ELayaway, Inc., which specializes in providing retailers with online layaway services, released today its 2012 Online Layaway Trends Report in the form of a downloadable infographic. In addition to identifying and comparing both online and brick & mortar layaway programs, the infographic highlights the trends and user behavior of the company’s online layaway service, eLayaway.com.

“The planning and budgeting aspect of the payment option provide retailers with unique marketing opportunities throughout the year. The infographic provides retailers with valuable insight to the layaway process and its effects on consumer planning and spending.”
“Layaway trends differ greatly from traditional retail trends,” said Sergio Pinon, eLayaway’s Founder and CEO. “The planning and budgeting aspect of the payment option provide retailers with unique marketing opportunities throughout the year. The infographic provides retailers with valuable insight to the layaway process and its effects on consumer planning and spending.”

The trend report was created from user behavior observed between 11/1/2011 and 10/31/2012; what eLayaway calls a Layaway Year. The offset provides a more accurate depiction of layaway use due to the pre-payment completion cycle unique to the layaway process.

Highlights from the report include:

  • Online layaway appeals to a wide spectrum of consumers across several demographic segments;
  • Electronics continue to be the most popular layaway category;
  • November is the most popular month for starting a layaway;
  • Layaway creates “shopping seasons” throughout the year;
  • 63% of consumers pay off their “eLayaway” sooner than originally scheduled;
  • Taking into account interest and fees, layaway is more affordable than credit.

The inforgraphic can be viewed at here.