I read Kellie’s post over here about her wonderful trip to Wal-Mart and it got me thinking about that place. Do you know anyone that actually likes to shop there? OK wait…I do…hmmm. Anyway. What is it about that store that we hate? Why has it gotten such a bad reputation? It actually sucks really, because they do have the best prices that I’ve ever found. And there is actually at least one decent store…it’s down in my hometown and if there’s any place where I would expect the typical Wal-Mart, it would be down there. But instead, people are very polite, it’s the cleanest store I’ve ever been in…it is actually…hold on…don’t faint…kind of fun to take the kids and shop there. Are you OK? Have you regained consciousness? No, I haven’t gone off the deep end, I promise, it’s a very different atmosphere.
Anyway, I buy my diapers, wipes and “bathroom stuff” there…I just can’t justify paying higher prices on those things that I go through so.darn.fast. However, each time I go there I dread it. For me it starts in the parking lot. Are all bad drivers drawn to the Wal-Mart parking lot? I mean really! I too try to look for the closest parking spot, but after one time around I just try to find one to park my car in. Sounds easy, right? WRONG. There are people walking all over the road, including in the middle of it. People parked in their cars waiting for that person that is loading their groceries into their car really slowly so that they can have their spot that’s 2 spaces closer than the open one right next to them. By this time I’m ready to scream.
After I’m in the store, I encounter all types of people. I can’t miss them because they’re standing in the middle of the walkway into the store. After I bust my way through that crowd I try to get the stuff I need as fast as I can, all the time dealing with people talking loudly on their cell phones and blocking the aisle ways. And don’t get me started on the screaming kids.
When I try to check out I’m in line for about ½ hour. I just stand there and watch Betty Jo slowly scan each item over the scanner and make stupid chit-chat with the older lady that she’s checking out.
So now that I think about it, the reason I hate Wal-Mart is because of the people that it attracts. I guess I really had no idea that our world was filled with so many rude and self-centered people. If half of the people at Wal-Mart actually acted like decent humans and were polite and didn’t do stupid things (like waiting for the parking spot) then I probably wouldn’t hate it so bad. The worst thing is that it’s the only grocery-type store by my office and I try to get all of my shopping done during lunch, so basically, I’m screwed.
So why do you hate the place? Or better yet, are there any of you out there that are brave enough to admit you like it? I promise, I won't think you're too weird :)
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6 comments:
My theory around Wal-mart is that it's like the DMV. Every dimwit has to go there at least once in their life, and it always seems to be the day I make my appearance. Not sure what that says about me, but it is entirely full of the most self centered, unkempt people I've ever encountered. I just feel tired when I leave!!! But they have the best prices if you can find what you're looking for.
Your reasons are also MY reasons as to why that place makes me twitch and foam at the mouth. It's not the STORE, it's the PEOPLE!! I, too, get "bathroom stuff" and sometimes food as it's cheaper than the big chain grocery stores around here. Same with craft things...MUCH cheaper than Michael's.
I just never realized that people can be SO obnoxious and SO nasty. Both to other people and just in general hygiene.
:)
It's so funny that this topic has come up because I was just working on a blog entry about the very same thing. I really dislike going to the Walmart and Sam's Club in my town, but feel like I have to since the prices are so much better. For example, at Sam's milk is over $1 less per gallon than anywhere else in town. Since we go through almost five gallons a week, it really adds up. But, our Walmart is filthy and, for whatever reason, going to Sam's Club is just my own personal trip through Dante's inner circle of hell. So I usually bring my iPod and listen to music to keep me somewhat relaxed.
I do shop at Walmart. For the same reasons you do, it's cheaper! But, the store, yeah, makes me want to stab people in the eye! I feel like I need a big drink when I leave there. And, if I have to take my kids? OMG!
I try to go during odd hours, it is a little better that way.
I can't stand WalMart for all the reasons you guys have said plus one. You have to have put a quarter in the cart to use it. But first you have to find one. Then after you put in the quarter you find you are stuck with a cart that has wheels that all go in different directions.
Bethany -- You have to PAY to use a cart at Walmart?!?! I have never heard of such a thing. What's the deal?
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