Walmart Launches Free Layaway, Ditches Fees To Save Customers Cash

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ORLANDO, Aug. 21, 2013 /PRNewswire/ -- In front of 6,000 Walmart associates at Walmart's annual holiday meeting Wednesday, chief merchandising and marketing officer Duncan Mac Naughton introduced free layaway with no opening fee. Beginning Sept. 13 through Dec. 13, layaway will kick off the retailer's official start to the holiday season.

(Photo:  http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20130821/DA67142)

"Times are tough and it's not easy for many Americans – they are watching every penny," said Mac Naughton. "All year long, but especially during the holidays, our customers need a low price leader. This year, we are committed to doing everything we did last year to help Americans save money – plus more. More savings, more layaway items and our commitment that they can give their families a great Christmas on a budget."

Walmart's free layaway means no opening fees, no gift-card reimbursements, just free. Eligible layaway items include electronics, toys, jewelry, small appliances and select sporting goods. And new in 2013 are infant toys and automotive electronics such as speakers and stereos.

Walmart Facebook fans will enjoy a two-day head start this year with access to layaway on Sept. 11 and 12.

Walmart's layaway will once again help customers purchase the newest electronics from the brands they know and love like Apple, Google, Samsung, Sony and more. A few of the top electronics the retailer expects to be popular layaway gifts include: 

• Tablets such as the iPad, iPad Mini, Samsung Galaxy and Google Nexus
• Smartphones like the iPhone 5 or Samsung Galaxy 3 (prepaid only)
• PlayStation 4 and Xbox One consoles and new releases
• Big screen (60"+) smart TVs

Walmart also expects toys to be popular for layaway, including:  

• Furby Boom
• Barbie Dream House
• Big Hugs Elmo
• Zoomer, a robotic dog
• Bikes and ride-on vehicles
• Children's tablets and learning toys such as LeapFrog

Using layaway at Walmart is simple. Customers can start a layaway account in any Walmart Supercenter or Walmart store (not including Neighborhood Markets) by visiting the Walmart.com Services Desk. Once a layaway account is opened, customers can make payments at any register in that store between Sept. 13 and Dec. 13, 2013. Walmart will also send payment reminders and status updates to customers via email.

In addition, for added convenience in purchasing select large items, including ride-on vehicles, basketball goals and trampolines, Walmart is introducing new "tear pad" slips that customers can bring to the Walmart.com Services Desk – alleviating the need to carry select bulky items to the counter.

Here's how Walmart's 2013 layaway stacks up to previous years:

Layaway customers can also take advantage of Walmart's Ad Match Guarantee. That means Walmart will match the price of any local competitor's printed ad for an identical item at the Walmart.com Services Desk. This includes layaway items throughout the holiday season.

For more information, visit: www.walmart.com/layaway.

*Editor's Note: Cancellation fees do not apply in Ohio, Maryland, Rhode Island, and the District of Columbia.  

About Walmart 

Wal-Mart Stores, Inc. (NYSE: WMT) helps people around the world save money and live better – anytime and anywhere – in retail stores, online and through their mobile devices. Each week, more than 245 million customers and members visit our more than 10,800 stores under 69 banners in 27 countries and e-commerce websites in 10 countries. With fiscal year 2013 sales of approximately $466 billion, Walmart employs more than 2.2 million associates worldwide. Walmart continues to be a leader in sustainability, corporate philanthropy and employment opportunity. Additional information about Walmart can be found by visiting corporate.walmart.com, on Facebook at facebook.com/walmart and on Twitter at twitter.com/walmartnewsroom. Online merchandise sales are available at www.walmart.com and www.samsclub.com.

SOURCE Walmart