The world's largest retailer, Wal-Mart, stopped offering it last year. So, are there any other stores that still layaway?

Shopper Alice McKie calls layaway a lifesaver.

"It was a blessing in disguise for me when I didn't have credit," McKie said.

And Alice isn't the only shopper taking advantage of payment plan.

"Layaway is very important to our store," Kmart manager Patricia Adams said.

Adams says nearly 25% of all her customers use layaway.

"We feel like we offer this to our customers when they are not able to purchase it straight out," Adams said.

Kmart requires a $10.00 down payment for items under $100.00. A $5.00 layaway fee. Then four payments, spread out over 8 weeks.

"Watch-out what you put on layaway because when the two-weeks come around it is time for payment," Adams said.

But for shoppers like Alice, layaway is no longer an option at most stores.

We checked and found only three major retailers, Kmart, Marshal's and T-J Maxx still offer the convenience.

"It's better than a credit card. I have a credit card but the $5.00 layaway fee beats the 21% interest," McKie said.

There is a downside to layaway. The manager at Kmart tells us if you aren't able to make the payments, you'll receive a partial refund of what you've paid minus a $10.00 refund fee.