For Tammy Withrow shopping for eight grandchildren can get expensive, but K-Mart's layaway program helps ease the strain on her budget.

"It is easier for me to buy for them," Withrow said. "If I had to come out and pay that high dollar amount for those eight grandchildren I just couldn't do it."

With the tougher economic times shoppers like Tammy are taking advantage of layaway and retailers like K-Mart are responding with increased marketing or in the case of Sears, bringing back layaway after a nearly two decade hiatus.

"Just a tremendous amount of people are using our layaway," K-Mart manager Dan Radcliffe said.

Retailers see layaway as an opportunity to keep credit and cash strapped shoppers in their stores. Shoppers see it as a great way to get good deals and help their bottom line.