The Return of Layaway — But Smarter
In a world of buy now, pay later and instant credit, it might seem odd that layaway is making a comeback. But our recent customer surveys show something surprising: many shoppers prefer a system that rewards patience and discipline over debt. At Camino, we’re rethinking layaway for the digital age — combining flexibility, fairness, and financial wellness.
What Is Layaway — and Why Are People Still Using It?
Layaway is a system where customers pay in instalments before receiving a product, avoiding interest and credit checks. It was a staple of department stores in the 80s and 90s—but in today’s economy, it’s gaining fresh relevance.
From high inflation to credit fatigue, more consumers are looking for ways to budget without borrowing. Layaway gives them a sense of control — and a built-in savings goal.
Survey Snapshot: How Consumers Feel About Payment Options
In our recent Camino survey of 1,200 UK consumers:
- 68% said they’d prefer to pay in instalments before receiving a product rather than take on credit.
- 52% associated traditional BNPL with “hidden risks” or “debt traps.”
- 71% said a layaway option would help them make more considered purchases.
This tells us one thing: customers want flexibility, but they also want transparency and peace of mind.
What Customers Told Us About Layaway (In Their Words)
We asked Camino users what they thought of our layaway system. Here’s what stood out:
“It’s the first time I felt like I could plan for a big buy without worrying about interest.” — Sophie, 32, Cardiff
“I like that it encourages me to think before I buy—it’s not impulsive.” — Ahmed, 26, Manchester
“I’ve used BNPL before and ended up regretting it. Layaway feels safer.” — Lauren, 39, Birmingham
The themes? Control, trust, and long-term thinking.
How We’ve Redesigned Layaway for the 21st Century
At Camino, our layaway model is digital-first, merchant-integrated, and customer-centric. Here’s what we’ve done differently:
✅ Zero fees or hidden costs ✅ Automated instalments through your preferred payment method ✅ Instant refunds if you change your mind ✅ Progress tracking so you always know how close you are to your goal
It’s not about nostalgia — it’s about giving people power over their purchases.
Why Merchants Are Leaning In
Our merchant partners love layaway for different reasons:
- It attracts budget-conscious customers
- It reduces returns (since purchases are more deliberate)
- It builds brand trust by avoiding the controversy of high-risk lending
And because Camino handles the infrastructure, it's simple to plug into existing e-commerce flows.
Final Thought: Buy the Product, Not the Interest
As we continue listening to our users, one thing is clear: people are ready for a different kind of payment system. One that rewards saving, planning, and confidence—not quick clicks and regret.
Layaway is back. And this time, it’s smarter.