A substantial proportion of respondents, 12.3%, to the BIGinsight Monthly Consumer Survey, said they plan to use layaway as part of their holiday shopping strategy. Of that group, only a small portion of the two hard home categories tracked by the market research firm— home décor and furniture— had a layaway propensity, but they remain a significant block of mass-market shoppers.

BIGinsight research also indicated that the discount channel stands to benefit in a big way versus other retail sectors. Among those who have or who intend to pay for gifts in installments, 65.5% plan to use Walmart’s program and 42.2% plan to sign up with Kmart. Toys R Us fills out the top three at 21.2%.

As for categories they plan to purchase over time, layaway fans have varying intentions. According to BIGresearch, more than half of consumers who have a notion to use layaway will do so in electronics. The market research firm’s full breakdown is:

• Electronics, 57.5%
• Toys, 41.2%
• Apparel, 36.4%
• Jewelry, 17.5%
• Furniture, 13.6%
• Home Décor, 13%
• Baby Equipment, 12.%
• Linens or Bedding, 9.7%
• Lawn & Garden, 6.5%