I love this board,I just called my local walmart in west virginia and they have started there layaways already.I going to see what i can find.:)

Thanks I may need to do this too I just wish they would let you put clearance on layaway. If I get a job I may not be able to have Black Friday off. So I will need other options.

Moving to Deal Discussion forum.

They have started Christmas layaway already? Wow, that is EARLY.

Cool...Hey, I'm in WV, where are you??

I live in poca,where are you?

Our doesnt allow anything new after October 1st... I would love to use it to do one of those using them to hide present number...but not likely.

Our doesnt allow anything new after October 1st... I would love to use it to do one of those using them to hide present number...but not likely.

So then they don't allow LAW's for Black Friday??? Odd. Walmart was the first place I hit last year, and I was able to get to LAW and get things paid for and out the door in 15 minutes after the shopping frenzy started. NO LINES!!

So then they don't allow LAW's for Black Friday??? Odd. Walmart was the first place I hit last year, and I was able to get to LAW and get things paid for and out the door in 15 minutes after the shopping frenzy started. NO LINES!!

In my experience, different Walmarts have different rules. If you're concerned with something it's best to call your local stores and find out their specifics.

In my experience, different Walmarts have different rules. If you're concerned with something it's best to call your local stores and find out their specifics.

My local store does do LAW on Black Friday. I have no concern on that. Just stating my opinion/concern for the previous poster. Thanks! :)

A few years back, Walmart tried to deny me picking up layaway on BF... they said, "we aren't doing that today." Needless to say, my wife raised hell and told their manager that they had no sign posted saying that... and he made them get our layaway. :tongue1:

No LAW for Bf...poopies if you ask me! I would love to use them for hiding...I did it at another walmart and they "lost" my stuff. So I lost confidence anyway. Not a huge deal, We've come up with a solution to hiding. Hubby made a false ceiling in our bedroom walkin closet. Since its a old farm house, that room used to be a bathroom, he told the boys thats where we put our winter clothes and vice versa for summer. They believe it and dont bother messing with it...

A few years back, Walmart tried to deny me picking up layaway on BF... they said, "we aren't doing that today." Needless to say, my wife raised hell and told their manager that they had no sign posted saying that... and he made them get our layaway. :tongue1:
wow. I think I would of raised some hoopla with them too!!

they allow LAW here at the walmart...the line is sooo long that I dont try to LAW....lol

My walmart lets you put clearnce on layaway I love it I put a cinderella car on laway for my daughter it was the last one marked doen to 40.00 from 180.00. I also had put some jeans and school supplies on laway earlier and when I picked them up the:cheesy: :cheesy: jeans had been marked down to 3.00 a pair.

I try to avoid LAW at Walmart on BF, the line is usually winding through half the store!

both my meijers and walmart have added signs this summer about prices stay at what they are when you place them into layway. They dont adjust. And you cant just have the item it has to be "restocked" I noticed it and wondered how many people arent going to look/notice until to late this year

I saw one person on here had their stuff lost. I have never used layaway since a friend of mine had all their daughter's Christmas presents on layaway, then went to pick them up a couple days before Christmas and everything was gone. By then they were sold out of some of the toys they had purchased and didn't know what to get her. I've become too paranoid to take that chance... I felt so bad for them.

I live in poca,where are you?

Princeton

What is the benefit of this? If you got the clearance price on stuff, I see ... but otherwise isn't it better to invest the $$ and then buy the item when you've saved up enuff?

both my meijers and walmart have added signs this summer about prices stay at what they are when you place them into layway. They dont adjust. And you cant just have the item it has to be "restocked" I noticed it and wondered how many people arent going to look/notice until to late this year

I hope ours still is doing price adjustments!! They just started being automated at evry payment and every pick-up about 6 months ago so I wouldn't think they would turn around and take them away.

Nobody puts LAW's on at Kmart here because they charge a $5 FEE for LAW's!! You don't get it back even if you make your payments and pick it up, it doesn't go towards you LAW it is just their money! Isn't that stupid?

Jen

Just tried to do a layaway at Wally World...they advised not doing them yet...but that didn't stop me, I layed away and then when it is time for me to pick it up all I have to do is go in cancel it and re-layaway all the stuff....easy as that.....by that time, Christmas layaways will be full effect!! :-)

Just wanted to let you all know that I heard that Wal-Mart is not doing layaways for Christmas this year. I called my local store and this is what they said. I called another local Wal-Mart and they said a meeting was going on and that they would know on Monday if they would be doing layaway this year for Christmas or not. I searched online and found several forums where employees have been posting about this and a couple complaints. Just wanted to give a heads up.

That will bite if WM doesn't do LAW'S for Christmas. So far our's says that they will be doing it, but that doesn't mean they won't change it later on.

Just wanted to let you all know that I heard that Wal-Mart is not doing layaways for Christmas this year. I called my local store and this is what they said. I called another local Wal-Mart and they said a meeting was going on and that they would know on Monday if they would be doing layaway this year for Christmas or not. I searched online and found several forums where employees have been posting about this and a couple complaints. Just wanted to give a heads up.

I don't do LAWs, but I heard the same thing.

Just wanted to let you all know that I heard that Wal-Mart is not doing layaways for Christmas this year. I called my local store and this is what they said. I called another local Wal-Mart and they said a meeting was going on and that they would know on Monday if they would be doing layaway this year for Christmas or not. I searched online and found several forums where employees have been posting about this and a couple complaints. Just wanted to give a heads up.


WOW! I feel that if they don't do Christmas layaways, their sales could potentially be down as a result of that....the only place that I know of, at leat in my area, is KMart that does layaways from Christmas....that could increase some of KMart sales. HMMMM interesting to see how this plays out.

Wow! I can't believe hey would even consider not doing them! I wonder what the rational is?

I don't know if any of your WM's are 24 hours, but ours is open all night TG and in the early morning hours of BF. If there are things that are located at stores over 30m away (like TRU and KB Toy), I go in to WM about 3 am and get everything put into a cart with the ads I want to PM and then I go get into the LAW line. I have been the first one in line for the last three years so at 5 am when LAW begins I am done with everything from all the other stores and I can get down to serious business.
The only downside is that I have to go back through WM if there is anything there since they have all the BF specials locked up with cellophane wrap until right before the doors are "offically" opened.
But this works great and I am usually back to hitting the other stores by 5:30 am since WM hasn't had too much that I wanted for the last few years.

I don't know if any of you have worked retail or not. Layaway at walmart was one of the biggest pains there by far.
#1, no store is designed to have enough room to hold all the crap
#2, renting trailers to hold the stuff is expensive
#3, finding the stuff in trailers is not fun especially when it's cold and snowing
#4, it really sucks to get bitched at when an item is lost, it's going to happen with the amount of items that get shoved back there
#5, all the electronic items have to stay inside where there isn't enough room

Personally I think they'd be a whole lot better off closing in the wall of layaway and using the space for storage. Sure it's a nice thing to have but what a pain it is. I really think it would be in walmarts best interest to charge $5 to use it too.

I understand what you are saying there... but still I think that they would lose A LOT of business but getting rid of the LAW program especially at Christmas time. Some people just can't afford to purchase all at once and it is much easier for them to make payments. My parents used LAW at walmart for xmas a lot when I was little.

But I do see both sides. I'm interested to see what they decide on.

Hell all,

Just my 2 cents but....

My cousin works for the local wm as a mgr. She said they are fazing out LAW b/c they want ppl to sign up for the walmart cc. With cc, they will offer alot of buy now pay later deals.

My walmart does not start LAW until this week the 15th. So some of you guys are lucky with early LAWs.

Melinda

I was just in WM last weekend, and I thought of this thread, so I asked the Customer Service Manager about LAW - and she said that they were going to be having a big meeting about it - but if any decision is made, it won't take affect until NEXT BF/Christmas time. I will be disappointed if they do away with it (but I understand the economics behind the decision). I am not interested in a CC with a buy it now, pay for it later deal - just asking for trouble (IMHO).

I am not interested in a CC with a buy it now, pay for it later deal - just asking for trouble (IMHO).

I totally agree, no wants to go in debt for christmas presents.

i heard the same thing...ww not doing l.a.w is mobile alabama

I am in Jackson, Michigan and I asked about our Christmas layaway and they said that we are still having it and that each store "does their own thing."

I e-mailed corporate to ask but they have not responded yet if they do I'll post it here.

this year won't be an issue, but I have taken advantage of the LAW in the past to "hide" presents. This year, I have an attic(that the kid's aren't allowed into) and my car trunk. It would suck for a lot of people if they couldn't do layaway. I'm going to have to check at mine about this.

I been watching the news & it came on that Walmart is getting rid of there layaway. It was also reported that tomorrow is the last day to put things on layaway. I am not sure if that part is true or things changed cause I been reading different reports that stores have different dates for this. Most I been reading is it will end after X-Mas this year. So I would check your local Walmart to be sure.

NOOOOO! I need layaway. It's the way I am able to but certain items that would cost too much to ship if I were to order online!! Kmart still does ayaway correct? I hate Kmart though. ::igh::

From what I understand, not only is WalMart doing away with Layaway, they are also getting rid of selling fabric also.

I just had my local news on & they are reporting tomorrow is the last day to put stuff on layaway.

My town no longer has a KMart. However I have read reports there getting rid of there layway too.

There are gonna be many peeved people come this BF.

I just asked my local WM's Customer Service Manager - and she said that any decision to do away with LAW would not affect this Christmas - so I wonder if she's right or if things have changed again... :confused:

I just had my local news on & they are reporting tomorrow is the last day to put stuff on layaway.

My town no longer has a KMart. However I have read reports there getting rid of there layway too.

There are gonna be many peeved people come this BF.

Peachy why r they stopping so early? This is crazy. :no:

I also heard on the news this morning that tomorrow would be the last day to put anything on LAW and that it would be totally phased out by this (yes this) Christmas.

Kmart charges a fee for layaways. Walmart doesn't. I hope they do not get rid of layaways at Walmart. I like having that option available for back to school shopping, Christmas, etc.

I also heard on the news this morning that tomorrow would be the last day to put anything on LAW and that it would be totally phased out by this (yes this) Christmas.

Wow, I am going have to call my WAM to make sure. I called last wk and they told me, 15th was the first day they are starting.

I'm trying to find some kind of news article about it but I can't seem to find one.

They are reporting all law must be out by Dec.8th. I dont know. That just ruined my day. Saying in the new stores they are not even building the law dept. Well, if the credit card is what they are wanting I guess this is the way they will get interest. Like they aren't getting enough money??? Now what will I do? I count on that on BF and for hiding my items. Now I will have to start saving even more money than planned for Christmas. Such a Sad Day for me, how about others?

Just called our local store and was told Nov 19th was the last day to put things in and all have to be out Dec. 8th. After that there will no longer have this dept. :( :( :(

This was just put up on the Wichita-Eagle (Wichita, KS newspaper) website:

Wal-Mart to end layaways
Wal-Mart Stores Inc. will end layaway service this year due to falling demand and rising costs, scrapping a tradition started when Sam Walton founded the chain in 1962 catering to cash-strapped rural shoppers in northwest Arkansas.

Wal-Mart said today it will stop accepting layway items Nov. 19 with a pickup deadline of mid-December. In its layaway program, customers make a down payment to hold an item and then generally had up to 60 days to pay it off, with a shorter deadline in the peak Christmas season.

Layway is used mainly by people at the lowest end of the income scale, who don't have credit cards and may not qualify for credit, analysts say.

The move comes as Wal-Mart is changing on many fronts, from adding upscale fashions to targeting new urban customers, in a bid to revive growth rates that have fallen behind smaller rivals such as Target Corp.

"Demand for layaway service has declined steadily as consumers turn to current options including online shopping, shopping cards and no-cost credit alternatives that were not available when the company was started," said Pat Curran, executive vice president of Wal-Mart store operations.

Analysts said most retailers have already dropped layaway service as it is expensive and cumbersome. Merchandise can be tied up for months and employees have to keep track of a steady trickle of payments.


--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
:mad:

They need to stop talking to the analyst and talk to the ppl. I can not afford to buy expensive things at a drop of a hat. WM needs to keep the LAW. grrrrrrr:gdparanoid:

I recieved this e-mail from Wal-mart today.

Thank you for your message.

Thank you for your inquiry concerning our Layaway Department. Today's consumers have several payment plan options that were not available when layaway programs were first created. Because of declining use and increasing costs, Wal-Mart will phase out layaway service this year as the company joins most other retailers who phased out layaway years ago. To assist our customers, we are offering one last opportunity to use layaway service this Christmas season. Customers will have until November 19th to place items in layaway.

Thank you,
Wal-Mart Customer Service

Well so much for our new computer for Christmas:(
This really stinks...it is the best way for lower income people
to be able to buy higher priced items, not to mention the best
hiding place there can be. Arghhhhhhh!!!!!!!

from what i hear, after this year walmart will do away with the l.a.w department all together. I keep see this on other sites.


Look here:

http://www.retailworker.com/node/26526?page=4

I'm trying to find some kind of news article about it but I can't seem to find one.

Here's another link to it on the MSN Money Site (http://news.moneycentral.msn.com/provider/providerarticle.asp?Feed=AP&Date=20060914&ID=6022388).

Sign the petition!
http://www.petitiononline.com/layaways/petition.html

Just at Parma, OH WM. LAW last day is NOv19 out by DEC 8

The Walmart I go to here in VA has started there Christmas Layaways . I just made one over the weekend but it wasn't Christmas stuff but it has to be out by December 6 because my last name falls between A-J

I haven't asked at my local WM but I also think it sucks, I have no storage space and that is how I always did the kids christmas shopping. Like others have mentioned, I can't afford to buy the hot items that are high priced all at one time and then by the time I would save up the money I might not be able to get the items. So I guess I'll be doing it at Kmart this year, I also don't like our Kmart too much because they never seem to have what I want in stock!

I recieved this e-mail from Wal-mart today.

Thank you for your message.

Thank you for your inquiry concerning our Layaway Department. Today's consumers have several payment plan options that were not available when layaway programs were first created. Because of declining use and increasing costs, Wal-Mart will phase out layaway service this year as the company joins most other retailers who phased out layaway years ago. To assist our customers, we are offering one last opportunity to use layaway service this Christmas season. Customers will have until November 19th to place items in layaway.

Thank you,
Wal-Mart Customer Service

I am glad that you got a response, I am still waiting. I think everyone that is going to miss layaway at walmart (although it probably wont change their decision) should email them and let them know. At least they will understand why Black Friday sales are going to be down this year. I will NOT use a credit card to shop at walmart or anywhere else. I personally wouldn't have minded them charging a fee to use the layaway plan if it was all about money. $5 for a layaway or something would be way cheaper than what people are gonna pay for using credit.

I was really upset to hear this, also. I have always used layaway for Christmas presents because it not only gave me a way to hide gifts (I have like-zero storage room), but it also was so much cheaper than paying the interest on my credit card.
I don't think this will close Wal-mart down or anything, but it will sure make a lot of customers mad. Does Target do layaway? I heard that Wal-mart was trying to appeal to a "higher class" clientele with some of their new marketing plans. Maybe this is their way of weeding out some of the poor people!

This is awful. If they are trying to get people to use their credit card, what about all the people who can't get a credit card for some reason or the other? They are just out of luck. For some of them LAW may be the only way that they are able to get presents for their families.

I'm one of those people who don't have credit cards and always have used Walmart layaway at Christmas. I like shopping in September and putting the stuff on layaway that way I know I have the things I really wanted and don't have to shop around to find them and it's easier to pay it off over 2-3 months then paying for all of it from one or two paychecks.

I called my local Walmart (Lewisville, Texas) and they are taking Christmas layaways this year, you can't put anything on layaway after November 19 (no BF stuff) and it has to be out by December 8th - which is a week earlier than usual.

Hmm stupid idea, simple solution for me now. Walmart no layaway, Target no layaway.............................I'll just shop at Target now, I see no reason to go to Walmart now, I only shopped there because they had the layaway option.

I am beginning to hate walmart. They ran our Kmart out of business and jacked up the prices on everything and now this?? And have you checked yourself out yet? Oh the joys!:gdparanoid:
I will be going somewhere else definitely, unless they are giving stuff away!

Just called our local store and was told Nov 19th was the last day to put things in and all have to be out Dec. 8th. After that there will no longer have this dept. :( :( :(

This is the same thing my Walmart said. I just put items on last week.

I am beginning to hate walmart. They ran our Kmart out of business and jacked up the prices on everything and now this?? And have you checked yourself out yet? Oh the joys!:gdparanoid:
I will be going somewhere else definitely, unless they are giving stuff away!

:yup: Same thing here! Now that they are the only option in our town, they have jacked their prices up and are seriously sucking more and more all of the time. The nearest Target is about 45 minutes away compared to the mile and a half down the road to WalMart. I miss our Kmart!!!:(

Walmart didn't run your kmart out of business, they simply did not change and keep up with the times. Sorry but I'm tired of hearing that.

The only good reason to keep LAW is not having room to store the stuff. There is no reason you couldn't put your money in a cookie jar at home.

Walmart didn't run your kmart out of business, they simply did not change and keep up with the times. Sorry but I'm tired of hearing that.

The only good reason to keep LAW is not having room to store the stuff. There is no reason you couldn't put your money in a cookie jar at home.

Just because you can put your money in a cookie jar at home doesn't mean that the items you want by the time you save up the right amount of money will be there for you to get or at the same price it was at a previous time.

Today I called another Walmart in my area and they told me they were doing layaway. It will completely end January 1st. ALL items must be put in layaway by November 19th and taken out by December 15th (or somewhere around there). So that means no BF layaway, but regular items are good. Its odd as my other Walmart is stopping layaway Novemeber 1st for good. Maybe a manager decision? So call yours to find out when.

I think they are making a mistake taking out the layaway program. It will hurt them in the long run. K mart I think went out getting rid of the blue light because they wanted to appeal to higher class people and now Walmart is doing things to disregard the poor people. Do they not realize that the poor people are who got them where they are today

from what i have read on another sire.. there will be no more layway at all at walmart.. they are going to get rideof it all toghter.... and this bites big time i have 4 childern and use laya way all the time...

black fri we use it the most it gives us three extra weeks to hide and pay for there x mas

This is the same thing my Walmart said. I just put items on last week.

Yep, samething my walmart said. So, I am going to go put a few things on layaway myself. I've got to have a new pc, so that will be one thing on layaway...lol.

Same thing here in Grand blanc, Michigan! I've never used it...lines to long. however my mom faithfully uses it every year (correction used it every year).

I really do not see this hurting walmart at all. It will increase profits and everyone who says they will no longer shop there, etc. never keeps their word, trust me on that.

The costs of running layaway are far higher than the profit made from the stuff put on layaway.

Just because you can put your money in a cookie jar at home doesn't mean that the items you want by the time you save up the right amount of money will be there for you to get or at the same price it was at a previous time.

Amen to that!!;) :yelclap: Especially having kids! If you don't get it when it is 1st put out, you are SOL!!

And my Kmart did remodel, they did everything they could, but how can you compete with 22 cent bread for crying out loud among other things. If you lived in this poor coal region town you would see what I mean. And as soon as the stores were gone, the prices went way up!! They took their full time employs to part time and just hired more part time people to fill the gaps. Our layaway woman has been there for 9 years and do you think they even offered her a place somewhere else in the store??? NO!! She had to find one and apply, nice American company. I am done venting now!!

From what I understand, not only is WalMart doing away with Layaway, they are also getting rid of selling fabric also.


I never see anyone in the fabric section of our WalMart. I mean I'm sure some people do get fabric there but I've never seen anyone in that section. I've even said to DH I wonder why no one is ever back there, it's always empty. We do go in there to get silk flowers for Holiday decorations I make for the Humane Societys Bingo. Wonder if they're doing away with all of that too.

from what i have read on another sire.. there will be no more layway at all at walmart.. they are going to get rideof it all toghter.... and this bites big time i have 4 childern and use laya way all the time...

black fri we use it the most it gives us three extra weeks to hide and pay for there x mas


I'll have to check with our local stores to see what they say. I don't use it as much as I use to, but it would bite if they did away with it. When we were growing up my parents used it probably every year. My brother had a really bad habit of peeking. And when my oldest was younger we used it especially during the leaner years. It really helped to be able to pay a little at a time.

Heard rumors about the fabric being gone as well. I know in large towns it is probably a waste of space for them but i have yet to go in to have fabric cut and NOT been 4 deep in line with the front person wanting 1/2 a yard of 30 different bolts!GRR lol

Do you think they will use the layaway area to store BF items...like the bigger items tvs, pcs, etc?

I have checked my Walmarts here in Nevada and a few in Ca, Az, and Ky and they have all told me that they are closeing down their lawaway program for good, trying to get people to get their store credit card ( ok they didnt say their store credit card they said "other 0% finance options" ) they also told me that the last day to put anything on LAW was Nov19th ( before BF ) and you had to have everything picked up by Dec 8th because as of Dec 9th LAW was closed permenatly... When I went to my walmart they only had 2 tiny signs in the back saying it and had already painted over the lawaway sign on the wall..
So all I can say is they better have extra good deals this year if they want to keep all their christmas shoppers

I really do not see this hurting walmart at all. It will increase profits and everyone who says they will no longer shop there, etc. never keeps their word, trust me on that.

The costs of running layaway are far higher than the profit made from the stuff put on layaway.

I fully agree with you Walmart will probally not be hurt by this because you are right it costs WAY to much to store the stuff and alot of people dont pick up their layaway they just cancel it and get their cash if they found it somewhere else cheaper ( I am guilty of this :blush: ) and walmart makes it way to easy to grab that extra gift you forgot about on your way home with a gallon of milk, so yes we will say we wont shop there but we will, it just wont be my main shop like last year. Last year I went to 5 stores with walmart being number 1 were I spent well over 1000 ( on layaway ) but this year I will be looking at the other stores deals way more closely.

I'll miss the layaway also. It's not that I don't have the money in the cookie jar,so to speak, but I do like the convenience of being able to buy something and store it at the store. I have nosey kids. :lmao: But I guess they get it honestly. :sidesplit

I have noticed that my local Walmart is really pushing their credit card. There are signs everywhere in the store.

I also heard today that Target will start layaway. My Target is 30 miles away though. :(

Hopefully something will work out for the people who depend on layaway. I've been there, I know how it is.

I never see anyone in the fabric section of our WalMart. I mean I'm sure some people do get fabric there but I've never seen anyone in that section. I've even said to DH I wonder why no one is ever back there, it's always empty. We do go in there to get silk flowers for Holiday decorations I make for the Humane Societys Bingo. Wonder if they're doing away with all of that too.

I see people in the fabric section all the time. Mostly older people, and members of a religious order that live nearby(all their clothes are handsewn). I myself have bought a few fabric pieces, mostly remnants for various projects.

I love this board,I just called my local walmart in west virginia and they have started there layaways already.I going to see what i can find.:)

My wife works for Wal-Mart and this is the last year they do any layaways. They don't have the room in the store to keep all the stuff.

[QUOTE=amdskip;537845]I really do not see this hurting walmart at all. It will increase profits and everyone who says they will no longer shop there, etc. never keeps their word, trust me on that.QUOTE]

I will be one of the people who do keep my word and not shop there. I live around tons of store (i am very lucky that way) so i have alot of other options. I have already started to shop more at Target since there clearence's are unbelieveable! I know they are not going to hurt since I wont be shopping there but to me its the principle. I will feel better knowing that my money will go elsewhere.

I called 1-800-walmart this week and yes, they confirmed the fact that they are d/c lay away. Of course, I voiced my concerns. The fact that I live in an economically depressed area and there are no other options for some ppl in my area. I personally did not use LAW often, but what about the ppl who got Wal-Mart where they are today! I told them this sends the wrong message to ppl..but they wont give a hoot! Frustrating!!

Just wanted to let you all know that I heard that Wal-Mart is not doing layaways for Christmas this year. I called my local store and this is what they said. I called another local Wal-Mart and they said a meeting was going on and that they would know on Monday if they would be doing layaway this year for Christmas or not. I searched online and found several forums where employees have been posting about this and a couple complaints. Just wanted to give a heads up.

We have 2 Wal-Mart's here in our area and they will stop doing LAW by the end of Sept. The last day to have your LAW out is Nov. 17th. We were told they are losing too much $ with LAW. I use it quite often around Christmas and back to school shopping.

Enjoy Christmas layaway this year.....there won't be anymore layaways for Walmart next year.

I will miss the lawaway:( ,and i am affended about them saying that mainly low income people used it:mad: ,my hubby makes good money i just like to put things into layaway.I thought it was odd the wm 5 miles from me has not started there layaway yet but the one 20 miles from me started in aug,I guess the remaining kmarts will be next to get rid of layaway,what are people going to do that depend on there layaways?

I doubt Kmart will get rid of their layaway, they see that as a way of getting some more business since walmart is getting rid of theirs.

BENTONVILLE, Ark. (Sept. 14, 2006) – Wal-Mart Stores, Inc. said today that, because of declining use and increasing costs, the company will phase out its layaway program as it expands other financing options. Customers will have until November 19 to place items in layaway for this Christmas season and merchandise must be picked up by December 8.

“Demand for layaway service has declined steadily as consumers turn to other options, such as online shopping, gift cards and no-cost credit alternatives,” said Pat Curran, executive vice president, store operations, Wal-Mart Stores Division. “To assist our customers, we are offering one last opportunity to use layaway service this Christmas season.”

At the same time, Wal-Mart is working to offer customers new payment options. The company already has zero interest offers for 6 and 12 months for current Wal-Mart cardholders. For the first time, customers who apply for a new Discover or Wal-Mart Credit Card will receive $20 cash back when they apply at the register and purchase at least $100 on their card the same day.


Wal-Mart Stores, Inc. operates Wal-Mart Stores, Supercenters, Neighborhood Markets and SAM’S CLUB locations in the United States. Internationally, the company operates in Argentina, Brazil, Canada, China, Germany, Japan, Mexico, Puerto Rico, South Korea and the United Kingdom. The company’s securities are listed on the New York and Pacific stock exchanges under the symbol WMT. More information about Wal-Mart can be found by visiting www.walmartfacts.com. Online merchandise sales are available at www.walmart.com

BENTONVILLE, Ark. (Sept. 14, 2006) – Wal-Mart Stores, Inc. said today that, because of declining use and increasing costs, the company will phase out its layaway program as it expands other financing options. Customers will have until November 19 to place items in layaway for this Christmas season and merchandise must be picked up by December 8.

“Demand for layaway service has declined steadily as consumers turn to other options, such as online shopping, gift cards and no-cost credit alternatives,” said Pat Curran, executive vice president, store operations, Wal-Mart Stores Division. “To assist our customers, we are offering one last opportunity to use layaway service this Christmas season.”

At the same time, Wal-Mart is working to offer customers new payment options. The company already has zero interest offers for 6 and 12 months for current Wal-Mart cardholders. For the first time, customers who apply for a new Discover or Wal-Mart Credit Card will receive $20 cash back when they apply at the register and purchase at least $100 on their card the same day.


Wal-Mart Stores, Inc. operates Wal-Mart Stores, Supercenters, Neighborhood Markets and SAM’S CLUB locations in the United States. Internationally, the company operates in Argentina, Brazil, Canada, China, Germany, Japan, Mexico, Puerto Rico, South Korea and the United Kingdom. The company’s securities are listed on the New York and Pacific stock exchanges under the symbol WMT. More information about Wal-Mart can be found by visiting www.walmartfacts.com. Online merchandise sales are available at www.walmart.com

Maybe the poll in this forum on layway will shed some light on the thoughts from the client of this move by Wal Mart.

State your opinion input into the poll, maybe we will be heard .

http://forums.gottadeal.com/showthread.php?t=48763

Link inserted -Aaron

In my experience, different Walmarts have different rules. If you're concerned with something it's best to call your local stores and find out their specifics.

I called my Walmart and asked for the manager. They said that across the board that NO WALMART WILL ALLOW Black Friday Layaways. Layaways will be close for christmas before thanksgiving. That was something that was handed down from the top and all Walmarts have to comply. He also said there will be blitz items just like every other BF.
Tina

** IMPORTANT RESPONSE FROM WAL-MART STORES REGARDING LAYAWAY**

It's really important to everyone here at GottaDeal that our friends can get the information they need and deserve. I wrote out to Wal-Mart stores a few hours ago trying to get a response from the company confirming this. The e-mail just asked a simple question, requesting a simple answer.

From: Aaron M. Myers
To: Walmart.com Help <help@<hidden>>
Date: Sep 24, 2006 8:33 PM
Subject: A Wal-Mart Store
I was wondering if someone from the Layaway Department could help me and answering some un-answered questions. The Layaway Department of Wal-Mart stores helps many of our members get through the holiday season.

The Customer Support department was prompt in getting back with me regarding this issue, and they made this statement regarding the Layaway Department!

From: Walmart.com Help <help@<hidden>>
To: Aaron M. Myers
Date: Sep 24, 2006 8:33 PM
Subject: Re: A Wal-Mart Store

Dear Aaron M. Myers,

Today's consumers have several payment plan options that were not available when layaway programs were first created. Because of declining use and increasing costs, Wal-Mart will phase out layaway service this year as the company joins most other retailers who phased out layaway years ago. To assist our customers, we are offering one last opportunity to use layaway service this Christmas season. Customers will have until November 19 to place items in layaway.

Thank you for visiting walmart.com. We appreciate the opportunity to serve you and look forward to your next visit.

If we may be of further assistance, please email us at help@<hidden>, or call us at 1-800-966-6546. We're here to serve you from 7:00 AM EST to 2:00 AM EST, 7 days a week!

Sincerely,

Lodel
Customer Service at walmart.com

The Layaway Department at Wal-Mart will be phased out after the Christmas season. Everyone will be able to put items in Layaway at your local Wal-Mart store until November 19th, 2006. After November 19th, 2006 you will not be able to place any new items into layaway. As you might of noticed, this is just a few days before Black Friday 2006.

So, please - if you need Layaway to make sure your family will enjoy Christmas as they should, please visit Wal-Mart today and put the items you need on layaway!

Thanks Aaron, it sounds like I have an option for a little while anyway, I wish they would re consider though.

Mary

Wish they would reconsider, but doubtful.

** UPDATE REGARDING LAYAWAY DEPARTMENT **

I receieved another e-mail from a real "person and not just a automated reply-type message, below are a few points that need to be highlighted:

Customers will have until November 19th to place items in layaway and merchandise must be picked up by December 8th.


Wal-Mart wants to offer it's customers the same great service that it did with it's Layaway Department..

Wal-Mart is also working to offer customers new payment options. We already have zero interest offers for 6 and 12 months for current Wal-Mart cardholders. And for the first time, customers who apply for a new Discover or Wal-Mart Credit Card will receive $20 cash back when they apply at the register and purchase at least $100 on their card the same day.

Aaron sorry I couldn't reply to your PM it says I haven't posted enough to used PM's but it looks like you got your answer. You can still use layaway through the holidays just as long as you have it in by nov 19th and out by dec 8. No blitz items can be put in layaway as it will be past the 19th... any more question let me know- i will do my best to answer them.

From what I understand, not only is WalMart doing away with Layaway, they are also getting rid of selling fabric also.

Nooooo, dont let it be true! :no: That is the only place for fabric in my town, I have to drive 40 minutes to a fabric store.

This was just put up on the Wichita-Eagle (Wichita, KS newspaper) website:

Wal-Mart to end layaways
Wal-Mart Stores Inc. will end layaway service this year due to falling demand and rising costs, scrapping a tradition started when Sam Walton founded the chain in 1962 catering to cash-strapped rural shoppers in northwest Arkansas.

Wal-Mart said today it will stop accepting layway items Nov. 19 with a pickup deadline of mid-December. In its layaway program, customers make a down payment to hold an item and then generally had up to 60 days to pay it off, with a shorter deadline in the peak Christmas season.

Layway is used mainly by people at the lowest end of the income scale, who don't have credit cards and may not qualify for credit, analysts say.

The move comes as Wal-Mart is changing on many fronts, from adding upscale fashions to targeting new urban customers, in a bid to revive growth rates that have fallen behind smaller rivals such as Target Corp.

"Demand for layaway service has declined steadily as consumers turn to current options including online shopping, shopping cards and no-cost credit alternatives that were not available when the company was started," said Pat Curran, executive vice president of Wal-Mart store operations.

Analysts said most retailers have already dropped layaway service as it is expensive and cumbersome. Merchandise can be tied up for months and employees have to keep track of a steady trickle of payments.


--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
:mad:


I have noticed those supposed upscale fashions lately at my local WM. Pretty much looks like the same clothing they just jacked up the prices. I am used to hitting the womens dept and finding a nice blouse for under 20$ and just noticed that a lot of stuff was almost 40$. Noticed the same thing for my daughters jeans. I used to pay 20$ and now they are $40 :no:

Nooooo, dont let it be true! :no: That is the only place for fabric in my town, I have to drive 40 minutes to a fabric store.

Our walmart (one of the newest models out there) still has fabric..just not a whole corner like usual, its only one aisle...still able to get fabric..selection might not be as good..but still have them..for as time and how long...depends i guess...but thats anything in that store anymore...

Our walmart (one of the newest models out there) still has fabric..just not a whole corner like usual, its only one aisle...still able to get fabric..selection might not be as good..but still have them..for as time and how long...depends i guess...but thats anything in that store anymore...


My WalMart was recently shut down for several days a couple of months ago due to arson. The entire stock the store had to be replaced due to the smoke damage. But after they reopened, the fabric department was still the same size.

Aaron sorry I couldn't reply to your PM it says I haven't posted enough to used PM's but it looks like you got your answer. You can still use layaway through the holidays just as long as you have it in by nov 19th and out by dec 8. No blitz items can be put in layaway as it will be past the 19th... any more question let me know- i will do my best to answer them.

I put some stuff on layaway this morning at Walmart (what's funny is I never used it before) and spoke with the cashier concerning price adjustments on the items. She explained that if the item goes on sale while it is on layaway, the price will automatically be adjusted when I pick the items up.

Once the ads start getting posted, if there is an item that you want at another store or at Walmart but don't want to worry about missing out on it then go to Walmart and put it on layaway. I put some toys on layaway that are new this year and I'm hopeful that they will be on sale somewhere on BF so I can pick the layaway up and price match. I'm not sure if I can do this or not, but at least I will have the items for Xmas.

I am an assistant manager at walmart and i haven't heard anything about getting rid of fabric. Sounds like one of the hundreds of rumors floating around.

My Walmart still has the fabric department. Its huge actually. Wonder if they will eventually get rid of it though. Shame if they do

I certainly hope they don't get rid of the fabric department. It's the only place near me I can afford to buy fabric at. The nearest JoAnn's is almost an hour away, and the only other place here is way too high. What I pay 3.96-4.96 a yd. for at WM is 9.00-12.00 a yd. at the other place.

I agree on the fabric :O I don't even want to think about them getting rid of it. I will have to drive another 15 -20 miles to buy fabric anyplace else. Grrrr. I really hope that this is just a rumor.

OK I went to my loacl Wal-mart, and here is what is posted on the doors.
Due to the decline of customers using the LAW program, Wal-mart will be doing away with the department.

However.......
You WILL be able to do LAW this year , EXCEPT any itmes you wish to LAW must be placed on LAW by NOVEMBER 19th ...and picked up by DECEMBER 8th. Not much time frame there...and no you won't be able to put BF items on LAW!
it stinks, but oh well!!

I'm not sure I understand what other financing options they could possibly have other than the credit card? Alot of people do not qualify for the wal-mart credit card, even some of their own employees.

I'm not sure I understand what other financing options they could possibly have other than the credit card? Alot of people do not qualify for the wal-mart credit card, even some of their own employees.


They might relax the requirements some for getting credit cards... or offer a card with a very low limit to start.

We don't do layaway at Wally World. to much hassle. Its not me doing the bitching Have a great day at Wally World. good day

Walmart is getting rid of layaway because too many people abuse it. The only other big chain with it these days is K-mart I do believe? However at kmart the price the item is when you put it on layaway is the price you pay. Some people leave things on layaway at walmart so when it goes on clearance they can pay the cheaper price and be assured to still get it. Also they have the walmart credit card now which is basically the same accept you get your item and can't just cancel it half a year later. Sucks for people who didn't abuse it, however you know how it goes. Some people just ruin it for everyone ;)

Every Walmart Is Getting Rid Of Layaway Reason Being They Are Not Making Enough Profit I Live In Pa And Front Page Today In Newspaper Walmart Hit With Multi Million Doller Lawsuit Was Granted For Not Paying Employees For Breaks Nd Making Them Work..... I Used To Love Walmart Shopped There Daily Loved Black Friday Went I Always Put More On Layaway Than I Would Typiclly Spend Then Pick It Up In Dec Before Christmas Many Parents Have More Than 1 Child And Do This Instead Of Spending 200.00 Bucks On A Ride On Toy I Will Shop Elsewhere Kmart Still Has Layaway You Can Even Put Clearence On Layaway Walmart Call A) Either Cut Back Hours In Layaway Who Makes A Layaway At Midnight? Or Only Do It Say 5 Out Of 7 Days They Could Save $$$ That Way They Say Call 1-800-walmart And Complain My Guess Is After Their Black Friday Sales Flop Layaway Will Return But I Don't Know If I Will After All Black Friday Is The Biggest Shopping Day Of The Year Right?

Threads merged.

Cool...Hey, I'm in WV, where are you??
I live in WV too!!! Where are you?

My local store does do LAW on Black Friday. I have no concern on that. Just stating my opinion/concern for the previous poster. Thanks! :)
None of the Wal-marts are going to be BF Layaways this year. They are quitting the week before!:mad:

I don't know if any of you have worked retail or not. Layaway at walmart was one of the biggest pains there by far.
#1, no store is designed to have enough room to hold all the crap
#2, renting trailers to hold the stuff is expensive
#3, finding the stuff in trailers is not fun especially when it's cold and snowing
#4, it really sucks to get bitched at when an item is lost, it's going to happen with the amount of items that get shoved back there
#5, all the electronic items have to stay inside where there isn't enough room

Personally I think they'd be a whole lot better off closing in the wall of layaway and using the space for storage. Sure it's a nice thing to have but what a pain it is. I really think it would be in walmarts best interest to charge $5 to use it too.
I agree whole heartedly..I work at Walmart in Layaway! I have been back there for 7 years. As to #5 every year we have run out of room inside to store the electronics and they get put outside in the trailers. It really sucks when the trailers leak and the stuff inside gets wet and ruined and there is no more to replace it.

I have a some things on layaway at walmart due to pick up onDEc.5th like everyone else around here:yup: .Do I need to pick up my layaway on BF to get the sale of my items, or will it price adjust like it normally would? :confused:

I guess it would price adjust normally depending on what's in layaway and what's on sale that day.

Are you asking thinking that you may have some stuff in layaway that could be Blitz items? If so, I believe the Blitz items come in with differant codes.

Try asking in this forum.
http://forums.gottadeal.com/forumdisplay.php?f=37 There seems to be alot of Walmart employees there discussing stuff. They may be able to let you know for sure. :)

I dont think it would make a difference. Are they still doing price adjustments

Id double check - the layaway at my walmart said no putting on and no picking up layaways that day!

Most of the stuff that Wal-Mart sells of BF are "One-time only" or "Special Item" offers, not stuff that they sell everyday.

And if they change the price on an item (like a R:)llback) it would be a permanent change, not just for a few days.

Our local walmart had a sign up that layaway was going to be ending right before Thanksgiving, and then would be starting back up again ( I"m blanking on the date) but that it wouldn't be available for black friday. I"m bummed about that.

I would take my ads to the layaway department during the blitz hours to have the items adjusted. I have done that in the past. My Walmart will only adjust blitz or pm's from other stores during the exact hours of the sales. That way, you still get the BF price without having to take out the layaway with all that madness going on.:cheesy:

Layaways can be made in our wal-mart anyway til November 19th after that day no more layways and they must be picked up by like December 9th??? There will be no layaways on Black Friday. Have no idea how they will handle any adjustments to prices I will ask tomorrow at work.

2 years ago I put about $300 worth of stuff on layaway - mostly toys. We were going away right before Christmas so I went to pick it up the day before our flight. I waited about an hour and they couldn't locate it. The manager asked if it would be a problem to come back for it in a few hours. I went back and they still couldn't find it. The manager told me that if I wanted, he would copy the receipt and have an employee pull everything for me to be ready when I returned - OR - I could take the time that day, gather everything myself and he would give it all to me at no charge!!!!! Needless to say, I fould everything except 1 game!!!!!! My husband was like - why didn't you put more stuff on layaway!?!?! Had I known I was getting it all for free, I would have!!!

2 years ago I put about $300 worth of stuff on layaway - mostly toys. We were going away right before Christmas so I went to pick it up the day before our flight. I waited about an hour and they couldn't locate it. The manager asked if it would be a problem to come back for it in a few hours. I went back and they still couldn't find it. The manager told me that if I wanted, he would copy the receipt and have an employee pull everything for me to be ready when I returned - OR - I could take the time that day, gather everything myself and he would give it all to me at no charge!!!!! Needless to say, I fould everything except 1 game!!!!!! My husband was like - why didn't you put more stuff on layaway!?!?! Had I known I was getting it all for free, I would have!!!
That's another reason why they are getting rid of Layaway. To many lost Layaways and to many getting something for nothing.:eyepoppin

I dont understand if people know they are going to have a hard time during christmas, why are you not putting money back? Christmas is the same day every year, why not buy all year around?
I understand things come up. But I am talking about the people that say EVERY YEAR they have problems. Why not put some money back from tax refund when or if you get it? Put $5 or $10 back in the bank each check or whatever and that will help also.

Just like now there will be people that will cry that walmart doing away with layaway will make it where their children cant have a good christmas. when in reality its not walmarts fault. They can not help if you dont put money back. They can not help if you dont buy year around. People now know that walmart is doing away with LAW but yet some of them very people wont go and put stuff on LAW now so that their children will have stuff for christmas. They will wait until right at christmas and yell walmart ruined thier christmas. I just dont get it I guess... Your going to be paying on LAW so why not just put money back now? and pay cash for the items on BF? But I do understand things happen and sometimes you have to use LAW ( Ive been there) but now that I know its not a option i'll just start putting money back now for BF .

I dont understand if people know they are going to have a hard time during christmas, why are you not putting money back? Christmas is the same day every year, why not buy all year around?
I understand things come up. But I am talking about the people that say EVERY YEAR they have problems. Why not put some money back from tax refund when or if you get it? Put $5 or $10 back in the bank each check or whatever and that will help also.

Just like now there will be people that will cry that walmart doing away with layaway will make it where their children cant have a good christmas. when in reality its not walmarts fault. They can not help if you dont put money back. They can not help if you dont buy year around. People now know that walmart is doing away with LAW but yet some of them very people wont go and put stuff on LAW now so that their children will have stuff for christmas. They will wait until right at christmas and yell walmart ruined thier christmas. I just dont get it I guess... Your going to be paying on LAW so why not just put money back now? and pay cash for the items on BF? But I do understand things happen and sometimes you have to use LAW ( Ive been there) but now that I know its not a option i'll just start putting money back now for BF .

I am sure that if people knew at the begining of the year that Wal-mart was no longer doing lay-a-ways, that they would have started saving then. The big problem that most people have is that Walmart is stopping lay-a-ways this close to Christmas and it also messes up alot of people's BF plans.

As for putting money back during the year, this is a good suggestion, but I find that everytime I get a little money put back something happens and I need that money. You know how it works... car breaks down, AC goes out, etc.

Many people are living paycheck to paycheck and just can't afford to save money. :no: I try to save a little every month, but sometimes I find no other choice but to dig into it to buy food or pay a bill.

Of course it is not Wal-marts fault, but what I hate is that my local paper stated that Wal-mart was stopping LAW and instead offering a special credit card for the lower income families who use LAW. WTF? :confused: Yes, that is what we need... a CC.

I am sure that if people knew at the begining of the year that Wal-mart was no longer doing lay-a-ways, that they would have started saving then. The big problem that most people have is that Walmart is stopping lay-a-ways this close to Christmas and it also messes up alot of people's BF plans.


Those are my thoughts exactly. That plan to get rid of layaway had to be in the works for months, maybe even a year or more. They just opened a new Walmart Super Center not far from my hometown and it was built without a layaway section. I think if they had let people know sooner, there wouldn't be such an uproar over it closing now.

Catrina, haven't I seen you at BBS?

Ah I owe an appology to the board. I should of used my words better when I typed out that vent LOL I totally understand using layaway ( heck I use it and have layaway now! because I have no place to put my stuff LOL! ) and Ive used it because times was hard in the past. Ive been there when emergancys or life happened and it was hard around christmas time as well. thats not what I was meaning. I guess I was more venting about people that I personally know that has every year since I was little used the same excuse during christmas time.Hell Ive been there when It was hard and I had to ask for christmas help when my son was small. thats not what I was meaning at all .again i am sorry for venting my frustrations here . not the right place to do that


I'm not sure Santa is that the same thing as bbf?

Yeah catrina, it is one and the same. Haven't seen you post over there for a while. Where have you been?

Sorry, didn't mean to take this off track. I was just wondering if this person was the same one that I had seen at this other site because of the unusual name.

Hi Santa not sure I reconize your name :)
I spend most my time sweeping these days and loving my kiddies :)

I am in IN and our WM LAW is untill 11/19 and out by 12/08 if that helps

I am in IN and our WM LAW is untill 11/19 and out by 12/08 if that helps

Mine is the same in WV.

My thought on ending layaway is that they are trying to push you to get a Wal-Mart credit card. A few weeks before they announced they were closing layaway they started making our cashiers ask you if you would like to apply for a wal-mart credit card before each transaction.

They need to stop talking to the analyst and talk to the ppl. I can not afford to buy expensive things at a drop of a hat. WM needs to keep the LAW. grrrrrrr:gdparanoid:

From walmartfacts.com I believe this is taken from the walmart press release

At the same time, Wal-Mart is working to offer customers new payment options. The company already has zero interest offers for 6 and 12 months for current Wal-Mart cardholders. For the first time, customers who apply for a new Discover or Wal-Mart Credit Card will receive $20 cash back when they apply at the register and purchase at least $100 on their card the same day.

So the are doing away with layaway and steering people tword debt. How nice of them. They will be making more money because people buy more when they pay with plastic. It's all about the benjamins.

I am beginning to hate walmart. They ran our Kmart out of business and jacked up the prices on everything and now this?? And have you checked yourself out yet? Oh the joys!:gdparanoid:
I will be going somewhere else definitely, unless they are giving stuff away!

I don't understand how they let you check yourself out and call it a convienence. :g_think:

I am in IN and our WM LAW is untill 11/19 and out by 12/08 if that helps

I think that it is going to be the same everywhere from what I've seen. LAW until the 19th and out by the 8th

asked a layaway employee about adjust.
was told its auto matci. if want you to make sure just make a payment at that time it should show the price adjustment. so guess now days all you have to do is nothing.LOL
soo if you want to see if it did teh adjust make a payment it should show the diferance of the sale price.

Ok I was just told this morn by my mom that Walmart is getting rid of layaway :eek: , is that true? Because that is the only reason we even go to walmart the day after thanksgiving and if there is no layaway then there is no reason to go!! I should just go to K-Mart where they still have layaway that way we can still get the good deals for thanksgiving day and the day after thanksgiving!! please somone clear this one up for me, ASAP!!!

Yep, they announced this months ago. I don't think you can put anything in now, they'll still be open for people to get things out for awhile though. Sorry!

I do save $$ for xmas. But I also know if I wait til xmas shopping season to buy there is nothing on the shelves as the state below mine all come up here to shop and buy EVERYTHING off the shelves... Like they dont have wal mart in thier state *sigh* so I used lay away to buy the things I wanted to get my kiddos in august and keep it "hidden" at wal mart until closer to xmas. I did that this year. I even put a 2nd one down after paying off the kids stuff for dh so I could "hide" it until dec 8th. I would not have minded paying a 5$ lay away fee for the convience of it.

Guess next year I will be taking my chances with the horde... And since they out number the locals 3 to 1 I guess the locals wont be buying much.... hope wal mart has some great roll back planned for the slow season (this is tourist country up here) when the other states residents dont come to buy the 40$ blouses and touristy crap ... cause the locals cant afford the crap and without lay away they arent going to be buying it at all. All the locals up here are land rich and cash poor so credit cards are already maxxed out...

Talk about cutting off your nose to spite your face ....

I am sure that if people knew at the begining of the year that Wal-mart was no longer doing lay-a-ways, that they would have started saving then. The big problem that most people have is that Walmart is stopping lay-a-ways this close to Christmas and it also messes up alot of people's BF plans.

As for putting money back during the year, this is a good suggestion, but I find that everytime I get a little money put back something happens and I need that money. You know how it works... car breaks down, AC goes out, etc.

Many people are living paycheck to paycheck and just can't afford to save money. :no: I try to save a little every month, but sometimes I find no other choice but to dig into it to buy food or pay a bill.

Of course it is not Wal-marts fault, but what I hate is that my local paper stated that Wal-mart was stopping LAW and instead offering a special credit card for the lower income families who use LAW. WTF? :confused: Yes, that is what we need... a CC.


I live pay check to pay check I am way way poor. yet everyyear I am finished Christmas shopping byThanksgiving. I skrimp and save all my change and ANYTHING i can do without and go do extra shoppingfor thek ids at school and this year a relative who wont have Christmas do to way too many bills. MY own kids have NEVER had a bad Christmas. I liked layaway simply because they stored it. I would pay it all but 20 dollars and get it out at the last moment. I will just find someplace to hide my gifts