Disclosure: This is a sponsored post. I am a Kmart blogger, though all opinions are my own.
Layaway was one of new terms I learned when I moved to the United States. The shopping experience in England was so VERY different to what I saw in the U.S. There were no malls and no big box stores. I would shop at department stores or chain stores only when I went in to the city near my home. Most of my family’s shopping was done at mom-and-pop stores. So you can imagine how amazed I was at the sheer variety of stores in the U.S. The new word Layaway soon became a part of my vocabulary.
Now that the Halloween decorations are put away and the candy almost gone, I can’t deny any longer that the holiday season is in full swing. I’m hearing holiday music as I drive carpool. The stores are already decked out with Christmas trees, decorations, and mistletoe. I’m not quite ready to decorate my home, but I am close!
Although like many of you I don’t start shopping, decorating, and celebrating until after Thanksgiving, there are a few holiday ‘musts’ that I start on sooner rather than later (we’re talking before Halloween). First, you can put your big (or small) items on Layaway. Since most Layaway contracts are eight weeks long, this is the ideal time to shop now and pay over time. I know that I don’t want my wallet to go into shock on November 29th! Do you still need convincing?
Here are a few “Layaway Lessons” from Kmart to keep in mind:
- The cat ate your Christmas tree. OK, so even if you don’t have a cat, but last year’s Christmas tree was on its last limb and this is the year you need a new one. On the other hand, maybe you just got a cat and the days of having a real tree are over. Either way, you need some new decorating digs. Pick up a pre-lit tree (because that’s the way to go), LED lights, wreaths, and village houses now, and pay them off in time for decking those halls!
- Your gift list has grown. Maybe you’ve found a new group of friends, entered into a new family, or you’re just feeling extra generous this year. Long gift lists call for Layaway. Fill that cart to the brim and roll it over to the Layaway counter. Your pals won’t know you paid their gifts off over time.
- Money is tight this year. It’s not just you; many of us are watching our spending. If you’re having trouble staying afloat while keeping those bills paid, Layaway is a must. Not only will you avoid “wallet shock,” you’ll keep your pre-holiday peace of mind.
Whether you have one or 100 items, you can Layaway almost everything on your list without paying a service fee through 11/23/13. Plus, you can pay in store, online, or using a mobile phone. Eight or 12 weeks later (depending on your contract) pick up your items and you’re good to go! Bonus: After you figure out how easy it is, you can Layaway all year round at Kmart.
