Gearing up for holiday shopping: Layaway is back

It looks like it’s a sign of the times – Layaway is back this year and the requirements are being relaxed at a few stores. It would seem that Toys R Us has already started their layaway for this year, so if you’re planning on shopping early you can save the fees.

This article from the Huffington Post has this to say:

Last month, Wal-Mart Stores Inc. said it was expanding its own layaway program after seeing high customer demand for layaway during last year’s winter holiday season. Its new program will last a month longer than last year’s and will include more items than the toys and electronics featured last year. But there is still a minimum purchase requirement and a $15 fee for an open account.

Toys R Us, in contrast, is waiving the upfront service fee for layaway orders created in store from Sept. 4 through Oct. 31. After Oct 31, a $5 service fee will apply. Also, there will be no minimum purchase price. Customers have until Dec. 16 to pick up their orders.

WalMart has announced their layaway dates start September 16th (and earlier if you like their facebook page, it would seem). You have to put either $10 or 10% down (whichever is greater). It’s good to know this now so you can plan ahead! The graphic to the right has all of the details, but the upshot is that you have longer to pay so start now.

K-Mart has Layaway too. Here’s their policy.

Will you be using Layaway this year? I think it’s a great option so you can stay away from the credit cards. If you haven’t already put Christmas shopping in your budget, do it this minute!

I saw some more talk about other Layaway over at Gottadeal, but nothing really worthy to report. I love to watch their site for my Black Friday ad leaks. I realize I’ve been a member over at Gottadeal.com since October 2005.

I was a little shocked once I saw that date. I had a 1 year old and was looking for toy deals on Black Friday! This year my son is 8 and he wants video games. What a difference 7 years makes.