Have you ever purchased something on layaway?

When I was in high school, I would go shopping for school clothes in August, and put my purchases on layaway. I’d pay a little bit down, and then in 6 – 8 weeks, would have the whole purchase paid off, and get my clothes.

The same practice would hold true for my mother buying a new television, furniture, etc. She’d pick it out, pay a little down, and then when she’d pay it off, we’d get the item delivered. It was a great way to live within our means.

With a culture of immediate gratification pandered to by credit cards, and “why wait?” marketing, is layaway even still an option at many retailers? Or does everyone come to expect credit and purchase by credit card? I know many jewelers allow for the purchase of engagement rings, etc. but what else can still be purchased by layaway these days?