This is not my post....I linked to it sometime in the last month and bookmarked it because I liked it so much. Here's the original link:
10 Reasons Target is Better than Wal-Mart by Steve Olson.
I completely agree with this guy's opinions. I don't shop at Wal-Mart. They don't pay competitive wages, they don't give their employees adequate health benefits, and they spend a suspicious amount of money convincing us how much they care about us.
Here's the post:
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?”
She looked up from the phone, chewing her gum, said “Nope”, 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?”
“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.”
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.
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
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.
I wholeheartedly agree.
J.
9 comments:
I just get so angry when there are comments like 'people wearing NASCAR shirts' or 'fuzzy slippers' or whatever. That's so elitist. Who gives a shit what people look like, do your shopping and get out! Shop at Target, fine. And if you don't like the $ they pay their staff, then do something about it. But who cares what other customers are wearing? I am SO tired of all of the elitist behavior in this country. People are different. It's part of what being an American is, get used to it! Stick to the strip malls, and stop looking down on other people.
Three words: Target has Choxie.
Don't have Targets in this country and Asda haven't changed much since Wal-Mart bought them but Tesco are doing their bit to have a shop everywhere in the country.
Must agree with naughtyvoyeur, I thought "What's wrong with liking Nascar?"
Golly...I didn't know I was going to start something. I just don't like Wal-Mart, mostly for the health care issues.
And there's nothing wrong with liking Nascar. I like Nascar a little myself.
And as for what am I doing about their unjust pay and health care irresponsibility, well...I have boycotted Walmart for about a year now. I let them know I was boycotting, along with the teachers'union in this area, in a signed letter. With a full time job and 4 kids, that's all I have time to do right now. But I still won't shop there.
For interesting reading, check out NaughtyVoyeur's post on MY post!
J.
Yeah, this guy gives a bit of a "holier than thou" attitude by dissing NASCAR.
And, his Target must be an exception to the rule. You could take all of his compliments for Target and complaints for Wal-Mart and reverse them for the same stores here.
It all depends on the specific store, I suppose.
Enough with the Nascar stuff. I get what he is talking about. He isn't putting down Nascar or people that wear Nascar clothes. I too loathe Wal-Mart. We pretty much only go when we HAVE too. They are more convenient to me and I can go there dressed in my pajamas and be dressed up compared to some of the people there. I heart target!
Thank you, Sunshine. At least somebody understands. First of all, I didn't write it, although I agree with it. Secondly, I don't think the Nascar detail is supposed to be the focus of the post. Third, it was supposed to be funny.
No more semi-political commentary. I can't stand the controversy! (laugh)
J.
I LOVE that post!! As I was reading I sat here nodding my head in agreement with a big grin on my face...I love Target. I go there to unwind sometimes!!
And the Nascar thing? Sorry guys, but that one totally cracked me up!!
I like the Target bldg, but they burned me on the credit account. B*stards! Walmart is quicker, bigger, and usually lower prices.
As far as the wages thing, (gonna get edited here I think) if they don't treat you right, work out some change. If change doesn't come, go work at Target. Wallyworld is not the only low-paying world-dominating corporation in the world.
...this from the only southern boy that doesn't care about Nascar. :)
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