What Stores Have Layaway Programs?

Layaway programs offer consumers a method to secure items by making a series of payments over a period, without relying on credit cards. This approach allows a customer to reserve merchandise with an initial deposit, and the retailer holds the item until the full purchase price is paid. Layaway can be a helpful tool for budgeting larger purchases, as it enables consumers to acquire desired goods without incurring debt or interest charges. The process supports financial planning by breaking down a substantial cost into manageable installments.

Key Retailers with Layaway Programs

While traditional layaway has become less common, several national retailers continue to offer these programs, though availability can be seasonal or vary by location. Kmart and Sears maintain layaway options for a variety of products, including electronics, toys, and apparel. These retailers often provide both 8-week and 12-week plans, with minimum purchase requirements and associated service fees.

Burlington Stores offers a year-round layaway program, typically requiring a deposit of $10 or 20% of the purchase price, whichever is greater. Items are usually held for 30 days, with bi-weekly payments expected. Many jewelry stores also widely utilize layaway, allowing customers to pay for high-value items like engagement rings, watches, and other fine jewelry over several months.

Beyond these, other retailers such as Hallmark Gold Crown stores may offer layaway for specific items like collectibles, often with a 20% down payment and a 30-day payment period. Army & Air Force Exchange Service (AAFES) provides layaway for eligible purchases of $25 or more, allowing military shoppers to secure items like clothing, toys, and bikes. Some major retailers, like Walmart and Big Lots, have transitioned away from traditional layaway programs, instead offering “Buy Now, Pay Later” (BNPL) options through third-party services.

How Layaway Programs Work

A layaway plan generally follows a consistent pattern across retailers, beginning with an initial deposit to reserve the item. This upfront payment can range from a fixed amount, such as $10, to a percentage of the item’s total cost, often 10% to 25%. The store then sets aside the merchandise, and the customer makes regular installment payments over a predetermined period.

Payment schedules typically span from 30 days to several months, with some plans extending up to six months or even a year for higher-priced goods. Many layaway programs include a non-refundable service fee for initiating the plan, which can be a flat fee, such as $5 or $10, or a small percentage of the purchase. This fee covers administrative costs.

Customers must adhere to the payment schedule and complete the full payment by a specified pickup deadline. If a customer cancels a layaway plan or fails to make payments, policies vary, but often involve a cancellation fee deducted from the payments made. The remaining payments may be refunded as cash, store credit, or in some cases, partially or entirely forfeited.

Common Layaway Exclusions and Considerations

Layaway programs typically have specific exclusions regarding the types of items that can be reserved. Perishable goods, such as food items, are generally not eligible for layaway due to their limited shelf life. Similarly, certain clearance or deeply discounted merchandise may be excluded, as these items are often intended for immediate sale and rapid inventory turnover.

Services, gift cards, and items below a certain price threshold are also common exclusions. Many retailers impose a minimum purchase amount for layaway, ensuring the program is used for more substantial acquisitions. Some stores may also exclude seasonal items outside their peak selling period or specific departments like wall art, rugs, lamps, or furniture, depending on their inventory management.

Layaway policies differ significantly among retailers. Terms regarding eligible items, down payment amounts, payment intervals, and cancellation penalties can vary widely. Shoppers should review the specific terms and conditions with the retailer before entering into a layaway agreement.