Walmart Begins Christmas Layaway In Stores 9/16

Last week, I discussed my disdain for the Christmas Creep. But I also understand that for many families, planning for the holidays helps make budgets and finances go further, so preparing months in advance is of the essence. Layaway has always been a great option for parents to shop for items their families need because they make payments on items they may not be able to afford outright. This is what my parents did when I was younger, and it still comes in handy. This year, Walmart is introducing their Christmas Layaway option, which will begin in most of their stores on September 16. 2012.

After nixing their layaway completely a few years ago, Walmart brought it back for the holiday season last year. They are once again bringing it back this year, and even offering an earlier layaway date “starting on Sept. 14 for shoppers who like and sign up on their local Walmart store on Facebook“.

This gives a maximum amount of time for you to payoff the items you want your loved ones to have for Christmas.

Here are the terms:

A down payment of 10 percent or $10, whichever is greater, is required and is applied to the purchase.
Individual items must be priced $15 or more, and the total layaway purchase must be at least $50.
If the order is cancelled or not paid in full, the open fee is not refunded; however, no additional cancellation fee will be charged.

Walmart’s Christmas Layaway options has also been improved. Last year, you could only put toys and electronics in the layaway. Now that has been extended to more items “including small home appliances and select sporting goods such as basketball hoops, trampolines, and large exercise equipment. Also, a full refund of the layaway open fee ($15) given on a Walmart gift card for customers who make their final payment”.

According to Walmart, a few coveted items for the upcoming holiday season include: