Wal-Mart Sucks

[sweetpee_1993]

Our Walmart is a nicer, cleaner one. But still, I prefer Target. In fact, we have a Super Target equal distance from us. Love Super Target! Even tho its "super" it does have a fairly limited selection of grocery items. Not a lot of specialty things. So, I shop a nearby Kroger or HEB along with Target. Try to avoid Walmart as much as possible. Not sure how my usual options will work out in the coming months. Moving again to a slightly different area. We'll have to look around more for how we'll still avoid Walmart.

My folks live in a small town in Alabama. There's a super Walmart there that's much smaller than any other one I've ever been in. The worst part is that its not open 24 hrs. I call it the semi-super Walmart or somewhat-super walmart. LOL!

 

[bsiev1977]

Yea ours are closed all the time. Its amazing that you can have 20 people in line, only 2 lanes open, self checkout is closed, yet everyone is happy as a clam that they are saving 6 cents on an ipod. I try my very hardest to stay as far away from them as I can.

Forgive me for pointing this out, but you must not be doing a good job avoiding the store if you know that the checkouts are closed "all the time".

 

[Jimmy Thick]

I was under the impression some merchandise, like time sensitive ones that are released on specific dates, like new release Tuesday, might not get there until the day of release. There are also some things that could alter when things get shipped to store. So basically, the Walmart in the op's post just might not have had the merchandise yet, and that does happen, at Walmart, Target and other big box retailers.

Or people just could have been lazy, which happens at big box retailers as well.


Jimmy Thick- Personally, I try to shop online.

 

[erasure fan1]

Forgive me for pointing this out, but you must not be doing a good job avoiding the store if you know that the checkouts are closed "all the time".

I said I TRY to stay away. Unfortunately I don't always succeed, there are a few things I can only get there.

 

[Hrudey3032]

I was under the impression some merchandise, like time sensitive ones that are released on specific dates, like new release Tuesday, might not get there until the day of release. There are also some things that could alter when things get shipped to store. So basically, the Walmart in the op's post just might not have had the merchandise yet, and that does happen, at Walmart, Target and other big box retailers.

Or people just could have been lazy, which happens at big box retailers as well.


Jimmy Thick- Personally, I try to shop online.

Having worked in Walmart Electronics for 10 years the statement I highlighted is simply not true. Major releases were in usually a week or 2 beforehand. That way displays could be ready in time for midnight release. Even smaller releases were in a week early to plan out where to put them. Only a manufacture issue with product would it arrive day of release.

 

[The Mom]

If you read up, you'll see how Wal-Mart got so popular. It was all stuff they do little of these days. Like so many companies, they got a reputation for and made a fortune doing something well, then stopped doing it.

I think it depends on the Wal-Mart. My old one was clean, attractive and a fine place to shop. The one I'm closest to in Florida is not very clean, is ALWAYS very busy (with all sorts of people, including the loud and obnoxious) and I only go there when I must. They're the only one around with Brach's gummies, yellow-capped Downy, the cheapo socks I like...so I go when I need those things only.

I also stock up on the few non-perishables that only Wal - Mart carries, such as white paper bags (for luminaria) and liquid starch (tablecloths) so I only venture into one every year or so.

 

[unkadug]

If you read up, you'll see how Wal-Mart got so popular. It was all stuff they do little of these days. Like so many companies, they got a reputation for and made a fortune doing something well, then stopped doing it.

I think it depends on the Wal-Mart. My old one was clean, attractive and a fine place to shop. The one I'm closest to in Florida is not very clean, is ALWAYS very busy (with all sorts of people, including the loud and obnoxious) and I only go there when I must. They're the only one around with Brach's gummies, yellow-capped Downy, the cheapo socks I like...so I go when I need those things only.

I didn't realize that Gummy Bears fell into the "NEED" category.

 

[captainkidd]

I was under the impression some merchandise, like time sensitive ones that are released on specific dates, like new release Tuesday, might not get there until the day of release. There are also some things that could alter when things get shipped to store. So basically, the Walmart in the op's post just might not have had the merchandise yet, and that does happen, at Walmart, Target and other big box retailers.

Or people just could have been lazy, which happens at big box retailers as well.


Jimmy Thick- Personally, I try to shop online.

Nope, not so. I worked in retail for many years. We always had the new releases, at the very latest, 3 days in advance.

I've experienced this at this location before as well. Just for laughs, next Tuesday when the new Bon Jovi CD comes out, I'll stop by the store in the morning. I'll bet good money they won't have it on the shelf yet. If I were to stop by on the way home, it might be out by then.

 

[luv]

I didn't realize that Gummy Bears fell into the "NEED" category.

Lol. Anyone who knows me would verify for you that I need my gummy bears. And Brach's are the best!

The Gummy Bear brings exquisite joy. OMG, i love those things. Still remember the first day i had one, which is also the last day i even considered Swedish Fish. I could rhapsodize further, but I'll leave it there.

Big, big fan of the Brach's Gummy Bear.

 

[NemoRocks78]

I hate Wal-Mart with a passion, but I do have to venture into one every now and then, especially if it's late at night and such. I've also attempted to get new release movies and games after midnight before and they haven't had everything out immediately. I remember driving to four or five different stores around Orlando looking for the last release of Back to the Future DVDs (the one with BTTF The Ride), heh. That was a pain. But they should definitely have everything days before release - I worked at a Fry's Electronics for a bit and we always had stuff in before the release date. The stuff just had to be taken out and thrown on the shelves.

I'm a big Target man and I'm in one multiple times a week. I prefer to get most of my groceries there - except produce and meats, which I'll hit up a normal grocery store like Ralphs for. And there sadly aren't many Super Targets out here. The nearest one is 45 min. away - it really sucks because I always had them nearby when I lived in FL and TN. That's probably good, though, because the last time I was at one I picked up these cookies & creme cupcakes from the bakery that were sooooooo insanely good.

 

[wdwstateofmind]

Whether I do to Harrison, Garfield, Saddle Brook, etc...I feel like they don't even bother stocking or organizing their shelves...they literally just leave palates in the middle of isles and any sort of inventory system they use seems inadequate for the amount of customers they'd like to service...that and nothing I buy there seems to last longer than a year...

 

[StarWarsGirl]

So when I was on Hilton Head Island, South Carolina, my earbuds broke. There was no Target on the island, so I was forced to go to Walmart. They barely had a selection there. The earbuds I bought were total crap. As soon as I got home, I went to Target and picked out a pair that was only $5 more but that had way better audio quality and were more comfortable. Target is just a nicer store overall. I'm just lucky that at home, the Target is more accessible than Walmart.

 

[Uncle Lupe]

Ever since old lady Walton died the entire company has gone downhill. So your local stores problems are not fully local management but they play a big part. Stores are run with the bare minimum staffing. The only thing they have direct control over is payroll. If sales are running under expectations then payroll get hacked! Also if somebody calls off your put in a hard spot. If you see something that is a constant issue complain. Be real and don't make stuff up or sound crazy. The main Walmart line gets results

They have put tools in place that are suppose to help but they just screw everything up. After old lady Walton died they turned to outside companies to tell us better ways to stock and run a store with less manpower. These tools could be good but only if everything ran perfectly and not a single mistake was ever made. Plus if you had the proper amount of people to run them and the extra space now needed in the back room. Our storage needs have doubled but do you see any stores expanding backroom areas?

Their employment wants have changed from long term people who wanted to work and cared. To short term people who simply don't care.

I do take pride in the fact people drive farther to shop our store over others because we try to run the place as best as we can. People make or break a store even within the same company.

Sam ran a good company and old lady Walton made him take care of his employees. After their era was over greed totally took over the business.

I shop Target when we are out of town. But I have to laugh at the perception that they are so much better over Walmart. To each his own.

 

[captainkidd]

I shop Target when we are out of town. But I have to laugh at the perception that they are so much better over Walmart. To each his own.

Not to insult you, but they are. At least, in every Target I've been in compared to every Wal-Mart I've been in:

-Cleaner.
-Friendlier employees.
-Stocked better (see first post).
-More open lanes, and if it's busy, they'll open more, not just ignore it.
-Merchandise is easier to find.

I worked at a Northeast retailer called Bradlees for many years. I saw the right way to run a retail store, and the wrong way. Maybe it's based on area, but I assure you, in the Northeast, Wal-Mart is run like absolute crap.

 

[mousehockey37]

Not to insult you, but they are. At least, in every Target I've been in compared to every Wal-Mart I've been in:

-Cleaner.
-Friendlier employees.
-Stocked better (see first post).
-More open lanes, and if it's busy, they'll open more, not just ignore it.
-Merchandise is easier to find.

I worked at a Northeast retailer called Bradlees for many years. I saw the right way to run a retail store, and the wrong way. Maybe it's based on area, but I assure you, in the Northeast, Wal-Mart is run like absolute crap.

Where I live, I live outside a decently populated city. The Walmarts we have here are overrun by the "locals" of the city and it looks like it in the stores appearance. I won't go near a bathroom, I dare to even go near the food section. When looking for other products, I don't look on hangers, the stuff's on the floor. Boxes will be ripped open, stuff is missing, wrappers from the food is in the clothing racks, etc...

The Target which is closer to the city than the Walmart is, doesn't have these problems. I attribute it to the fact that Target is a little "classier" than Walmart and it just brands everything. Sure, that Target has its issues, but the Walmart that's a couple miles further from the city, it's a pig sty.

 

[Uncle Lupe]

Not to insult you, but they are. At least, in every Target I've been in compared to every Wal-Mart I've been in:

-Cleaner.
-Friendlier employees.
-Stocked better (see first post).
-More open lanes, and if it's busy, they'll open more, not just ignore it.
-Merchandise is easier to find.

I worked at a Northeast retailer called Bradlees for many years. I saw the right way to run a retail store, and the wrong way. Maybe it's based on area, but I assure you, in the Northeast, Wal-Mart is run like absolute crap.

I've been in plenty of Walmart stores that make my jaw drop. Trash on the floor, open ladders left out and employees that are short with you. So the people running the store and the people working make a huge difference. Again, if you just put up with bad service nothing will change. Store managers are held accountable over the long term.

No insult taken, there are plenty aspects of Walmart that suck. But to generalize the whole based off a few is unfair to those who do it right.

 

[captainkidd]

I've been in plenty of Walmart stores that make my jaw drop. Trash on the floor, open ladders left out and employees that are short with you. So the people running the store and the people working make a huge difference. Again, if you just put up with bad service nothing will change. Store managers are held accountable over the long term.

No insult taken, there are plenty aspects of Walmart that suck. But to generalize the whole based off a few is unfair to those who do it right.

I'm a big believer in this. You have to let the store know when they've done something wrong, or they can't fix it. I filled out a form online letting them know about my experience. No email, call - Nothing. As I said, I'm a firm believer in providing feedback, whether it be bad or good. I've never let a company know about service (again, good or bad) and not received some sort of reply. It just tells me that corporate at Wal-Mart simply doesn't care.

 

[trr1]

I live between 2 Target stores both are 20 miles away east and west i also live between 3 Walmart stores one one 5 miles(west) the other 13 miles(north) and the 3rd 20 miles east. the walmart closest is very well managed and clean with friendly employees and is a super store the the walmart 20 miles away is a pigsty and has very unfriendly employees and is a regular store then I have a super Kmart 6 mile away that I dislike with a passion and wont
go to unless i am forced to.

 

[Uncle Lupe]

I'm a big believer in this. You have to let the store know when they've done something wrong, or they can't fix it. I filled out a form online letting them know about my experience. No email, call - Nothing. As I said, I'm a firm believer in providing feedback, whether it be bad or good. I've never let a company know about service (again, good or bad) and not received some sort of reply. It just tells me that corporate at Wal-Mart simply doesn't care.

I would try to # 1-800-walmart. I know it sounds like a smarty pants response but that is the real number. Most people don't believe you and call you a few unfriendly things when they are mad.
When people have a complaint or issue we receive a "Letter from the President". Those are taken seriously at my store. Unless you complain about EVERYTHING.

Back the problem. Other releases are hyped to generate cross merchandise sales. The last Twilight just came out and we had door prizes, cupcakes and everything those fans would want to buy in one area. We do the same for other "big" movies and games. Wreck it Ralph was in our store with no hype at all. No floor display just a few spots on the new release display but they should of had some on the shelf for sale by that time in the morning. So your local store dropped the ball on something that should be routine.