Layaway purchases, spelled /ˈleɪəweɪ ˈpɜːrtʃəzɪz/, are a method of payment where a customer can reserve an item at a store by making a deposit and then paying for it over time. The word "layaway" is spelled with the diphthong /eɪ/ followed by a schwa sound /ə/ and the final syllable is pronounced with stress on the first syllable and a short /ɪ/ sound. "Purchases" is spelled with a short /ɜː/ sound followed by a /tʃ/ sound and a voiced /ɪz/ ending.
Layaway purchases refer to a retail practice wherein customers can make a purchase by paying a certain percentage of the total price upfront, with the remaining balance paid off over a specified period of time before they can take possession of the item. Commonly known as layaway plans or layby in some regions, this arrangement enables customers to secure a product while still spreading out the cost of the purchase.
The layaway process typically involves a contract between the customer and the retailer, outlining the agreed terms and conditions for the purchase. The initial payment, often referred to as a down payment or deposit, is paid at the time of initiating the layaway, usually a percentage of the total purchase price. The customer then continues to make periodic payments, either on a weekly or monthly basis, until the full amount is paid off.
Layaway purchases are often used by individuals who may not have the immediate means to pay for an item in full, but have a strong desire to acquire it. This method provides an alternative to traditional credit-based purchases, allowing individuals to avoid accumulating debt and interest charges. Upon completion of the payment schedule, the customer becomes eligible to receive the item.
Layaway purchases offer benefits to both customers and retailers. Customers can secure an item at a specific price even if it may be in limited supply or high demand. Meanwhile, retailers can generate sales and build customer loyalty by offering flexible payment options.
The word "layaway" originated in the United States around the early 1900s. It is a compound word combining "lay" and "away".
The term "lay" in this context means "to put or place", and "away" means to "in reserve or for future use". When combined, "layaway" refers to the act of setting aside an item for future purchase, where the customer pays for it over time until fully paid and ready to be taken.
The practice of layaway purchases became popular during the Great Depression when people had limited funds and sought a way to make purchases gradually without risking the item being sold to someone else. It was a way for individuals to secure items they desired but could not afford to pay for outright.
Over time, the term "layaway purchases" became widely used to describe this specific method of deferred payment in the retail industry.