2008.11.20
Layaway's comeback
Walking through Sears at Valley View Mall on Wednesday, I heard an overhead advertisement reminding shoppers of a feature that Sears has brought back to its stores. It's layaway, and it made its comeback on Sunday.
With layaway you can put purchases on hold at a certain store and pay for them in increments within a specific time period. The service gained popularity during the Great Depression. For years, before credit cards were frequently used, layaway was the medium of purchasing for many people. My mom and my grandmother used layaway often to buy Christmas clothes for my sister and I when we were young.
In the past few years, most retailers, including Wal-Mart, have gotten rid of layaway. Last year during the holidays, I wrote a newspaper story about the few local stores that still have layaway. They include Kmart and T.J. Maxx.
Now, Sears joins the list again. The retailer said it brought back layaway as a way to help consumers pay for purchases in this poor economic climate.
If you're thinking of giving layaway a try at Sears, you won't have to track down a separate layaway counter in the store, such as at Kmart and T.J. Maxx. Layaway orders are accepted at each cash register at Sears.
We've been thinking of doing layaway at TJ Maxx because there is some furniture, bedding, and home decorations that we really like, but don't have the cash on hand for and we are not going to put anything on a credit card. We may wind up just skipping it entirely, but we've given it a thought...so it's nice to have the option available.
Comment by Other John — November 20, 2008 @ 12:23 pm
Geeeeee...
This sounds almost like a form of customer service ! (and we sure can't have that!) (sarcastic)
All us independent retailers have had FREE layaway as part of our ongoing business. Consumers use it sparingly, but those who do, will often purchase something nicer and have something worth having when it's all said and done.
We've become such an "instant gratification" society, that the idea of saving for something is foreign to most younger generations. There's a lot to be said for saving to buy something nice, that'll endure, instead of so much junk & 'stuff'. Layaway is one way to make that a reality.
Comment by Steve — November 20, 2008 @ 12:29 pm
My mom used to do layaway for Christmas at KMart, and when I got my first apartment I used KMart's layaway to purchase a lot of things I needed but didn't have the money for right away. I've also used TJ Maxx's layaway to purchase some nice baking dishes. I've been giving layaway some more thought myself, because it's so much better than paying interest on a credit card. Plus, I remember KMart would adjust the price of your layaway items if they went on sale before you finished paying for them.
Comment by Lori — November 20, 2008 @ 1:20 pm
I think that is great that Sears is doing this . You can mark my word I will be using this option. I also think Walmart made a huge mistake by taking away the law away plan . There are so many people out there that can not afford to buy gifts any other way then to layaway nor do they have credit cards. Walmart if you are smart you will bring this option back....
Comment by Rhonda Bousman — November 21, 2008 @ 5:26 am
Lori,
I didn't realize that Kmart will adjust the price of your layaway item if it goes on sale. That's good news and could lead to some great deals.
Comment by Jenny — November 21, 2008 @ 12:01 pm
when walmart had layaway it was free. does kmart and tjmaxx and sears have a fee for layaway services? anyone know?
Comment by HCS — November 21, 2008 @ 2:08 pm