Merry WalMart To You!

[Clara Bow]

I had to go to the Super WalMart to do my grocery shopping for Christmas (ham....mmmmmm) and I knew it was going to be a zoo. And I was right. The nice thing was though, everyone seemed to be in a fairly good mood. There were a few lowlights (kamikaze kids screaming around on carts and the idiot twelvish year old boy who would not get out of the head of the baking aisle and was staring off into space while people bottlenecked trying to get around him) but for the most part it was pretty pleasant. I mean, we were all in each other's way and all trying to get the same stuff, but most people were just laughing it off and actually helping each other find things. It was a very nice day, the nicest I've had over there yet. Even the employees were friendly and helpful. It was like the WalMart in Stepford, only not creepy.
Of course, that lovefest attitude will probably be long gone by about ten o'clock Sunday night, but it was fun while it lasted!

[Balletmom]

I had the same experience yesterday at Wal-Mart, then today at Target and again at the major grocery store chain. (HEB, it is a lovely place if you ever get the chance to go...)

Everyone seemed to be in happy spirits and we were all coping as best as possible with the crowds.

Isn't that a nice feeling?

[guihong]

I noticed the same thing yesterday!  It was a zoo, the store was becoming a mess, but everyone had good cheer and a sense of humor.  I almost-almost want to go shopping today .

gui

[Clara Bow]

I have a theory that since the news has not been inundated with stories of fifteen must-have toys that no one can get (there's only that X-Box thing) and depressing stories of holiday woe people are feeling a little more positive about Christmas this year.
That's my theory anyway. And I know it's benefitted my point of view.

[Balletmom]

Good theory!

And I think people are perhaps feeling a little pinched in the wallet, but still grateful to be celebrating. (No hurricanes is a big deal around here.)

 

[Pixie]

I had that experience at our walmart the day before Thanksgiving, and then again today.  Sure it was a madhouse both days, but people were actually trying to be helpful.   There was one tiny little thing today tho.    I was in line at the checkout.... NOT express, and had about half a cart.  I noticed a man behind me only had 3 items and no cart.... so I asked him if he wanted to go ahead of me, and he did (thanked me, of course)  but then as he was being rung up a buddy of his showed up with about 10 more items and put his with the first guys.    I never said a word. 

First guy turns and apologizes to me, and I laughed and said, "No. its okay, the longer I'm here, the more time Hubby has to spend with the kids!"   and everyone in line laughed.... and Buddy of first guy thanked me..... and all was well.    No biggie, just kind of odd.

It was a nice change of pace.

[sillysquirrel]

Call me nuts, but I ran to Target this morning at 7:30 to stock up on Christmas decor for wedding next year, and it was a mad house!!!

But everybody was "please, thank you, you're welcome, excuse me" It was great!!

[andi]

I had the same experience yesterday at Wal-Mart, then today at Target and again at the major grocery store chain. (HEB, it is a lovely place if you ever get the chance to go...)

Everyone seemed to be in happy spirits and we were all coping as best as possible with the crowds.

Isn't that a nice feeling?

i'm going to tell my hubby you said that about HEB (he works for one of their Specialty Stores)  i know i'll make him smile

I hit Target and the Mall the morning after Christmas - got there early and while busy, not packed and everyone seemed to be in good spirits!

[LateInLifeWife]

I actually took my 80 year old slightly disabled Mother to Wal-Mart at zero hour on Christmas Eve!

Within 30 minutes of their closing.

The entrance we parked in front of had been closed, but we found a cart for her!  We split up. She went for eggnog and I needed a quick gift. Were out within 20 minutes.

I run get the car while she is parking and plugging in her cart. BIL calls....."Where are you?" he inquires. "Leaving Wal-Mart" I reply.  "Go back in!" he says. No..Please..or would you?..just go!
I get Mom settled in the car and repark..make a mad dash to the door.  "FIVE MINUTES" the security guy says.

Got in ...grabbed a sweater for him, found an empty register and was out in 5 minutes!

WooT!

[VorFemme]

i'm going to tell my hubby you said that about HEB (he works for one of their Specialty Stores)  i know i'll make him smile

One of the better places for meat and produce in the *new* area we moved to last year is the HEB.  I have gone in for an advertised special to find that they had two different ads - with one store being the only one supposedly offering what I went in for (lower meat price).

I smiled, sighed that I needed to get new bifocals because I hadn't SEEN that, thanked the meat department man for helping me, and prepared to head to the next department to finish my shopping.  He marked down a package for me to the price in the ad for the other store.........I guess the full grocery cart gave him the idea that I might be a good customer who would be likely to be a repeat customer?

We shop there at least once a week - as their produce department has the best prices on a number of things..........and the pineapples are much better than some of the other stores in the Houston area.  DeHubby's first job was as a pineapple picker in Hawaii - he *appreciates* good fresh pineapple!

[Pixie]

We have an HEB here in town but I rarely go there as its on the other end of town and located where 4 highways intersect with NO stoplights, so its hard to get into and very hard to get out of.   If I need to go, I try to go very early in the morning on a weekday.   I love the store, hate the location.  I still can't believe in a town of 30 thousand we have one HEB and one superwalmart, thats it for groceries. No wonder both stores are always packed.  I've driven though tiny little towns between here and San Antonio who have more grocery stores!  (I paid attention and counted)

[andi]

Hijacking the thread ..... 

 *****for the Houston people i have had it told to me that they are reworking some details and should be opening new HEB stores this year - the big "HEB Plus" type strores like they've started in Ausin (to compete with Super Wal-Mart and Super-Target - but better meat and produce)  if i hear more i'll update you ...

.... back to original topic