Walmart to start layaway earlier this year

HTT Staff -- Home Textiles Today, 8/28/2012 12:24:20 PM

Bentonville, Ark. - Walmart is bringing back its Christmas layaway program, only this year with extended dates that will provide shoppers with a 90-day window.

The holiday layaway program will run nationwide from Sept. 16 through Dec. 14.

The 2011 program lasted 60 days.

A down payment of 10% 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. Customers who make their final payment will receive a $15 Walmart gift card as compensation for the $15 layaway fee charged by the retailer.

If the order is cancelled or not paid in full, the open fee is not refunded; however, no additional cancellation fee will be charged.

"Last year, millions of Americans relied on layaway at Walmart to provide a great Christmas for their families. Because of their feedback, we're offering the service again this year and making it better than ever," said Duncan Mac Naughton, chief merchandising and marketing officer, Walmart U.S.