BX’s Revamped Layaway Program makes it easier to ‘Shop Now, Pay Later’

  • Published
  • By Army and Air Force Exchange Service
GRAND FORKS AIR FORCE BASE, N.D. --  Visit the Grand Forks Air Force Base Exchange and it soon becomes apparent that reports of layaway's demise have been greatly exaggerated.

In fact, the BX is reintroducing and, in some cases, expanding layaway options.

"Clothing, handbags and shoes are still eligible for 30-day layaway, but full payment on many other categories can be put off for up to 60 days when shopping the exchange," said the exchange's Pat Fields. "This extra time means that families at Grand Forks can start making a significant dent in their holiday shopping lists as soon as the last week of October."

Shoppers with an eye for something that sparkles or shines can start even earlier as fine jewelry at the BX can be put on layaway for up to 120 days.

Delaying full payment might even be mom and dad's secret weapon in keeping presents under wraps this year as toys can be put on layaway up until Christmas Eve.

"Let the kids look in the attic, under the tree or even your car trunk," said Fields. "Keeping the toys on layaway, and in the exchange's back room, can really take a lot of stress out of the holidays."

Any purchase of $25 or more is eligible for layaway at the BX. A 15 percent deposit on the total purchase price is required to hold a product.

Merchandise excluded from the Army and Air Force Exchange Service's layaway program includes clearance merchandise, computers, peripherals, major appliance, furniture, mattresses, exercise equipment, electronics $299 and up, as well as seasonal and outdoor living products.