It’s only been the past few years I’ve been going to Walmart. Initially, I steered away from them, as I believed they crushed the small-town indy stores, didn’t treat their employees very well, and peddled sub-standard Chinese imports. But, as my income was drastically cut, suddenly reality came in the form of a smaller wallet.
So, when I lived in Phoenix, I began frequenting a centrally-located Walmart. In the urban center of the ninth sixth largest metropolitan area in the United States. And, I saved money.
But, I also noticed that the aisles were unkempt and dirty, the stock not kept up, employees were not motivated to help, and signage in both English and Spanish. Perhaps it’s politically incorrect, but I find that annoying. This IS still the United States, not Estados Unidos. (as of this writing)
Then, recently I relocated to Tempe, S.E. of Phoenix, a smaller college-flavored community, but still linked to Phoenix as part of The Valley of the Sun. And I moved my Phoenix Walmart pharmacy records there, and now visit a closer, more-accessible Walmart.
And it’s cleaner, the staff more helpful, and the signs are in just one language (English) – this in a college town adjacent to a Latino/Indian mix community just a few miles away.
I suspect they still don’t treat their employees well, and still sell sub-standard poisonous Chinese products, but, I have hope.
I can’t wait to see if the pharmacy service improved, as well.
(PS – I’ve been advise there may be some other language signage there – if so, it’s vastly understated. Kudos!)
Ugh! WalMart. I buy printer paper, printer ink and heavy whipping cream (for my coffee) there and little else. Buy most of my food at local farmer market places. Long lines checking out, merchandise to be stocked on pallets blocking the isles and zombie shoppers, are all attractions. On the plus side, an occasional English speaker.
Posted by WSF | July 1, 2012, 11:06 amI worked at Walmars, as I call it, for almost six months. I can assure you, the suspicion you have about the workers being if not illtreated, then treated less than well, it’s true. It’s also true I am guilty of comma abuse.
In any case, our Walmars is a wealth of blogfodder, because it’s both ghetto-y and swarmed with Young Upper Class Housewives. In this area, they count as upper class because they haven’t been regularly featured in People of Walmart. On the downside, the chances of getting stabbed in the parking lot are above average.
Posted by LeeAnn | July 2, 2012, 6:26 amMy former one sounds similar – the new one, not as much, especially about being attacked.
But, I carry, regardless!
Posted by guffaw1952 | July 2, 2012, 8:00 am