Inside Sony Music
- 500 Customer Layaways Paid off by Sony Music Group in Partnership With Nonprofit Pay Away the Layaway
- Dec 20, 2021
Sony Music Group (SMG) surprised 500 families at Burlington stores, the national discount retailer, by paying off their layaway balances thanks to the company’s partnership with nonprofit organization Pay Away the Layaway. The campaign was designed to support historically excluded communities and provide relief for families that have been disproportionately impacted by the global pandemic.
Throughout the month of December, Sony Music Group, alongside their notable artists and songwriters including Aloe Blacc, Buddah Bless, DMC, Erica Campbell, Kirk Franklin, Matthew West, Tamar Braxton and Zach Williams and Pay Away the Layaway volunteers surprised unsuspecting customers during a series of in-person and drive-through events at Burlington stores nationwide with the news that their layaway had been paid off.
In speaking of his participation in the event, DMC said, “I’m excited to be part of this event with Sony Music and Pay Away The Layaway because I feel it’s always important to take the opportunity to spread love and joy to impact and touch people’s lives. This holiday season is the perfect time for all of us to work together and do something special for people who need a little love and joy to lift their spirits.”
This campaign represents the ongoing collaboration between Sony Music Group and Pay Away the Layaway to support local communities nationwide. “It’s amazingly impactful to partner with Sony Music Group to spread joy this way,” says Pay Away the Layaway Founder, Lee Karchawer. “They understand what it means to inspire hope and spread kindness in a meaningful way. The SMG artists we’ve worked with deeply care about their hometowns and communities, and it shows. We’re incredibly grateful for this partnership.”
In Nashville, SMG artists Matthew West and Zach Williams recorded videos to share with customers instead of appearing in-person in efforts to keep everybody safe and leave lasting memories for the customers to take home.
For Sony Music Group, Pay Away the Layaway and Burlington stores, the health and safety of all customers, staff, volunteers, artists and songwriters was of the highest importance. Volunteers and Burlington associates ensured all customers followed CDC guidelines and wore masks, socially distanced and remained diligent throughout the duration of the in-person events.
