Wow. There are DEFINITELY different levels of Wal Marts. Location is everything, I guess. I go to mine a couple times a week, never a bad experience, always find what I need. The ‘Equate’ brand that is WM’s private brand is fine in a lot of instances, such as their version of Benedryl ($1 cheaper per box, same dang thing). I normally use the self checkout, but when I do use a checker I get prompt, courteous service. It can get dicey during the holidays, but not that bad. As far as hiring ‘misfits’ I’m GLAD to see those people. A lot of them just want a chance at work, and wouldn’t be employable elsewhere. Some have obvious handicaps (like the kid who has a cochlear inplant, and is a tad slow), or the hugely obese one, etc. But I think to myself, at LEAST they’re working, and who am I to judge? Considering we are on one income at the moment, my budget doesn’t allow me to be PC. I divide my shopping between WalMart and Winco. Winco has a MUCH better produce/meat section, groceries in general. WM is better for paper goods, personal items, etc.
Amen to everything you said, especially the employees, who seem to be hard working and earnest.
I love the Good Value brand stuff. Equate is a genius brand - ‘equate this to the stuff you were buying before - the only difference is the cost’.
Give me the misfits. The longest serving employee at a local theater here is an autistic man with some musculo-skeletal issues. Been there for 12 years. Their most valuable employee too.
I buy only a very few things at Walmart and have found the Equate brand to be roughly 10 dollars cheaper then the Clartin brand with the same active ingredient. Go to the hunter section for long johns and they are much warmer than other stores and are the same price. I buy my meat at Sam’s Club and save a few bucks with the Premier Membership on drugs and other things. I shop about 4 stores where I know the name brands are cheaper. Only buy what I need each week and no impulse buying.