Ok, I just have to rant about this. While Wal-Mart is NOT my favorite place to shop, I kind of HAVE to because that is all we can afford. However, Wal-Mart had done some things lately that really have me re-thinking where we spend our hard earned money.
Last year (or was it the year before?) when they did away with their layaway program, it really hurt us, as it did millions of other Americans. This program was how my kids got birthday presents, Christmas presents, because we could pay for them over time. It was alot easier to pay $20 here or $40 there than a huge sum all at once. So when Wal-Mart decided to no longer utilize the layaway program, I was really bothered and angry by that. I know lots of other people were too.
However, I had an experience about a week or so ago that just really chapped my @$$. I was so mad I was spitting nails, yelling at the associates, etc. If you know me, you know that I am not usually that way. My cousin was with me and even she was kinda looking to hide LOL!
We have one Wal-Mart close to us, and it is 85 miles away, in Great Falls. We had to go to Great Falls for the dentist (Shelby has ONE, and REFUSE to take my kids to him) so I thought I would kill two birds with one stone and return some pants that my son had gotten for his birthday that didn't fit. We were on the hunt for bigger ones. I go to return the pants, everything is fine, and they ask for my I.D. Oookay....hand it over, wait for them to finish. Waiting for my gift card (no receipt) so I can go find bigger pants. Now, I still have a Utah License. Just never have the $50 (YES! $50!!!!) for a Montana license.
Ok, I digress. So the associate looks at my I.D., types in the DL number and a little piece of paper spits out. You know the ones that come out when there's a problem? Those ones. So the gal calls the Head Cashier person over. She looks at it and says that they can't accept my return. WHAT!!!! They said that since I had a "check on file" meaning a bad check, WHICH I DON'T!!!! that they can't accept the return. I was so mad! I said I don't HAVE a check on file! I don't USE checks! But since I had this "check on file" they wouldn't take a RETURN. I was SO mad. BEYOND mad. I grabbed my pants that weren't any good to me, threw them in my cart, and we left the store. I had a bunch of other stuff I needed to get. Do you think I got it? Nope. I spent my dollar elsewhere.
It really bothers me that a store that used to be so good about customer service and making things affordable for those on a lesser income has gone so astray and bows to the almighty dollar. It has become all about money for Wal-Mart, and not pleasing the customer. They are starting to cater to higher end fashion, pricier toys, etc. I can't stand it! They are getting rid of their fabric departments, which is sad. I know that when buying fabric I can't afford to pay $10 for a yard of flannel.
I would like to say that I will never shop at Wal-Mart again, but since we as a society don't practice the Law of Consecration, I probably will, just because that is what my meager budget will allow. BUT! I can say that I will shop elsewhere before Wal-Mart.
Sam Walton is rolling in his grave. And I have to go to Target.
2 Totally cool people said::
Sam Walton would indeed be unhappy with what his company has become. It has taken a turn to be the complete opposite of everything that he wanted it to be. The same thing has happened with Wendy's since Dave Thomas has passed. The people who now run these companies have no connection to, or regard for, the men who built these companies with their own blood, sweat and tears. Its a real shame.
Oh, and if it makes you feel better, I'll boycott Walmart with you. I'm not too thrilled with them lately myself.
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