WOW - I don't know what Walmart they shop at but neither of the two I go to are much like what was described here. The exceptions being:
The parking lots are represented the same as what I see, but then the parking lot at the malls are set up like Walmart's instead of Target's too.
At one store the greeters are pretty blasé, at the other there is a youngish handicapped man who's always very friendly. Neither store, in my opinion, has people who seem all that concerned with being helpful, unless they work in one of those departments with their own counters, like jewelry or electronics, and then it seems finding someone working behind the counter is easier at Walmart than Target.
All the stores where I shop are clean, and set up well...or I don't shop there.
Walmart has 'self-checkout' and Target doesn't. I adore self-checkout, and wish all stores had them, and had more.
I don't shop at Walmart or Target except for sundries mostly, and find Walmart in my area to be cheaper. That is the only reason I choose them over Target.
I owe no allegiance to either store, but go where my money spends farther, and in this case that happens to be Walmart.
Someone else summed up why I hate Wal-Mart
http://www.steve-olson.com/10-reasons-target-is-better-than-wal-mart/
10 Reasons Target is Better than Wal-Mart
October 20th, 2006 by Steve ----Bookmark on del.icio.us----
I feel ill visiting Wal-Mart – Am I alone? Target doesn’t have this effect on me. I feel great in Target stores. 10 reasons why…
Crime
Why did the 911 hijackers buy their box cutters at Wal-Mart? Why do serial killers featured on Court TV buy duct tape and rope at Wal-Mart? Because they feel comfortable there. They’re with their people. Did you know (according to this study) the average Wal-Mart has almost 450% more police calls than the average Target store?
Target Doesn’t Destroy Small Towns
My parents live in the lake country of Northern Minnesota. It’s beautiful; please visit sometime. They live near Park Rapids (pop 3,300) and Wadena (pop 4,200), two quaint small towns about 30 miles apart. Wal-Mart is building a box store in each town. These cities have vibrant downtowns with ice cream confectionaries, candy shops, coffee shops, theaters, dime stores, bookstores, restaurants, and hardware stores. We know what happens when a box store opens on the edge of town, the downtown dies. Economists say that the little shops in town are economic dinosaurs. Maybe the economists are right, but I will still grieve the loss of these special places.
Target doesn’t build stores in towns with populations of 4,200 or 3,300 and it isn’t on their agenda (as far as I know).
Target’s Prices are Competitive
See the Cockeyed.com Comparison
I’ve Never Seen Anyone Wearing a NASCAR Shirt, Purple Sweat Pants, and Pink Fluffy Slippers at Target
Employees (An Anecdote)
Sunday Sep 10th 10:00 AM
Wal-Mart: I smiled at the people greeter. She didn’t greet me or anyone else. She stood there like a zombie looking straight ahead scowling.
After spending 15 minutes looking for a lunch box, I asked an employee where the lunch boxes were. She led us aimlessly around the store with no idea where they were. Eventually she asked another employee working at the jewelry counter, “Hey ya know where the lunch boxes are?â€Â
She looked up from the phone, chewing her gum, said “Nopeâ€Â, and returned to her telephone.
We didn’t find a lunch box.
As I left, I saw 25 checkout lanes. Two were open. The lines were 15 deep. After 60 minutes, I walked out empty handed and nauseous.
Sunday Sep 10th 11:15 AM
Target: The people greeter smiled and asked, “Can I help you?â€Â
“Where are the lunch boxes?†I asked.
She whispered something into a microphone on her chest, paused, and said, “Behind aisle 8 against the back wall.â€Â
Target had ten lanes open and two with no line. In less than ten minutes, I found what I wanted and left with a smile on my face.
I don’t know if Target offers higher pay or better benefits but I can tell that they attract different employees; employees that care. Wal-Mart employees appear indifferent.
Happy Customers
At the Target store near my home, I see energetic customers smiling, visiting, and laughing.
At Wal-Mart I see people moping around with frowns, yelling at their kids, and everyone looks depressed.
Cleanliness
In my experience, the difference in cleanliness between the two chains is dramatic, especially the bathrooms. I brought my son into the bathroom at Wal-Mart and it was so nasty I’ll never bring him there again.
Better Parking Lots
Wal-Mart: One way, narrow, and angled. I’d show you how bad it is but Wal-Mart could sue me if I post a picture of their store. Yet another reason to love ‘em.
Did you know that most Wal-Marts allow people to camp in their parking lots? Is that safe?
Target: Square, two way, parking lots which are safer and easier to navigate.
Target Parking Lot
Positive Atmosphere
Wal-Mart’s atmosphere is cheap and crass.
Target’s atmosphere exudes progress and style.
Go to each store and soak in the whole scene and you’ll know what I mean.
Wider Aisles
Wal-Mart: I’d show you how narrow, crowded, and disorganized their aisles are but…Wal-Mart could sue me if I post a picture of their store.
Target: Wide spacious aisles
Target Aisle
I have both a Wal-Mart and a Target five minutes from my house. There is no comparison in the shopping experience.
My first priority in life right now is to maintain a positive mental state. I’ve found it nearly impossible to maintain a positive mental state inside a Wal-Mart store. The place oozes negativity.
When I leave Wal-Mart I feel like I should go home and shower, like I’ve just visited a seedy porn shop or something.
When I leave Target, I feel energetic and I want to return.
Positive thinking tip:
Visit Target frequently and stay out of Wal-Mart.
This is an opinion piece, based on my personal experiences. I don’t work for Target. I don’t even own any Target stock.
Well said.
Den
18 years ago
Larry
18 years ago
I haven't stepped foot in a Wal-Mart in over 10 years, and never will. If I need something, I always go to Target.
ROzbeans
18 years ago
What kind of fucked up comment is this? I stopped reading after this bullshit.
Crime
Why did the 911 hijackers buy their box cutters at Wal-Mart? Why do serial killers featured on Court TV buy duct tape and rope at Wal-Mart? Because they feel comfortable there. They’re with their people. Did you know (according to this study) the average Wal-Mart has almost 450% more police calls than the average Target store?
What kind of fucked up comment is this? I stopped reading after this bullshit.
Prosecution
18 years ago
That quote about terrorits buying box cutters has more to do with Walmarts proximity to the airport then to what they carry. Besides they bought their shoes at foot locker OMG! We should all buy our shoes at home depot now LOL.
And yes I know home depot doesn't sell shoes. We would all end up with burlap slippers, but its to make a point about how stupid that walmart razor idea really was.
Makes me wonder if people really got it in order. Brain -> Filter-> Mouth
Not Filter -> Brain -> Mouth
Pros
And yes I know home depot doesn't sell shoes. We would all end up with burlap slippers, but its to make a point about how stupid that walmart razor idea really was.
Makes me wonder if people really got it in order. Brain -> Filter-> Mouth
Not Filter -> Brain -> Mouth
Pros
Dia
18 years ago
Target is more exspensive =/
I have 2 walmarts in close range to me.
We call the closer one Black-mart because A) i dont think it has any white employees. B) its the closet walmart to the city so literally they take the bus up the main road to shop there which results in you being a minority if your white.
The one a little farther away we call The nice walmart. It has a mixed population of races that work there and is ALWAYS spotless. People actually help you there too. Its 24 hours while Black-mart closes at 11. It's also bigger than Black-mart.
We hate Black-mart and will drive the distance to the nice one if we can. Black-mart is filthy and the employees are fucking assholes who are too damned lazy to fucking help.
Target is the same tho with lazy employees. I asked at the service desk, where the plastic matress covers were located. The broad said 'In the bedding department." I said - I've been looking over there for a while and i dont see them, what isle was it in? She said "i dont know where its at but its over there, just keep looking". SERIOUSLY?
I like Meijers
I have 2 walmarts in close range to me.
We call the closer one Black-mart because A) i dont think it has any white employees. B) its the closet walmart to the city so literally they take the bus up the main road to shop there which results in you being a minority if your white.
The one a little farther away we call The nice walmart. It has a mixed population of races that work there and is ALWAYS spotless. People actually help you there too. Its 24 hours while Black-mart closes at 11. It's also bigger than Black-mart.
We hate Black-mart and will drive the distance to the nice one if we can. Black-mart is filthy and the employees are fucking assholes who are too damned lazy to fucking help.
Target is the same tho with lazy employees. I asked at the service desk, where the plastic matress covers were located. The broad said 'In the bedding department." I said - I've been looking over there for a while and i dont see them, what isle was it in? She said "i dont know where its at but its over there, just keep looking". SERIOUSLY?
I like Meijers
ROzbeans
18 years ago
Blackmart...i stopped reading after that one too. =/
Runyan
18 years ago
Blackmart.....
I agree with Mae though I read it for amusement purposes of the poster.
8(
I agree with Mae though I read it for amusement purposes of the poster.
8(
Vex
18 years ago
yay for racism ;p
ROzbeans
18 years ago
Dia you are aware that those two statements sound racist and ignorant? That you'd say something like that...on this board...who's board owner is part black and a minority but more importantly - nonwhite? I'm...surprised.
Honestly, it's taking everything not to lose sight of a potentially interesting thread and I'm all for discussing why WalMart is the devil, but from here on out - racial slurs should be kept to yourselves. From everyone.
Thank you.
We call the closer one Black-mart because A) i dont think it has any white employees.
We hate Black-mart and will drive the distance to the nice one if we can. Black-mart is filthy and the employees are fucking assholes who are too damned lazy to fucking help.
Dia you are aware that those two statements sound racist and ignorant? That you'd say something like that...on this board...who's board owner is part black and a minority but more importantly - nonwhite? I'm...surprised.
Honestly, it's taking everything not to lose sight of a potentially interesting thread and I'm all for discussing why WalMart is the devil, but from here on out - racial slurs should be kept to yourselves. From everyone.
Thank you.
Adiene
18 years ago
I perfer target over wal mart anyday, just because their stuff is so much more nicer, yet wal mart is faster and easier to get to in my area where i used to live.
I dont think I read the rest after the 911 crap fully might go back and read,
..... my son is part black o_O
I dont think I read the rest after the 911 crap fully might go back and read,
..... my son is part black o_O
Rikr
18 years ago
I prefer Target, but I don't mind Wal-Mart either. The only real reason why I'd rather not go to Wal-Mart is they have 52 lines and only 2 that are open. This makes self check out lines just as long as regular lines, and there is always someone in front of you in self check out that doesn't get how to work the machine. I should give tutor lessons at Wal-Mart for self check out. I think I could make some serious coin.
Prosecution
18 years ago
The difference between Walmarts and Targets are usually do to the demographic they cater to. Example Walmarts in the Baltimore area are usually pretty ghetto, in that they are dirty, never cleaned, poorly merchandised, the staff is unmotivated (see un-helpful and assholish) and poorly trained. In general there is a lack of caring. I hate to say it, but Walmart does hire from the local neighbor hoods, so if your in the shitty areas of the city, your going to get a pretty healthy mix of shitty people. Walmarts actually target those neighborhoods. They are looking for high population density = high sales. On top of that these Walmarts can get away with being dirty and disgusting because their demographic doesn't have the money (See automobilies + gas) to travel extensive distances to buy items at other stores. In short Walmarts in my area are shitty because they can be, and get away with it. (I have yet to walk the aisles of a Walmart and not step over at least 7 smashed french fries.)
Target however usually puts its store in upper income areas. In Maryland you find them out by Severna Park, Columbia, and such. Far and away from the city. Target tries for the middle class/upper middle class. These are customers which have mobility and therefore the ability to choose where they shop. If you want their money you have to be clean, neat, and with great customer service.
That is why Walmarts, especially in the city areas (higher population areas), are crappy compared to the local target. But in short, the store comes down to the store manager, and the managment team. I can tell you because I cleaned up the Marlow Heights, MD Pepboys. That store is located 3 miles off the SE DC line, and is in one of the highest crime rate, lowest income areas in MD. The staff that I put in place keeps that store, neat clean and organized. I have one of the highest customer Sat scores in the district. When you walk into the store, how you are treated, how the store looks, and how quickly you get out of the cashier lane is a direct relection on the skill, ability, and caring of that particular store manager. If your mistreated by an employee, remember, its most likely because the manager accepts him/her doing that to you. Keep that in the back of your thought process when you judge these corporations. I know the CEO of Walmart would be offended by the conditions of these stores described in this thread.
Oh, and for the record, before someone jumps on this. Ghetto is not directed at a race, it is descrition a culture. Ghetto people through their trash on the ground. Non-ghetto put it in the trash can 3 ft away. I can say that white/black/asian/etc. In the Marlow Heights area it is ghetto, because people don't care about others or their surroundings. They all throw their trash on the ground, even though I have 7, yes 7, trash cans in my parking lot. If you walk more then 20 steps in any given direction, your at a trash can. Yet every morning I have to clean my parking lot, from the day (not the night, the day) before. Beer bottles, trash, left over food. Just thrown on the ground. That is what defines a ghetto. It is an ingrained culture of indifference and apathy, not the color of a persons skin.
Pros
Target however usually puts its store in upper income areas. In Maryland you find them out by Severna Park, Columbia, and such. Far and away from the city. Target tries for the middle class/upper middle class. These are customers which have mobility and therefore the ability to choose where they shop. If you want their money you have to be clean, neat, and with great customer service.
That is why Walmarts, especially in the city areas (higher population areas), are crappy compared to the local target. But in short, the store comes down to the store manager, and the managment team. I can tell you because I cleaned up the Marlow Heights, MD Pepboys. That store is located 3 miles off the SE DC line, and is in one of the highest crime rate, lowest income areas in MD. The staff that I put in place keeps that store, neat clean and organized. I have one of the highest customer Sat scores in the district. When you walk into the store, how you are treated, how the store looks, and how quickly you get out of the cashier lane is a direct relection on the skill, ability, and caring of that particular store manager. If your mistreated by an employee, remember, its most likely because the manager accepts him/her doing that to you. Keep that in the back of your thought process when you judge these corporations. I know the CEO of Walmart would be offended by the conditions of these stores described in this thread.
Oh, and for the record, before someone jumps on this. Ghetto is not directed at a race, it is descrition a culture. Ghetto people through their trash on the ground. Non-ghetto put it in the trash can 3 ft away. I can say that white/black/asian/etc. In the Marlow Heights area it is ghetto, because people don't care about others or their surroundings. They all throw their trash on the ground, even though I have 7, yes 7, trash cans in my parking lot. If you walk more then 20 steps in any given direction, your at a trash can. Yet every morning I have to clean my parking lot, from the day (not the night, the day) before. Beer bottles, trash, left over food. Just thrown on the ground. That is what defines a ghetto. It is an ingrained culture of indifference and apathy, not the color of a persons skin.
Pros
Den
18 years ago
I agree with this I guess, in that the two Walmarts I shop at are both in newer upper middle class areas just outside Sacramento. There is a Target, in both cases, only a few blocks away as well. All four stores are maintained well, and my only complaint is that one Walmart is next to a Sam's Club and getting in and out of 'that' parking lot is a bit more busy, and the other Target is part of a strip mall, which makes that parking lot busier as well. In the case of their counterparts, in those areas, they stand alone and access is a lot simpler, and less hassling.
Prosecution;70185
The difference between Walmarts and Targets are usually do to the demographic they cater to. Example Walmarts in the Baltimore area are usually pretty ghetto, in that they are dirty, never cleaned, poorly merchandised, the staff is unmotivated (see un-helpful and assholish) and poorly trained.
That is why Walmarts, especially in the city areas (higher population areas), are crappy compared to the local target. But in short, the store comes down to the store manager, and the managment team. Pros
I agree with this I guess, in that the two Walmarts I shop at are both in newer upper middle class areas just outside Sacramento. There is a Target, in both cases, only a few blocks away as well. All four stores are maintained well, and my only complaint is that one Walmart is next to a Sam's Club and getting in and out of 'that' parking lot is a bit more busy, and the other Target is part of a strip mall, which makes that parking lot busier as well. In the case of their counterparts, in those areas, they stand alone and access is a lot simpler, and less hassling.
Dia
18 years ago
i didnt say it was trashy because it was black. for the record, i have a very mixed family and we all call it that. So is it ok for my black brother in law to call it that and not me? if so than ok. i wasnt out to offend
ROzbeans
18 years ago
Personally, it's not ok for anyone to call it that - or whitemart or ghettomart. As a society, we've become comfortable with labels and sterotypes from either side. Someone could've called it whitemart and I would've been equally annoyed. Why can't we call it brownmart? What about us brownies? =(
For what its worth, I'm over it - it honestly just shocked me. I'm cool to let it go if you are.
For what its worth, I'm over it - it honestly just shocked me. I'm cool to let it go if you are.
Dia
18 years ago
nm dont answer that. you know, the neighborhood i live in black is the majority not white, where i work black is the majority, the 2 high schools around here black is the majority not white. I'm sorry if here on the board its the minority and i offered people because of that. Im also sorry that because my skin is white i cant make the same comments my friends and family do, and that i feel the need to have to explain it.
Now that were both offend we can call it even right? good times.
Now that were both offend we can call it even right? good times.
Dia
18 years ago
post same time!
I just get angry the same.but I am cool to let it go to. we can ignore my angry rant above then!
I just get angry the same.but I am cool to let it go to. we can ignore my angry rant above then!
Vebran
18 years ago
I used to hold one store in higher esteem than the other, but I realized that when I'm shopping for brand names that both stores have the exact same product. Its not like Walmart has the crappy quality Ipod, PS2/Xbox game, different quality Aquafina water, etc. and I realize that I shouldn't expect high quality from either store in terms of clothing and other "discount" merchandise.
When saving money on "things" I would rather pay the cheapest price rather than a slightly more elevated opinion of the store I bought it from.
Also, if everyone hated Walmart, Best Buy, etc., as much as the vocal majority did then those stores would have long been out of business. It is amazing that for such a vilified chain(s) that they continue to dominate the landscape of the retailers.
When saving money on "things" I would rather pay the cheapest price rather than a slightly more elevated opinion of the store I bought it from.
Also, if everyone hated Walmart, Best Buy, etc., as much as the vocal majority did then those stores would have long been out of business. It is amazing that for such a vilified chain(s) that they continue to dominate the landscape of the retailers.
ROzbeans
18 years ago
Yeah we like Walmart and Best Buy. I get hella cheap movies there =x
Just Erin
18 years ago
No, but you implied it, which is just as bad. By calling the store Blackmart, you send the message to people that you think the store is trashy because the people who work and shop there are black. Why not call it Trashmart?
I agree with Roz, that it's not cool for anyone to say that, regardless of the color of your skin. I aslo agree with Pros about the demographics surrounding the store. A store located to a low income neighborhood has good chances of being a poorly run and maintained store, regardless of the races who work and shop there. There are low income neighborhoods that are primarily white, some that are primarily black, some that are primarily hispanic, and some that are mixed.
The comparison between Target and Walmart stops past the fact that they carry similar merchandise, in my opinion. These companies have very different business plans, goals, and marketing philosophies.
Dia;70187
i didnt say it was trashy because it was black. for the record, i have a very mixed family and we all call it that. So is it ok for my black brother in law to call it that and not me? if so than ok. i wasnt out to offend
No, but you implied it, which is just as bad. By calling the store Blackmart, you send the message to people that you think the store is trashy because the people who work and shop there are black. Why not call it Trashmart?
I agree with Roz, that it's not cool for anyone to say that, regardless of the color of your skin. I aslo agree with Pros about the demographics surrounding the store. A store located to a low income neighborhood has good chances of being a poorly run and maintained store, regardless of the races who work and shop there. There are low income neighborhoods that are primarily white, some that are primarily black, some that are primarily hispanic, and some that are mixed.
The comparison between Target and Walmart stops past the fact that they carry similar merchandise, in my opinion. These companies have very different business plans, goals, and marketing philosophies.