A few years ago, Wal-mart closed it's layaway departments in all of their stores, marking the end of an era. Almost noone had layaway anymore. Even though I rarely used it anymore, I was very sad. When my kids were little, layaway was such a blessing. I could pick out their gifts early and pay on them a little bit at a time. Most places did not charge anything for it and it was definitely cheaper than wracking up interest rates on credit cards. I didn't use it for just gifts, either. The computer desk that we have had for years (and is looking a little worse for wear, LOL) was bought through layaway at K-Mart. Shortly after we put it on layaway, it went on sale for a lower price and I was able to get them to adjust the price to the lower price. Anyway, enough on the memories. The bottom line is that eventually layaway was no longer available anymore, although I don't think K-Mart ever got completely rid of it.
Last week, I got an e-mail from Sears advertising the return of layaway for the holiday season. I have seen and heard of various other retailers offering it again, which I think is great compared to putting Christmas on plastic. Most places charge a fee now, one article I read says K-Mart's is $5. A bargain compared to interest rates and possible late fees.
So...if you need another option this Christmas, check out stores that offer layaway!
3 comments:
I am so happy to know about this. Thanks for the heads-up. I've tried to tell my husband this is a great idea, but he keeps poo-pooing it. My mother always looked down on it as well, saying she would never do it because "only poor people used layaway," like it was some sort of caste curse. I hated those types of comments, especially because we WERE POOR. And now I think it's a great tool, regardless of financial status -- amen to no credit card fees. Who needs it? I'm all for layaway!
I have fond memories of layaway. When I was growing up, we would get a Sears catalog in the mail in the summer. I could pick out one new dress for when school started and we put it on layaway. I looked forward to getting that dress all summer!
Heidi, it's strange to me the things people will turn their nose up at. I think that some would call that selective squeamishness.
Linda, that is a really sweet memory!
Post a Comment