H-E-B NEW Layaway Program Across Texas

After testing a pilot layaway program in just nine stores in the Rio Grande Valley and Gulf Coast region last year, H-E-B said Friday that it will expand the pay-as-you-go program to all of its H-E-B Plus locations starting Sunday.

With more than 300 stores in Texas, the locally based grocer made the announcement well in advance of the busy holiday season and on the heels of Walmart announcing its own layaway program.

Both retailers said they will not charge customers any fees to use their program.

“As we expand our product offerings in electronics, toys and small appliances, this layaway program is another way we can offer families more value, and in turn more savings,” Bill Anderson, H-E-B's group vice president of general merchandise, said in a statement.

Between Sept. 1 and Dec. 13, customers can use H-E-B's layaway program, free of fees, toward the purchase of toys, electronics and small appliances, according to a news release.

Customers must make a down payment of either $10 or 10 percent of the total purchase, whichever is greater. Only items having at least a $15 value are eligible, and the minimum purchase is $50.

Customers can find the layaway area in the electronic department of each H-E-B Plus store.

H-E-B operates 10 of its Plus locations in the San Antonio area, according to the company's website.

Last year, only 12.3 percent of holiday shoppers told research firm BIGinsight that they use or planned to use layaway during the holiday season, a slight dip from 12.7 percent in 2012.

Thanks San Antonio Express-News!