Walmart Super Centers

**jazzcat** · 03-09-2006, 10:22 AM

Originally Posted by elizabethann

There's a Super Target? Do they sell groceries (meat, bread, etc.)? I never knew there was a Super Target.

Yep, it's great! I already loved Target so when they opened a Super Target with full groceries I thought I should just set up a tent. To me, their quality of meat is better than any of the grocery stores around (except the Fresh Market - I love the Fresh Market).

**Karen** · 03-09-2006, 10:49 AM

You need to be careful with prices, and not just assume it's cheaper at Walmart. We don't have a "Supercenter" near us, but for a while bought all our papertowels at the Walmart because they were cheaper. They kept changing the prices around, though, and can vary as much a $2 more for the same size package.

So as in all things, buyer beware.

**poofy** · 03-09-2006, 10:58 AM

Give me walmart any day, the economy has always been bad for the people with the least amt of money..so now we get a break and they hate it..I really dont care..I'll shop walmart

**Pam** · 03-09-2006, 11:24 AM

Originally Posted by Karen

You need to be careful with prices, and not just assume it's cheaper at Walmart. We don't have a "Supercenter" near us, but for a while bought all our papertowels at the Walmart because they were cheaper. They kept changing the prices around, though, and can vary as much a $2 more for the same size package.

So as in all things, buyer beware.

Karen I never really went to Walmart when it was just a *regular* Walmart. The Super Center is something different entirely. I noticed yesterday that they had even lowered their Breyer's ice cream (hubby's favorite) down to $1.99. Then I got my supermarket flyer and noticed that it was selling Breyer's at $1.99 so that is why Walmart lowered the price. They have their finger on the pulse of prices for sure. I am not even going to renew my membership at Sam's Club now, although I realize they are the same. Now you all know how cheap I am.

I had to run into the supermarket for something that Walmart didn't carry and noticed, as I passed the bananas, that they were $.69/lb. there. I had just paid $.44/lb. at Walmart. I could never shop at the supermarket again knowing how inflated their prices are.

**caseysmom** · 03-09-2006, 11:28 AM

We don't have one near me...I am so picky about meat and produce...are those good? I am sure we will get a supercenter around here eventually.

**gemini9961** · 03-09-2006, 11:31 AM

I shop at one. It's about 20 minutes away. I go there for my household items and a few groceries. I prefer to go to Publix for groceries. Less people in there and excellent quality items. I know Wallyworld gets a bad rap and it's incredibly busy but yes I am attracted to the lower prices.

**Flatcoatluver** · 03-09-2006, 11:33 AM

Our walmart doesn't sale grocheries, or we would shop there too!

**mruffruff** · 03-09-2006, 11:47 AM

The Wal-Mart Supercenter is only minutes from my house. I go once a week for everything but meat. All of the meats say "May have up to 12% salt solution added". I get more salt than I need in my food already, so I sure don't need more. The Bi-Lo is right next door but their prices are staggering. I'm not cooking much meat anymore.

Litter is $5.48 for 28 pounds and Temptations are $1.38 a bag. They are open 24 hours but the lines are usually ridiculously long no matter when I go. And in our county, only food can be sold between 12:01 AM and 1:30 PM on Sunday. So I just pick my time as best I can.

One of my co-workers says, "If Wal-mart doesn't have it, you don't need it!"
Not true, but close.

**finn's mom** · 03-09-2006, 11:55 AM

Originally Posted by gemini9961

I shop at one. It's about 20 minutes away. I go there for my household items and a few groceries. I prefer to go to Publix for groceries. Less people in there and excellent quality items. I know Wallyworld gets a bad rap and it's incredibly busy but yes I am attracted to the lower prices.

I love Publix! I definitely prefer to buy produce there, as it just always seems to be better quality, and, they have some of the best customer service I've ever come across in a grocery store, I love them. I used to *love* Walmart, but, the customer service just seems to be getting worse and worse, but, like you...the cheaper prices get me every time.

**beeniesmom** · 03-09-2006, 12:09 PM

I have one within walking distance of my house.
It was a Godsend. I live in an area where the closest shopping center was an hour away.
I still don't understand why most of the people in my neighborhood picketed outside to stop construction.

It's been there for 2 years and I get my groceries there every week.
I know a lot of people in my neighborhood shop there too.
The prices are good and the quality not bad. I even get some cloths there too.... and a lot of dog treats. They take coupons without looking at you funny, so you save even more.
I am sorry for the smaller businesses that can't keep up with the low prices... but in the end .... it's better for my pocket.

**Tubby & Peanut's Mom** · 03-09-2006, 12:30 PM

Originally Posted by elizabethann

My Neice loves Walmart Super Centers. She loves them so much that we predict she'll have her baby in one of aisles.

This actually happened! I don't remember where, but it was on our news here. The woman's water broke while she was in the store so her and hubby(I believe) contacted the store manager. An ambulance was on the way, but the baby wanted O-U-T so she had the baby right there in the aisle at Wally World. I would suggest this to every mother-to-be because Wal-Mart ended up donating a TON of stuff, like a year's supply of diapers, baby food, clothes, nursery items, etc. The people really made out well from the experience.

I have mixed feelings about Wal-Mart. I, like everyone else, like the low prices, and they let us park in their parking lot overnight with the motorhome when we're on the road. However, I'm not sure I like the tactics they use to get those low prices. We saw a documentary on public TV once that didn't judge, they just explained how Wal-Mart works. As for how they treat their employees, I'm not too sure about that either. As far as I know, they are the biggest employer in the US, and when you consider the trickle down effect, there are millions of people employed because of Wal-Mart. When you employee that many people, you are going to come across a few disgruntled employees, but you will also find many who are thrilled to be working there. They wanted to put one up in Chicago. There was a huge uproar about it because of the money they pay. My thought was - do I work for $7.00 an hour or do not work at all and continue to eek out a living on public assistance? Bottom line was Chicago voted no. There's a street on the South side of Chicago. The North side of the street is Chicago, the South side of the street is a suburb (forgot which one...Evergreen Park maybe?). Wal-Mart built on the South side of the street. So now all the people from Chicago can buy there and work there and Wal-Mart doesn't need to put up with Chicago's politics and BS.

The store nearest to us is ALWAYS mobbed and a mess, so the only time I shop at a Wal-Mart is when we're on the road and staying overnight in their parking lot. Since I'm torn about them, I figure this is a good compromise. I patronize them so I don't feel like we're taking advantage by staying on their property, but I otherwise don't shop there which satisfies my "boycott" feelings. Hypocritical maybe, but whattayagonnado?

Oh, and as for Super Target, K-Mart, etc., they've all see the way Wal-Mart works and are now using similar tactics. They just don't have quite the buying power that Wal-Mart does. I don't know if Super Target uses Union labor, but I would doubt it. The "big box" stores are really all the same, it's just a matter of how big their box is.

**lbaker** · 03-09-2006, 12:53 PM

I agree with Debbie about the questionable tactics they use to keep prices low and the lousy treatment of employees. Outrageous demands, unfair labor practices and little if any benefits like basic health care. But as Debbie said, no job or a lousy job? Horrible choice to have to make

**Kfamr** · 03-09-2006, 01:25 PM

One thing I really dislike about Wal-Mart and their supercenters are the fact that they feel the need to have a location every 10 miles you drive.

We boycotted the building of one. They wanted to build a supercenter RIGHT next to a river, the ONLY natural part of that river/wetlands left in this area and they wanted to destroy it. They have not built it and I hope they don't. There is a Wal-Mart 5 minutes down the road from it!

That said, I shop there all the time, only for 3 things. Dog toys, Material for bandanas, and to print my pictures. Their $0.88 dog toys, $1/yd material, & $0.19 picture printing has me hooked.

Customer service is HORRIBLE but, that is typical in 99.9% of stores and restaurants now-a-days it seems.

**My Peanuts** · 03-09-2006, 02:56 PM

Originally Posted by Kfamr

Their $0.88 dog toys, $.

I buy like 10 of those everytime I go. It's gotten to the point where when ever bags are brought into the house the pups know we have something for them!

**Tubby & Peanut's Mom** · 03-09-2006, 03:12 PM

Oh, another reason I don't like Super Target - or Target in general - is because of something I heard a few years ago. I have no idea if it's true or not, but since I didn't like the store much to begin with, it was enough to make stay away. I heard they will NOT support any Veterans organizations whatsoever. Their take on it is that they have their "preferred" not-for-profit organizations they donate to and that's ALL they'll donate to - no matter who from the local community comes in. Now, I understand that corporations and businesses are bombarded with solicitations from every Tom, Dick and Harry, but sometimes you have to be able to be flexible and support local organizations and the local community. Like I say, I have no idea if this is true or not.

Oh yea, and just one more reason I don't like Target - I HATE their Super Target commercials! The ones where they talk about the fantastic meals you can make by buying the freshest cheapest ingredients around at Super Target. I don't know what it is....probably the lady's voice that just grinds on me every single time I hear it, and I hear it a LOT at work!

Target has managed to build a store or two within the city limits of Chicago. Evidently their corporate policies are either not as well known as Wal-Mart's, or they were able to squeak them past all the city politicians....or....knowing Chicago politics....maybe they knew just the right pockets to line......oops, did I say that?