Wal-Mart Brings Back Christmas Layaway Earlier, Adds Perks

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Wal-Mart (NYSE:WMT) is bringing back its Christmas layaway program and this year it will start earlier. The program will be available nationwide September 16 through December 14.

“Last year, millions of Americans relied on layaway at Walmart to provide a great Christmas for their families,” Chief Merchandising and Marketing Officer Duncan Mac Naughton said in a press release. “Because of their feedback, we’re offering the service again this year and making it better than ever.”

Wal-Mart also is offering a special deal for Facebook (NASDAQ:FB) users. Beginning August 28, customers who complete a sign-up form on their local Walmart Facebook page will be able to start their layaway two days earlier.

The company said it also has worked with major brands to ensure the holiday season’s top electronics and toys are available in time for its mid-September layaway launch. A few of those items include:

  • Apple‘s (NASDAQ:AAPL) iPad.
  • FURBY from Hasbro (NASDAQ:HAS).
  • Ultrabook Laptop from Hewlett-Packard (NYSE:HPQ).
  • Vizio Smart, 3D HDTVs
  • LEGO City The Mine

Not everything Wal-Mart sells is eligible for layaway, but this year the chain has expanded its list of eligible categories, including small home appliances and select sporting goods such as basketball goals, trampolines and large exercise equipment. The company says customers can also use layaway for a broad selection of electronics, toys and jewelry.

Wal-Mart will charge customers a $15 fee to open a layaway account, but that fee will be returned to customers who make a final payment. The big-box retailer has also eliminated the $10 cancellation fee that it charged customers last year.

Since layaway open fees and refunds may vary by state, consumers with questions are encouraged to visit www.walmart.com/Layaway.


Article printed from InvestorPlace Media, https://investorplace.com/2012/08/wal-mart-brings-back-christmas-layaway-earlier-adds-perks/.

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