I helped my daughter look for some stores that still have, or are bringing back layaway.  Here’s what we found so far:

Target and WalMart discontinued them a few years ago.  I used layaway years ago and loved it.  It made shopping for Christmas so much easier being able to pay over time instead of all at once.  I also like the fact that I could buy something and put it on layaway before they were all sold out.

So, I thought I would share my findings with you:

Layaway began during the Great Depression, and then declined during the age of the Credit Card.  However, with the economy the way it is, people are now looking back to layaway.   People are moving away from using their credit cards during the holidays because you have to pay interest, with layaway, there is no interest.

KMart – In-store & Online Layaway!

Sears – In-store and Online Layaway!

Toys R Us – Big Ticket Items – In-store Only

Burlington Coat Factory

More Info According to USNEWS:

Kmart is so eager for shoppers to take advantage of its layaway program, which has been around for over 40 years, that the company made layaway a centerpiece of its Christmas marketing campaign. Kmart offers an eight-week contract for purchases over $300  a $5 service fee and $10 cancellation fee, which is refunded when the item is paid for in full. Stores require a 10% or $15 down payment and usually arrange a biweekly payment schedule.

Kmart Layaway FAQ

At sister company Sears:

· A Layaway contract is 8 weeks (except for fine jewelry which is 26 or 52 weeks)

· The Initiation Fee on all new Layaway contracts is $5*

· $15 or 20% down payment (whichever is greater) is collected when merchandise is put into

Layaway

· The Cancellation Fee is $10*

· Bi-weekly (every two weeks) payments are required

· Sears Layaway Program is available in Sears Full Line, Sears Hardware, Sears Grands,

Sears Essential Stores, Sears.com (not available in Automotive, Outlet Stores)

· Layaway merchandise will be returned to stock seven (7) days after a missed payment*

· A Layaway contract is 8 weeks (except for fine jewelry which is 26 or 52 weeks)·

Sears Layaway FAQ

The TJ Maxx locations that offer layaway (and not all of them do) a 10 percent down payment is required, and some items are excluded (such as jewelry and clearance items). There is a nonrefundable service fee—in most cases, $5. The term is 30 days.
Since Marshalls is owned by the same company as TJ Maxx, similar policies apply: $5, 30 days, 10 percent down.   And call ahead, because only certain locations offer layaway.

Click here for more info On TJ Maxx & Marshall’s Layaway Policies and locations that accept layaway.

The biggest retailer, Walmart, canceled its layaway program in 2006 and says it has no plans to revive it. Customers are also out of luck at JC Penney, Kohl’s and Target.  Walmart spokeswoman Ashley Hardie says layaway programs are expensive and ultimately force stores to raise their prices.

That may be so, but, I would imagine it would raise sales, too, especially now!  Maybe a revamping of the way it’s handled would make it more worth their while!

So, do you know of any stores that offer layaway that aren’t listed?  If so, make sure to let us know so we can all share!