Layaway, other changes irk Wal-Mart loyalists

[piemaker720]

http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/20481508/

But that ended last year when Wal-Mart eliminated the layaway program, leaving many customers seething about the change — and fretting about what to do this holiday season.
The move is especially jarring to some families because it has come amid other changes Wal-Mart has made, including cutting back on fabric departments and stocking more trendy clothes, as the discounting titan tries to appeal to a broader swath of shoppers, including more upscale consumers. Those changes, some longtime shoppers say, has made them feel like the store is less interested in catering to its traditional and loyal market of family shoppers on tight budgets.
Patricia Edwards, an analyst with investment firm Wentworth, Hauser and Violich who owns shares in Wal-Mart, remembers visiting a Wal-Mart on the day after Thanksgiving a couple years ago and being surprised to see that the longest line in the store was for the layaway department.
The system is still offered by rival Kmart, although most large retailers have long since gone exclusively to more modern payment forms including credit and debit cards, citing the cost and hassle of managing layaway programs.

I agree that stopping the layaway could lose shoppers business. I know this year when it came time to purchase school uniforms we went to Kmart so we could put them on layaway. We did not buy any from Wal-Mart. When you have more than one child it helps to be able to put things on layaway and pay it out.

[Texasbelle]

The people who need to use layaway could get the same effect by using a savings account!

[piemaker720]

Originally Posted by Texasbelle

The people who need to use layaway could get the same effect by using a savings account!

Not really, that's easy to say when you don't rely on layaways to help buy for more than a couple of kids.

[howela]

Mrs. howela used to Christmas shop everything on lay-away when our children were young. She could set aside $500 worth of gifts for $50 and shop early when the crowds were smaller and selection was best.
Now the kids are grown and gone and I don't get anything for Christmas.
♪♫ ♫♫ ♪♪ ♪♪ Oh I believe...♪ ♪♫ in yesterday...♪♫ ♫ ♫♪ ♪ ♪♪

[joepole]

It's also easy to say if you have even a basic understanding of how credit and banking works. Actually, you don't even have to do that, you just have to realize that Wal-Mart taking your money from you doesn't make you pay anything off faster, you're just as well off using a coffee can, they're not going to run out of school uniforms while you save up.

[Texasbelle]

Pie, What is the difference in you tucking away say $10 a week or $20 a week in a Joe suggested coffee can or a T'belle suggested savings account (that's the cost of the whole McDonald's meal you order by the way) AND placing something on layaway at WalMart? Nothing. At the bank you actually could make some money off of interest if you'd do this every week for 52 weeks of the year regardless of the need, school clothes or Christmas.

[rhertz]

Originally Posted by Texasbelle

The people who need to use layaway could get the same effect by using a savings account!

Tbelle, you are starting to sound just like joepole! hehehehe

[Texasbelle]

Originally Posted by rhertz

Tbelle, you are starting to sound just like joepole! hehehehe

I know you didn't.

:showthrow:

Rhertz, I was just trying to encourage a friend to do something different and you have to insult me. Hopefully, one of those shoes hit your backside!

[rhertz]

Originally Posted by Texasbelle

I know you didn't.

:showthrow:

Rhertz, I was just trying to encourage a friend to do something different and you have to insult me. Hopefully, one of those shoes hit your backside!

LOL, you are exactly right! I was trying to give you a compliment!

[Isaac-Saxxon]

I hope Wal Mart does not find out about your Micky D's banishment

[Texasbelle]

Originally Posted by rhertz

LOL, you are exactly right! I was trying to give you a compliment!

Good, that's what I was hoping for!!!!