DAYTON — Increased customer demand and tighter budgets have brought back layaway in a big way this year.

Layaway, which allows consumers to set aside items in stores and pay for them in installments, is available at such retailers as Walmart, Toys ‘R’ Us, Best Buy, Sears, Kmart, Burlington Coat Factory, T.J. Maxx and Marshalls.

“In the last couple of years it seems to be rising in popularity,” said Dayton Better Business Bureau president John North. “It’s been resurrected in light of the economy.”

Layaway lost popularity in the 1970s after credit became popular, and recently academics have said the option may be increasing in popularity thanks to a rise in bad credit ratings brought on by foreclosures and other financial problems.

Sears saw as much as a 70 percent increase in layaway orders last year compared to previous years, and chains such as Toys ‘R’ Us have reported hundreds of thousands of layaway sales. However, many mid-sized chains such as Elder-Beerman, The Limited and DSW have said they don’t plan to bring layaway back.

T.J. Maxx has layaway options in its two Dayton-area locations.

“We are always assessing and reviewing ways to improve and enhance the quality of both customer service and our customers’ in-store shopping experience,” said Doreen Thompson, vice president of communications for the company. “Where we do offer layaway, we offer customers the opportunity to pay for purchases over a 30-day period. An initial deposit of 10 percent of the total is required and there is a fee, typically $5, if the customer cancels the transaction.”

Walmart, which discontinued its layaway program in 2006, brought it back this season for toys and electronics because of demand, spokeswoman Diana Gee said in a statement. Walmart said it could not comment on the success of the program or if it would continue to offer layaway until after the holiday season.

Even small businesses, such as Life In Letters, 57 Chestnut St. in Beavercreek, have allowed some customers to opt for layaway. The business sells specialized photography and frames, said owner Cory Weaver.

“We know that our product is not accessible to every single budget and we seek to accommodate that,” he said. “But we haven’t done it enough for me to comment on if it’s been profitable.”

The BBB has seen no substantial increase in complaints related to layaways, North said.

“It’s going to continue to be a popular option,” he said.

North said consumers should know up front how much each installment will cost, if a deposit is necessary, and if there are any storage or setup fees for the program.

Contact this reporter at (937) 225-2206 or tristan.navera@coxinc.com.