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.
Bring back layaway at walmart lesser income people cannaot afford to buy with cash out right besides its one of the wonders of the world which one I can’t tell you but its there somewhere
I think everyone should ignore the christmas layaway. If they can’t help us out all year long then why should we help fatten there pockets at christmas.
Walmart needs to do this for people who want to purchase stuff for their kids but can’t afford to do it all at once ,I have shopped at Kmart cause they do have the layway and people who need to do this will also shop elsewhere . Not everyone has money
I FILL WALMART SHOULD BRING BACK LAYAWAY,I KNOW THIS IS SOMETHING THAT MR.SAM WALTON WOULD WANT TO HAVE TO OFFER TO HIS CUSTOMERS.JUST SET DIFFERENT RULES SO IF A CUSTOMER CHOOSE TO RETURN THEIR LAYAWAY WALMART CAN KEEP A % OF WHAT WAS PAID ON THE LAYAWAY.WALMART ALWAYS SAID THEY ARE FOR THE PEOPLE,WELL PEOPLE NEED THEIR HELP,ESPECIALLY THE ONES THAT LOST JOBS,GET SOCIAL SECURITY.WE ALL NEED TO HELP WHERE WE CAN MAKE A DIFFERENCE
thank you walmart for returning to your lay away plan. I will be purchasing a tv and laptop computer.
The layaway should be extended not just for Christmas…
I agree, even though I was excited about Wal-Mart bring back layaway I’m not sure if I will give them my business. We were moving out and had to get key essentials, we used K-mart layaway because one we didn’t have the room to store it and two that way we could get everything we needed at one time and just pay for it until we moved. I would rather give my business to K-Mart/Sears/Electronic Express companies that haven’t turned their back on their customers during this bad economy.
This offer of layaway is ridiculous, I will make my layaway at Smart even though their prices are a little higher. The stipulation that toys must be $15 or more and it is limited to toys & electronics is unfair, my teenage daughter would like clothing, makeup, room decor etc., this won’t help me at all. Shame on you corporate Walmart you should we willing to help people all year, not just when it stand to increase your profit!
Im not sure of how you predicted that your layway was not being used. You must have polled the wealth or rich because the low and middle class used layway. WALMART CONTINUE TO KEEP THE LAYWAY PLAN IT REALLY HELPS WHEN YOUR NOT WANTING TO SPEND TONS OF MONEY FOR HOUSEHOLD ITEMS, GIFTS OR ETC……
I miss lay-away. It helped so much when it came to my daughters birthday which is close to Christmas, as well as Christmas itself. I’m a single mom on a fixed income and lay-away helps holidays even better for my daughter. It allows me to pay a little over time.
Now I can afford to buy my grandson his own computer & also purchase an IPAD for grandma thanks for bringing the layaway back Walmart!!
I agree 100% that Walmart bring back the layaway for the entire year not just for the Christmas. There are some of us that dont carry credit cards and with the lay away plans we can do it.
Is time that this big corporations that are supposed to be for the people start giving back to the customers.
Since the economy tanked for all of the world except Walmart, they should have a layaway plan for all items, all year long. You seem to make room for a dozen different types of a single item. You should make room to help the people who spend the little money they have at your stores. The world is a sad enough place to live in, just give a helping hand to us little poor people. I’m sure the founder of Wal-mart would be royally pissed if he knew about the loss of a helping hand with layaway to his loyal, paying customers.
I AGREE ALOT WITH THE PREVIOUS COMMENTS THAT WERE MADE.WE ARE IN A RECESSION NOW.ALOT OF PEOPLE ARE OUT OF JOBS WAITING ON UNEMPLOYMENT.SO ALOT OF PEOPLE DON’T HAVE MONEY TO BUY WHAT THEY NEED OR WANT ALL AT ONCE.SO IF THEY COULD BUY ITEMS IN INCREMENTS I THINK IT WOULD HELP OUT THEM AND ALSO WALMART.I DO APPRECIATE IT LAYAWAY BEING OFFERED FOR CHRISTMAS BECAUSE I HAVE MULTIPLE CHILDREN AND I CAN’T AFFORD TO BUY ITEMS ALL AT ONCE BUT WITH THE LAYAWAY PLAN IT IS A BIG PLUS.
people need to just be happy that its here for christmas and not complain about the rest of the year.It will be a big help for some of us that are not away able to make big purchases…
Waiting till October 15th is far too close to Christmas for struggling families. If Walmart does not offer layaway year round I will be staying with Kmart that does offer it year round. I know many families that feel the same way. Besides Kmarts clothes are much better than Walmarts
Walmart can keep their layaway plan you can not use it on black Friday back to kmart ha hand
So many people have a sole need for layaway and it should not be limited to just electronics and toys. The economy has hurt us all to a degree. I am happy to see layaway coming back. It should never have left in the first place. Hopefully before layaway starts clothing will also be allowed:).
I agree Why should we help increase Walmart sale during the holiday, when they can’t help us during the year. I would rather try my luck with what Kmart / Sear offers year round.
i greatly appricate lay away for walmart because i have 4 children and i diffently can not afford to do it at one time so thank you
It is great that walmart is bringing back layaway, but its ridiculous that they are only doing it for the christmas season. this should be done for all year long for people who dont have credit cards and cant afford to outright buy school clothes and more for their children. the economic times are hard right now and i know myself am struggling, just trying to finish up my childrens school shopping. I have four older children and as far as walmart taking layway away because of space and employment, thats bs. i worked at walmart for 2 years and i know sight to store takes up just as much space and just as much extra people to take care of it.and the person that said sam walton would not want this, they are right…sam walton is for the customers and he is probably turned over in his grave cause of this.
thanks for bring layaway back but you need to also have clothes br included kids like new clothes and shoes.
It would be great to have it year round but if they at least return it for Christmas it will help alot of people who cant purchase things for their families right out.
Thanks walmart now I can finally get a tv for my family for christmas and laptop for my 16 yr. son that he desperately need for school the rest of the year. Please bring layaway back period.
Walmart coming to their senses?! However slowly it may take them (Christmas time only) Surely they will see it in their best interest to make it permanent!!!
I’m a disabled lady and I would all year long buy stuff on Layaway For a lot of things I would need.I’m glad their bringing it back but I still don’t think they are thinking of what we need.It still would be hard for me to puchace items when you can only buy toys or electronics what about that family that could you some clothes or like me I do a lot of crafts and I can not pay $15 dollars for one toy for my grandkids I like to buy other things that might not cost $15 but maybe $5 Hey Wal-Mat come on think about us folks that got a little to go on BRING BACK YOUR LAYAWAY JUST LIKE IT WAS BEFORE
I shop at walmart all year long and then I put on a layaway at Kmart cuz Walmart doesn’t offer it anymore….so if walmart starts offering it again i will definitely use them for my christmas shopping =)
I think there should be lay way all year round. So then the customers like me can start shopping for christmas early. Cause I cant do it all at once.
Thank you Walmart For starting Layaway again. I have been shopping at K-mart because they have the layaway plan.
It’s not just the people that have lost there jobs and there homes and there credit or the people the are on a fixed income that need layaway. It’s the middle hard working class that need layaway these days and times.
We are the type of family that refuse to get caught up in the credit card games every again and because of this there may things we want to get but won’t buy if we don’t have the cash. Plan and simple we will do with out before using a credit card ever again.
With the layaway plan we will be able to get some of the things we need and want that other wise we would do with out.
YAY for layaway.
I think Walmart bringing the layaway program back is great!! Layaway seems to be working for other stores such as Sears and KMART. Walmart should consider following some of their guidelines, it’s been working for them.
In this day and time we NEED lay-away year round.
Bring back layaway all year period; end of story.
The big wigs up there at walmart need to know that people now don’t have the money to buy food much less a damn computer.A lot of people can just buy clothes for their kids for Christmas and they are lucky to do that!!!!!! WALMART NEEDS TO WAKE UP.WE ARE BROKE AND NEED A BREAK I GUESS I WILL BE GOING BACK TO K-MART FOR ALL MY NEEDS TILL WALMART WAKES UP AND CAN HELP OUT THE POOR PEOPLE WITH SOMETHING SO SIMPLE AS A LAYAWAY!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
I’m happy that walmart is bringing christmas layaway back for those that really feel that they need walmart to have a good Christmas. But lets think how did you make it the four years they didn’t offer it. I for one used kmart and Roses layaway and will be using them again this year. Why give walmart all my business this christmas and after christmas go back to kmart and roses layaways for school shopping, birthdays and household items that i may want. I will not give walmart the pleasure doing Christmas. Children need clothes not just toys and 15 dollars or more per item, get really. I have used kmart layaway online to purchase 2 46 flat screen tv’s and didn’t have to wait until christmas. People talk about standing together and let your voice be heard, well this is one of those times. Tell walmart to keep there christmas layaway or bring layaway back year around. Thanks Kmart and Roses for making life a little bit easier.
toys and electronics is not all people want to use layaway for.. what about clothes, shoes, etc.. people can’t afford those things either..
I am a disabled mom of two tenage children. My thoughts on the lay-away should be year round. My daughter is into clothes and girly things like make-up, and my son is into electronics and hunting.So i can’t afford to buy these things all at once. PLEASE BRING BACK THE YEAR ROUND LAY-AWAY!!!!!!:)
FYI Sears has lay a way too!
Why are you guys thanking Wal-Mart! Have ya read that it’s only for the Christmas holiday and I agree with comment that they are trying to make there pockets fatter. I will be at K-mart even though I do like Wal-Mart
Please bring back layaway all year around!
I agree with Valerie. I am in the same boat I have 4 children an one income. PLEASE HAVE ALL YEAR AROUND.
walmart will lose out clothes should be a part of the layaway. if the store wants to make a rule that nothing can be taken out till layaway is paid.people nedd jobs so start hiring for the christmas season,does walmart want k-mart and others to get the peoples money.
walmart should never have stopped their layaway program. They stopped right in the middle of a struggling economy. I am so glad Kmart didn’t turn their backs on the public. I am one the many working under employed and I have a teenager. I almost have to use layaway for clothing to electronics to shoes to housewares. Tech and toys won’t help me much at all. I think I will stick to Kmart for all my shopping this holiday season.
It shouldnt matter if there is layaway or not. Instead of paying on a layaway a little at a time, take that money and put it away in an envelope or bank account or something. Then when you have the money to purchase your big item, go buy it. Shame on you people for making Walmart teach you how to budget your money. Its not as if you’re saving any money by using lay away. People should have a little more discipline. If you can’t save your money to buy it, then you probably dont need it anyway.
I THINK THAT PEOPLE SHOULD GO ELESWHERE TO GET CHRISTMAS ,WAL-MART IS SAID TO BE A FRIENDLY PLACE, …I DONT THINK SO, WHEN PEOPLE ARE BEING LAID OFF AND THEY ARE DOING GOOD TO PUT FOOD ON THIER KIDS TABLE AND NOW THIS STORE WANTS TO TAKE CHRISTMAS AWAY FROM KIDS , I HAVE 13 GRAND KIDS AND 6 GREAT GRAND KIDS ,WE BUY CLOTHES FOR THEM WHAT THEIR PARENTS CANT AND TOYS, NOT 15 DOLLAR KIND EITHER, WE DONT HAVE THE MONEY LIKE WAL MART OWNERS DO, SO WE DO THE BEST WE CAN,I HOPE OTHERWILL DO LIKE WE WILL DO, GO TO OTHER PLACES TO MAKE SURE OUR KIDS AND GRAND KIDS AND GREAT GRAND KIDS, HAVE THE BEST CHRISTMAS EVER
I like shopping at walmart and I do shop at walmart. But since walmart stopped layaway I don’t shop there as much. I now do most of my shopping at Sears and Kmart and use layaway most of the time. I shop at walmart for groceries but other house hold purchases and electronics and toys and clothing I don’t do at walmart because they don’t have layaway. If walmart bring back layaway I would swich because I really like walmart and there prices are great. Until then I will continue to do 95% of my shopping at Sears and Kmart.
Why do we shop at Walmart anymore? There are never enough OPEN lanes for checkout, dispite the fact that there are ALWAYS lots of people checking out. Ever need assistance? Forget about it. And if you are lucky enough to find someone they are not knowledgeable enough to help, OR they act like they don’t want to. The last straw for me was when they discontinued the layaway. Who is this so called majority who never used layaway? WAKE UP PEOPLE. How many times must you get slapped before you fight back? Spend your money where they appreciate you. That place is not walmart. When a company has a monopoly they do what they want to do. Walmart prays on the poor with it’s “FALLING” prices and cheap merchandise. Oh, by the way, cheap merchandise that americans are not even given the opportunity to make because they pay other country’s poor people pennies and hour to make. Open your eyes and then open your wallets and give your cash to stores that may be smaller but are more loyal their customers.
This is showing that WalMart is trying to work with people and help them, IT IS A CHOICE TO USE THIS PLAN WITH THE LAYAWAYS..SOME OF YOU ACT LIKE IT IS A BAD THING..it is a CHOICE!!
I will be using it as I know that there are some things I can not pay for at one time..
I miss using walmart layaway ,it was the only way Ihad to go to get things Iwanted, without rushing to pay for it. but now Igo there see things I need unable to do a layaway,is upseting. So please bring back the layaway we all miss.
why just at Chritsmas time? Our country has fell on hard times MANY have a finiacial hardship and can use layaway ALL year round.
I think to state that layaway is just for “low income people” is ignorant and rude. Layaway is also established for intelligent people that pay there bills and would like to BUDGET! I think this is awesome news. I would advise people to only put things on lay away that you know will be gone on black friday and something your child really want. Kmart also offers layaway with no rules nor stipulations on the cost of each toy the nerve of you GREEDY WALMART!!!! NON-AMERICAN STORE..