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.
It’s very apparent that Walmart knew exactly what they were doing. They figured that if they’d end the layaway program the shoppers would then be enticed into applying for their very high interest credit cards. Very smart on their part but I don’t think their daddy Sam would have been so greedy. Walmart is not supporting the local people instead they are just making their pockets fatter and fatter! Bring back the layaway dept!!!
Walmart lost most of my shopping because they stopped layaway. Go to Kmart they still care about people .
Bring back layaway WALMART!
I bought all of our current TV’s at Walmart on layaway. I am now planning on buying new flatscreens one at a time and I will be buying them at K-mart or Sears because they still have layaway. Walmart has lost my business for such purchases.
I spend thousands of dollar at walmart using layaway now my business goes to K-mart Boo to you Walmart Boo to you !!!!
K-mart is easy and closer and they have layaway. I’m tired of being manipulated. I don’t care that they make money because that’s business, but something that was popular such as layaway….and I don’t want their credit care….should stay. K-mart know this! Can we all have a shout out for K-Mart?
wow, a bunch of babies all over the place.
Why not save the money in the first place to buy stuff?
There is no need for layaway.
i used to shop at walmart all the time but now that they dont do layaway i go to kmart,toys r us places like that still have layways i hate going to walmart for anything any more
@ Kingj0n – One need for it, is without it, and just saving for an item, you miss out on any sale prices that might be available on the larger ticket items. On a very base level, I agree with you – people should be able to save for what they want, and if they do it in a savings account, depending on how long it takes, they can actually add a little scratch to the pile. However, there’s a TV I want at Walmart right now $100 off their usual price. I won’t have the $ saved by the time it goes off sale (more than likely). With layaway, I could have bought it and saved roughly $100.
Layaway is truly a wonderful thing. To call us babies shows your immaturity. Just saving and buying the product doesn’t always fit everyones schedule. Kmart and Sears now has my business. Screw Walmart.
I THINK WAL-WART LAYWAY WAS SMART THING AND GOOD THING TO HAVE, CONSIDERING THE ECOMONY THESE DAYS, IT WAS EASIER TO BUY THINGS, I THINK THAT WAL-MART SHOULD BRING THE LAYAWAY BACK,NOT JUST FOR THE HOLIDAYS BUT EVERYDAY.
Wal Mart can say and think what they want about why they did away with layaway,but it has hurt the customers! I do not believe that people used more credit cards because not everybody uses them. A lot of people relied on layaway around Christmas time and school and than it was torn away from the customers without seeing what the customers thought about it. If Mr. Sam Walton was still alive, the layaway would still be there because he truly cared about his customers! Without customers you have no store!!
Why not get a gift card and you can save on it. but i do like the layaway. 🙂
i think they need 2 bring it back because so people cant get a walmart cards or any carts i hope they will bring it back
Just So Everyone Knows You Can’t Put Stuff On Layaway That Is On Sale Or Clarence, But If You Put Some Money Every Other Week In A Envelope Then In 3 Or 4 Months You Will Have What You Wanted. And Yes I Agree Walmart Should Come Back With Layaway. Something Alse I Would Like To Add Walmart Is Coming With The Online Layaway There Working On It As Of Right Now. I Can’t Tell You Where I Got This Information Because I Can Get Fired.
Bring back layaway Walmart!!!
are you people ignorant? Layaway was good because it gave a chance for the less fortunate people with families to be able to make payments on things and still get them. Not everyone can just go to a store and afford to buy whatever they want. And….if you save the money at home, by the time that happens the items is either sold out or definately off sale. Putting it on layaway while on sale saves money…get a grip and don’t talk about things you don’t know anything about!!!!
BRING BACK LAYAWAY TO WALMART
After Mr Sam passed, walmart changed. He was a nice man, I know he is not happy with the way walmart is treating his customers.. I drive 35 miles to shop at K-mart and happy tp use their layaway!!!!! Yaaaa K-mart….
I put 3 sale items on law-away at Kmart today! ;•)
jeez, i wonder…, that guy must work at Walmart. dumass
I use to use Walmart to shop for all my birthdays and christmas’, i am now using Kmart because Walmart no longer has its layways. I use to spend thousands of dollars on the layways at Walmart, I agree they need to bring it back into affect!!!
I am so glad you all put this information up for me. I have been looking for new large flat screens and plasma screen TV’s for my honey’s birthday. Now that I know that Walmart does not have layaway I will check out Kmart instead! I barely go there anymore and I used to work for them. Deals are good when they have them but I don’t spend large amounts of money there they only get my penny’s now. If they brought back layaway I would go back to them though that’s when I shopped there faithfully!
There are many reasons for layaway. Yes, you can save over time then get everything (xmas club/etc), or buy on sale when you see it…but for me, buying throughout the year isn’t always something I enjoy. I HATE shopping here and there, and over time for one big occasion. I hate shopping period. So every year, around June, I have the girls turn in their lists and give me ideas, I spend a few days making my shopping list, then I go out in one shot and layaway their gifts for xmas and birthdays (all of which are at the end of the year). I can always grab something else they add later, but the basic shopping is done. It’s mentally easier for me to have everything put away at the one or two stores I use (no risk of losing out on an item b/c they sold out during the holidays before I could afford it) and just go pay on it every couple of weeks. I don’t have to keep going out shopping…it’s done, I just have to stop in and make my payment, then take them home when it’s done and wrap everything. Further, you never know what will happen financially…one year just before October my husband was laid off with no inkling that it was going to happen. Back then, we still just took a chunk of money saved up and did the shopping in November. That year, we were screwed…we barely had anything for the kids b/c of how bad off we suddenly found ourselves. I’d rather not have that stress again. I’ve been using kmart, and toys r us, but kmart’s selection of toys the past few years have SUCKED. And since they joined up with sears, their prices have gone up and they are higher than walmart…I only did layaway there last year for the convenience, and ended up doing some other online shopping. I’d much prefer walmart to have layaway again…their prices are better, their selection more vast. I hope with the economy and slow down of people using their credit cards they are considering bringing it back.
People are not babies, me being a single mother depended on it summer clothes, christmas presents, even that one big presents for birthdays, sales mean eveything for me.
Well at least some people are going back to K-mart for layaway, it’s more of a USA company than Wal-Mart. Wal-Mart is just an outlet for Chinese merchandise, most of it. I have been trying to shop more at K-mart even willing to pay alittle more. I also like buying high ticket items through layaway plan, in last 11 months I have updated all my tv’s with flat screens, 3 in 11 months.
I see that there are some stupid people making stupid remarks about some of us that want layaway bad at walmart.well they either work for walmart or they have lots of money.I draw ss,electric bill doubled in june, now how am i and people like me suppose to buy x-mas for 3 grandkids and 4 kids and my spouse plus pay my monthly bills.and for those people saying save up the money or get a gift card. well it easier to make small payment over the months,then tring to save in your on pocket.yes i shop for everything but meat(save a lot now).walmart is very close but as of today i will not even walk in the door until layaway is brought back. MR. SAM has turn in his grave.
We need lay a way back. there are a lot of people that are low income. and can’t come up with a lot of money at 1 time , there are mother’s and father’s people that don’t have good credit , people that can’t get credit cards, grandfather’s and grandmother’s,that’s working hard . and layaways help , for the people that are struggling, for holidays birthdays any occasion, and just moms to be that need to start somewhere,, anyone agrees with me, let’s. Vote. On facebook Anybody agree Help me out with this Goto facebook , Anyone and everyone Let’s get this started Anyone want to help. Open our lay a Ways
i have limited income and the only way i could afford to get my kids xmas gifts or school clothing and supplies was by using layaway at walmart. since this company doesn’t care about poor families who can’t afford to get a credit card then i have gone to kmart for all of my xmas and school. with the economy the way it is ealmart should think about us and not the space they need in stores. seriously walmart should close their doors. not a shopper at walmart anymore.
I gree with David and Dan. Saving for an item is not always easy and other who mention missing out on sale items. Ease of shopping for gifts at once and then paying for them over time. Even if it is only 8-10 weeks, it still makes it easier. I too shop as little as possible at Walmart. My money goest to Kmark. Even if many times I not just looking to put things on layaway. And you can’t count on an items being in the store when you need it, you need to be able to puchased it before they are sold out. So saving is not always the way to go.
i work at walmart .. and i use to work in the layaway dept.. my first year. there were so many people that didn’t pick up there layaways.. and so many people would cancel their layaway.. use it like a bank account.. i loved working in that dept.. i really wish they would bring it back also.. they have brought back the fabric dept.. figuring out they lost money when they took that away.. BRING BACK. LAYAWAY.. WALMART.. JUST REVISE SOME OF THE WAY IT IS DONE..
best buy also has layawy if you want to by from there lol.
PLEASE BRING BACK LAYAWAY IT REALLY HELP FOR US TO MAKE AN AWESOME CHRISTMAS FOR MY CHILDRENNNNNN ….plz bring it back times are hard..
I would love to see layaway back a Walmart the lost a big part of my business to Kmart. They should do more like kmarts with it charge a fee to put in and to cancel it and do let you get part of you layway out like they use to i watch a lady put in about $700.00 worth of stuff and a about a month later she was back cancelling it and purchase only about $150. 00 worth of stuff so once you cancel it you lose everything i think people will think before they put stuff in. please bring it Back !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Living in a small rural area such as we live in here in Hardy County, when Wal-mart stopped the lay-a-way, it left alot of low income families in the lurch! They must now travel to surrounding states to stores that offer lay-a-way. I for one, do not do my Christmas shopping at Wal-mart anymore due to the lack of lay-a-way. If it were brought back, believe me, I would be making great use of it! I think I purchased more on lay-a-way than what I do now. It is truly sad just because “so many use credit cards” as they think, when actuality, in small low income towns, that is not the fact.
Wal-Mart…bring back the lay-a-way….even if only in small rural communities! You may see your profit margin rise! (especially in these tough ecomonic times)
I grew up on layaway =) thats how all of our gifts were purscahed as a child . ( the bike i wanted alllll year , the baby dolls we charished with our hole heart , the video games we hardley played cause it was a house full of girls =) lol now that im of age and have gftis to purchase for my younge siblings i was very sad to log-on and find this artical Vs. the option to start my layaway ALLLLLL this being said to say layaway provied oppertunites for people to have items they normally would not be able to other wise have now-a-days theres more low income families then ever befor please take this all in to considertaion and bring the layaway back for us little pleople ……. thanks for your consideratrion. oooooooooooo yeah to the guy who said to JUST save … Smh…….. Easier said then done ……. life is full of surpises have a heart and consider why someone might not be able to save 800- 1000 to purchase an item or even 200 -300 for that matter .
i say bring back layaway beacuse some people that has many kids or big familys shoped on layaway plan it was the only way they could do it. now you go to k. mart beacuse you can start early please bring back layaway plan walmart.
I just heard on the news that wal mart was bringing back layaway for the holidays….yeah Walmart. You will get my business this Christmas. Haven’t shopped with you for Christmas since you had no layaway. The news said that if this was successful you may continue to keep layaway….I hope it’s a huge success. Thanks Walmart….you have my respect once again.
I use to use Wal-marts lay-a-way all year long. I am a low income person, and buying things all at once is not an option. I am not a babie kingjOn, I and some others just don’t have it as good as you. K-mart has gotten all of my business. I have purchased items for holidays, birthdays, electronics, applicances and other items all thru layaway. THANKS K-MART. Maybe Mr. Waltons greedy kids will think about the consumer and bring layaway back. it would be a great thing and a big help to struggling parents and Christmas morning or birthday morning some child would have the oufit, toy or bike of their dreams due to layaway.
I loved walmart layaway i would spend so much there when they did have it. if they care at all about their customers they would bring it back not just for Christmas but for good!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
YAY!! layaway makes Christmas at Walmart and anytime of the year so much easier on my life.I used to spend a whole lot more money during the holidays when they had it,and even all year round for me. LOVE IT!!! Thank You Walmart!
My husband recently passed away so Christmas is going to hard. I was really excited to find out Walmart had returned the layaway. but its only on toys and electronics. Well that’s a step in the right direction but it’s not going to help if you have older children. That needs or wants other things. My children are to old for toys and even with layaway I can not afford electronics. Just called Walmart they said, that is the only thing that you may place on layaway. The away I feel about it, that’s not helping everybody just a select few. I’m glad it’s help somebody but what about those who don,t need toys or electronics.
When Wal-mart did away with layaway, I stopped shopping there. I don’t plan to go back even if they offer layaway again.
The last time I was there in 2006, I asked why they did away with it, and their response to me was, “just apply for our credit card.” Yeah, right. Their response showed me they don’t really care about their shoppers; they just want to gouge them for all they’re worth. So, now, I don’t care about Wal-mart, and they no longer receive any of my business or my money.
I am glad that u r bring the layway back to Walmart I live with a fix income with three grandkids and four children to buy Christmas for it will help greatly this year
It helped poor people and people on fixed income be able to buy for Christmas. I always used the layaway for the holidays, but now I can’t afford to spend all the money that I would could I us layaway. I also bought school clothes and clothes for myself that way. I’m sure that alot of people are hurt because of it.
i love the layaway and now that there doing it this year am not going to kmart yea layaway 🙂
The whole reason why walmart stopped Layaway was b/c they hired a former target Big wig for their CEO. He abolished it and then quite… since walmart has done nothing but a downhill slide… employees complain, customers complain… so bringing it back might help improve many peoples holiday situations.
Walmart was good when they did the lay away, but K mart has my business for the toys and sears for everything else! Electronics gift for christmas will be on lay away on sears as always! They are great! Sorry Walmart you guys top greedy!
Anyone with a basic understanding of accounting principles will understand this. Under Walmart’s old layaway plan, items showed as “sold” when put into layaway, yet the items were not paid for in full… this shows as a liability on the balance sheet, and even in the best of economic times, no retailer wants to show this kind of liability.
For shoppers, think of this. With layaway (with this plan AND with the original layaway system) you only had 60 days to pay on your items and pick them up. With the Walmart credit card, total purchases of $250 or more are INTEREST-FREE FOR 6 MONTHS! Not only do you get to take your purchases home the same day, but you have 4 extra months to pay on it…
So from both a customer’s perspective, and a retailer’s perspective, layaway simply does not make sense.
I am VERY happy that Walmart is bring back layaway but I wish they would also allow you to put clothes in layaway as well. Layaway helps so many families. I am a low income family and my family can not purcuse everything at once. Letting families put most things in layaway all year around helps families in need. Not just for christmas but it woud be great for birthdays as well.