Lay Away for Christmas surges early as people struggle to pay living expenses

Retailers promote layaway as Christmas season nears

Credit counselor says old-fashioned layaway offers a way to avoid accumulating credit card debt.

By Jennifer Palmer | Published: September 23, 2012 Oklahoman 0

 

In stores that offer layaway, it's beginning to look a lot like Christmas.
A manager at Kmart in Shawnee said since Wednesday the entire Christmas section was stocked, and shoppers have reported seeing trees, holiday decor and more at Walmart stores even though Christmas is 14 weeks away.

Remember when layaway was this popular? Here, shoppers wait in line to place items in layaway at the Walmart store in Moore on the day after Thanksgiving 2003. Some said they had been in line for two hours. THE OKLAHOMAN ARCHIVES

 
Layaway's comeback may explain why. Walmart and Toys R Us expanded their holiday layaway programs this year and are encouraging shoppers to choose items early, giving them more time to pay. Seeing holiday merchandise displayed no doubt helps put them in the mood.

In the past decade, most retailers phased out layaway, which allows consumers to pay for merchandise such as toys, home appliances and electronics over time, then pick up before Christmas. But a few brought it back during the economic recession.

Walmart has continued its layaway program year-round for jewelry only.
Buying items with layaway is different from using a credit card, the Better Business Bureau said, because the buyer isn't charged interest on the item and can't take it home until it is paid off.

“Layaway services can be a great alternative to using a credit card,” said Judy Pepper, president of the Better Business Bureau of Central Florida. “However, it's extremely important that customers take the time to make sure the service provided fits all their needs and they know what fees to expect.”

Cristy Cash, director of counseling at Consumer Credit Counseling Service of Central Oklahoma, said the changes retailers made this year make layaway an attractive option for people who want to avoid unwanted credit card debt during the holidays.

Read more: http://newsok.com/retailers-promote-layaway-as-christmas-season-nears/article/3712135#ixzz27I2XuvKG

Considering layaway?

Key questions to ask:
• How much time do I have to pay off the item?
• How much do I have to put down?
• Are there any storage or service plan fees?
• When are the payments due?
• What happens if I miss a payment? Are there penalties? Does the item return to inventory?
• Can I get a refund or store credit if I no longer want the item after making a few payments?
• What happens if the item goes on sale after I've put it on layaway?
Source: Better Business Bureau