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. It’s hard to justify a trip to Walmart like we used to. Here are seven reasons why from Reddit communities.
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1. No more in-store scanners
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, there are no more 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.
Own a car? Here's 7 warning signs you're paying too much for car insurance. 2. Lack of fresh produce options
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.
3. Customer behavior
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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4. Poor treatment of employees
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.
5. Sub-par environment
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.
6. Not enough checkout lines
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, the 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.
Make Money: 8 things to do if you’re barely scraping by financially 7. Walmart drives out local businesses
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.
Shopping at Walmart makes it much harder for local businesses and residents to thrive.
Bottom line
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.
No matter where you shop, use one of the best rewards credit cards to get the most from your spending.
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