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Shoppers taking advantage of layaway
Christy Hutchings | wtoctv.com | Thursday, Oct 23, 2008
SAVANNAH, GA (WTOC) - It's one of those things that use to be available at almost every store, layaway. People could pay a little bit at a time until it was theirs. But folks stopped using it as much, so businesses decided just to get rid of it all together.
People were charging more then, but that's not the case now and businesses who still offer layaway may have an advantage this holiday season.
"This is going to help some of the people who have high debt from credit on their charge cards," said assistant manager of K-Mart Eddie Mitchell, "They'll decide not to put $200 or $300 on it and this way they'll get their item for Christmas and help eliminate some of those high interest charges they'll have on their credit cards."
Mitchell says this year the number of people using layaway has significantly grown and folks are shopping earlier than they did last year, like Melissa Lovett. "I'm not putting Christmas on a credit card this year," said Lovett.
Instead she is planning ahead.
"This year I'm just making it part of the monthly plan. Pay a little every week so I don't have to deal with that. Once Christmas is over, it's over," said Lovett. "Everything is so iffy I don't want to take chances with things anymore. So I'm trying to be careful and make sure I have a good plan for Christmas."
Patrice Johnson feels the same way, get the shopping done early and paid off. "Debt free," said Johnson.
Debt free and going into to 2009 knowing they have one less thing to have to worry about.
Last year, K-Mart brought in $3 million for their layaway purchases.
Locally, K-Mart says they expect to do anywhere from $20,000 to $30,000 in layaway items this holiday season.
Link to story.
