Walmart Layaway Information
Sept. 22, 2021 update: It looks like Wal-Mart will not be offering its layaway plan for the 2021 holiday season. Instead, it’s pushing the “buy now pay later” Affirm financing system, which assesses interest similar to that of a credit card.
Nov. 2, 2020 update: While Wal-Mart continues to offer layaway, it’s pulled back on the number of stores participating in the program for the 2020 holiday season. A store locator on the Wal-Mart website indicates which stores will offer layaway. Company spokesman Casey Staheli told an Arkansas newspaper, “Stores continuing layaway were selected based on usage of the program over the past few years.” Some industry experts take this as a signal that Wal-Mart wants customers to instead use its buy now, pay later program called Affirm. For locations that do offer layaway, the last day to pay off items this year is Dec. 14.
Sept. 30, 2019 update: This year, the layaway program runs from Aug. 30 through Dec. 9. Everything placed on layaway must be paid for and picked up by Dec. 9. Wal-Mart has raised the cancellation fees this year: $20 or 20 percent, whichever is greater. This could amount to a substantial fee, and at minimum equals your down payment, so be certain that you plan to pay off the items you lay away. In some states, the cancellation fee cannot exceed $25 (Alabama) or $50 (North Carolina). No cancellation fee can be charged in Ohio, Maryland, Rhode Island, or Washington D.C. The layaway program still requires a minimum of $50 in purchases, but this year each item placed on layaway must retail for at least $10. The layaway program also excludes all wireless phones.
Sept. 12, 2018 update: Wal-Mart layaway started on Aug. 31 this year. The rules remain largely the same: No opening fee, pay 10% of $10 down (whichever is greater), and hold at least $50 worth of purchases from categories such as electronics (but no contract-required phones), toys, small appliances, select sporting goods, and jewelry. The program runs through Dec. 10, and everything must be claimed and paid off by that date. Be aware that a $10 cancellation fee now applies, except in: Ohio, Maryland, Rhode Island, and Washington D.C.
Sept. 6, 2017 update: This year, amid lagging toy sales, Wal-Mart launched its layaway program earlier than ever, on Sept. 1. The terms remain the same: pay 10% or $10 down (whichever is greater) to hold at least $50 worth of items. All items must be paid off and claimed by Dec. 11.
According to Reuters news, analysts say that, in some regions, layaway programs now account for 15% of holiday revenue at large retailers such as Wal-Mart. Star Wars items, along with video games and Lego sets, are expected to be big sellers this year. Wal-Mart boasts 300 exclusive toys for the 2017 Christmas and Hanukkah season.
Sept. 1, 2016 update: Wal-Mart launched its layaway program earlier than usual this year, Sept. 2, in part to capitalize on interest in Star Wars Rogue One merchandise as well as other hot holiday toys. Buyers must put 10% or $10 down (whichever is greater). Items placed on layaway must cost at least $10, and you’ll need to have at least $50 worth of items in your “basket” to initiate the layaway. All items must be paid off by Dec. 12.
Sept. 21, 2014 update: For the 2014 holiday season, which launched Sept. 12, all Wal-Mart layaway orders must be picked up and paid for by Dec. 15. There’s a $10 cancellation fee, but the retailer is temporarily waiving its $5 “opening fee” and expanding the categories of products that can be placed on layaway.
Each item must be $15 or more, and the total layaway value must exceed $50. The down payment required is $10 or 10 percent, whichever is greater. There is no online layaway option. Payment and pickup must be made in the store, though Wal-Mart may store some items off-site, making them available up to 10 days after final payment but no later than Dec. 15.
Aug. 24, 2013 update: Wal-Mart has ditched the $5 layaway fee for the 2013 season. However, the $10 cancellation fee that was eliminated last year is back. In a move that some in the financial press called a “desperate” move, the retailer is offering free layaway starting on Sept. 13, which is a few days earlier than last year. The last day of 2013 Wal-Mart layaway is Dec. 13, and more than 35,000 items are eligible.
Sept. 4, 2012 update: This year, Wal-Mart is launching its holiday layaway program even earlier, which may also help shoppers who are interested in back to school layaway. The store will begin to accept layaway items on Sept. 16, and consumers who “Like” Wal-Mart on Facebook can set their planned purchases aside as early as Sept. 14. In 2011, the year Wal-Mart layaway returned, items weren’t accepted until Oct. 17.
Wal-Mart has also changed its layaway rules, and buyers who pay off their balance sooner will get a better deal. Last year, there was a $5 fee plus a $10 fee if the customer cancelled. In 2012, customers will kick down a $5 layaway fee and if they pay their account off by Dec. 14 (within 60 days rather than the also-allowed 90 days), they’ll receive a $5 Wal-Mart gift card. There’s still a down payment required of the greater of $10 or 10 percent, and there’s a minimum purchase requirement of $50, and each item must cost $15 or more. However, Wal-Mart is allowing even more product types to be put on layaway, such as sports and exercise equipment and small appliances. Wal-Mart is also highlighting Apple iPad layaway and Lego layaway in addition to laptop computers and toys.
So, technically, Wal-Mart layaway is not free in 2012, but if shoppers follow through with the purchase, they’ll get their 5 bucks back in the form of a gift card. [There has been some confusion, because when 2012 Wal-mart layaway was first announced, the company, in its initial Aug. 20 press release, described a $15 open fee that could be refunded in the form of a $15 gift card.]
UPDATE:
On Sept. 8, 2011, Wal-Mart announced the return of layaway for the Christmas season. Starting Oct. 17, select toys and electronics can be placed on layaway. (Layaway won’t be allowed on “Black Friday,” the day after Thanksgiving.) Toys must be at least $15 each, and all layaways must total at least $50. There’s a nonrefundable $5 fee, plus another $10 if you cancel the layaway.
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After years of offering layaway to its customers, Walmart did away with the program on Sept. 14, 2006. The reasons given were that not enough people were using it and it cost too much (in staff time and floor space) to offer it. Plus, a spokesperson told media at the time, most people just use credit cards.
Some customers got together a petition to bring back Walmart layaway, but it didn’t work. Walmart spokespeople have stated on numerous occasions that the company has no plan to bring back layaway. In many stores, the physical space once occupied by the Layaway Department is now home to the Site to Store feature, for online order delivery.
Even after Wal-Mart discontinued its layaway program, the retailer continued to offer layaway on jewelry only in some markets. Some consumers report that “their” Wal-Marts still allow jewelry layaway.
Spokespeople continue to insist that ending layaway has not hurt Walmart’s business, but Internet message boards show many complaints about its absence, and Kmart is making its layaway program a key part of its Christmas advertising push.
As of December 2010, there are 10 Facebook groups devoted to petitioning for Wal-Mart to bring back layaway. One has 132,000 members.
i wanted to lay-away a laptop but i guess i will go to kmart
i wanted to layaway a laptop but i guess i will go to kmart
Shop Kmart for Christmas Layaways.. Guess they will get my 1000 this year.
that sucks if walmart has no more layaway.. it actually helps many of us who cant really afford to spend the money in full when u have other responsibilities to prioritize…Guess another stores layaway will get the money that walmart is missing out on!!!!
I see many items at my local wal-mart that, had they offered lawaway option, I would purchase them; however, I cannot afford to purchase the items I want and would need to put them on lawaway; therefore, not buying them from wal-mart. Thinking about changing my business to k-mart….
I think us COSTUMERS should start a petition to get the layway program back at walmart.
Although Kmart is offering layaway if you compare their prices to brands (such as Wal-Mart) Kmart’s prices are more expensive. I think they do that just because Wal-Mart has ended their layaway and some people have no other choice. Layaway is how they survive.
i wish walmart would bring back the layaway just so i wouldnt have to travel about two hours away from home. there is several walmarts around me. my family had always used walmart for the layaway. but now we have to go to kmart.
we are defenetly paying much more for the items at kmart they totally take advantage of the fact that walmart doesnt do layways anymore.i noticed that the items are twice as much as walmart.such a rip off. i refuse to pay kmart that kind of money. i wish walmart would reconsitter their lay way. it really adds up in kmart.last year for xmas i put a couple toys for my daughter and nephews and i spent nearly 300 dollars i was shocked!!i would have payed about 150 in walmart prices.seriously!!
I have not stepped foot into a WalMart since they discontinued the layaway program. I would rather go to Sear’s or Kmart and spend alittle bit more knowing they offer the financially disadvantaged an option that will allow them to obtain items they need or want. Kmarts stores are so much more clean and more organized than Walmart’s anyway, shopping is enjoyable there as you don’t have to push your cart endlessly around the store to find simple items.
Is it even a possiblity that Wal-mart would consider having a layaway program again? If only for the holidays it would be a help to all working families. The economy does not allow us to be able to just walk in and purchase big ticketed items anymore. I have 3 sons and it’s hard enough trying to keep them clothed and feed. So if anyone at Wal-mart reads these daily post then maybe you can put yourself in the shoes of many of us and atleast reconsider you layaway program.
With the economy being so bad, just BRING BACK LAYAWAY for your customers already!!!!
Start budgeting your self. Set up a budget. You would be amazed at the extra money you have can have if you start whatching it! Even cut wasteful spending and curbing your cravings can add up to something you can really enjoy. Like maybe a new Flat pannel tv! Save. Its called self control. Get a piggy bank and start banking those bucks for something great! If you can lay away you can save!
And perhaps…if you start saving those bucks instead of spending them for this and that at Wal-mart…..LOL maybe Wal-mart might reconsider and bring back the Lay Away . They want your money. And if you can redirect the flow…you’ll get Wal-marts attention!
Honestly Kmart is not that much more expensive. I actually took the time to see how much more I would be spending shopping at kmart (who does allow online layaway..a huge plus) It would have been about $15.00 more at kmart. Not a big deal to me. I put all the kids Christmas toys on layaway the other day. Thank you Kmart
walmart will not come back with layaway.. they want all of us to use the walmart credit card, which in my case will never happen….. i dont have a kmart in my area or i would gladly pay the extra price to shop there. i am sure sam walton has rolled over in his grave many times at what his sons have done to the walmart we once knew……the only way to hurt them is to not shop them. they have sure forgot the people that made walmart what they were…..i have very limited layaway in my area, in texas walmart ran kmart out.
I usste do spend thounds of dollars a year when walmart had the lay away. I believe the have done thme selves and their customers a disservice
To hell with Wally World. Despite being the world’s largest retailer, they are the world’s worst at marketing. I lost count of the items I used regularly that they discontinued. I’m talking about grocery items that sold and sold. Their motto is that if it sells too well, GET RID OF IT. I call it hillbilly marketing. Their employees are pathetic too. You can dance around them all over the store with a puzzled look and they will NEVER use the simple words “may I help you”?
If walmart doesn’t want to have layaway, then maybe they can at least make exceptions, during the holidays. To help people out walmarts are everywhere, and its very few kmarts, looks like I’ll have to make the drive and give my money to kmart as well.
Don’t forget, SEARS also offers layaway!!!
This is a perfect example of how bad people are with money, if you want something on layaway at Wal-Mart then you should simply put that money away in a jar each month until you have enough to pay it off, in that respect anywhere you shop has layaway if you are disciplined enough to save for it. Stop whining about layaway programs and learn to control your spending, what’s the difference if you give that monthly payment to Wal-Mart or put it in a safe spot to spend once you have saved enough?
I know when Wal-Mart stopped layaway, thats when I started looking at other company’s for my large item and christmas shopping. I wish Wal-Mart would at least bring back layaway atleast on-line ordering.
Im sorry but Walmart has no care for there customers at all. Ive noticed that when prices go up at stores walmart is the first to jack up prices then everyone follows. I actually quit shopping there because my local grocery store and kmart are cheaper then Walmart. There clearence prices are never even marked down its just the same price other stores sell there items for. Them cancelling layaway and saying not enough people did it is a bullcrap lie. I would say over 90% of my town alone did layaway through the whole year. They really screwed people. Walmart sucks and people wont open there eyes and see what they are doing. More people need to stop shopping there so they will go back to the way they used to be when they would save us money and was cheaper then other stores. Walmart is getting a big head. Ive gotten numerous people to stop shopping there when I brought it to there attention adout there prices and how they are the ones that up there prices first.
For those of you who are kind of “putting down” the people who are in favor of walmart layaway, you should not. We must understand that people do the best they can, with the resources they have. If a layaway program worked for them, then so be it. But do not look down upon these people because you never know where you will end up financially.
Furthermore, does everyone who would need this walmart credit card, instead of the layaway, have a qualifying credit score? So, perhaps walmart does need to re-instate this service, for all of those who benefit.
I wish they would bring back layaway at walmart im disabled and live on a fixed incom ..anyway i was so much easyer for me anyway too shop at walmart its closer then KMART.. but i start my christmas shopping like in august just to make sure i get everything ..i spend alot of money at this because i start early cause christmas is my favorite holliday.. but i guess now Kmart will get my money.. cause i cant do this without layaway i will miss walmart though .. even if kmarts prices are a little more you can still keep up with payments so thats a good thing!!!
Well everyone cant get credit cards, and for those who do have them that is why the economy is so messed up, key word “CREDIT” card not I put my OWN cash on this card to pay for this. We Low-income ppl or should i say those of us who make Under $20,000 we just cant do it. But as everyone else is saying K-Mart is where I’ll be this year too..Wal-Mart I’ll Holla at you when I gets my Taxes!!! LOL
For Josh and the others who are dissing those of us who want layaway programs, it isn’t just about saving the money to purchase something. It’s also about being able to get something before it’s out of stock or while it’s on sale. There have been many times I saved and waited to get something for my kids for Christmas and was unable to when I had the money because it was sold out EVERYWHERE! By putting something on layaway early, you can have your shopping done early and know that you will be able to give your loved ones the gifts you wanted to give them and not some lame alternative that is still on the shelves in mid December because it’s crap and nobody else wants it either. I agree about K-mart being twice as much too.
dont see whats the big deal. put the money up that you would spend on layaway. they have pre paid CREDIT cards so put your payment on that
I have a family of 5…so needless to say Wal-Mart layaway was a definate way of one stop shopping for us…especially for Christmas!!! When they took it away, we were forced to find our own system and this is what we are now forced to do…
1st we go to K-Mart and put about $500.00-$600.00 worth of stuff in lay-away exactly 13 weeks before Christmas, then we make all the payments and when we get the layaway out we immediately take it to customer service and return it all…since we paid the payments with cash, they give it back in cash…
Then we take our cash and go to Wal-Mart and do our shopping there…a bit of a pain but thats how Wal-Mart is forcing us to shop…
As for the pushing of credit card use for wal-mart purchases, we thats not always the best way for people to go…between my husband and myself we have 2 wal-mart credit cards, and 2 sams club cards (which can be used at wal-mart) and we NEVER use them for Christmas…Why pay the interest especially in these tough times where most people cannot get a credit card at all!!!!!
Wal-Mart did a terrible injustice for the people….all they did was force everyone to see that they really do not care for the community, as they stated before….how bout bringing back layaway, and letting go of the workers that are NEVER in the department that they work in, or the ones that sit and talk instead of working?!?!
Walmart just doesn’t want to admit what they are losing in profit on layaway. I will be shopping at Kmart for Christmas and will start earlier so I can use Kmart’s layaway.
kmart is not taking advantage of people who use layaway with their prices. Walmart can have lower priced because they get so much more business than other stores like it. They nearly hold a monopoly on the retail store business !
Walmart is missing out by not having layaway..I used there layaway frequently…not only during christmas but throughout the year..it. was affordable for me and convient…I guess I. Have 2 use kmarts now…I really wish layway would come back 2 walmart
well I agree with the reasons we loved wal mart layaway. For one it was cheaper to put things on layaway that was on sale because of not having the money at one time to pay for the full price. Also it was easier to go at one time put all the things I needed on layaway and then just make the payments as I went. I also miss that I could put things on layaway then get groceries at the same place because now kmart does not have that. And maybe my kids would get hungry and juat get my husband to take them to the fast food place that is in walmart now while I would shop for christmas items. Well everyone I know used the wal mart layaway and now I have to go to kmart which does not have as nice of clothing and better and more toys to choose from. If I had one wish it would be bring layaway back please help our struggling working families out.
Unfortunately, I will now be making large purchases at Kmart. It’s not that I have bad credit or don’t have credit cards but it has come the time that I desperately need to stop using them. We have a daughter who is almost 2 and it was really hard for us last year because her birthday is 2 days before Christmas. I think layaway will be the way for me to go to purchase a play kitchen and accessories for her playroom. This service is not (only) for people who can’t manage their money. It is a way to commit money to a secured item without reaching into the piggy bank and, even if needed, allotting it to something else – like reaching for a credit card on impulse purchases……
Additionally, we’ve already completed Christmas and birthday shopping 2 months ago but all that remains is a large present with accessories.
YOU KNOW TO THOSE PEOPLE WHO SAY STOP WHINNING YOU ARE RUDE! TO THOSE THAT SAY JUST SAVE THE MONEY AND GET THE ITEM, YOU PEOPLE ARE RUDE AND MEAN. THE POINT OF A LAYAWAY IS TO GET ALL OF YOUR ITEMS THAT YOU NEED IN ONE STORAGE PLACE TO BE PAID OFF. THEY GIVE YOU A TOTAL AND YOU ARE GUARANTEED TO GET THOSE ITEMS WHEN YOU ARE FINISHED PAYING YOUR STUFF OFF. IT HAS NOTHING TO DO WITH PEOPLE NOT BUDGETING THIER MONEY SO STOP SAYING THAT! I AM AN RN WITH 5 KIDS AND I HAVE ONLY 4 BILLS A MONTH TO PAY, WATER- ELECTRICITY- CELL PHONE, AND MY HOUSE. THAT EQUALS ABOUT $1000.00 A MONTH. I MAKE ABOUT $1500.00 A MONTH AND USUALLY AM HAVING TO BUY ONE OF MY KIDS CLOTHES. SO LAYAWAY IS HELPFULL BECAUSE I COULD PUT THE CLOTHES AND X-MAS LIST STUFF TOGETHER AND PAY IT OFF LIKE THAT. SO WE ALL NEED TO GATHER ONE DAY AND MAKE SURE WAL-MART GETS NO BUISNESS FOR 3 DAYS AT LEAST AND SEE WHAT THEY HAVE TO SAY ABOUT THAT! I AM GOING TO DO IT OCTOBER 24TH, 2010 AND WILL START AT 10 AM. WE NEED TO DO THIS ALL TOGETHER! ON THAT DAY AND TIME, WE WONT STOP SHOPPERS JUST BETTER YET RE-DIRECT THEM TO A GREAT LOCAL STORE, LIKE HEB. GOOD LUCK AND MAYBE IF WE ALL DO THIS THEN THEY WILL STOP JERKING US AROUND!
OH BTW I LIVE IN WAXAHACHIE, TX AND I WILL BE WEARING A RED FREEDOM T-SHIRT ON THAT DAY…. SO IF YOU LIVE HERE OR NEAR HERE THEN JOIN ME. THANKS. nikol_foster@yahoo.com IF YOU NEED HELP ORGANIZING YOUR WALMART STAND-OFF!!!!!!!
I can not understand why Walmart did away with layaway. With the way things are for people, this affected alot of people not only at holiday time
but as well as school clothes. To bad! K-mart, as well as Sears have layaway and that’s were I’m headed.
Unfortunately, Wal-Mart is not the business that Sam Walton started. He cared about people and about America. He offered made in America primarily, he hired people even when the economy was down, because he knew that if he supported people with jobs, they would support his business. Once he children and grandchildren took over the company became only about their bottom line. Not people, not America, nothing but their profit margin. It is a shame!
Wal-Mart has changed so much the last few years…and NOT for the better. Customer Service is very inadequate and since layaway is gone the attraction to the store is gone forever!! What a shame, once a family oriented store….now just a place to avoid.
Here is the truth. Wal-mart can sell for lower prices because they make deals with companies to make the products they are going to sell at Wal-mart less quality. Seriously, if you go buy a GE coffee maker at Wal-Mart it is not going to be made as well as the GE coffee make at K-Mart because the agreement with Wal-Mart has been to make the same coffee maker with cheaper parts. Its a fact and I have studied this. These companies actually have Wal-Mart assembly lines that are products made just for Wal-Mart. Look on the bottom of one of your products you bought from Wal-Mart and it may very well say made by GE for Wal-Mart or whoever. So I don’t have a problem going to K-Mart or Sears to put my stuff in layaway for Christmas and pay a little more, at least I know I am getting quality merchandise and not Wal-Mart junk.
I love kmart layaway I have used it for 24 years walmart employees are rude and don’t help you and there food spoils fast I will not shop at walmart and kmart prices are reasonable
walmart dont have layaways ,they got rid of the sewing department,well just close the store
It’s too bad they are not thinking about the little guy, just whats best for them. Anyways both my girls went to K-mart this year for their Christmas Layaways. I love walmart but they are making it easy to shop elsewhere.
It’s too bad they are not thinking about the little guy, just whats best for them. Anyways both my girls went to K-mart this year for their Christmas Layaways. I love walmart but they are making it easy to shop elsewhere.
I too have to agree with the fact that Wal Mart should NOT have stopped layaway. I have 5 children and it is hard to get by….let alone shop for christmas. I will say one thing the local charitable orginaztions have seen an increase in people coming in and getting help with presents. When we had layaway it was much easier on everyone. NOT ALL OF US ARE RICH! WAL MART STEP UP AND DO SOMETHING, bring back layaway if even for the holidays! Please the smiles on my babies faces christmas morning depend on it!
I love Wal-mart but now that I have a family to Christmas Shop for I would love to get most of my items at Wal-mart. I already to had to use Kmart to get my new born a careseat and him and my daughter and matching stroller and there layaway plan is great…Christmas Shopping at Kmart too…sorry Walmart. Your loss. You’ll realize you need your layaway soon enough.
Sears offers layaway now and so do alot of other companies…………I say lets stick it to Walmart this coming season and see how they like it…………..
I can not believe this, Walmart layaway was my christmas plan. Now I have go back to the drawing board. What to do?
tammy is my hero