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 dont like the idea to where its just toys and electronics. Not every body wants toys. Im not to sure im glad that layaway is back im very dissapointed
So what is it is kmart doing more than walmart or what. I mean i can get my three kids toys but there more into justin beiber clothes now so what do i do? Wheres the best place top go and get clothes for my kids to where i can get clothes on layaway
I am a huge fan of layaway, but not how walmart is doing it. As for you Amy who are you to judge why someone uses layaway or that you have all the answers to budget problems, or in my case its a space issue…My boys are very curious and I use layaway so I don’t have to hide presents at my home I would much rather leave it at the store and make intermittent payments than to bring home for my children to find and ruin the magic of christmas, or that big birthday surprise. The extra effort of using layaway is one of the things that makes me a good mom, who can also budget her money!!!!!!!!!!!
I also do not like the idea of just toys and electronics. I love to buy lots of clothes for my grand children and I love the clothes that you have at Walmart and not at K-Mart. But if I have to I will put the clothing away at K-Mart and do the toys at Walmart! I do think you are wrong doing it this way! Please think about it and make the changes before Christmas! Santa doesn’t just bring toys! he helps out with clothing also!!! Please help us help out kids out! They can’t afford to buy all the clothing that is needed to raise a child or 2/ Things are hard enough now a days! PLEASE LET US PUT CLOTHING ON LAW-A-WAY!!!!
i am a wother of 5 my childrens are up in age where they are off into music @pc .i am glad that they have started the layways back but y they are deciding on what you get to put up,why didnt they add clothing
Amy, as long as the money isn’t coming out of your pocket dont worry about what someone else is doing with their money!!! Ppl use layaway for diff reasons and I use it because I freakin want to! It has nothing to do with me budgeting anything! I live in a 3100plus sq ft home and my husband and I make good money but choose to use layaway for our 4 chilldren, so we can keep our money in savings and pay our bills. You on the other hand probably dont have a pot to piss in!
I hate the fact that lay a way is just for toss and electronics I think its carazy I like more than just that I have kids as
this is a start for some people, but walmart should not limit the layaway to just toy and electronics, what about clothing and stuff. do they think kids donnt need this stuff. well i realy donnt care for the way wal mart is going. kmart is a great place to layaway you’re stuff. anything and everything is open to layaway even clearance stuff. walmart needs to care more about the customers and not the bottom dallor!!
So whose bright idea was it to just have electronics and toys only I think that sucks. I mean its just not right. My kids are grown out of toys, there more into other things now that they are older.
So whose bright idea was it to just have electronics and toys only I think that sucks. I mean its just not right. My kids are grown out of toys, there more into other things now that they are older. I mean come on ppl the money would be more if you would just use your heads.
You know i agree along with the football mom
Yeah, wal-mart layaway did sound good, but after reading this It does sound disappointing. You have toys of all prices and yet it has to be $15 or more? I understand the price of $50 or more for everything, but why not clothes or then at least make it clothes, or anything, $15 or more. I know K-mart is a bit pricier, I’ve checked, but I will probably go there and shop now, since they will let a person layaway anything. And their layaway sounds more doable with the plans they have.
I agree that it should be more than just toys and electronics. Before Walmart abolished their layaway program I used it to buy gifts as well as furnish my home. Its not always about “layaway” is for those who are poor its about those who are savvy and want to spread out affordable payments. Its no different than a credit card only with the credit card you pay high a** interest and pay double. I have since been a Kmart layaway patron and I open to the “full” return of Walmart layaway…ie clothing, home items, etc. Basically when the layaway program was abolished they basically said “eff the working class”. Its the working class that keeps Walmart afloat…
@Crissy you can do layaway at Marshalls and TJMAXX for clothes
also burlington too
I agree with the footballl mom. I like to put things on lay-a-way also so the kids can not peek at their gifts and ruin the surprise at christmas. I do think wal mart should not pick certain items to let you put on lay-a way and I am sure it will make a difference in how well the lay-a-way program works. I know alot of people that like lay-a -way for the same reason I do and most of them are into electronics, clothes and everyday items due to the economy right now most are buying what is needed and not so much that is not needed.
As a grandmother on a very set budget,the layaway is one of my only option to in sure that I can afford not only gifts for my grand children, but allow myself every day items( towels,sheets, ect.) that I want and need. I wish walmart reconsider its layaway plans. Not all customers can afford or wants to pay the rates on its credit cards.
I think it’s GREAT espeacially for the holidays and after!!!!!!
ummmm i dnt knw im just glad layaway is back mayb they will change it soon but not right now
I have to agree with the parents about not just being allowed to only lay away toys and electronics. A lot of people dont even have children that use layaway or they are grown and maybe they dont wont electronics. I am a grandmother of a n almost 4 year old but I like to buy for friends and family too. Come on Walmart, you know we love you and would rather shop with you and we do appreciate your bringing Layaway back, but having yo shop at several places just to lay away different things just aint right! We are your customers, WE HELP YOU<YOU HELP US!!!! THATS TEAM WORK AND WE ALL WIN!!!!!!!!!
I am so greatful that walmart has reconsidered the layaway i have five small children and Christmas is a struggle to get through. I have 3 childrens Birthdays in the holiday months end of Nov. one 4 days before x-mas, and 1, 2 days after x-mas. So now i can be a little more at ease knowing i can rely on layways. I just hope they will consider bringing back layways for good, with our economy and the unemployed some of us appreciate this.
I love the idea of layway coming back, but just on toys and electronics?? come on what about those who need clothes shoes, or household items?? not happy about this i can go to sears or kmart and do ten times more
Who cares what reason people use layaway. It’s a great thing! I have 5 kids and love the idea of making payments over time. As well as holding the gifts for me so I don’t have to hide them. I also dont have to go on black Friday or worry about if the gift item is still available. Just because someone doesn’t use layaway doesn’t mean that they are better than you in any way what so ever. If they think that then they are stupid “Amy”…
If it’s there why not use it. If it isn’t then everyone will deal with it and life will move on. I use all the latest technology and if it isn’t available I will survive. But I like starting my vehicle with a push of a button. If it didn’t have Who cares what reason people use layaway. It’s a great thing! I have 5 kids and love the idea of making payments over time. As well as holding the gifts for me so I don’t have to hide them. I also dont have to go on black Friday or worry about if the toy is still there. Just because someone doesn’t use layaway doesn’t mean that they are better than you in any way what so ever. If they think that then they are stupid that feature I’d do it myself. I have
plenty of money, no debt and my husband works & I stay at home with the kids. So Amy try again……
Well Amy, I am a single mother of a 16 year old who goes to private school, which I pay for. I work two job and in the midst of paying back student loans from college and graduate school. Using layaway is enabling me to get a jump start on paying what I can afford to give my son a nice Christmas and not have to wait till just before December 25th to rush out and pick stuff up when I have money saved. Maybe you are the minority not affected by the recession so you don’t need layaway, well hats off to you. If you can afford to take that judgemental high road, have at it but I will happily provide for my son in the manner best suited for my finances
I think it is a good idea, but was disappointed when I found out it was only on toys and electronics. My son is 14 and not into toys anymore, but they layway on the electronics will definately be a big help.
maybe if wal mart is in such dire need for money, as their reasoning for dissolving the layaway plan was that they were losing money they should sell all those cash registers that they DONT USE!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Thank you. Walmart for bring back layway.Amen.!!!!!!!!
For those of you that want to buy other things besides toys and electronics Sears offers Lay Away also.Good luck 🙂
I have to agree with comments that toys and electronics are only items allowed on layaway. Also, the $15.00 minimum per toy?? Seems like Walmart is dictating on what you can and can’t put on layaway. I too have grandchildren and would like to purchase clothes at Christmas for them as well. Seems like the layaway plan is not going to pan out, why not just go back to no layaway’s. If I need to layaway toy’s I’ll go to K-Mart, if I need to layaway clothes, I have several options, Sears, Ross and I believe Marshall’s. The clothes at these merchants and wonderful. Thanks but no thanks Walmart, I guess rumors about this company are indeed true……..
Lesley, it’s your choice to send your child to college and graduate school. He’s only 16, you have a long way to go. Stop padding yourself on the back, you are not the only one raising a child as a single parent. I raised three son’s on my own, worked full time without assistance from their father. I am glad the way they turned out. I didn’t have the choice of layawy but it would have helped, especially with clothes. All my purchases were paid in cash or credit card and worked just as hard. You don’t need to put other people down just because they have an opinion. Amy is entitled to her opinion, so back off.
i love walmart its fovort store im so glade they got layway this year quit bitching be happy i for walmart
well in a way iam glad its back, but the only toys and electronics is what worrys me, and the price of$15 , because if you have several younger children, they dont need expensive things. but maybe they will change their minds, who knows! but there is still good ol kmart where u can put anything and everything!!!!!
You need to put layaway back the way it was. Everybody don’t have a credit card or have the money to run out and buy things at one time. The poor people need this layaway plan back. I have to small grandkids and they want more than toys for Christmas.
Well I was happy to hear the layaway was coming back but Like everyone eles i need more clothes coats boots warm jammies so I will continue using kmart and fatten up there wallets
I think it s a damn shame, that only eletronics and toys are the only thing that can go in layaway at this big store. People would like more of a variety of what can be placed in layaway. Its easy for the big bosses to determine this, when they are living large off the consumers money, everyone id not fortunet to pay right out cash for everything. So if you have it in your heart for us small people try ot extend the decision of the layaway plan.
I like the fact that u guys brought back layway i have 2 kids and thats mainly what they want is toys and electronics. but i wish u guys would reconcider on other items cuz not everyone wants just those items.
I spoke a few weeks ago to an associate at Wal-Mart when I was picking up a site-to-store item. He verified that layaway would be just electronics and toys until after the first of the year, then layaway would go back to including everything at that time. He made it sound like layaway would be back permanently. However, it was an associate, not a spokesperson or manager, so we’ll see. I was very encouraged non the less.
I am a former walmart associate and a stockholder. I did not make enough money so I could purchase stuff despite having an employee discount. There are many people who do not have the luxury of being able to purchase things straight out of pocket and it is not fair to us who can’t.
While I am glad to see the layaway program returning, I do hope that Walmart understands that if you are going to continue your slogan that you help people “Save Money. Live Better.” then Layaway is an option in keeping with your said goal.
teenager dont want toys , so what are parnets to do when we have teenager, who are in to clothes. why should u be allowed to tell us what we can put on layway when its our money that you are getting.
Well I am a mother of 4 one boy and 3 girls, 17,15,7 and 2. the toys and electronics well help some. l still have to get 3 outfits for each new shoes and coats, not counting getting for my Hubby, mom, dad and my in laws, so with the gas so high and everything that going on I would love to be able to do all my shopping @ one place and will not be able to do that @ Walmart, Just thing they would help people if the did limit what u can put in i can so the 50$ min. But just don’t know if I will use them this year or not. I like wamart but have been shopping Kmart and sear only to use the layaway… Well check my kids list to Santa and then make up my mined if i can save by use 2 store on if not I will use Kmart.
I’M HAPPY THAT WALMART IS HAVING LAY-A-WAYS AGAIN BUT I’M A GRANDMOTHER OF 4 WHO DOESN’T BUY TOYS [thats up to santa] I BUY THEM CLOTHES…JACKETS…BOOTS…PJ’S ETC…..I’M ON A TINY BUDGET AND PUTTING THESE THINGS ON A LAY A WAY WOULD REALLY HELP ME AND OTHERS HAVE A GREAT CHRISTMAS….PLEASE THINK ABOUT IT…THANKS
With the economy we are experiencing these says we NEED to layaway clothing and more practical items …for our family of 5 Christmas is also a time to get things you NEED….PLEASE bring back REAL layaway…PLEASE :0)
I am glad they are bringing layway back, but I am not happy about the no layaway on black Friday. Some of us are one income families since the recession, and we need Black Friday to bring the prices to where we can afford them, but payday is not always before that day. It usually falls after. So layway on Black Friday gives us the low prices plus the ability to not need hundreds of $.
I was excited to hear that layaway was coming back but now that i know its only for toys and electronics that sucks. I would like to be able to put whatever i need or holidays gifts for my family, and their is more than just children to buy for..i think i will go to kmart instead
i am so happy walmart listened there custermers and the layaway back i am a widow lady with 22 grandchildren and i always used walmart for my christmas thank you very much for bringing it back your store is the cheapest place to purchse my items my name is doris a 77 yr old widow love walmart
Wal Mart came back with a Layway the Company can not make everybody Happpy. But I can say this many folks really do not know what Wal Mart Put up with all those Years. You have People put up these Big Large Layways and at the end they cacel there Layway and then we have to fright put all this items back on the counter. Well I think Wal Mart Should have opening Layway to everything and not just toys electrions. The fees they are asking for should have being put in place before and then people would think twice before putting up a Layway. If you are not Happy the way WalMart Layway are, please feel free shopper some were else.
Finally layaway is back! Okay now everybody let’s show Wal Mart that we want and need this by picking up all lay a ways so that they won’t have to be returned to the floors. This is how Walmart was loosing money and what lead to them stopping lay a way in the beginning.
Some people put clothes in layaway and then never picked them up, which the policy was to hold the stuff for 90 days… When Wlamart had to put the clothes back out on the racks they were out of season witch made them have to mark the clothes down to clearance therefore taking a loss.
If you put something in Lay Away then make sure you pay for it…
It is people who don’t complete the process that made Walmart do away with layaway…
It only takes a few people to screw it up for everyone!
I would love for walmart to bring back the Layway im on tight budget this will help us a whole lot.
I am a mother of 5, all but 1 are teenagers. NONE of them want toys. They electronics are a good idea, but what about clothing?? Im NOT a wealthy person and I dont have the privalige of charging things to a credit card.
My kids get new clothing twice a years (begining of school and Christmas). What am I suppose to do this year?? I can NOT afford all these other store prices, and K-Mart has ugly clothing, their clothes are not even fasionable. Like I said my kids are teens and they are NOT going to wear clothes from Kmart and I can NOT afford any of these high price retail stores. This is not fair to families in my position. I have a degree in nursing and Im out of work due to a back injury. My husband was laid off from his job after 6 years, and only recieves $145 a week in unemployment. We went from making $4,000 a month to making $580 a month. My kids have went from living in a beautiful home to living in a damn trailer.
Im NOT wanting a pity party here, but damnit, when do families like mine get a break??
I GUESS FOR THE FIRST TIME IN MY LIFE I WILL BE BEGGING MISSIONS AND ANGEL TREES TO HELP MY CHILDREN.
It’s getting cold here in NC and my children do not even have jackets. Shame on Wal-Mart, and shame on the Goverment for allowing our country to get so screwed up!!!
Sorry for all the venting, Im just stressed and depressed and worried about how not only am I going to provide my childen with gifts this year, but Im not sure that Im going to even be able to feed them!!!!!