"Wal-Mart - Where NOT to Shop!"

Dear Reader (s),

In my last blog, I promised I would let you know the areas of Wal-Mart to avoid, unless you are a much stronger (i.e. desperate) shopper than I am.

First area - and this really should go without mention - is the Toy Department.  Your expected response should be "Duh!"  Here's the deal - it's either packed with shoppers & kids milling around looking at all the offerings, or it is deserted, except for few escaped hoodlums that are systematically playing (read - destroying) the offerings.  Either way, this department warrants a "pass."  If it is full of shoppers, it is fairly impossible to negotiate the aisles & find what you want.  In addition, the organization of toys escapes the logic of this shopper.  If the department has only a few youngsters in it, it is even more dangerous.  They are totally unsupervised - dragging toys off the shelves to play with them, and then strewing them around the floor to function as landmines for the inattentive cart pusher.  Even worse, when they are done amusing themselves, the kids invariably begin crying or shouting for their families - very distracting . . . .

Second area - the Fabrics & Craft Department.  Of course, you will need a piece of fabric cut, and of course, there is no one available that knows how to do that or to key in the cost so that a price ticket can be printed.  After a lengthy wait, and scouring adjoining departments, one can locate an associate (try the paint department) who has the necessary training to assist you.  Of course, after this amount of time, one might have been able to pick the cotton, weave it into cloth, and dye it oneself.  Didn't someone very wise say, "Time is money?"  How much this yard of cloth will end of costing is anyone's guess!

Third area - the Electronics/Photo Department.  The reason I joined these areas is, depending on the time frame you elect to shop (topic of an upcoming blog), you may or may not find someone manning the Photo Department.  If this is the case, you will have to throw yourself on the mercy of an assistant in Electronics, who may or may not be able/willing to assist you.  And, that presupposes the idea that you will be able to locate an available associate in Electronics.  No matter when you shop (see above note), there are several shoppers who are deep into the purchase of oversize flat screen televisions which will no doubt be mounted on the walls of their homes - OMG!  So, after another lengthy wait, you need to be ready to snag the associate the moment his current shopper departs.  A cagey hint - you better kind of "float" around the associate.  Don't let him get out of sight or someone else will corral him before you get your chance.  Stay alert, and good luck!  Even my significant other reports that "the electronics has always been a little difficult."  Read that as a warning - "shop @ your own risk!"

Fourth area - the Paint Department.  If you read the above information on the Fabrics & Crafts, you will remember that often the Paint associate is in the Fabric Department.  And I need to explain that while these departments are relatively close (considering the sprawl of the store), they are not exactly adjoining departments.  Therefore, if you need some paint mixed, you may have to wait till after the fabric is cut.  Once again, "time is money."  Sigh . . . .

I think that wraps up the shopping hints for this blog.  I need to close now, because my significant other and myself are off to Wal-Mart - I need to purchase . . . paint . . . . !

"Made It Inside Wally World - Finally!"

Dear Reader (s),

Okay, so out of the parking lot & into the store - took awhile, didn't it!

Your mission is to skillfully navigate the aisles of Wally World, with a minimum of back-tracking & cross country shopping. 

This requires two skills.  First, you need to know what you are looking for, and stay focused on that.  A mental or written list is most helpful at this point.  Second, you need a mental map of Wal Mart's layout.  Fortunately, most Wal Marts are laid out in exactly the same pattern, except some of the newer stores.  In an attempt to be more upscale or perhaps "innovative," some store layouts are being changed up.  Most people would appreciate this, but those of us who are true devotees of Wal Mart appreciate being able to "drop in" to a store anywhere & know where, for instance, those plastic tubs can be located, without having to wander aimlessly around, or, horror of horrors, actually find a store "associate" and ask for directions.  One does not usually engage "associates" in conversation - this is a treasure hunt for those who value independence & reliance on oneself!

Suggestion - know your needs, stick to them, and know your store plan!  This will enable you to cruise the aisles quickly & efficiently and arrive at the check-out line with a minimum of time invested (so far).  Easiest plan - start in the garden/pet areas & work your way across the store.  The grocery areas should be reserved for last, as they will take the most time (also, more shoppers to try to dodge). 

After you've taken care of garden & pets, work your way past the health aisles so you can pick up any necessary items.  Stay by the front of the store as you cross over - there are usually clearance baskets which may contain "treasures" you absolutely didn't know you needed until you see them.

Plus, that will allow you to avoid the clothing section, which is very large & unnecessary unless you are in search of a particular item.

Final destination - the grocery section.  Start at the front of the store with the deli/veggie section.  Then, work your way to the back of the store.  This allows you finish with the beer, freezer, refrigerator sections.  Rationale - they will be colder as you approach the check-out lines.  As you will soon understand, this will assume huge importance as your time in Wal Mart ticks by! 

Next post - parts of Wal-Mart that one should avoid at all costs!