AC

Layaway is becoming increasingly popular with stores and consumers, despite fees and often-confusing rules. Toys R Us said Tuesday that it is expanding its layaway program starting Oct. 15 to include all toys, not just more expensive items such as swing sets and electronics. Walmart offers layaway again Oct. 17 for toys and electronics after stopping the program in 2006 for anything other than fine jewelry. Layaway lets shoppers put an item on long-term hold and pay in installments. Stores that offer layaway typically allow merchandise to be held up to three months. Minimum purchase amounts vary. A new survey by the product research website ConsumerSearch.com found nearly half of 1,000 consumers polled reported using layaway at least once in their lives and a third said it is "great stores are bringing back layaway." Those who choose layaway at Sears and Kmart "tend to be customers on a paycheck to paycheck basis" who don't have access to credit, says Salima Yala, V.P. in charge...