For those that say they don't shop at Walmart ever........

[cat83]

As for local Main St, my town NEVER had one. That's how small it was. However, since Walmart came to town, we've gotten Home Depot, McD, Dunkin Donuts, AND some gas stations. Yes, gas stations! lol We've also gotten new water mains & new sewer system in our main roads thanks to the tax money that these businesses pay. A new school and police station too. Our taxes are still very low compared to towns surrounding us.

I wonder if I'd feel differently if it was my only choice....for me, its 10 miles to anything; Walmart is just as far as everything else.

What is a Main St that I've seen mentioned?

Not everyone shops for the lowest price! I chose to spend my dollars to quality products and stores with good customer service.

Sometimes you do get what you pay for.

And I do not agree with Walmart's way of doing business and never shop there. (Its not hard - there is ONE Walmart in ALL of Chicago)

I love that Chicago won't allow Walmart in the city. (Last I heard- that's why there aren't any, right?)

We go to Target and a warehouse club and occasionally we'll buy toiletries or shampoo at the grocery store. I've been doing homework on pricing between my usual places and comparing them to Alice.com. Alice has free shipping and many of my friends love the convenience. If my numbers work out to be comparable or less, I will start using Alice.com.

I'd never heard of Alice.com before...I just signed up, and I'm going through it now! Thanks for the tip.

 

[momof1princess]

Do you live near me???? Maybe not, if you can go to JC Penney....the nearest one to us is an hour away. This area has one Walmart, one nasty Kmart with usually less than 10 cars in the parking lot, and Aldi; I don't mind Aldi, but they don't have everything we need, and sometimes I want certain brands. Anything else is an hour away.

it sounds like we're neighbors, lol. we just got an aldi about 2 years ago. our k-mart is so nasty and sparsely-stocked, no one will shop there. i do shop at aldi, but as you said, i can't get everything i need there. i go there for milk and a few other things, but have to do pretty much all my shopping at wal-mart. that's just the way it is around here.

 

[KAMKIM]

I avoid Walmart at all cost.

I shop at Wegmans, Target and BJ's wholesale

 

[diznygirl]

I'm surprised no one said their local main street yet. That's where we do most of our shopping. (I don't go to Walmart, nor do I go to big box stores.) I pricebook relentlessly, I freely admit that it's a hobby for me to do so, and I do a lot of research for pretty much any purchase. I can safely say that I beat Walmart's prices on comparable items while shopping on main street, although most of the time it would be comparing apples to oranges, since I don't tend to buy Walmart quality (and I'm fine buying used if it's a good enough buy).

Appliances are the hardest thing for me to buy locally. I can get Walmart style appliances at either a local department store the next town over (not a chain, but Walmart caliber in everything, including grime) or the Rite Aid on main, but I use so few appliances and the ones I buy are used so often, that I prefer to do a lot of research and buy a premium brand that'll last.

As for all in one shopping, I've seen big box stores bigger than our main street, so does hitting multiples shops on main street count as one or several stops? How about if I don't move my car (or even drive it there)?

I can buy some t-shirts on main street, and maybe something made out of shells, but no appliances.

Everyone's neighborhood is different. Mine is 192 and WDW. Someone else's is cows and corn fields. Some of us have to drive a bit to find what we want or need.

But I'm still avoiding Walmart.

 

[LaurenLC]

We live in Chicago... There aren't any Wal-Marts in Chicago city limits, they won't allow them. We wouldn't shop in one even if there was..... We do all my "Wal- Mart" type shopping at Target.... I love Target! I don't think I could live somewhere that didn't have a Target nearby!

 

[Kurby]

is it an american thing? why the hate for walmart?

we have 3 within 15 minute drive from our house and find ourselves either there or home depot or costco (all american and all huge so we get what we want) at least once a week for something.

just confused why so many hate it - i know some will say it's the end of the mom and pop stores but when you're employeeing dozens instead of a small handfull isn't that better?

maybe because we live in an area where we can't even walk up for milk because the closest store is a good 15 to 20 minute walk (really who wants to walk 45 minutes just for milk or bread) but 2 minute drive there isn't anythink "local" around here and if we have a huge store to get whatever we need we'll go there.

 

[Footnotegirl]

I have never, and will never, set foot in a Wal-Mart. Their business practices are awful, the stores are unwelcoming, and their prices aren't significantly lower. I do my shopping at a mix of local stores, other box retailers such as costco, home depot, office max, etc. (though not Target, I won't spend a dime there either due to issues with their pharmacy practices), and the internet where I really get the better prices.

 

[Colleen27]

I'm surprised no one said their local main street yet. That's where we do most of our shopping.

Our main street is nice, but not quite complete enough to do all or even most shopping there. I love our local grocery and the farmer's markets/farm stands, but a LOT of Main Street here is antique stores, consignment shops, and other small, niche retailers so there are things that I just can't get there. Main Street is great when I'm spending ridiculous sums of money on furnishings to "match" my 130yo house, but not so much when I want a slim, unobtrusive TV to hang on the living room wall.

 

[MrsMork]

is it an american thing? why the hate for walmart?

we have 3 within 15 minute drive from our house and find ourselves either there or home depot or costco (all american and all huge so we get what we want) at least once a week for something.

just confused why so many hate it - i know some will say it's the end of the mom and pop stores but when you're employeeing dozens instead of a small handfull isn't that better?

maybe because we live in an area where we can't even walk up for milk because the closest store is a good 15 to 20 minute walk (really who wants to walk 45 minutes just for milk or bread) but 2 minute drive there isn't anythink "local" around here and if we have a huge store to get whatever we need we'll go there.

It is hard to understand isn't it? WalMart really is the American Dream come true. Started as a Mom and Pop 5 & Dime on Main Street USA. Grew to what it is today because Sam Walton thrived on competition and worked 18 hours a day doing what he loved. Might have something to do with them not having any unions. However, my grandson worked at Kroeger for 3 years in high school, where he paid full union dues for a 15 hour a week job and got less pay than the WalMart pays. He worked there because the WalMart was too far to travel for a high school kid.

 

[luvsJack]

At my walmart, it was very badly (my experience was 5 years ago so it may not be as bad anymore).

1) We had timed bath room breaks. I'm not lying. I would inform my floor supervisor that I was running to the potty and she would literally say "you've got 3 minutes" Excuse me. I'm 40+ not 4.

2) forced over time. Walmart has been sued numerous times for this.
In my store what they would do is this. about 1/2 hour before it was time for me to go home they would bring me a cart full of returns. then the manager would say, "you can't leave until all the returns are put away". when you informed her that it was inhumanely impossible to put that much stuff away in 30 mins you usually got a "that's your job". Then when you asked if you would be paid for the time over you always get "walmart does not pay over time"

3) if you complained or did not do the job your next weeks hours were usually cut. Now for me it was no big deal because I was a SAHM and only working part time to pick up the discount and extra cash but image if you a re a single mom or this was your only bread and butter. Now your hours have been slashed from 33 to 3 as punishment.

4) public humiliation. We had department meetings and the supervisor would list all the things employees did not do by name. So I could come in and at the meeting I might hear "Eliza really should not talk so long with the customers, it won't help you get your area clean if you continue to do so"

After 3 weeks it was a miracle I had not punched some one in the face. I quit.

Wow! I don't blame you, I don't think I would have lasted the 3 weeks. I don't see how they get away with the overtime part. If an employee clocks in and out and is clocked in for over 40 hours, overtime must be paid.

We have a couple of students that work at WalMart. I will have to ask them how the working situation is at our local store. (we actually have two in town but one is really close to our campus)

 

[luvsJack]

I have never, and will never, set foot in a Wal-Mart. Their business practices are awful, the stores are unwelcoming, and their prices aren't significantly lower. I do my shopping at a mix of local stores, other box retailers such as costco, home depot, office max, etc. (though not Target, I won't spend a dime there either due to issues with their pharmacy practices), and the internet where I really get the better prices.

That must be an area thing, then; because their prices are definitely significantly lower here. I don't love WalMart, but I can't afford to shop anywhere else. (and I have tried but my grocery bill goes to far out of my budget). Even Target is quite a bit higher here, although their clothes are a better quality.

Like I said in a pp, we have two super Walmarts. One is not too inviting but the other is really nice and kept very clean.

 

[luvsJack]

My DH was at one time a pharmacy manager at WM (he had several employes that he was responsible for and they were all treated very well), my step-bro put together bikes at another WM and eventually he enetered their management program, my cousin started on the floor and became a store manager eventually, my uncle worked at headquarters, DH's cousin worked at still another and promoted from clerk to assistant store manager. There are others I can't think of at the moment. All of them at every level were treated fairly. Guess our experiences, though many and varied, are different than others.

I'm glad you asked that question.

I am really thinking this is the experience the employees around here have with WalMart. I know that some of our students that work there have been there quite awhile. In fact, several of the folks that work in produce and in the meat dept. have been there since this store opened because they have a tendency to say hello when we are in the store.

I really will just have to ask our students that work there when I see them tomorrow, I am really curious now.

 

[bettyann29]

I didnt realize that there were that many people who didnt like Walmart..

I go to my local Walmart for EVERYTHING it seems.. I do have a Target closer but I only go there a few times a year Id say.. The Kmart by us closed up years ago.. I do LOVE Bed Bath and Beyone but they are a little pricey, although they have some cool things I dont see at Walmart..

I LOVE my Walmart!

 

[Footnotegirl]

Here's a link to a site that lists many of the problem issues that people who refuse to shop at Walmart make their decisions around:
http://walmartwatch.com/issues/
Granted, it is a biased site, but there's plenty of evidence of the corporation losing suits based on forced work for no pay (making people stay over hours but not paying overtime, not allowing legally required breaks), sexism in hiring/promotion practices, etc. There are also companies that have faltered and died due to Walmarts pricing requirements.
I personally think that Sam Walton is twirling in his grave over the company's decision to not maintain the "Made in America" only requirements for things to be sold there.

 

[N.Bailey]

Wow! I don't blame you, I don't think I would have lasted the 3 weeks. I don't see how they get away with the overtime part. If an employee clocks in and out and is clocked in for over 40 hours, overtime must be paid.

We have a couple of students that work at WalMart. I will have to ask them how the working situation is at our local store. (we actually have two in town but one is really close to our campus)

I don't believe the scenario that was posted upthread about Walmart's treatment of employees was due to Walmart's policy. I believe it was due to a very poor management staff.

As for Walmart not paying overtime, that's probably true. Their policy is probably that no manager (under any circumstance) is allowed to keep employees over 40 hours. Not that they can mandate they work without pay (which is illegal). Again, I think it falls onto this management team rather than Walmart as a whole.

I'm certainly no fan of the store and there are many reasons to dislike doing business there, but IMO, for the most part, this is not one of those reasons.

 

[N.Bailey]

That must be an area thing, then; because their prices are definitely significantly lower here. I don't love WalMart, but I can't afford to shop anywhere else. (and I have tried but my grocery bill goes to far out of my budget). Even Target is quite a bit higher here, although their clothes are a better quality.

Like I said in a pp, we have two super Walmarts. One is not too inviting but the other is really nice and kept very clean.

They key to getting the best price is to stock up when your grocery store is running good sales (and adding coupons if you have them). I've really priced checked this and I'd say, 95 out of 100 times, the grocery store will offer the better price.

I'm lucky, we have a grocery store (Giant -not all stores have the gas pumps, so not all stores have these deals) that runs specials every week and allows one to buy certain items and save $0.40 per gallon on gas. 1 example might be, buy 10 bottles of Propel and save $0.40 on gas (up to 30 gallons). If you buy enough Propel (say 70 bottles), you'd save $2.80 per gallon (up to 30 gallon and we take gas cans along to get 30 gallon). So, you pay $70 for your Propel water (if you have no coupons) and get $84 in free gas and still have about $0.20 off for your next gas purchase. This store runs about 30 to 40 items each week to allow you to always receive free gas. We could keep 4 cars filled per week free just by making these purchases.

I know I'm lucky to have this store here, but I can assure you, Walmart can't touch that.

 

[NHdisneylover]

When I lived in the Detroit area it was easy, plenty of other stores were just as close.
When I lived in rural New Hampshire it was harder. Wal Mart was 5 minuets from the house but Target was in Concord maybe 30-40 minutes away. I still managed not to set foot in Wal Mart during the 5 years I lived in New Hampshire. I shopped mostly downtown (partly on main street but also learning where the other stores, which were not right there so visible, were). It took a few weeks to learn where to go, but once I did I was able to help the local economy so much better than buying from Wal Mart does, and get good quality items and great service for generally a very slight mark up over wal mart (if at all). It really didn't take more time to shop mulitiple stores if I had a plan than it would to get through WalMart or Target. Often times it was faster. We would also go to the "city" every couple of weeks for a day and hit bigger "local" stores and Target to pick up whatever I had not managed to get at that point. No biggie. There are very few things you cannot live withuot for two weeks in reality.

It is not only Americans who do not like Wal Mart. Wal Mart moved into Germany several years ago and opened stores all over. They failed miserably and after struggling for many years finally pulled out of the country all together. Germans just wouldn't shop there for ethical reasons and a disdain for cheap, low quality items and a dislike of anything not impeccably clean and refusal to deal with a company which did not treat employees well (thes are the reasons our neighbors tell us they did not shop there anyway).

As far as Target and Wal Mart really being the same, I honestly do not believe it. One quick and easy place to highlight the difference is the HRC rankings. Wal Mart receives a failing grade of 40 out of 100. Target receive 100 out of 100. This is not the only place I look when deciding where to shop, but it is a big one and the difference is HUGE between the two.

 

[bavaria]

Walmart failed in Germany in large part because they insulted their customers and refused to learn about and adapt to local culture. They tried to bag customer food items, the employees were forced to smile at strangers, and they sold American sized pillow cases to German customers who have different sized pillows. They didn't do basic research or didn't care enough to do it, and they were driven out. Shopping at Walmart made people uncomfortable in their own country.

We have enough quality discount or large operators such as Real, Lidl, and ALDI (which is vastly different than the American version of ALDI - at least ALDI tries to recognize local tastes and habits while retaining some of their original values)

I won't shop in Walmart in America mostly because they are trying to force their employees around the world to go against their cultural norms, and for how they are part of the globalization which has negatively impacted all of us.

But to the original question - I don't shop all at one store. I shop like most Germans; a few items at a time, when needed. We don't have the space to hoard or to stock up. Most people have a mini bar sized fridge and a tiny kitchen, and living space is at a premium. So one shops for items when they are needed, and often that means at a variety of shops.

 

[shortbun]

Grocery, Target, stores for specific things. I've been in Walmart now exactly 5 times and that's because it's the only store within miles of my favorite camping site. So-if the need for more tent repair than we are equipped for or a new air mattress arises-off to Walmart we go. I waaaay prefer not to give them my money.

 

[GothTink]

I buy pretty much everything at Target.