Super Wal-Mart - WWYD?

[autumnsmommy]

the people in there are downright scary.

And I'm only scaryfirst thing in the morning before I've had time fully wake up. So not the morning person

 

[CindyKansas]

We have 2 stores to buy groceries at here in my small town, that would be the Super Wal-mart and then Dillons (Kroger). I have found that price wise they are comparable. When I coupon shop Dillons is the better deal since they double coupons. I also have found that our Wal-mart does not have the variety that our Dillons does. I DO NOT buy meat or produce at the Wal-mart because of quality issues that I have experienced.

 

[sarahlovesmickey]

I don't like WalMart because they are dirty, crowded, yucky and the people in there are downright scary. I also have to park 2 miles from the front door and it takes 30 minutes to get thru a checkout line.

I shop there however because I can get Tide for cheap.


I buy very few edible items from WalMart though -- too many bad experiences.

I second this all the way!!! I HATE HATE HATE shopping at Walmart, but most of the time, they have the cheapest diapers and formula. I cringe when I am forced to go there.

 

[las3888]

We shop at SuperWalmart regularly and enjoy the deals. I think it has offered alot of employment in our area--the line for jobs was out of sight when it just opened up. I personally think it gets alot of unfair press. Who knows what dirt can be dug up on the other grocery chains others shop at. Just my 2 cents...do what you are comfortable with.

 

[lowie]

sure, the prices at wal-mart are cheap, because they pay such low wages, our tax dollars go to their employees for state aid.

that being said, wal-mart is here to stay. it's one of those necessary evils.

i buy what i want, and the super-target (where my dh works) doesn't always have the food brands i'm looking for or the selection. i try not to buy anything other then food at wal-mart if i'm going there.

the publix, which is in walking distance to my house, is easily double the money on most items i buy.

 

[Tinker_]

You guys are right about a lot of these things.... BUT...

Walmart does have some good points...

I worked at Walmart for 6 years before I got pregnant with my son... they let me take a year off for maternity leave without a problem (and with my benefits, I was paid the majority of that time). Now, I work 12 hours a week, on Friday and Saturday. No other company I know of would let me swing that! My boss has always been very understanding about my situation with wanting to stay home with my son. I also got to keep my position as an hourly manager. My 2 days a week pay for 2 Disney vacations a year. I don't need the money, Dh has a great job, so I really enjoy going in my 2 days and making money while I am at it.

That being said, I really like shopping at Super Target!

 

[jennynoel]

Thanks for all the diverse opinions! I'm not sure what I'll do at this point.

The ethical consideration isn't huge because, as I've said, I believe I can have more impact as a customer trying to influence Wal-Mart than as a boycotter.

Still, I love the selection of items at my regular grocery store, especially local produce and organic products. I also appreciate the competent folks who work there. In the end I'll probably still do 90% of my grocery shopping there.

In the meantime I've started a grocery price book and I'm planning to spend a month or two comparing prices so I know realistically what the savings potential is and if it's worth splitting my grocery trips. It'll help me to be more mindful of my grocery spending anyway.

 

[Stein]

We shop at Wal-Mart and where we are, the prices are much cheaper, probably 20% overall. I know this varies as by our parents, Wal-Mart is about the same as other stores. Ours is clean and new, but if it wasn't, it wouldn't bother me as I am there to save money, not eat off the floor. For us, a box of Mac and Cheese is the same everywhere, so we don't pay a premium for a nicer store.

On the political side, I think Wal-Mart is taking the brunt of criticism that should probably be spread around more. Does a Safeway employee make much more or have more vacation or healthcare? I am not saying they are a saint, just not a bunch different than Kmart, Safeway or any other retailer.

There are places like Costco that I would definately rather work for if that was how I made my living, but everyone is free to choose.

 

[jennynoel]

On the political side, I think Wal-Mart is taking the brunt of criticism that should probably be spread around more. Does a Safeway employee make much more or have more vacation or healthcare? I am not saying they are a saint, just not a bunch different than Kmart, Safeway or any other retailer.

There are places like Costco that I would definately rather work for if that was how I made my living, but everyone is free to choose.

I do agree with you that Wal-Mart is being "made an example of", but at the same time grocery stores have a reputation for providing decent benefits for their employees, especially when it comes to health insurance. Wal-Mart does not provide sufficient benefits in many cases. A disproportionate number of Wal-Mart employees are forced to seek public assistance for health care. Also, they sometimes put other stores that are providing good jobs and benefits out of business.

In addition, Wal-Mart has the ability to pressure their supply-chain to cut costs and that can come at the expense of health and safety, environmental responsibility, and certainly quality.

I disagree that everyone is free to choose where to work. An increasing number of people now live in towns where Wal-Mart is the only option. Additionally, if you don't have a job and you need one, you don't have the luxury of waiting for an opening at Costco.

As I've said - I don't advocate boycotting Wal-Mart. I do think that all of us should be as educated as we possibly can be about issues of social justice, environmental responsibility and health & safety. The decisions we make everyday have an impact on our communities and the global community. I'm trying to make more educated decisions.

 

[kydisneyfans]

I needed 3 basic ingredients for lasagna last week, noodles, mushrooms, and shredded cheese. Went to Wal Mart first and dumped the items at the checkout as I was not waiting in line behind 7-8 people to be checked out.

Went into Kroger and all 3 items were cheaper than WalMart, the cheese was a dollar cheaper for the same brand. I used self scan and was out the door in about 3 minutes.

Not only did I have a quicker visit but I saved about a buck and a half.

 

[bevtoy]

Personally, I would go where you can get the most bang for your buck! And I agree that WalMarts grocery prices are tough to beat. That being said... I NEVER buy their meat!!!

Oh you are not kidding either! I hate Walmart meat...............pah...pah....pah I spit it out! YUK!

 

[Aristomommy]

I understand your dilemma. I shop at Walmart at times, but unless it's a brand name item, I don't care for their stuff. Most toys, clothes and home items break, fray, shrink, crack etc. quickly and I end up buying the same item a week later from another store. I had a toaster oven that lasted 3 months, and no one would assist in repair/return even thought it had warranty. It became such a headache i gave up.

We have a limited grocery area in our Walmart and again I would buy the major brand items, but I don't venture into brands I don't know about. Since I don't have much time to grocery shop anyway, I end up going to a local grocery store and paying a little more for the convenience.