Confession: the real reason I won't shop at Wal-mart

[senseandsensibility]

I know that Wal-mart is a soulless corporate pig. I hate everything they stand for. I hate the way they take over a city, treat their employees like dirt, and expect the taxpayers to pay their way.

But before I knew that, I didn't shop there anyway. I've only been in a Wal-mart one time. It's the snob factor. I couldn't stand the atmosphere. The customer service sucked, the lines were long, the merchandise cheap, and the prices unremarkable. In fact, the only thing I bought, a pack of thank you cards, was made of card stock as thin as copy paper. Of course I couldn't see this in the store because the box was sealed.

Yes, I thought I was too good for Wal-mart. And I was right.:P

[madeline_con]

1. snob factor?

Do you mean you're too much of a snob, or the people act like snobs?


:shrug:

[BlueIris]

45. My question: How does disliking cheap crap make you snobby?

I mean, really cheap, as in: Not worth 1/100th the price they're charging for it, not just "the wrong brand name" or "not perfect/the highest quality." I know from snobbery, honey, and hating Walmart's crap doesn't qualify.

[bluestateguy]

2. It's not a classy store

At Target you find prices that are almost as low as Wal-Mart, better trained and more professional employees, a cleaner and more orderly store, and and all around better shopping experience.

[Melynn]

16. Target rocks!

I was their a couple of weeks ago and it was a good shopping experience. Like you said, a cleaner, orderly store and no waiting in the check out lines. Cool beans.

[kittenpants]

64. I loved shopping at target too, but it's RED so we must stop!

[Bluebear]

3. "CRYSTAL!!! ***GET*** over here NOW!!!!!!"

You ever notice there is always some mom screaming at her kids in there? :)

[LynneSin]

4. I absolutely agree

I remember this neighbor of my friend bragging at how she lined up at Wal-Mart at 3am in the morning to get the early specials for Black Friday shopping (start of Xmas season - day after thanksgiving). I'm looking at this woman with bad makeup, greasy hair and those jeans that had the cutouts running up the side of them (and oh, a mother of 3 kids) and all I could think to myself was wherever this woman shops I do not want to shop there.

I'm the biggest snob, and it's not like I need Nordstrom or Saks to make my day. Hell, I just spent $30 at Target for a few household items. At least at that store I feel they have decent quality products and a clientele of normal folks that, regardless of politics or position in life, I don't mind being around.

[brainshrub]

5. Easy population control:

Bring couples who are thinking of having kids to a Wal-Mart on a Saturday afternoon. The women will demand to have their men neutered.

Seriously tho, everybody is to good to go into a Wal-Mart.

[blondeatlast]

57. Pretty good idea. Make it about 2:00 in the afternoon, when dad's

beered up and the kids are ready for naptime.

[tinfoilinfor2005]

6. Because it smells like urine?

Ours does.

[gate of the sun]

7. I won't and don't shop there

it's the atmosphere and the product and the grimy slime of corporate America that permeates it's aisles that keeps me away..

[NMDemDist2]

8. i rarely (once a year?) shopped there, then one Xmas season I went

there for a specific item. Hubby had our 2 pound chihuahua/yorkie puppy in his arms as we shopped.

Some teenager came and asked us to leave because of the puppy.

We had shopped in every upscale and moderate store in the mall that day and the only remark we ever got on the pup was gushing on how sweet and good she was.

I have never darkened their doors since. here's a pic of the pup "all grown up" (all 5 pounds of her)

[Arugula Latte]

20. Well, no wonder they kicked you out!

Look at that vicious, rabid beast -- ready to go for the jugular at any moment! ;)

[NMDemDist2]

21. yeah, she's a tuffie all right

:rofl:

[Clark2008]

25. Awwww...

My first dog was named, Tuffy... and he was a cocker spaniel/lab mix.
He also was NOT a "tuffie."

LOL!

Screw Wally World!

[NMDemDist2]

30. actually her name is Penny, just her attitude is tough! LOL n/t

[Clark2008]

33. Oh, I figured her name wasn't "Tuffie,"

but the comment reminded me of my pet. :)

Good memories.

[senseandsensibility]

34. Awww....

My first doggie was a chihuahua/terrier! :loveya: What a cutie. How telling that they were the only store to object. Clueless, classless, and creepy.

[Qanisqineq]

9. I don't like it for those reasons, too

I've also noticed that if I buy something at Walmart for $5, it looks like I spent about $2 on it. Piece of crap. I can go to K-Mart and buy the same item (let's just say a towel) in the Martha Stewart brand for $5 and it looks like I spent more than that on it. Same goes for Target, it may be cheap but it doesn't look half as cheap as the crap at Walmart.

The only reason I ever go to Walmart is about once a year to buy an air filter for one of our vehicles. We can't find the right one at K-Mart or Target and it is often more expensive at an auto parts store. That's it. My in-laws send Walmart gift certificates in spite of the fact they we hate the place. Luckily Walmart gives cash on returns so we spend the certificate then return the item for cash. :D

[flygal]

43. true confessions - I love the Martha Stewart products

I never found anything comparable at Walmart.

[blondeatlast]

58. Me too, and I don't mind K-Mart at all, altho Target is still no. 1

for me.

I bought some beautiful table linens at K-Mart.

[Fridays Child]

10. I used to buy cleaning supplies and other non-perishables at Walmart.

But I never enjoyed going there. It has such a generic, hopeless atmosphere. It's how I imagine stores in the Soviet Union might have been, except that Walmart has day-glo yellow price-slashing dots. Those damn things make a good metaphor for how the company has cheerfully tried to gut collective bargaining and the Labor Movement.

[senseandsensibility]

35. You described the atmosphere better

than I did. It is hopeless. And of course, their record on labor is truly atrocious.

[getmeouttahere]

11. One word.....CostCo!

If we could achieve a massive boycott of Walmart, the largest employer in the world, we could bring the whole neocon operation to its knees, I think.

[Clark2008]

26. That would be great! Except for the fact there's not CostCo in my area.

Sucks.

[AspenRose]

29. www.costco.com

eom

[NMDemDist2]

31. they'll ship off the web, but it doesn't help with perishables n/t

[RoyGBiv]

12. That reminds me ...

My little home town got a Wal-Mart when I was about ten. It replaced a Gibson's, for which I have many fond memories of childhood. (The people there all knew you. You could get groceries at good prices and at least to me good quality. They had a toy *section* and games and bubble gum machines and let you hang out there without harassing you while waiting to get into the skating rink across the street ... I digress.) Anyway, I was disappointed when Gibson's left, but Wal-Mart almost made up for it. It was a small store by today's standards, but the customer service was still good, they actually had the re-fill components to my science kit so I could do more experiments, and it was the first store in town to carry a computer. I oogled over that thing for months.

One day, we got news they were moving into a bigger building. This was after Sam Walton had died, and that's when it all went to hell. I stopped shopping there for the most part, preferring TG&Y until it went under and the K-Mart. A few years after that they built a Super Wal-Mart, and I went in there a few times. Every time I did so I swore I'd never go back, and finally, I just didn't.

It wasn't a bad idea in the beginning, but the idea soured.

[Pikku]

13. I avoid Walmart, but love shopping at neighborhood dollar stores

Go figure. According to BuyBlue they're just as bad.

Plus, I have the same occupationally-acquired trait that most elementary teachers have: I glare so disapprovingly at misbehaving children (in any environment) that they run whining to their parents.

It's an involuntary thing, but embarassing. It's like having the Vulcan death grip and being unable to control it. :D

[Clark2008]

27. Oh, me, too!

I buy all my cleaning products from the local Dollar General, even though I know the owner is a fundie!

But, they treat their employees well - they have the same employees there that they've had for years, so they must. And I know one of the guys there is a liberal. I've talked to him outside of his work when I've seen him in the neighborhood.

I guess, while I don't condone the owner's politics, it's OK, because I have an idea that his employees are well-treated, so I don't mind so much.

Or is that rationalization?

[senseandsensibility]

36. LOL

As an elementary teacher myself, I found your post hilarious. However, most of the time I have the opposite reaction. I just feel relief that I don't have to control the wild children in the store. It's not my problem.:-)

[kiraboo]

14. Hey! People! I know we're confessing our guilty secrets...

but this particular one \ we ought to keep to ourselves. I know the people you mean - my life has taken me to strange places. I've dealt personally and extensively with the overweight bleach-blonde types showing too much cleavage and pulling her pyjama-clad toddlers behind her as she rifles through clothes on the discount rack... and I'm here to tell you, there's a good chance that she hates GWB and his administration as much as we do. She hates what he's done to our country and she wouldn't let one of her little boys enlist in to fight his bogus war if her life depended on it. She wonders how our great country has come to this. Look, the truth is that we Americans are not well-informed. Period. And it may be poverty and ignorance that allows some of these folks to shop with good conscience at WalMart. Stereotyping people because of their shopping habit doesn't serve any good. Heck, my wealthy neighbors on both sides won't shop at WalMart either but it isn't a sign of their nobility. They all drive overlarge fuel-gobbling vehicles with the obligatory troop support ribbons on their rear bumpers. I remember attending the anti-war protests the spring before we invaded Iraq. A smallish group of us were carrying signs and making our presence known along a busy throughway. We were honked and cheered, but we were also jeered and cursed at. My initial thought was that I was going to be able to predict who would show us the most contempt by looking at their vehicles. I reasoned that the "rednecks" in beat-up trucks with four American flags flying from the front cab would me most likely to despise us for our protests. But it simply was not so! I was amazed and gratified to find that those down-home types, those rednecks, went both ways. Some loved us and some didn't. Sometimes those folks with the most outrageously decorated trucks: flags, bumperstickers and nearly naked women (you know the ones!) were the ones who gave us the loudest cheers and the widest smiles. My point: let's not judge, huh? Let us not alienate people who might agree with us on every point if they were presented with our arguments. Let us not assume that greasy hair and low-slung jeans are an unfailing sign of somebody who just doesn't care. We don't know these people, right?

Okay, off my podium. BTW, I hate WalMart too. But I have a friend who works at a local store because she cannot find another job in our dead town. She's a nice woman.

[alarimer]

15. Unfortunately

I doubt many of the people who shop at Walmart give a rat's ass about our country. I certainly don't think they are anti-Bush. To the contrary I think most of them are Repukes. Good liberals avoid that place unless they have no choice.

[kiraboo]

19. The point of my post is that I disagree, entirely, with what you say.

But you are most certainly entitled to your opinion.

[benevolent dictator]

32. We have Wal-Mart Protests where we stand outside and talk to people

about Wal-Mart, we also have a flyer to give them. (Online at www.reformwalmart.org/Docs/walmartflyer.pdf ) We've come across more than one person who had a response along the lines of "Wow! I had no idea they did all of this stuff! I've always boycotted Nike for their sweatshops and worker treatment, I'm so glad you guys are here!" Then promtly goes to tell the people with them that they are "Never shopping here again!"

Admittedly, they are few and far between, but there are a number of other people who will stop to talk to us, and many more who walk into the store, head bent over the flyer. (The managers LOVE this, btw. :sarcasm:)

[BamaGirl]

22. I agree.

Normally I am right on the hate Wally World bandwagon, but the economy just sucks too bad right now and is worse every month. I know plenty of liberals and moderates who look like "white trash" and shop there. You'll shop wherever you have to to feed your kids.

[wickerwoman]

44. I think you're right

that we shouldn't judge people based solely on what they look like and that we should have some humility and compassion for people.

But... I just can't see how anyone could be reduced enough to *need* to shop at Walmart. I worked at an equivalent store where we sold cheap imported shit. Who *needs* a Loudmouth Billy Bass? Who *needs* plastic whirlygigs, lawn chairs, huge beach balls, censored CDs, romance novels, ghetto gold, ten pairs of tube socks, jugs of cookies and pretzels and gallons of soda?

I realize that America's car culture has put a huge strain on those who have to rely on mass transit, but come on... There have to be *some* options- farmer's markets, corner stores, etc. If you're struggling to feed your kids, why not forgo the press-on nails and pay an extra 20 cents for milk at the grocery store? Because in my experience, people aren't in Walmart buying food. Now I live in a part of the world where many people have one suit of clothing they wash in the sink every night and wear until it falls to pieces and then they scrimp to buy a new set. Kids here don't have yards full of plastic crap and they seem to develop just fine.

Nobody *has to* shop there.

[AlCzervik]

17. There are 2 real reasons i don't shop at sprawlmart

ok, before i became aware of their practices i didn't shop there because i think they sell crap, i really am not interested in the Kathy Lee Gifford collection of casual wear and the 2nd reason is-now that i am aware their practices you couldn't pay me enough to buy anything from them, Walmart hurts America.

[Melynn]

18. I don't think you're a snob.

You just didn't like shopping at Wal-Mart for various reasons so you took your business elsewhere. Isn't that the way capitalism is suppose to work?

[senseandsensibility]

41. Thaks. Melynn!

:hi: That is the way capitalism is supposed to work.

[RobbinsdaleDem]

23. I've shopped at Wal-Mart twice.

That was years ago, and both times, the prices posted on the shelves were not the prices rung up at the cash register. Both times a manager had to be called, and the lines were held up while the correct prices were established. Twice was enough for me, and that was way before I realized just how awful Wal-Mart is. I do almost all my shopping at Target.

[Clark2008]

24. Can I confess with you?

It's not a real "snob factor" with me.

The real reason I didn't go to Wally World before I knew how horrid they are is because they are on all the outskirts of the city in which I live. I live and work INSIDE the city limits and, frankly, don't like to shop in the first place (I missed that part of estrogen, I guess, in my female make-up) and will NOT drive any further than I need to to shop. Wal-Mart is five minutes too far away.

And, it's scummy-looking too. Like the K-Mart used to be before they upgraded it. I'm a Target gal, myself.

[senseandsensibility]

38. I keep reading about Target on this thread

I'm not complaining, and I shop there too. But it seems like people are hinting that their labor practices or political affiliation is less objectionable than Wal-mart. Is that true? I hope it is.:)

[Kansas Wyatt]

51. Less objectionable, but rapidly shifting to the WalMart methodology.

[Bouncy Ball]

28. That's not snobbery, though.

Long before I knew what a crappy employer Satan's Five and Dime was, I wouldn't shop there because it was dirty, the lines were long, the stuff was crap, and the customer service was nonexistent (except someone saying hi to me as I came in, that's IT).

[Straight Shooter]

39. Satan's Five and Dime

:rofl:

[senseandsensibility]

40. Yeah

What's the big deal with saying hi? It's mildly pleasant, but for this we are supposed to give up everything else? I don't THINK SO!!:-(

[funflower]

37. The product line just sucks.

I don't have to get political to avoid the dump.

[mitchum]

42. Everything about Wal-Mart offends me:

Their labor practices
THE GREED OF THE WALTON FAMILY (Up against the wall, y'all!)
Their aesthetics
Their shoddy offshore merchandise
The bulk of their clientele

[Chauga]

46. I just hate standing in the checkout line for 30 minutes every time

[LizW]

54. And that's after walking 400 miles searching for the items you need

We used to have a very small WalMart and I did shop there, but when the huge one opened, that was it. Not that I'm against exercise, but doing it in a nasty WalMart while dodging hoardes of screaming kids and people who block the aisles while they chat is not my idea of a good use of time.

[warrens]

47. Engineering products down

You pay a bit less, but you have to replace the product faster or it just doesn't do what it is supposed to do. Low price is not the be-all and end-all, and more and more suppliers are refusing to do business with WM because it cheapens their brand name.

[anarchy1999]

48. I believe I'd have to give you a toast, It is pride, plain and very

simple. You love the US and hate to see it's demise.

No snob factor, just class!

[senseandsensibility]

50. Yes

Absolutely. Thanks!:)

[Piperay]

49. Same here

I shop at dollar stores etc but Walmart is really just too low class & tacky for me.x(

[Burma Jones]

52. I hate shopping, period

I am sooooo grateful for the Internet. It's pretty rare that I buy anything from a store anymore. If I need socks, underwear, kids clothes or sundries - I go to Target - love Target. Cleaning supplies, personal hygene stuff and Groceries are from the Takoma Park-Silver Spring food coop (Farmers Markets now), Trader Joe's or Whole Foods Market. I would get all my groceries from the net if I thought they'd be any good.

[benevolent dictator]

63. If you already buy clothing etc. online, you should check out

union and American made products. They're out there if you look, I'm slowly converting my wardrobe to union/American made.

[Nikia]

53. When we used to shop there

We only bought things that you could buy at a grocery or drug store like soap, shampoo, OTC drugs, garbage bags, cleaning supplies, soda, and snacks.
We always have bought clothes, shoes, and more durable items when they've been on sale at department or specialty stores.

[globalvillage]

59. Same here.

I buy quality clothing items at the end of season at a department store. Recently bought a sweater, a 'top' and three pair of socks for $18 @ 75% off and a 15% coupon. At regular price, would have been close to $100 (makes you wonder how they can dare charge regular prices, BTW).
A friend and I actually compete to see who can get the best deal. If you wear classic styles, they will be in fashion for a very long time.
I would not buy clothing at walmart regardless of their policies. I would not buy anything else there because of their policies.

[bloom]

55. They do have bad design

it seems intentional.

Like if the place appears cheaply designed and has cheaply designed typography etc. - people will have the impression they are getting a good bargain.


South Park had an episode recently (I saw it because my daughter was watching it - I'm not a "regular" watcher) featuring Walmart. On the one hand - it showed the problem of Walmart coming in and putting local businesses out of business.

Two things I didn't like - they implied Target and KMart and True Value are just as bad. I'm not thrilled with nationals/multinationals - as opposed to locals - but I don't think these other businesses are pressuring manufacturers like Rubbermaid to sell things so cheaply they go out of business. (As seen in Frontline - I think it was).

And the other thing - was the South Park show had the Walmart Managers and Execs killing themselves over remorse of how badly their business affects society. I'm sure it was supposed to be ridiculous - but it's little messages like that - that they are "really" good people who care :crazy: that will keep some people shopping there.

[benevolent dictator]

65. Slightly off topic, but True Value is a co-op, all their stores are

pretty much independently owned and operated. At least to the best of my knowledge.

We always go to the local True Value to see if they have the product before going to Lowe's, even though the Lowe's and Home Depot are as close or closer. True Value also carries a lot of American made products (what's left of them!). I just bought a large garden shovel made by Union Tools from there, woo hoo!

[blondeatlast]

56. Would you shop at Target or K-Mart?

I find both infinitely more pleasant than Hell-Mart.

[senseandsensibility]

60. Yes I do shop

at Target, but it is not a favorite of mine. It's just better than Wal-mart. I'd like to know more about them, so I guess I'll google and see what I can find. As for K-mart, they're not well run or pleasant around my neck of the woods, and most of them have gone out of business.

[Blue Belle]

61. I never shopped there before either...

I've ALWAYS had bad shopping experiences at Walmart.

1) I don't like being run over by shopping carts every time I turn a corner.

2) I don't like merchandise that falls apart in 2 months.

3) I don't like my clothes smelling of overcooked popcorn and the grease of the hot dog machine. I've never once visited the food/cafe section, but every time I leave that store my clothes smell like I just cleaned their deep fat fryer. :-(

Yes, I know... I'm a Liberal Elitist. Call me what you want, but I'll never walk into Walmart again.

[bloom]

62. Is WALMART Good for America - Frontline...

http://www.pbs.org/wgbh/pages/frontline/shows/walmart/


This is a good show - you can watch online - if you want to hear some of the dirt about Walmart.

exs:
"Lehman worked for Wal-Mart for 17 years, managing six stores in four different states before he left the company in 2001 to work for a union trying to organize Wal-Mart employees. In this interview, he recounts how he became disillusioned with the company's focus on profit, and why he feels that the current management has strayed from the principles of Wal-Mart founder Sam Walton. Lehman also describes how Wal-Mart developed its efficient supply chain, how Wal-Mart's buyers negotiate with manufacturers to drive down costs, and when he first noticed Wal-Mart's importing low-cost goods from China."