With money so tight these days, many shoppers are worried about having a happy holiday.

Layaway is considered a thing of the past for many retail stores. But several big name chains in our area are still offering it as an option. Customers say they could not be happier.

“The holidays are coming and work always slacks off,” Willie Shealey said.

To fight the holiday slump Shealey and his wife are putting their son's Christmas gifts on layaway.

“It's just easier to pay for a little at a time,” he said.

But it is more than less work that has the Shealeys spreading out their purchases.

“The way the economy is now, who has that money to go spend all in one week?” Shealey said.

“I've been in layaway lately a lot and I've heard comments that they are starting early because of the economy,” Bernice Young said.

Young works at Kmart, one of the few retailers that still offer the plan. She says she has noticed an increase in layaways.

“People are trying to make sure they can get their Christmas shopping done,” Young said.

She says people are getting a jump start on their shopping.

“I think it's much earlier for a lot of people this year,” Young said.

Kmart, T.J. Maxx, Marshall's, and Roses in Aiken are all stores in our area that offer layaway plans. Wal-Mart which discontinued their layaway program in 2006 still offers layaway for jewelry.

Customers say those stores that do still offer the plan also offer peace of mind during this hectic season.

By the time Christmas is here it just takes the pressure off us as parents.

Citi Trends and It’s Fashion are two other clothing stores in our area that offer layaway.

Most stores that do offer layaway also require a down payment of some sort, usually 10% of the purchase.