| T O P I C R E V I E W |
| willowtreecreek |
Posted - Apr 27 2008 : 7:06:07 PM
I keep seeing comercisls about how much money walmart has saved people. If you go to walmart.com there is some rediculous figure about all the money they have saved people since 2005. How do they come up with this figure? We were going to walmart all the time at least once if not more per week. Every month we were just barely making ends meet. 2 months ago our walmart started doing a remodel and it was a pain to go in there. We started going to the other grocery store instead. The last two months we have ended the month with an impressive surplus in the bank account. Nothing else has been different. Walmart is NOT saving us money. What about you?
Farmgirl Sister #17
Blog
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Felt and Fabric Crafts
www.willowartist.etsy.com
www.willowtreecreek.com
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| 25 L A T E S T R E P L I E S (Newest First) |
| elphie0503 |
Posted - Apr 30 2008 : 2:13:09 PM
I have actually seen the Store# code before...you are apparently not supposed to bring propane tanks in to be filled...they are considered a bomb (even though they are empty), and the guy who brought it in is a beligerent fart...just plain mean. He refused to take it back outside...so, the yelling and cursing ensued, then they called the code....sadly, all the male employees that were working that day were of the more mature age..ie the door greeting type. So here is this 30 year old know it all yelling at a whole gaggle of older men....only in a small town WM!
Dirt under my nails and weeds in my hair...don't tell me I can't dress up with flair! |
| catscharm74 |
Posted - Apr 30 2008 : 1:49:05 PM
Oh!! Thanks Alee!!
Heather
Yee-Haw, I am a cowgirl!!!
FARMGIRL #90 |
| Alee |
Posted - Apr 30 2008 : 1:46:46 PM
Okay- so I am google nut and found out what the "codes" at walmart mean-
Code ADAM - missing child
Code Blue - bomb
Code Red - Fire
Code Orange - Chemical Spill
Code Black - weather warning
Code Green - Hostage Situation
Code C - Customer Service Sometimes used, when
cashiers needed
Code 10 - Dry Spill
Code 20 - Wet Spill
Code 90 - Management
Code 300 - Security
Store # - Backup needed.. (all male employees and security)
Alee
Farmgirl Sister #8
www.awarmheart.com
Please come visit Nora and me on our new blog:
www.farmgirlalee.blogspot.com |
| catscharm74 |
Posted - Apr 30 2008 : 1:08:31 PM
Ok, I was in there (don't hit me) the other day with my neighbor. She was looking for flip flops when they had a "Code Red" drill..whatever the heck that was. It didn't seem too important because most of the employees looked like they were falling asleep. One girl was walking around eating while hanging up clothing. Hope I get the one with the stain on it!!
We went to check out using the self check out and the girl stood their, hoovering over us like we were going to make off with a pair of pink flip flops. She rudely asked us if that was all we had to buy- Yep- me and my old friend are the flip flop fiends!! Watch your shoes because I am coming. I guess because I was messing with the junk they had piled up front while I was waiting for my friend to finish, she thought I fingered something...grrr!!!
Heather
Yee-Haw, I am a cowgirl!!!
FARMGIRL #90 |
| kissmekate |
Posted - Apr 30 2008 : 1:00:03 PM
I rarely shop at WM. I try to find it somewhere else whenever possible.
I work for one of their vendors, and at best they are difficult. If it were me, I wouldn't sell them anything as we probably don't make much, if anything from them.
I don't buy their smarmy "Green" ads either.
And Anna, I am like you and try to shop at my local hardware store whenever I can as well. The older gentleman who owns it, is so sweet and friendly.
I haven't had bad service at Lowe's the few times I have been there. The one by my work; they are pretty friendly and helpful there.
BUT if I can't get it thru my hardware store, I try to shop at a
semi-local Lowe's type store called Menard's first. They are usually cheaper than Lowe's anyways and they are a Wisconsin based company. I'd rather see them do well than give it to the big box guys.
I can't stand the Home Depot. I can never find anyone there to help, their prices stink, and their "Eco Options" bs just made me laugh!
For clothing, other than socks and undies, I try to shop at the thrift store first. If I can't find what I need there, I usually shop at Target, since their 75% off clearance rack fits my budget and I dont' have a lot of time to shop.
Don't miss out on a blessing, just because it isn't packaged the way you expected. ~MaryJo Copeland |
| Annab |
Posted - Apr 30 2008 : 03:32:22 AM
I too had heard about the business relationship Walmart has w/ its suppliers. It's pretty cut thorat
If we had a Whole Foods or Earth Fare just as close---no mater the prices, I'd shop there instead.
For cloting, I buy nothing from WM. Too cheaply made, too trendy and just plain ugly.
And happily, during the summer months, we hardly need anything from there.
There are 3 WMs witin the 30 mile radius of where we are. The closest 2 are actually equidistant, both at 20 miles. The one that sells liquor actually has the smallest selection of food items-but there is NEVER any waiting.
We also have a LOWES and I hate it. Customer service is bad. Happily, the local hardware store IS still very much alive and well. I know the store owner and (the only employee). Tom has been here in Seagrove for many many years. Kinda cool how you can find EVERYTHING here...from livestock feeds, canning suplies--always a bonus- to plumbing tools and sheet metal. Many times when the other bigger stores don't have parts, we always recommend Seagrove Hardware. Tom also takes the time to actually find what you need and asks questions about your particular project to further assist. Now THAT"S customer service! And the best thing is, he buys my eggs! |
| elphie0503 |
Posted - Apr 29 2008 : 8:22:37 PM
Thanks for the link Heather...that is about right...of course they will cash it for free--because they know that the person will be spending that cash in their store...and if they can cut prices for this check--which mind you is appreciated, but not a "special occasion,"--then why can't they just lower their prices all together?? Because then they couldn't pull the wool over shoppers' eyes and wallets anymore!
...I could soapbox this forever!
Dirt under my nails and weeds in my hair...don't tell me I can't dress up with flair! |
| catscharm74 |
Posted - Apr 29 2008 : 12:20:05 PM
http://news.yahoo.com/s/nm/20080429/us_nm/walmart_rebates_dc
Hmmm...seems a timely article...
Cheers,
Heather
FARMGIRL #90 |
| Linda Houston |
Posted - Apr 29 2008 : 10:41:03 AM
my home is a small farming town in Louisiana---about 2500 people. Walmart's came in and built a big store. Well, in no time most of our Mom and Pop stores had to close because they were NO competion for Walmart's prices. After we were dependent on them, they closed their store . Calls were made begging them to stay open, petitions were passed, explaining that their store ruined numerous business' in our small town. The response was. they didn't make enough money on our store. I find that hard to believe because that store was NEVER without a parking lot full of cars and people inside. It serviced many small farming town surrounding us.
One of the major networks did a special on Walmart's and they stated that our store was the ONLY store they had closed due to lack of business to support the store.
Needless to say, as they shout about their giving to chairty and supporting the towns they are in ; I just shake my head.
PS----my town has grown so much that when I return to visit family, I don't recognize many of the people that are residents. No, we still don't have Walmarts, but we do have Mom and Pop stores and I love it. |
| catscharm74 |
Posted - Apr 29 2008 : 07:05:26 AM
Meg- I agree with the sensory overload. When I went the other day, I was great with all these beach balls, chairs, towels, suntan lotion all right there at the front door (and I LOVE THE BEACH!!!) but it was too much. I swear I feel like some of the shelves are going to topple over on me. I hate trying to find something like a jar of sauce just do to the sheer magnitude of the length of the aisles. Scary!!!!
Cheers,
Heather
FARMGIRL #90 |
| paradiseplantation |
Posted - Apr 29 2008 : 07:03:07 AM
My problem with Wal Mart is that, although they have such huge stores, they don't have anything! In many cases, there is only one brand and one flavor. Or, if they do 'carry' it, it's always out of stock. And, as for their meats and vegetables, oh, please. Why would I want to buy a sirloin steak that is almost thin enough to see through for $8.00 when I can get the same one at Kroger or our local small grocery store, Rivertown, that's either prepackaged at 1/2" or better, or Doug will cut for me according to my needs, for the same amount or less? We do shop at WalMart occasionally, but more and more I've been shifting to our local grocery store Rivertown, the dollar stores and Kroger. At Kroger, I at least get treated nicely, and can get some good deals occasionally on their produce and meats. More and more I'm appreciating that we are not far from processing our own meats and vegetables. Please, June, hurry up! I need my fresh tomatoes!
from the hearts of paradise... |
| sweetproserpina |
Posted - Apr 29 2008 : 06:55:15 AM
I don't shop at Sprawl-Mart either. I understand why some people do and feel it's their only option, but I prefer not to. I've seen a number of documentaries, including the one you mentioned Beth and it put me off even more. The one that really impacted me though was one on Independent Lens on PBS called China Blue. It's not Wal-mart specific, but it shows the massive manufacturing push in China, and how girls much younger than myself are working through the night to make cheap jeans. It was hard to watch, but really interesting. When you see those low prices you have to ask yourself- Why are these so low? How can they make this for such little amount of money? Who gets the smallest chunk of it? Not Wal-mart, and not the big bosses...
What I really don't like about these big stores is the vast amount of 'stuff' everywhere. When I go in, it's like sensory overload, you know? It makes me feel uncomfortable and it's such a maze to find something- I may pay more at the little places (and sometimes not!) but I know if I go in there, I'll only buy the one thing I need, and not a lot of stuff I don't.
"Isn't it splendid to think of all the things there are to find out about? It just makes me feel glad to be alive--it's such an interesting world."
http://theprimroseway.blogspot.com/ |
| KYgurlsrbest |
Posted - Apr 29 2008 : 06:41:07 AM
I get emails from a group called WakeupWalmart, that I signed up for last year at the Boone County Fair. At that time, Walmart had just finished construction on a super Walmart on Houston Road (where there is also a Target, Kohls, Dicks, Lowes, Home Depot, every furniture store imaginable and every chain restaurant you can think of). Then, Walmart decided, along with the City of Florence, that they were going to put in a smaller Walmart near the top of my mother's street, about 1.5 miles from the newest one on Houston Road--because they didn't have enough storage space and that store was already being "shopped" to the point they couldn't restock quickly enough. The City's take was that Florence needed the "jobs" that this new store would provide, but the community fought back--we all attended city meetings crowded out in the hallway so they had to choose a bigger venue, demanded traffic studies that they weren't going to do because they thought everyone would simply say, "Oh yay! Another Walmart!" (you can't get around this town now in less than an hour), and cited countless employment misconduct practices Walmart had been convicted of. Personally, I was told by a Florence City Councilman that the Walmart was going to be built "no matter what" the community wanted, plain and simple, and that we should just stop worrying about it and deal. They received SUCH backlash, that the County P & Z smacked the development plan down before it even got to the city level....so it didn't get built, but I understand Walmart is coming back with a new plan next year for the same spot.
I simply couldn't believe that this city would need not one, but 2 Walmart stores within a 1.5 mile of each other--that sell EXACTLY the same crap, and treat their employees EXACTLY the same crappy way. Seeing those folks at those meetings proves that you can make a difference in numbers.
Farmgirl Sister #80, thanks to a very special farmgirl from the Bluegrass..."She was built like a watch, a study in balance ... with a neck and head so refined, like a drawing by DaVinci"...
NY Newsday sportswriter Bill Nack describing filly, Ruffian.
http://www.buyhandmade.org/ |
| catscharm74 |
Posted - Apr 29 2008 : 06:40:26 AM
I just had a conversation with a local quick stop owner. I was asking about the prices. I compared the sunblock my son uses- $2.99 at Walmart to $4.50 at his store. What he told me makes sense. He first of all can't buy in the same capacity as the big stores- they order 1,000 for their store while he only order 50- makes his cost higher. He gets deliveries of things like this once a week where Wally world gets it daily- multiple times in fact. He can barely employ the 10 people he has to keep the store running at minimum while how many employees do you see standing around in Wally world doing nothing???
If anything, it makes you think....
Having said that, I am lucky to live in a touristy town where there are a lot of antique dealers, hand made items, local business. I do shop at Wally world as a last resort and it is close by. The last time I was in there for some towels that I do like from them. What constantly amazes me is the garbage people load their carts up with to buy.
Cheers,
Heather
FARMGIRL #90 |
| createmyworld |
Posted - Apr 29 2008 : 06:29:39 AM
You have hit on a topic which I am passionate about and although lately I lack the time to respond here as often as I'd like, I felt the need to put in my "two cents worth" on this topic regardless of my schedule. I too have boycotted Wal-mart and I am proud to say that I have not spent one cent in a Wal-mart for about 7 years now. I always try to buy from locally owned businesses and I always look for items which have the made in the USA tag on them if there are a variety of choices of the product which I am seeking (and yes, there are still a few scant items which one can find that are made in the USA). Also, I strongly limit (at all costs, unless I can't find it anywhere else) shopping at other"big box" stores such as Home Depot, Lowes, Best Buy, etc. not only because I found out that I wasn't saving any more, but also because the big box stores destroy open space with new and massive construction (many times taking over farmland), they destroy free competition and locally owned business by promoting a mindless consumer culture.
Wal-mart is a huge reason why many of American companies felt forced to move their manufacturing to other countries (mainly China) where the cost to produce is cheap, leaving our factory workers without jobs. Wal-mart is also the cause of many American manufacturers who went out of business trying to meet Wal-mart's price demands. PBS produced a documentary specifically targeting how Wal-mart is hurting America which is well worth the viewing. It was a Frontline documentary. If you have a cable or DSL hook-up, you can watch it on your computer... if you're like me and still on dial up, you can maybe do a search for a copy of it on vhs or dvd. The link to watch it is as follows:
http://www.pbs.org/wgbh/pages/frontline/shows/walmart/view/ |
| Annab |
Posted - Apr 29 2008 : 03:35:29 AM
I had tried boycotting for a while but ended up almost breaking the bank shopping at another higher end grocer.
In small town it's the "gotcha" factor.
If I had just as quick access to another Kroger I'd be going there in a heartbeat. Far as I know, this company is still locally based in Cincinnati. There's one in Cary, NC but I can only get there when I shop once a month w/ my mom. |
| GaiasRose |
Posted - Apr 28 2008 : 6:58:31 PM
I have been a long time boycotter of Mal-wart. I find their overall practices completely abhorrent and have picketed the construction sites of a few of them. I have told my family for years and years that they were not in fact saving money and it is only recently that my mother said to me "I should have been listening to you all along..." I don't make this stuff up, I told her. I htink more and more people are starting to understand the value of local economy and starting to support these big box stores less and less. there is a change collectively sweeping the masses.....and I like the sound of it!
[size=1]
~*~Brightest Blessings~*~
Tasha-Rose
Farmgirl Sister #88
Blogs: http://gaiarose.wordpress.com
http://womonandsprout.wordpress.com
http://youtube.com/profile?user=GaiasRose
Homepage:
http://ForestFaeries.etsy.com
"Joyful chaos, working in tune with the seasons, telling itme by the sun, variety, change and self-direction; all this wwas replaced with a brutal, standardized work culture, the effects of which we are still suffering from today." - Tom Hodgkinson in 'How To Be Idle' |
| elphie0503 |
Posted - Apr 28 2008 : 6:32:07 PM
Our WM gave out the reusable bags on Earth day...and it was ironic that even though they were giving them, half of the people they were handing them to wouldn't take them. So, I asked if I could have an extra 2 bags, and the lady told me no, that they were told 1 per customer. So, I sent my hubby and my brother in after them. Sadly, I asked a friend if they had any left, she said that they had 2 boxes of 500, just sitting in the back. I love the 3 I have...they are light weight and sturdy! I just couldn't believe that being the "Green" store that they are they were being soooo stingy!
Dirt under my nails and weeds in my hair...don't tell me I can't dress up with flair! |
| Tammy Claxton |
Posted - Apr 28 2008 : 6:09:25 PM
I haven't shopped at WalMArt in 8 months. I can't stand that store and I'd rather go to Big Lots, Ollies, or Kmart than deal with them.
Crafty Bay Farmgirl Chapter
"A friend is someone who does things that count, but never stops to count them"
Farmgirl #152
http://countryintheburbs.blogspot.com/ |
| ddmashayekhi |
Posted - Apr 28 2008 : 5:58:26 PM
I refuse to shop at Wal-Mart due to what they have done to jobs in this country. I went with a friend to one once & noticed that the so called "savings" was cheaper prices but for items that were sold in smaller sizes then what other stores sell. If you do the math, you'll see you get a lot more for a slightly higher price elsewhere. Wal-Mart will never see my $!
dawn in IL |
| catscharm74 |
Posted - Apr 28 2008 : 4:11:11 PM
What I love is Walmart is now trying to sell re-usuable bags at like $9 a bag. You would think they would give them away for like a month or something and give you a discount for using them. The thing I noticed last time I was there was they put one thing in a bag. Someone really needs to teach them how to bag.
Cheers,
Heather
FARMGIRL #90 |
| sunshine78 |
Posted - Apr 28 2008 : 2:50:47 PM
I rarely go to Wal-mart anymore since we moved to an area where there aren't any. The nearest one is 65 miles away. In the beginning I hated it because necessities are more expensive at the local store, but we save money in the long run. Those impulse buys in Wal-mart really add up. Toby had to go the other day for engine oil and Emma and I rode along. I fugured she needed formula, etc, etc and I stuck to my list which helped. At the checkout I pulled out my nylon bags, when we got the total I asked if that included the "use your own bag discount" and she just gave me a blank stare. I told her that our local store gives a nickel back per bag. I figured Wal-mart didn't do that, but it never hurts to ask. Nope, not Wal-mart. Boy, they're really into being "green" like their commercials want you to believe. Honestly, it wouldn't bother me if I never went into one again.
Cynthia
www.vintageprairie.blogspot.com |
| willowtreecreek |
Posted - Apr 28 2008 : 12:08:35 PM
mmm... at our walmart they still wear whatever they want!
Farmgirl Sister #17
Blog
www.willowtreecreek.wordpress.com
Felt and Fabric Crafts
www.willowartist.etsy.com
www.willowtreecreek.com
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| kydeere40744 |
Posted - Apr 28 2008 : 11:51:25 AM
Ok - ya'll can slap me, but I just got back from the place. (hiding) Actually, I use to work there in mgmt a while ago and could tell you all kinds of stories, but probably the funniest is the stuff that folks use to take back. One thing though that I do agree with that Walmart has done is that every worker wears the same color shirt/pants, whereas before it was anything goes...whether it was a ratty ole shirt or whatever, just as long as you wore the infamous vest that always got in your way of trying to do anything. I never buy dairy or produce there simply for the fact that I know how long it can sit out in a pallet before being placed into the cooler. You would be surprised.
I do my grocery shopping mainly at Kroger because they carry a LOT of Kentucky Proud (what we call our Ky farmraised products) and I know some of the farmers that sell their produce through them. You know that you are supporting that local family.
However, Walmart is cheaper on several things that are commonly used for us, but sometimes Dollar General and other stores are cheaper than Walmart. It's give and take. Why did I go there today? Well, I had to run to several different type of businesses and they are all centrally located in one area. When gas is $3.59, you learn to cut out. We have Target & Meijer over in Lexington, but they are both so much higher, even with coupons, unless something is on clearance. However, we go to Walmart maybe once a month if even that. Too much of a hassle to leave our small town to head to one of the bigger cities for Walmart. We have Kmart but it is horrible on high prices and I've been in there 2 times in 2 years...however the one in my ole hometown has lower prices.
I do have to giggle when I hear the commercials from Walmart because they are all of a sudden on this "green" kick to be the "cool kid in the neighborhood" so to speak.
~Jessica in Kentucky & Farmgirl Sisterhood #137~
Be sure to visit my blog & Crafty Clipart for some of my photographs:
http://bluegrassprincess.blogspot.com/
http://www.craftyclipart.com |
| Sagewood |
Posted - Apr 28 2008 : 10:15:36 AM
I agree Walmart is not saving us money. Their trick? Put it all in one place, and you'll spend the money cuz it's easy to get. Grocery stores, sell groceries..pharmacies sell 'pharmacy items'..when you go in these stores, you don't spend near as much money, because you go in for specific items..you buy them, and you're out the door. With walmart ..they carry it all, so you peruse the stores, pick up this, pick up that..I mean..gee..when you can buy groceries and furniture in the same place..now that's one stop shopping right?? SURE it is..and it goads you into buying things you would not normaly buy on a 'regular' shopping trip. No..walmart does not save you money..Walmart has created as sytem to urge, coerce and ply you to spend money.
I also agree with another poster, ...everyone sells items not made in america. Everyone. Did you realize there are 'no' musical components made in america today? Musical components meaning..stereo's...or the equipment that goes with a 'entertainment' system. And..too true about cars..Ohh Chevy..makes SOME of the chevy parts in America..but the rest?..made elsewhere from Canada to China. It may be PUT TOGETHER here..but it's not made here..goes for Ford too..goes for all of them.
I live in a very small town myself..can count the redlights in our town on one hand. But we are off a major interstate..so we have a 'superwalmart' now. Been here a few years. It put a lot of people out of business. Now, Hubby and I have very few other options, and we truly hate the walmart.
Hubby says.."You have to plan all day just to shop. The place is WAY WAY too big... By the time you are finished shopping you're either ready to kill each other..or so exhausted you can't plan on anything else the rest of the day!" I agree with him.
We have discovered that local farmers put on a farmers market here on Thursday and again on Saturdays. We now go. Between that and the big flea market that is about 30 minutes from us (sat and sun only) we now get all our veggies from either our own garden(which is NOT small), the farmers market or the flea market (big veggie vendor down there..the stuff is great and cheaper!!)
As for 'other stuff'..like socks, underwear, towels, paper products, yeah..we get some of them at walmart..we get some of them from other discount stores. We never shop more then once every two weeks. And we never go to walmart more the once a month. Big mistake to go to walmart more then once every three weeks..you'll be broke at the end of the month.
This is how we've dealt with it. It's hard, it really is..there aren't too many other choices of stores for us here, they closed most everything else.
Sage,
The Hedgewife
Are you a Hedgewife?
http://hedgewife.blogspot.com/
Hiding in the broom closet.
http://sagewoodfarm.blogspot.com/
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