toys R Us are joining in the fun, too. You can read all about it here.
What do you think? Were you planning to use layaway this year? Would this tempt you to? Let us know. And have a fun, SAFE Labor Day weekend!
(photo: fh.ext.wvu.edu)
i wish amazon would have a layaway plan
i have no desire to do much with walmart as i do not like their ethics .
people who do the layaway at walmart better make sure whether they get the $15 back in cash or if it is store credit.
the layaway plan is a great way to buy without a monthly obligation and also to get more expensive items without having to shell out the money all at once.
good to see retailers get it going again
cash vs store credit… that’s a good question. I imagine if you are a walmart fan, you won’t mind too much either way. but i HATE it when it’s a surprise!
gift card. i have a friend who just got on the layaway team here locally and began her training.
thanks for the follow up!
I think it great we can use aany kind of saving these days. But why charge at all??
What a simple solution t0 a problem many have not know existed–
I even like the splitting payments more than saving $ 15.00. Thanks
I think all retail stores should come back with layaway year around. I use to work for a retail store and I use to get jump on because we did not have layaway durning the year. So I think they should bring back the LAYAWAY in all stores.