Walmart vs Target (without RedCard discount)

[crisi]

When you put it that way, I completely understand what you're saying. I have never experienced anything remotely close to that at the Walmart I shop at. It's not "new" by any means, but it's a supercenter. If my Walmart was a shopping "experience" as you've described above, then yes, I would probably find another store to shop in, and maybe it would be worth it to spend more $. Especially if I literally felt unsafe.

I also have to mention that when I typically shop I do NOT go during the "normal" hours where everyone and their brother is in the store either. I know how packed stores are on the weekends during what I would call "normal" hours. I typically do my shopping on my flex days (I work a flex work schedule) at 10am on either Thurs or Fridays, or, if I have to go on the weekend I'm there no later than 6am. The shelves are nice and stocked, I don't have anyone "in my way" when I'm shopping, etc. I know where everything is too so I have no issues there.
I don't buy clothing or anything there (except for random t-shirts, undies, socks) so I can't speak to the quality...however for the price I wouldn't expect much.

I do get what you're saying though...if my store felt unsafe, yes, I'd find another store.

I as in a Walmart outside Phoenix that was beautiful. Lots of aisle space, clean, well lit, seemed well stocked. My wal mart isn't like that. If it was, I might go there once in a while. It crowded, dirty, nothing is set up to look like you would want it.

And my suburban Walmart is way better than the one by my former work. That one doesn't feel SAFE.

 

[eliza61]

When you put it that way, I completely understand what you're saying. I have never experienced anything remotely close to that at the Walmart I shop at. It's not "new" by any means, but it's a supercenter. If my Walmart was a shopping "experience" as you've described above, then yes, I would probably find another store to shop in, and maybe it would be worth it to spend more $. Especially if I literally felt unsafe.

I also have to mention that when I typically shop I do NOT go during the "normal" hours where everyone and their brother is in the store either. I know how packed stores are on the weekends during what I would call "normal" hours. I typically do my shopping on my flex days (I work a flex work schedule) at 10am on either Thurs or Fridays, or, if I have to go on the weekend I'm there no later than 6am. The shelves are nice and stocked, I don't have anyone "in my way" when I'm shopping, etc. I know where everything is too so I have no issues there.
I don't buy clothing or anything there (except for random t-shirts, undies, socks) so I can't speak to the quality...however for the price I wouldn't expect much.

I do get what you're saying though...if my store felt unsafe, yes, I'd find another store.

Its funny because most people don't think of shopping as an experience but you'd be surprised at how much money shopping chains devote to market research. Billions of dollars. They know that certain"smells", make women spend more etc. my shoprite just put in a fancy cheese section near the fresh bread section, evidently the combo of smelling fresh bread and being able to "taste" cheese samples makes people "linger". Pipe in some Italian music and they really shop. they also added a "daycare" in the front of the store where you can drop the kiddies in there, let them play while you shop.
there is a DVD called "supermarket inc" that is fascinating. It goes behind the scenes in some big chain supermarkets and shows you exactly how they get us to spend.
You can see it on cnbc.com. believe me food shopping is definitely an experience and retails spend a ton of money trying to create the best "atmosphere".

 

[3boymthr]

A few posters have asked OP why she is buying gift cards for Walmart or Target and not just going to other stores, better/cheaper or whatever stores. Do note that the OP said that she is redeeming loyalty rewards points to get these GC which is why she is getting gift cards - free money on top of what she's saved. So I'm guessing that for H&B and grocery type items Walmart and Target GC are probably her only options. Which is also I'm thinking why she's asking which is cheaper - she's hoping to get the most bang for her buck.

OP - as a few posters have mentioned you have to research where you'll be living vs. where the stores are located. With Target and Walmart it's not just which is cheaper but where they're located. Our closest Target and Walmart are comparable in price. We have a target in the next town but right on the border of our town and 10 minutes by backroad to get there - less if I happen to be out and about running errands. The closest Walmart is at a minimum 1/2 hour drive (in each direction) from our house - and that's if there's no traffic. Plus the traffic is BAD in the Walmart parking lot as it shares a lot with three other major stores in the area. This adds another 10 minutes to my trip. Also as PP mentioned it takes a lot longer to get thru the Walmart. I'd say I have to add an hour onto my shopping trip because I have to spend so much longer battling people and lines. Adding up my extra time (2 extra hours out of my day) and the extra gas make Walmart only a tiny bit cheaper if that. So for me Target is a no brainer, even if it does cost me a little bit more out of pocket. (BTW the 2nd closest target is right across the street from the 2nd closest Walmart. I don't go to either of them. They're right next door to the largest mall in the area and the traffic is hideous even at 10 AM on a Tuesday).

 

[ssawka]

I am honestly NOT being snarky when I say this but I've never understood the whole "experience" factor when shopping.

What do people mean by "it's a more pleasant experience" to shop at Target than at Walmart?

I guess I don't look at my grocery shopping trips (regardless of where it is) as something I should pause and take in the moment.

I get where people say that Target is "nicer", I do...they have a Starbucks in there, the carts don't frequently pirouet like a ballerina, etc. but I'm there to get what I gotta get, and get out!

I'm on a mission, I don't typically make time during these trips to take in my surroundings and relish the "experience" or whatnot.

Am I missing out on something here people? Because grocery shopping to me is just one more chore on the list that has to get done, and not something I do for "me time" (even though that's sometime's the only "me time" I may get in a week).

As far as products go (store brand to store brand) I've never compared Target to Walmart so I can't speak to that...it's just easiest for me to take all my adds to Walmart and price match every single item I'd have to run all over town for...it's quick, easy, and always the lowest price (for me) with the price matching.

Personally, I just don't like B&M's About the only time it makes sense to go to one is for groceries, toiletries, etc. or clothing. For clothing we go to Kohls. For groceries / toiletries, we get them at the grocery store or Costco. Everything else, we buy from Amazon.

Around here, you have to fight traffic anytime you go to the B&M, and then they usually don't have what I want. Traffic is so bad, that it is not even worth doing comparison shopping. Pick one store and buy what you need, even if it costs you more. If I can help it, I never go to a B&M and buy everything on-line.