why so hateful of walmart? Don't flame me please!

softbgirlev02

I live in a somewhat small town and walmart is our BIG store......I get most everything there that i cant get at safeway/albertsons. The nearest target or mall is more than 1.5 hours away. They are the least expensive place in town and descent products. Why do so many of you hate this place? I realize that it has its down sides......but whats the big deal? I proudly say that i love shopping at walmart and plan on buying most everything for the baby there (including bedding). Does anyone agree with me?

Bride7-7-07

I love Walmart, but for certain items.

kiki-W

i go to walmart all the time.  I buy diapers, food, toys, baby clothes...and all kinds of stuff there. i didn't buy my bedding there, but wouldn't have thought twice about it if i say something i liked.

mrspink77

I'd buy from Walmart. I personally like Target better but thats just me. Sometimes it's worth it to spend the extra money. I've bought shirts from Walmart and they don't last. They fall apart quickly.

TimsMayBride

From what I understand, they treat their employees like garbage.

McKenna81

I think most people dislike it because, historically, it has violated the Fair Labor Standards Act. And because it tends to run smaller businesses into the ground.

mistresscox

  I'm there with you!  I have no problem it!

As for those that are going to bash how they treat their workers and take a "moral stand" you may need to take a moment and visit a small town where Wal-Mart employs nearly half the town's population and provides steady income, healthcare and a sense of self-worth to those that otherwise would either have no options or would have to travel or move away from their families when they don't want to.  Sorry, I know that was a huge run-on sentence but this is one thing that I can't handle from people that don't see how it affects a community. 

HeyyRed

As a small business owner, Walmart sucks the life out of small businesses and if you look at their strategies, ya well that's what they seek to do. There are several documentaries that I've seen regarding the Nation of Walmart and the destructiveness of the corporation. It's pretty much wiped out main street America.

I will see if I can find the names. Here in Canada, we get a lot of documentaries about the US made often by US citizens that you probably never see. Tres interesting.

So, despite my step dad working there, I refuse to support Walmart.?

softbgirlev02

TimsMayBride:

From what I understand, they treat their employees like garbage.

Who doesnt?

sare_bear

McKenna81:

I think most people dislike it because, historically, it has violated the Fair Labor Standards Act. And because it tends to run smaller businesses into the ground.

This is exactly why I don't like Walmart.

duckee88

i know exactly what you mean. i love walmart everything that SO wants is from there. I like some of the stuff there to!

Pecas13

I can't stand how dirty their stores are.  Our WalMart is newer than our Target, but it looks like it's 20 years older.  They just don't take care of the fixtures, floor, etc. and the cashiers I've encountered are terrible.  You can get some things there that you just can't anywhere else, but I would rather give my money to a company who keeps their stores clean and hires competent employees. 

softbgirlev02

mistresscox:

  I'm there with you!  I have no problem it!

As for those that are going to bash how they treat their workers and take a "moral stand" you may need to take a moment and visit a small town where Wal-Mart employs nearly half the town's population and provides steady income, healthcare and a sense of self-worth to those that otherwise would either have no options or would have to travel or move away from their families when they don't want to.  Sorry, I know that was a huge run-on sentence but this is one thing that I can't handle from people that don't see how it affects a community. 

right on sister, i totally agree!

Abc123

As far as bedding goes, I don't buy from Wal-Mart.  I don't think their quality of things is as high as other places.  I would prefer to spend more money and get a better quality product. 

TimsMayBride

softbgirlev02:

TimsMayBride:

From what I understand, they treat their employees like garbage.

Who doesnt?

I see where you're coming from, but my employer actually treats me pretty well.

WendyBird&Chris

I hate Walmart but still shop there for certain things anyway.  The reasons I hate is bc where I live it seems like when people go to walmart they get some kind of syndrome.  All of a sudden people don't watch where they are going with carts, people hog aisles, the checkers are rude, it's too crowded, too long of lines blah blah blah

mistresscox

I will agree with Red about them running small businesses into the ground-they definately have done that.  There is no debating that. 

However, I still stand that when you are in an extremely impovershed community that all of a sudden is able to afford their booze, cigarettes, and their children's food (because yes, sometimes this is the order of priorities) there is something to be said for that.  Whether it's right or wrong people are able to get more for less (quantity), and that's what people on strict budgets will typically gravitate toward. 

evhamm

I don't hate walmart, but I do get disappointed when I hear of mistreated coworkers, making them work through breaks, not giving them enough benefits (or any at all)... I've tried to get hired at Walmart several times, and never succeeded. Walmart, like any big corporation big-box store, donates often to local charities, and brings the community together.

SWMcFarland

mistresscox:

  I'm there with you!  I have no problem it!

As for those that are going to bash how they treat their workers and take a "moral stand" you may need to take a moment and visit a small town where Wal-Mart employs nearly half the town's population and provides steady income, healthcare and a sense of self-worth to those that otherwise would either have no options or would have to travel or move away from their families when they don't want to.  Sorry, I know that was a huge run-on sentence but this is one thing that I can't handle from people that don't see how it affects a community. 

After going to college in a town like the one you described, talk to the people that lost their businesses, savings, etc. getting driven out by Wal-Mart.  I bet most of those small business owners (Like John's Apple Market, among others) would disagree whole-heartedly.

The New Mrs.

The Walmarts by us (probalby 99% of them in So Cal) are all DIRTY (so nasty you don't want to touch anything), crowded and filled with trashy people (like people whose kids are nasty dirty and they themselves are walking around with no shoes...sick), and the lines are always super long and the employees seem to be dumb (never can tell you where a certain aisle is) and super slow about checking you out. Targets around here are super clean, not crowded, nice employees (who know where stuff is!!!) and fast checkouts. Granted, Walmart has cheaper prices, but it's just not worth it.

But I will say, a friend of ours moved to Colorado and said it was the exact opposite in her town. She said the Target was nasty dirty and crowded and the Walmart was the best store to shop at in town. So maybe it's just nicer or grosser in certain areas....

cranguard

For the longest time I wouldn't buy food at wal-mart.  I went there for pet supplies and toiletries.  Lately I've had better luck with my wal-mart produce than from Giant Eagle.  I did hear that they're products are cheaper quality.  Ex. Televisions - You think you're safe because you're buying a better name (like Sony) but they make their wal-mart electronics with cheaper materials.  I've always been told (and believe it) you get what you pay for!!

kittykatlover

I like the selection and the prices, I just don't like the swarms of people or the lines at the checkout.

margeincharge2

I tend to prefer Target to Walmart because I think the quality is better. But, I do shop at Walmart on occasion because their prices are sooo cheap. I do struggle with the issue that they have driven out smaller businesses by pricing them out. But it still doesn't change my spending habits. I don't know how many of us are willing to pay more for the same item out of a moral stance. It's a nice thing to say but then when it comes to actually doing it, that's another thing.

BTW, I notice you're in Port Angeles...as a Twilight fanatic I can't help but just point it out.

DorothyShaw

I'm the opposite of you. ?I have to drive 1.5 hours to get to a Walmart.

1.5 hours past miles and miles of local and small businesses that pay a living wage, offer benefits, sick leave and maternity leave and support the local economy.

I dont' begrudge anyone who lives in a rural area and doesn't have a choice. ?It's too late to bring back your local merchants. ?If it wasn't for Walmart, a lot of people wouldn't have access to much at all. ?I get that.

I do judge someone who does have a choice and uses Walmart as thier ONLY source of consumer goods.?

MattysGirl81

The Walmarts in Vegas aren't in good areas of town.  I feel like I've stepped into a 3rd world country when I walk in there.  I much prefer Target.

mistresscox

evhamm:

I don't hate walmart, but I do get disappointed when I hear of mistreated coworkers, making them work through breaks, not giving them enough benefits (or any at all)... I've tried to get hired at Walmart several times, and never succeeded. Walmart, like any big corporation big-box store, donates often to local charities, and brings the community together.

Yeah, treating employees like you mentioned above is not just a WalMart thing.  As a nurse, I've worked through several of the issues that people say that walmart does that is so bad to their employees. 

 I never get a "lunch break" when at work.  I eat at the desk when there is a few minutes, and if someone comes in or something happens I just have to flat out walk away from my food.  It's almost easier to stay dehydrated at work because I can't always gauruntee that I will be able to pee when I have to.  I actually got a UTI last week because I just flat out didn't have the time to drink and pee as much as I should have.  When you are sick, you push through the shift because no one else will be able to cover you.  As for benefits-those are a freaking joke!  I'm now on my DH's (thank goodness), but it really was rediculous what they offer us.  I can only take PTO if no one else has asked for it that week-otherwise I have to call in sick and have it counted against me (so many call-ins/year and you can be fired).  And this is just the start of it....

Sorry for the long post, but really "hating" wal-mart because of how they treat their employees is crap.  Try again....

bramallama

I was kicked out of walmart as a teen and acused of shoplifting.  my friends and I drew lines of eyeliner on our hands before deciding on a color- this was apparently damaging store property- we were hauled into a small room- our parents were called and told that we were shoplifting, and that they would release us to the police if our parents couldn't come and get us- we had done nothing wrong- I have never set foot in a walmart ever again.

Dulaney

My in-laws are labor union workers, so they HATE Wal-mart for their support of Chinese made goods and non-union ways.

I on the other hand, love Wal-Mart. We just ordered our bedding from there actually!

Sharra711

Find the documentary "The High Cost of Low Prices" and make up your own mind.

softbgirlev02

margeincharge2:

I tend to prefer Target to Walmart because I think the quality is better. But, I do shop at Walmart on occasion because their prices are sooo cheap. I do struggle with the issue that they have driven out smaller businesses by pricing them out. But it still doesn't change my spending habits. I don't know how many of us are willing to pay more for the same item out of a moral stance. It's a nice thing to say but then when it comes to actually doing it, that's another thing.

BTW, I notice you're in Port Angeles...as a Twilight fanatic I can't help but just point it out.

hehe. i have never even read the books or watched the movie! oh and the walmart here isnt as bad as in a bigger city.

Jamers615

TimsMayBride:

From what I understand, they treat their employees like garbage.

Without going into a 45 page long rant, both my DH and my BIL work for Wal-Mart, and yes, they do treat their employees like garbage.  DH is a stockboy, and BIL is a Store Manager in another state, so it's not just the pee-on employees they treat like crap. 

EDIT:  I still shop there, but just saying from experience that they will do anything to avoid giving out health insurance and other benefits.  My DH got screwed out of his, and my BIL has been told in more ways than one, including with bribes, to not give health insurance out.  They do this by hiring someone "full time", working them on full time hours, and then when their 6 months come up suddenly inform them that they're actually liste din the system as part time, so the insurance will only cover themselves, not their families.  If you complain and try to get the status changed (since, you know, they've been working 40 hours a week since they started), suddenyl, there's only 20 hours a week on your schedule.

I still shop there for things, mostly because we get the employee discount, but that's just one example of how Wal-Mart doesn't treat their employees quite as well as they like people to think they do.

WendyBird&Chris

The New Mrs.:

The Walmarts by us (probalby 99% of them in So Cal) are all DIRTY (so nasty you don't want to touch anything), crowded and filled with trashy people (like people whose kids are nasty dirty and they themselves are walking around with no shoes...sick), and the lines are always super long and the employees seem to be dumb (never can tell you where a certain aisle is) and super slow about checking you out. Targets around here are super clean, not crowded, nice employees (who know where stuff is!!!) and fast checkouts. Granted, Walmart has cheaper prices, but it's just not worth it.

 

 

I agree all the So Cal ones I go to are exactly like this. 

JCM083009

I have many reasons:

1. I simply do not enjoy the shopping experience there.  Even in one of the richest counties in the country here, the Walmart is gross and haunting and doesn't attract the greatest shoppers, sorry, but it's true. 

2. I don't like to give my money to a place that doesn't treat their employees fairly.

3. I hate that they have really put out a lot of other businesses.  (which goes back to #2 - they sell stuff so cheap b/c they cut a lot of corners to do so. I'd rather pay and extra $1 for my razor blades or whatever).

4. Most of their stuff seems cheap or ugly. 

5. I'm not impressed with their food selection/quality (I'm more of a Whole Foods girl). 

6. Everything and anything seems to come from China. 

I'm sure there are more.../

JCM083009

mistresscox:

  I'm there with you!  I have no problem it!

As for those that are going to bash how they treat their workers and take a "moral stand" you may need to take a moment and visit a small town where Wal-Mart employs nearly half the town's population and provides steady income, healthcare and a sense of self-worth to those that otherwise would either have no options or would have to travel or move away from their families when they don't want to.  Sorry, I know that was a huge run-on sentence but this is one thing that I can't handle from people that don't see how it affects a community. 

That doesn't make it OK that they're a crappy company to work for and aren't fair to employees. I'd feel much better about it if they were not only providing jobs, but DECENT jobs. 

Kendall13

It depends on where you live.  I've found that in areas where walmart is where everyone goes they are nice.  The ones around here are scary!  DH and I decided that we would rather pay more than deal with the weirdos at our local Walmart.

ravingtigerlily

The trick is to go to wal-mart in the morning, while all the crazies are still at home asleep. 

txbabs111

bramallama:

I was kicked out of walmart as a teen and acused of shoplifting.  my friends and I drew lines of eyeliner on our hands before deciding on a color- this was apparently damaging store property- we were hauled into a small room- our parents were called and told that we were shoplifting, and that they would release us to the police if our parents couldn't come and get us- we had done nothing wrong- I have never set foot in a walmart ever again.

Were you using testers? If not, how is this not damaging store property?  Would you want to buy an eyeliner that someone else had already used on their hand? Hello eye infection!

rockylover

I completely agree! In some smaller towns Wal-Mart is a GREAT way for people to make a living. My home town also only has Wal-Mart and I bought everything there.. I still do becuase they really do have a lot of great stuff for affordable prices.

Mrs.DeliaMarieP

I don't like Walmart's employee treatment philosophy.  However, in this day, I can't beat the prices, so I shop there for most of my household items.

JCM083009

rockylover:

I completely agree! In some smaller towns Wal-Mart is a GREAT way for people to make a living. My home town also only has Wal-Mart and I bought everything there.. I still do becuase they really do have a lot of great stuff for affordable prices.

Do you know WHY though? It's because WalMart made it so they're the only store LEFT in small towns.  I'd be willing to bet 99.9% of people who work at Walmart do it because they HAVE to/it's the only option.  That doesn't mean it's a good work environment, they're treated fairly, etc. But WalMart made it so that's their only option, so they can get away with poor standards in terms of employee treatment.  If you think that's something to give them a gold star about, that's pretty sad. 

HisLobster

HeyyRed:

As a small business owner, Walmart sucks the life out of small businesses and if you look at their strategies, ya well that's what they seek to do. There are several documentaries that I've seen regarding the Nation of Walmart and the destructiveness of the corporation. It's pretty much wiped out main street America.

I will see if I can find the names. Here in Canada, we get a lot of documentaries about the US made often by US citizens that you probably never see. Tres interesting.

So, despite my step dad working there, I refuse to support Walmart. 

My DH and I just watched one of those the other night called "The High Cost of Low Prices" (https://www.walmartmovie.com/). It was quite enlightening.