I thought layaway was dead, but apparently with the downturn in the economy some stores have brought it back. I'd still think, though, that people would assume against if they didn't see it actively advertised. I was amazed to see it brought back anywhere at all.

Sorry you've been getting mobbed. I am terrified enough of the press of people when looking for things from my Christmas list; I can't even imagine what it's like on the other side of things. D: