Lay away is lay away no matter how you do it. Where I live shopping options are extremely limited, and I mean EXTREMELY limited unless I want to drive 50-100 miles.
Stores that provided lay away were basically providing interest free credit for the term of the lay away. Yes you would lose what you put down on it if you failed to pick it up, but for folks like me who always picked it up, it was a no brainer. My husband deals with the plastic, I live a cash life.
I guess I'm used to all shopping less than 15 minutes from home so I've never used lay away.
I was actually referring to stocking up on gift cards, That seems like loaning your money,interest free,to the stores.
Have a healthy and happy Thanksgiving. I plan on eating lots of food,drinking many cups of coffee,and having a few cigs. Pure heaven !