As Nancy Kerrigan would say, Why? Why?

June 26, 2012

It will be difficult to ask the question I am about to pose without sounding biased, but here goes.

What is it about Walmart that shoppers like so much?

I am sure you know by now that I am a manger at The Target and by law am not allowed to think Walmart is awesome, but that is not why I am posing this question.

I have had the "pleasure" of being in a Walmart twice in the past 3 weeks.  The first visit was just a look around of a nearby Super Walmart to see what they look like these days.  I had not been to one in years.  Beth and I walked the store for about 30 minutes and saw plenty of shoppers.  I assume it was a fairly typical Walmart with plenty of bulk displays, aisles that were difficult to navigate, and team members you could only identify as employees due to their blue vest.  They certainly weren't there to make sure I was getting any assistance.

My second visit was to a different Walmart that has been around longer-probably close to 15 years.  Beth wanted to buy a certain product that you can only get on-line or at Walmart, so we went to the Mart.  It only cost $5, so I had no objection.  As we entered the store, we were greeted by the greeter and the 75 other things going on at the front door.  We then looked for a sign leading us to the HBA dept and found one.  We followed the sign and ended up in automotive.  Now, I can handle a map (up to and including folding it back up), and I can read; so I am positive I did not mistake the words "Health and Beauty Aids" and the arrows pointing that way as the message, "Car products over here y'all."

Anyway, we turned around and finally found foot care products in an area that looked like it had been temporarily staged out in the middle of nowhere, and Beth found her product.

As I continued to look around, I could not believe how many items the store was out of and how dirty it was.  This included the team members who were dressed mostly in jeans and flannel shirts and had on a name badge.  Wow, did I feel like a snob.

Before I ask my question again, let me admit one thing.  The prices there were better than at The Target.  I saw several things that were better prices than what I know them to be at my store. 

And, I will allow that not every Target looks as good as mine or every Walmart looks as bad as the one I was in.

But great googly moogly, are prices alone the reason to shop there?  For anyone who shops both places, are you saving enough money to put up with the mess and the countless guests wearing wife beaters and their NASCAR colors?

Snob much?  Why, yes I am.  Judgemental?  You are right again-I judge people and I am mental.  Target loyalist?  You betcha. 

On that last note, I am still a loyalist today even though I did not get my promotion yesterday.  I am still a little bitter about the circumstances, so I will not blog about it now.  However, it is not something that has me job searching.  And, if I do ever start job hunting, I can guarantee you, I will not be looking for a job at Walmart.  I realize I am old enough to qualify for the greeter position, but I do not look good in a wife beater and a vest.  Seriously, who does?