Walmart is a great place to save money shopping. The retail giant is known for its low prices.
But you shouldn't buy everything at Walmart. In some cases, you might get items of better quality or cheaper by shopping somewhere else.
Which products should you strike from your Walmart shopping list? Here are a few items you should never buy at Walmart.
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Party supplies
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If you plan to throw a party soon, you might be tempted to head to Walmart to buy supplies. However, there is a good chance you can get a better deal elsewhere.
For example, a smart shopping hack is to get party supplies such as paper plates and napkins at a dollar store. For example, while 50 paper plates from Walmart's Great Value brand will cost you $3.16, the same quantity from Dollar Tree will only cost $2.50.
Shoes
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Walmart has a good selection of cheap shoes. But you can't always expect top-quality footwear here.
While saving money on shoes is great, it doesn't mean much if they quickly fall apart and you need to buy a replacement pair soon. Sometimes, it's worth paying a little more to get something of higher quality that will last.
Fresh produce
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Walmart is a one-stop shop for some buyers: They pick up home decor and clothes while also grabbing some food from the grocery section of the store.
But you might find a better selection of produce at your favorite grocery store. In addition, Walmart has gotten a fair amount of criticism for having produce that is lower in quality than what you can find elsewhere.
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Wrapping paper
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Sure, you could pick up wrapping paper at Walmart. And odds are it won't cost you a fortune to buy it from the retailer.
But this is another item where you will probably get a better deal at a dollar store.
Furniture
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Check out your local Walmart if you need a small piece of furniture that doesn't need to be too sturdy.
But skip your local Walmart if you need something that will last a long time. In those situations, it might be better to invest a little more money and shop at a furniture store.
Photos
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You can pay Walmart to print out your photos. But the odds are good that you will find a better price if you are patient and wait for deals at other retailers.
Or, perhaps you can save even more by printing out your photos at home.
Shopping pro tip: This month's best deals
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August is here, and with it comes the final stretch of summer. It’s a great time to soak up the season and scoop up hot deals before they fade. Look for savings on:
- Travel and getaway must-haves
- Back-to-school basics
- Clearance swimwear and warm-weather styles
- For grocery savings, grab peak-season produce, like tomatoes, cucumbers, melons, and berries
As retailers shift their focus to fall, August is the last chance to snag summer essentials at unbeatable prices. Shop smart now before the season (and the savings) slip away.
Electronics
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Electronics can be pricey, and you might automatically assume that Walmart will give you the best deal on these expensive items.
But in many cases, you can get better deals elsewhere, particularly during big sales. And other retailers might have a wider selection of everything from laptops to televisions.
Gift cards
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Your local Walmart likely sells a wide selection of gift cards. However, there are ways to get these cards at a better price elsewhere.
For example, Costco sells many gift cards at a price that is lower than face value. You can also turn to the internet to score bargain gift cards at sites such as GCX/Raise.
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Meat
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Meat can get expensive, and you might not get the best price if you buy it at Walmart.
Grocery stores often have sales on various types of meat. If you shop carefully, there is a good chance that the price you pay during one of these sales will be lower than what you would pay at Walmart.
Great Value toilet paper
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Walmart puts its Great Value store label on a number of items, from food to household goods and more. But while some of these items are good deals, you should leave others on the shelf.
Many people complain that Great Value toilet paper doesn't offer the same quality as name-brand versions of toilet paper. You may have to spend a little bit more for the name brand, but you'll get plenty of additional quality.
Rotisserie chickens
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Costco members know that buying a rotisserie chicken from the retailer is a great way to save money on groceries.
Walmart also sells rotisserie chickens, but critics say they are often fatty and that Walmart's seasoning is not great.
This might be an example of where sticking with Costco's tried-and-true birds is a better deal.
Quick tips: How to save on your grocery bill
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Grocery shopping doesn't have to break the bank when you use the right strategies. Here are three quick tips for reducing food expenses:
- Buy store brands instead of name brands whenever possible.
- Always make sure to compare unit prices, not just sticker prices.
- Join your store's loyalty program so you don’t miss out on member discounts.
Even though something like choosing coupons in your grocery store app can feel like an annoying task, the savings can really add up.
Bottom line
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Walmart can be a good place to save money and boost your bank account. But not every item is a great deal at the retail giant.
So, compare prices carefully and make sure that the Walmart item is a good buy before you add it to your cart.
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