Thursday, June 7, 2007

Don't tell Target, but...

Today I went to Wal-mart.

I'll stop and let that sink in.

Oh wait, you don't know me in "real life." So you don't know how surprising that statement should be.

Let's just say that I've never had a kind word for Wal-mart. To be fair, I've only been there three or four times (before today). But each of those shopping experiences was negative. There is something about this store that just rubs me the wrong way. It's instantly headache enducing. The lighting. Those ceilings. The floors. The colors. The way everything seems to be crammed on the shelves. Even the way the store is organized irks me. There was always a line. With a surly checker. And the other shoppers! I've noticed some doozies at all three Wal-mart's I've known. You know how if you don't have anything nice to say, you shouldn't say anything at all? I'm not going to say anything about a few of the people I encountered at each of these Wal-marts.

Today, I needed some things. So I buckled Nicknack in his Cowmooflage car seat (love that thing!) and headed toward the freeway. We have two Targets, each about 15 minutes from our home. I drove toward our preferred store and spaced out to the extent that I found I had missed my turn and was going south on I-5. Oops. On a whim, I decided to drive another 15 or 20 minutes to the new Wal-mart my friend recently told me about. I didn't have directions and got lost trying to find it. By the time I arrived I was kicking myself for bothering. I should have just gone to my trusty and beloved Target.

As I pulled in I noticed that this was a "Super" Wal-mart. You probably already know what this means, but I did not. This Wal-mart has groceries!

I rolled my eyes. "Gross," I thought. They probably don't have any of "our food." Meaning cage-free eggs, low-salt tuna, reduced sugar granola bars, whole wheat bread that tastes just like white, "Simply Jif," etc. Friend, they had it ALL! Every turn of the cart found me oohing and aahing. "They have THIS?!" "They even have THAT!" "I'll take four of these." "At this price, I might as well stock up on those." I wasn't brave enough to peruse the meat section, but by the time I got to the last grocery aisle I had a nearly full cart. And I just went grocery shopping two days ago!

There wasn't even a line at the checkout register! It was just like Target. I spent $200. Again, just like Target, where I always go in for a few items and come out with a cartful. In fact, when I got home, I found the shopping list I'd forgotten (as always) on the counter. I crossed off all the items I'd found at Wal-mart. All TWO of them. Yes, that's right. I still need to go to Target.

I still don't know what those Wal-mart people were thinking when they designed and decorated the store. But I now understand why people shop there. I'll probably be back, in a couple of months. I'm feeling adventurous lately. Earlier this week (are you ready for this?), I was on my way to the butcher and I drove by one of those "Grocery Outlet" stores that my mother-in-law frequents, and I pulled in! I just parked and grabbed a cart and went in, like I'd done it a million times before. I wasn't even embarassed. I found some amazing deals, too!

Yes, I'm quite the daredevil these days. What's next, the dollar store!? A garage sale!? Value Village?! We'll just have to wait and see. (But probably not.)

By the way, I'm not making fun of dollar stores, garage sales, Value Village, or the moms who frequent such places. If you are a bargain shopper, I salute you! You are finding good deals, saving money, and blessing your family!

9 comments:

Rachel Anne said...

I share your feelings for WalMart. Just going in makes me feel tired. But sometimes, it is the only answer when you need milk AND fishing lures at the same time.

Lisa Bolling said...

Oh, Dear, Dear Kitty -

You have been bitten by the WalMart bug. But, it's o.k. sooner or later it was bound to happen.
I admit, I am a frequent WalMart shopper - I wasn't always - but I can just find so much in one place for a good price. Saves money - saves time. And most of the time, I don't have extra of either.

I just love reading your blog - you are absolutely precious.
Bless you,
Lisa

Alana said...

I can't believe you've only been to Wal-mart three or four times! I prefer Target, but I do go to Wal-mart on occasion. If we had a Super Wal-mart closer I would go there more often for the good deals. I do agree with Rachel Anne...walking into a Super Wal-mart makes me feel tired, too. It can be a little overwhelming.

Unknown said...

Walmart ROCKS! Target is ok, but way more expensive! Yeah, dollar stores are great for gift bags, party supplies and balloons! The Salvation Army is a great place to find vintage stuff. I have two very cool vintage coats from a resale shop...they rock and I always get compliments on them when I wear them! So don't knock it till you try it girl! But I guess it all depends on what you are in to!
Keep cooking Kitty...it gets better!

Melissa said...

I'm still trying to let it sink in that you have not one, but TWO, Targets at your disposal! Utopia!

The Super-Walmart in our town is a dreaded necessity. I try to avoid it at all costs, but they are much cheaper on cleaning, health & beauty, etc. than our grocery stores. Poor me, Target is 40 minutes away! Probably a good thing...I set my Red Card on FIRE when I go!

Gina Conroy said...

I HATE super Walmarts, but shop their since they teared down the traditional Walmarts. They have a bazillion checkouts and only a couple open at a time so I don't feel bad when I take 30 items in the 20 items or less line. I've also been using the garden checkout and parking there. It's a great time saver.

A while ago I discovered they carry all our organic food as well and it's a mile from our home (the Wild Oats store is more like ten miles) so it's just too convienent.

Though when I shop, I try and stock up so I don't have to really shop there more than once a month!

Susan said...

I usually pop into Wal-mart. But after I read this post this morning I realized, "hey! She's right!" I hate Wal-mart. But I know I'll be back. It's lure of the low prices and Rachel Anne said it right...sometimes you really DO need milk AND fishing lures! I did hit Target today instead of Wal-mart...in your honor :)

Sunni at The Flying Mum said...

I too am a Target girl through & through. But you're right...if you can brave the store (and the people sometimes) the prices are RIGHT!

debra parker said...

I love Target! I am also a garage sale or flea market kind of girl. My house has pieces all over that are "finds".