News

Retail Top 100 2012, No. 73: Layaway

June 11, 2012

Although the concept still conjures up images of the Great Depression when merchants gave cash-strapped customers the opportunity to set items aside until they were paid for in installments, layaway made a surprising comeback during the recent Great Recession, and big news this past holiday season when so-called layway "angels" began showing up at retail outlets such as Kmart and Walmart to anonymously pay off the balances on strangers' layaway accounts, releasing troves of set-aside gifts — especially children's toys and clothing — in time for family celebrations.

Download the complete Top 100.