So What's with Walmart?

[Lynn Marie]

As far as I can tell, Walmart is the shopping place of choice for some of the homliest people on the planet. Not everyone who go's there, mind you, but enough to have garnered that unenviable reputation. Is that why so many CD's like to go shopping there? So they'll fit in! I avoid the place like the plague even in boy mode.

[Sabrina133]

I never go in there but it has nothing to do with the customers. I dont shop there for three principal reasons: First, i don't like the predatory policies in terms of pricing. Second, i think their employees are rude. Third, i think the quality of their stuff is sub par.

[ReineD]

I'm offended by your post.

Some people don't have the financial resources to look as nice as you do. Or, they don't have the resources to have healthier, more balanced diets the way that wealthier people do. Most people simply do the best they can with what they've got and I think it's shows poor form to be so judgmental.

Are you also asking if CDs shop there because they fit in, insinuating that they are homely too? People generally shop at Walmart for the prices and a lot of people don't have many options to shop elsewhere.

[famousunknown]

I'm also offended. Walmart is the world's largest retailer. If you choose not to shop there, that's certainly your choice. But there's no need for you to judge people who shop there.

[reb.femme]

Hi Lynn,

I don't know Walmart per se, but in the UK they run ASDA. No better, no worse than Tesco, Waitrose, Sainsbury's etc.

There is a level of snobbery that permeates the British psyche in relation to shops, such as our alleged middle class prefer to use Waitrose or Sainsbury. Unfortunately, IMHO, this snobbery is predicated upon the false notion that such stores offer better quality, but generally, I find they merely cost more. :straightface:

But I do avoid Primark...like, innit...ya no wot i meen! Oops...outed myself as a snob. :)

Is the US falling victim to class segregation like us poor saps? I'm upper, lower, middle working-class myself...sniff sniff :heehee:
But homely?

Reb

[ArleneRaquel]

My opinion of Wal-Mart is very negative, but people have to shop that best fits the financial situation. I have been in Wal-Mart once and I have no memory of anything that I saw there at the time.

[Angela Campbell]

I don't know about everyone, but I look pretty good when I go to Wal Mart.

[ReineD]

Is the US falling victim to class segregation like us poor saps?

Looks like it's getting that way, doesn't it.

[Vickie_CDTV]

Most folks I know are struggling to survive, and have no choice but to cut corners and save every way possible (and those who are not struggling are thinking in survival mode and trying to save like crazy.) The cost of food and fuel alone has skyrocketed in the last few years, what are people supposed to do?

[Farrah]

I agree with the parent post...Lately, I only go in wal-mart if its absolutely necessary!...

[IleneK]

Thank you for Reine and Famousunknown for speaking up.

I am also offended! I shop there because it is convenient, the prices are low, and they have security in the parking lot so if I ever have to go when it is dark (which could mean 6 pm in the winter), I can park by the security cart and ask them to escort me inside, and make arrangements for when I leave the store.

I know it is important to some people to be dressed to the nines to go out in public, but I may be working on a sprinkler system and need a part, and I will go shopping in my stained yard work clothes, with my hair tied back, and might even have mud on my face. I have gone there on my lunch break from work, dressed in business attire. Either way, the clerks have still treated me with respect and have not judged me by my looks.

I am not quick to judge people, and if I did, it would most definitely NOT be by their looks.

I.

[Kate Simmons]

I have no problem with anyone who shops there, but it's not my first personal choice. Mostly because the Super Centers and Hyper Centers they have are just too dang ponderous. :)

[Laura28]

I have to agree that there are some strange people there thats for sure and a lot of them are the employees. I shop there i hate to but i do, but i wont buy clothes there other then socks. But i do disagree with ReineD, being poor doesnt mean you cant eat healthly??? It all comes down to choices, if i have 10 dollars do i go to Macdonalds or buy vegatables. I can afford to shop were ever i want but when i was young we were very poor (single mom trying to support a family of 3 on welfare) i can assure you we ate heathly, we didnt have steak or lobster, but we never wasted money on junk food. But Walmart offers resonable quailty for better then most prices.

[Eryn]

I've seen some fairly unattractive people at Nieman-Marcus too but I'm not condemning the company for it.

Wal-mart serves the lowest economic classes so it isn't surprising that they might be seen in the stores. I go there occasionally because they carry a couple of products that are no longer available at other stores. I'm not fond of their treatment of employees and suppliers but they're now the only game in town for many items.


Reine, economic class doesn't have much to do with a healthy diet. The healthiest diets can be the least expensive to maintain. Unfortunately, these aren't the diets being promoted by the fast food, beverage, and snack food industries which aim their advertising directly at the lower economic classes.

The availability of cheap and easy fast food as well as the cultural paradigm that everyone should have a high-calorie beverage close to hand at all times is the real cause of the current obesity problem.

[Jean 103]

For me it is simple, it is price. There are only a few items I buy there, like yesterday I bought two pair of wedges marked down to $5.00 each. I know that I don’t need more wedges but they are cute and the price. Shop in the morning on a weekday. I feel I need to add that they employ some people that others would not. This is a good thing, some of them are a little challenged to put in nicely. Don't expect all the employees to have it together.

[Chickhe]

Don't think I agree with what you say, but I shop anywhere and I also like to save money, so if Walmart happens to have a low cost item I need I'll buy it there... It has nothing to do with a person's wealth, I think I read somewhere that millionaires also like to save money.

[Ressie]

There is a class difference in customers at the walmart here compared to a similar store across the street. The prices aren't all that different either, but those with low incomes look for the best deals possible.

As far as food, that's another story. Organic food costs more, health food stores cost more, some fruits are getting high in price such as apples. True, a lot of people just don't seem to care about eating healthy, but all food keeps going up in price. I look for food that's on sale myself.

[ReineD]

Don't think I agree with what you say... It has nothing to do with a person's wealth

I didn't mention this in my post, but I had in mind that awful site "People of Walmart" that makes fun of people many of whom look economically disadvantaged. These are the people I thought the OP was referring to.




Reine, economic class doesn't have much to do with a healthy diet. The healthiest diets can be the least expensive to maintain.

I agree. But by "resources" I also meant all the resources that a person can have including nutritional awareness. Sadly, a lot of people who can afford little else see nothing wrong with drinking a 30-40 oz container of soda, which is also very cheap when sold along with a fast food meal. They would not choose to drink water instead which is even less expensive.


I saw an informational video last year on Ted Talk (I wish I could find it). The author correlated obesity with poor diets. This was to countermand the often popular notion among the more financially advantaged, that people on welfare aren't all that hungry because they're often heavier than the average.

[mikiSJ]

Not everyone can shop at Nordies and Walmart recently put a store next to one of the most affluent neighborhoods in San Jose. (Like Sabrina, I don't shop at Walmart for other reasons!)

You appear to have fallen into the trap of "you are what you look like". I built houses, quite successfully in the '80s and one year wanted to get my wife a special holiday gift. I walked in the local Nordies in Levis and work shirt and boots and promptly walked up to the fine coat area wanting to spend around $2,000 for a nice cashmere wool long coat with fur collar. The SA approached me and before I could ask her for help told me I could be better served elswhere in the store.

I went up to Palo Alto that afternoon, still dressed as I was, and spent a little over $2,500 at the Burberry store in the Stanford mall. The bitchy SA at Nordstrom lost about $500 in commission because she didn't take the time to actually see who I was.

There is a lesson here Lynee Marie.

[bobbimo]

I knew this thread was going to blow up when I read the title.
However, We have several nice sized Walmarts in our area. They are not crammed with customers like some i have been in. So its a pleasure to shop for anything and not have to stand in line for hours to get out with your $3 item.
I enjoy these Walmarts also because they usually have wonderful sale racks. Not a lot of selection but where in the world can you get a brand new dress for $5 or less.
Our stores dont hold the clothing at full price for very long and once its on the clearance racks the price continues to fall.
For me its all about the cost, and Walmart is usually the cheapest around for anything from cat food to 10W40 oil to summer dresses.
AND, if you dont really pass or blend, its a great place to get out and feel part of the crowd.
Bobbi

[Lacyfem]

I, along with my wife, have shopped at Walmart quite a bit without any of the mentioned problems. We can afford to shop elsewhere and do but Walmart does give you a lot of bang for your buck. There are designer cloths in the sometimes too if you can get your nose down far enough to see them. Expensive is not always better and if you're a smart shopper you can save some bucks for those things you can't find at a Walmart.

[Eryn]

As far as food, that's another story. Organic food costs more, health food stores cost more, some fruits are getting high in price such as apples.

Neither "organic" or "health" food is any healthier than what is available in any mainstream supermarket. It exists to serve people who believe in the shaky science and are willing to pay the premium. The healthiest foods are often the least expensive per serving, things like beans, grains, fruit and rice. Unfortunately, many people consider it easier to drive down to McDonalds to feed their children a Happy Meal than it is to put a couple of pots on the stove to prepare a meal.


I agree. But by "resources" I also meant all the resources that a person can have including nutritional awareness. Sadly, a lot of people who can afford little else see nothing wrong with drinking a 30-40 oz container of soda, which is also very cheap when sold along with a fast food meal. They would not choose to drink water instead which is even less expensive.
I saw an informational video last year on Ted Talk (I wish I could find it). The author correlated obesity with poor diets. This was to countermand the often popular notion among the more financially advantaged, that people on welfare aren't all that hungry because they're often heavier than the average.

A poor diet doesn't mean that the person is hungry. We as a society have just about eliminated hunger. The problem is that many of the factors that keep people poor also cause them to make poor choices when it comes to feeding themselves. Food is so cheap and available that it becomes entertainment in itself and when a person's chief source of information is TV advertising it's no surprise that they follow the instructions that they are given.

[ArleneRaquel]

Has anyone heard of "food deserts ? " This is also a reason for obesity and its growth in this county.

[NicoleScott]

I'm not offended by what somebody thinks about Walmart, but I think the OP was pretty snobbish. I do almost all my shopping at Walmart. Occasionally I have to pick up a couple of food items at other grocery stores, and I am always reminded why I shop at Walmart: their prices are lower. Also, I like the self-checkout aisles.
Why is it necessary to bash Walmart? Just stay away.
There are gorgeous women who shop at my Walmart, and not-so-gorgrous women who shop at more expensive shops. We should all know that.
Finally, yes, it is possible to eat healthy foods on a budget, but it seems that there is a correlation between financial well-being and obesity. Mississippi is one of the poorest states and the fattest. Other poor states are also among the fattest. I'm sure there are other factors (culture, etc.).
I shop at Walmart to get the most for my money. Food, clothes, hunting, fishing, auto, and CDer needs, too. The world's largest retailer must be doing something right.

[PaulaQ]

My only problem with walmart, really, is that they have a very large proportion of their employees on SNAP. Their decision to underpay their employees ends up costing the tax payer a lot. If they were barely making it, then ok, sure I could understand that. But they are quite profitable.

Walmart is great for people watching. Look at some of the girls who walk in, and then feel good about your own presentation. Not to diss the GG's who shop at walmart - look, it's walmart - are you going to get dolled up? Or are you going to put on minimal makeup, t-shirt, jeans, and flip-flops? (Or less flattering clothes than that.)

[DebbieL]

As far as I can tell, Walmart is the shopping place of choice for some of the homliest people on the planet. Not everyone who go's there, mind you, but enough to have garnered that unenviable reputation. Is that why so many CD's like to go shopping there? So they'll fit in! I avoid the place like the plague even in boy mode.

Walmart has a number of stores that are open 24 hours/day. If you come home, have dinner with the family, wait for the kids to go to bed, and maybe even wait for your wife to go to sleep, and THEN you want to get pretty and go shopping, it could be well after midnight before you even make it out your door. Walmart also offers a very wide variety of sizes and appropriate styles for each size. If you want to go shopping at 2 AM and need plus size and don't want to end up looking like an old grandmother (like 96 year old), then there aren't a lot of other choices.

For those who are first coming out, a "Super-Store" is a good place to go at 2 AM because you can use the fitting rooms without anyone making a fuss, and you can actually try on the clothes before buying them. When you get to larger cities in the north, you see more of these types of stores, such as Fred Mayer in Anchorage Alaska, or Mier in the midwest. Walmarts are all over the country, and pretty much any city with over 1/2 million people has at least one WalMart superstore. There is usually such a store less than 30 minutes away.

Do the fashions inspire - heck no! That can be an advantage though. There are more of the clothes that will make it easier to "Blend", to look just like the other 100 women on the mall, rather than so good looking that you are either a hooker or a drag queen. Nothing wrong with being a drag queen, if that's what you want, but if you want to just be able to walk around in a shopping mall, or have dinner at a restaurant, you probably want some clothes that are nice, but as ordinary as the clothes other women wear on ordinary days.

[TatianaJames]

Walmart-the place I get my makeup, most of my clothes, hygeine supplies and some cheap amazing food. For the record to the OP when I go out its never to Walmart. I prefer the malls, movies, parks and restaurants so you're dead wrong assuming we go there to "fit in". OP quit talking out of your butt.

[Beverley Sims]

Walmart is what it is.
It does have variety and something for every one.
That's why people go there.
Cross dressers and transgendered people are in the minority there, yet Walmart gets more space on this board than Suzy's boutique.
Why?

[Stephanie47]

I go to Wal-Mart frequently. However, I have never bought any fem items there. Why not? I find their style of clothing is not attractive. I have bought many graphic tee shirts, toys, DVD's and select food items. Wal_mart is NOT necessarily the cheapest priced store in town. WM makes it appear so, but, you have to comparison shop.

It is also true many manufacturers make items specifically for WM. To meet WM's required price the manufacturers have to cut corners and quality. I've bought packaged white men's tee shirts which do look like a bargain, but, after wear and examination the tees were of lighter weight. In the end, not worth the price.

I see many military personnel in my area in WM. In the end you get what you pay for.

As to how patrons are dressed. I will agree the customers dress a lot more casual than the JCPrnny crowd. And, that includes me.

Oh, correction: I have bought WM thigh highs and pantyhose by George.

[Tracii G]

I shop there sometimes so I guess I'm a un classy person.
Its convenient for me to stop there.Prices cheaper? not always but they have a lot of selection.
Why pay $10.00 for a bag of charcoal when I can get the same brand for $7.95? Economics and being a wise shopper IMO.
Go ahead shop for clothes at Talbott's and pay $90.00 for the same top you can get for $30.00.
I live in a snobby neighborhood but see my neighbors in Wal Mart all the time.Save more spend less YMMV

[Kalista Jameson]

Hi,

Walmart serves my purposes in terms of value for the same item at another store and with a near hassle free return policy on most things. What's not to love about that? I pay little attention to who is shopping next to me. I'm there for value and nothing else. While Walmart certainly offers the most to the lowest income shopper, many far above that bracket shop there for value, like me. So I think Walmart addresses the broadest spectrum of shoppers more than any other big store chain that I've encountered. I'm not sure what the connection to less than the prettiest of people is. The same people that go there also patronize other local businesses but there's no note taking on those places.

Off to Walmart to buy some BBQ supplies for this weekend.

Cheers,

Kalista

[sherri]

I live in a small town and often Walmart is the only option for some things cuz they've driven so many local stores out of business. Not cool. They funnel money out of town like a fire hose. Not cool. And they should change their name to Cheap Crap Made In China. Not cool. For the most part, their fashions are cheaply made and ill-fitting. Not cool. Getting knowledgeable help is a joke. Not cool. They treat their employees like serfs. Not cool. They do relatively little to support the community. Not cool.

And yeah, there seems to be a higher concentration of slobs in Walmart stores, but that's not Walmart's fault. Doesn't mean I like having to look at them, though.

Can you tell I'm not a fan?

[Jill Devine]

I have no problem with Walmart and shop there often. Their prices are good, decent selection / variety and always open. I earn a good salary and can afford to shop anywhere but choose to spend my money where I get convenience and bang for my buck. Walmart is good enough for me.

[I Am Paula]

I have seen more people staggering drunk, but doing their grocery shopping, at Walmart, than everywhere else combined. I think it the only retailer that allows patrons that can just barely walk, to enter their premises. I don't shop there cause anyone in a nascar hat, with their sunglasses perched on the brim, and git er done tattooed on their forehead,(and that's the women!) probably doesn't see eye to eye with some of my choices.

[reb.femme]

Walmart-the place I get my makeup, most of my clothes.................

Well if ever Walmart need an advert, this should be it.

I think many of us here would aspire to (or is that dream of) achieving Tatiana's look and style. :o

Reb

[sherri]

Point taken, reb.femme.

[Stephanie Miller]

Can't speak for all the Wal-Marts, and who am I to throw the first stone in the looks department.. But as far as the Wal-Mart that services our neighborhood the employees are very nice. The customer base is "normal" looking as with any other store I've gone to. Prices really have no bearing since it's convenience to me.

But let me say this..... Before we tear apart someone or where they spend their time, maybe we should evaluate ourselves. I mean really.. HAVE YOU LOOKED AT THIS WEBSITE! MY gawd there are some out of the norm people here!!!!! Dirt cheap to. Haven't spent a dime the whole time I've visited it. Speaking of Ugly people... I just looked in the mirror this morning and scared myself half to death :eek:

Don't need money to feel rich
Don't need to be pretty to feel good about yourself

Again.... who feels they should cast the first stone?

--------------------------------------------------

"It's better to remain silent and thought of a fool than to open ones mouth
and remove all doubt"

[Kim_Bitzflick]

I never go in there but it has nothing to do with the customers. I dont shop there for three principal reasons: First, i don't like the predatory policies in terms of pricing. Second, i think their employees are rude. Third, i think the quality of their stuff is sub par.

Sabrina said what I was thinking.

[Eryn]

[Moderator Hat On]

I think that we've all had a chance to express our feelings about Wallyworld, and since the thread isn't really addressing CDing I'm going to close it.

If anyone would like to start a new thread that more specifically relates to CDing please do.

Thanks, Eryn