I just read about Wal-Marts decision to end their layaway program on Fox News. For those of you who haven't heard about it yet here is the URL: http://www.foxnews.com/story/0,2933,213822,00.html
Personally I am upset that Wal-Mart will no longer offer layaway in the future. I have two questions: 1. Do you currently use layaway? 2. Do you think Wal-Marts decision to end their layaway program will affect their sales?
2006-09-18 15:52:28 · 17 answers · asked by Daniel 1 in Business & Finance ➔ Other - Business & Finance
Whether or not you personally like it, it's an excellent business decision and Wal-Mart's only goal in this world is to run a profitable business. Layaway is very expensive for a business to manage; you have to store the inventory for a long time before you get payment, you have to pay a CSR to take the small weekly payments, you have to pay an accounting rep to keep track of the balance due, and in the end the customers frequently change their minds, leaving the store with the goods and no sale. Plus Wal-Mart is desparately trying to upscale their image; their new store designs look a lot more like Target than their current K-mart style, and lay-away just doesn;t fit in with their new image.
I think this may have a short-term impact on Wal-Mart but in the long run it will make them more profitable. And while I personally do not care much for Wal-Mart and I go out of my way not to shop there, I think it is a very very good business decision.
2006-09-18 16:33:09 · answer #1 · answered by dcgirl 7 · 0⤊ 1⤋
Yes I use layaway. especially this time of year. I have 2 kids of my own, two god daughters and a few close nieces and nephews that I buy for at Christmas time and it gets expensive. It's easier to do a layaway and pay it off in 2 or 3 payments rather than have a credit card bill in the new year or get up off all that money at one time. And a lot of people have to do it like that. sales are going to suffer, especially during Christmas time...have you ever seen the layaway lines between Thanks giving and December 15th when the stuff has to be picked up. And it shows in the stock prices because they always go up a few days after that.
2006-09-21 16:58:45 · answer #2 · answered by prfadfels 3 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Why dont you just pay a little more and get quality stuff somewhere else. Walmart is cheap, but your getting cheap **** too. Why bother with a layaway for cheap stuff from indonesia? Youll end up paying interest and paying the same as if you bought the quality stuff in the first place. Oh yea you will, if yoiu had the money you would not need the layaway.
2006-09-23 17:11:36 · answer #3 · answered by Mr. Guy 2 · 0⤊ 2⤋
I think its awful. Like you said it was suppose to be easy & convenient for the customer. Our Wal-Mart store here is still doing layaways till after Christmas.
2016-03-27 08:23:15 · answer #4 · answered by Margaret 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I currently have something on lay away at walmart. That is how I got my flatscreen TV. It is not that you don't have the money sometimes you just want to get something else first then go back and pick up the other item, it is like putting it on hold. But I don't think it will affect their sales, the store is always full anytime of the day or night.
2006-09-18 16:02:47 · answer #5 · answered by country girl 2 · 1⤊ 0⤋
I do not use layaway. If I can't afford it...I don't need it. Save for the holidays in advance and shop for bargains. It won't hurt their sales. They are just too big to be worried about people that can't pay at the register when they want the merchandise.
2006-09-18 15:55:53 · answer #6 · answered by rcpaden 5 · 1⤊ 1⤋
coming from an x walmart employee, i do believe it will hurt their sales. lots of people depend on that layaway, especially around the holidays. that is how i always did my christmas. i'm sure they will do it they are doing lots of things that shouldnt be done. like the way they treat their empolees.enough said bye
2006-09-18 16:17:42 · answer #7 · answered by Anonymous · 2⤊ 0⤋
I DO USE LAY A WAY AT WALMART, ESPECIALLY AROUND BACK TO SCHOOL OR THE HOLIDAYS. AND I DO THINK THAT DISCONTINUING LAW A WAY IS GOING TO HURT THEIR BUSINESS ESPECIALLY DURING CHRISTMAS. SOME PEOPLE DO NOT HAVE THE FUNDS TO BUY CHRISTMAS GIFTS AND NOW SINCE THERE IS NO LAW A WAY, THERE IS NOT GOING TO BE A WAY FOR THEM TO GET THE GIFTS. I THINK WALMART IS GOING TO END UP LOSING MONEY IN THE LONG RUN OVER THIS DECISION.
2006-09-21 01:30:17 · answer #8 · answered by Anonymous · 2⤊ 0⤋
Yes I do use the laways especailly for christmas so that the young children will not see. I definately think that it will lower their sales dramatically especially around the holiday season. I doubt that they will ever go through with it though. I guess we will have to wait and see.
2006-09-18 15:55:37 · answer #9 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 0⤋
Well I wish they would continue it,because it does come in handy occasionally....But I definately don't think it will hurt their business...I love Wal-Mart!!!!!!
2006-09-18 16:01:24 · answer #10 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 0⤋