Walmart is widely considered a place to score good deals. With an abundance of checkout lanes, the box store giant pioneered innovation decades ago when it rolled out a more convenient way to shop.
But what was once convenient is now ill-staffed, difficult to navigate, and less enjoyable, even for loyal shoppers. Here are seven reasons why, from shoppers on Reddit.
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No more in-store scanners
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One way to save money at Walmart used to be to take your item to a price scanner to see if there were any deeper discounts on it or if it was perhaps marked at the wrong price.
As Reddit user DilophosaurusMilk points out, not every location has price scanners available on the floor. "You have to find an employee so they can use their phone price scanner."
Other users explain that you can access price information via the Walmart app. However, that doesn't make losing this privilege any easier.
Lack of fresh produce options
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The experience at most Walmart stores seems to be that, even though most locations now offer more fresh produce, baked goods, and deli items, the quality of those items isn't up to par with your local grocer.
An insider on Reddit claims this is largely because the chain cuts costs on produce delivery and staffing hours, resulting in less culling and replacement of fresh items. If you can avoid it, leave your produce picking to another store.
Customer behavior
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Not only is the number of people in any given Walmart alarming, but the behavior is often disappointing. Redditors like slimerboat ask the questions that matter, like, "Why are 60% of Walmart customers always in pajama pants?"
HotGyalMommy gets specific about the Walmart shopping experience: "There's always a family walking around screaming at their kids. I always feel sorry for the people that work there (grandma's been on her damn feet for hours). It just feels like you're scraping the bottom of the shopping experience."
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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.
Poor treatment of employees
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Walmart employees are often overworked and experience a lot of turnover from burnout. Redditor IwillBeBluntHere notes, "That the company is worth $550 billion but has the highest number of employees that need financial assistance in the country."
Locations don't seem worried about the fallout from low wages, cutting hours, and expecting more from employees than their pay requires.
And users like Phantomknighttv cite issues like "no incentive or room for growth." Making matters worse, the Walton family alone is rumored to make about $70,000 per minute.
Sub-par environment
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Other Redditors cite a horrible work environment — noting the fluorescent box Walmart employees work in. HawaiianShirtsOR admits, "Just existing in there makes me irritable."
Walmart has a significant amount of crime because of its size. Plus, crimes can vary in degree depending on the amount of merchandise.
You have to be vigilant while clocked in and aware of your surroundings as a shopper. On the positive, many locations have begun to employ more law enforcement and safety measures.
Not enough checkout lines
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Starting with the front of the store, there's often a feeling of chaos when walking into a Walmart. Paulwhite959 complains, "The checkout lines are awful," and many others agree.
It's not the number of checkout lines built into the store, either, as they often line a good portion of the front of the store. However, understaffing issues are also present here.
One "peak Walmart" Reddit photo post detailed only four open checkout options and lines that twisted through the store.
Quick tips: How to prepare for economic uncertainty
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Uncertain times call for a review of expenses that goes beyond simple cost-cutting. Here are some steps for you to consider:
- Build a 6-month emergency fund. Prioritize this above other financial goals.
- Compare rates on big ticket items like auto insurance to make sure you aren't overpaying.
- Delay major purchases when possible.
- Consider a side hustle that can generate income with minimal startup costs.
During challenging economic periods, try to focus on what you can control. And remember that financial resilience isn't built overnight.
Walmart drives out local businesses
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Walmart is a major threat to mom-and-pop shops nationwide. The moment your small town gets a Walmart, expect many local businesses to close up before too long.
According to some, shopping at Walmart makes it much harder for local businesses and residents to thrive.
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Bottom line
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Walmart's days of being a small business providing unparalleled convenience and value to shoppers are long gone. Now, the retail giant offers a shopping experience that many people try to avoid as much as possible.
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