Wal-Mart brings back layaway for holiday shoppers

1. 81

   Stacie Lposted 13 years ago

   Kmart has done this and few other stores..it's a sign of the times..
   Walmart is losing customers and they need to help customers nay way they can..
   I think it's a positive step.
   
   The world's largest retailer, which ditched the pay-as-you-go plans in 2006, is rolling out a holiday layaway plan from Oct. 17 through Dec. 16. Wal-Mart is following rivals that brought back the service during the thick of the recession.
   
   Wal-Mart's layaway option comes at a time when its mostly low-income shoppers are being squeezed by high unemployment and rising costs. Wal-Mart is trying to reverse nine straight quarters of revenue declines at its namesake U.S. stores open at least a year ---- a key measure of a retailer's health.
   http://finance.yahoo.com/news/WalMart-b … 9.html?x=0

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2. 67

   goldenpathposted 13 years ago

   All I know is that they are still building.  They've recently broke ground on a super center literally right across the street from my home.  In a town of 7,000 it could cause problems with other retailers as it has in many other communities.  Competing with the size of Walmart is almost a futile effort for the smaller businesses.

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   1. 81

      Stacie Lposted 13 years agoin reply to this

      i 'm surprised to hear that since recent reports show Walmart opening many small stores in neighborhoods..
      sorry to hear that

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3. 67

   goldenpathposted 13 years ago

   They've opened a supercenter  about 40 miles away a couple years ago.  Within a few months a decades established grocery retailer closed along with a few other stores.  In larger cities there are opportunities to compete.  However, it is very difficult in the smaller towns.  This is especially difficult when one considers that part of Walmart's business plan is to have a supercenter every 60 or so miles apart.
   
   Don't get me wrong.  I have nothing against Walmart or the free market system.  I'm just saying it's increasingly difficult for the smaller retailers to compete especially when the big boys are merging all the time.

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4. 69

   Dawn Conklinposted 13 years ago

   That's cool that they brought layaway back but our Walmart is horrible.  It is never as crowded as it used to be because they just lack in way too many things.  They are building a super Walmart next door to our current Walmart and hopefully things will be better there.

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5. 75

   Mighty Momposted 13 years ago

   Not a fan of Walmart itself, but I do like the lay-away idea.
   It's a nice alternative to post-holiday credit card hangover.
   That's how my parents' generation paid for things.
   
   Just imagine if more retailers did that -- they'd probably make more sales because people could afford to buy more because they'd be paying less in interest to their credit card companies .

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6. 61

   slafferyposted 13 years ago

   Glad to hear it. This would help lots of people out. People like myself usually have to wait till the last minute to shop due to finances then usually end up not doing much at all.  This will make walmart lots of money as it entices people like me to start early.

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7. 83

   habeeposted 13 years ago

   That's a good thing!

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8. 74

   Kangaroo_Jaseposted 13 years ago

   They would never think of doing away with it in Australia - Lay-Buy, or Lay-Away as you call it in the States, is almost a shopping institution here in Australia.

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9. 75

   prektjr.dcposted 13 years ago

   Layaway was the only way I was able to afford Christmas presents during my children's younger years.  I was disappointed to have it take away!!  The opportunity to purchase more expensive items and pay out the balance makes it nice!

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