What's the deail with Wal-Mart?

[Himu]

White people can you explain this? why are there so many sections? Groceries, electronics, gardening, home appliances, toys, bikes, guns, makeup, furniture all in one mega store?!

Apparently there's people that don't wear pants at Wal-Mart?

I've never shopped there before!

what's the appeal over something smaller like Target or Kroger?

[benjipwns]

It's a general store. And relatively cheap. Kroger isn't really significantly smaller, being the second largest retailer in the country, it's just a grocery store rather than a general store. Target is only smaller in comparison, it's still a top ten retailer, but can be slightly more expensive. They're all big enough to have insurance though.

Also, they took out the dash and lowercased the "Mart" because they've been trying to rebrand to seem more upscale for a decade now, so it's Walmart* officially.

[benjipwns]

As for the pants thing, it says no shirt, no shoes, no service, nothing about pants.

[Joe Molotov]

As for the pants thing, it says no shirt, no shoes, no service, nothing about pants.

The Donald Duck loophole

[Tasty]

I think they finally got rid of guns recently.

Though equipment and BB guns are probably still sold, so I suppose there would still be a "Gun/Weapons" section.

[Tasty]

what's the appeal over something smaller like Target or Kroger?

It's like asking why go to McDonald's when there's Five Guys or something. McD's is just in more places and is seen as cheaper.

[samir]

I go there to buy clams in bulk.

[Tasty]

Also, they took out the dash and lowercased the "Mart" because they've been trying to rebrand to seem more upscale for a decade now, so it's Walmart* officially.

There was a 10 year period I called it Walsmart because of MadTV.

[Tasty]

The Donald Duck ...hole

[Himu]

Guys this isn't a serious thread. It's a thread making fun of James living isolsted from society the past twenty years so I picked the most common, American thing that has existed 30+.

[Tasty]

...woops.

[Cauliflower Of Love]

Whenever I needed pants and fruit, I would go to walmart.

Walgreens sure as hell didn't provide for me.

[Cauliflower Of Love]

Also my optometrist is stationed there. I was his first client. Actually going there this week. Thanks cindy for the reminder.


e: This is now the Wal-Mart appreciation thread, i declare it so by thee!

[thisismyusername]

what's the appeal over something smaller like Target or Kroger?

...You answered your own question...

White people can you explain this? why are there so many sections? Groceries, electronics, gardening, home appliances, toys, bikes, guns, makeup, furniture all in one mega store?!

It literally has nearly everything. If you throw in the "super centers," you can get your nails done, get eye-glasses, bank (ugh at this one), get Subway/McDonalds to go, has a mini-Arcade (if you count that I guess), and/or eSports Arena (before they shut down that imitative I think?).

It's literally a one-stop-spot for shopping. For better or worse, that's what rurals want/need.

It's the reason those mom-and-pop shopping districts died off. You think Persona 4's "Junes" wasn't a parody of Wal-mart? (I mean it sort of wasn't given Japan but it sort-of was since Japan even has Wal-marts or the equivalent since IIRC Wal-mart has expanded past the US/N.America)

Guys this isn't a serious thread. It's a thread making fun of James living isolsted from society the past twenty years so I picked the most common, American thing that has existed 30+.

My care post for nothing.

[bork]

[Tasty]

what's the appeal over something smaller like Target or Kroger?

...You answered your own question...

White people can you explain this? why are there so many sections? Groceries, electronics, gardening, home appliances, toys, bikes, guns, makeup, furniture all in one mega store?!

It literally has nearly everything. If you throw in the "super centers," you can get your nails done, get eye-glasses, bank (ugh at this one), get Subway/McDonalds to go, has a mini-Arcade (if you count that I guess), and/or eSports Arena (before they shut down that imitative I think?).

It's literally a one-stop-spot for shopping. For better or worse, that's what rurals want/need.

It's the reason those mom-and-pop shopping districts died off. You think Persona 4's "Junes" wasn't a parody of Wal-mart? (I mean it sort of wasn't given Japan but it sort-of was since Japan even has Wal-marts or the equivalent since IIRC Wal-mart has expanded past the US/N.America)

Guys this isn't a serious thread. It's a thread making fun of James living isolsted from society the past twenty years so I picked the most common, American thing that has existed 30+.

My care post for nothing.

All our careposts for nothing

Your post made me realize Walmart basically took 80s/90s malls and miniaturized it to one store. Problem is everything is so tightly optimized and efficient the entire social aspect of the malls is a total non-starter. Who the fuck would want to hang out at Walmart? But again, that's more efficient for Walmart's bottom line, so they don't care. "If you're done buying stuff, leave."

[Tasty]

Since this is a shitthread anyways, remember when Target tried to open in Canada and botched it so badly they did a full-scale retreat less than three years later?

[Himu]

it's an obvious joke thread because i copied james thread and replaced starbucks with wal-mart

who hasn't shopped at wal-mart?

are you all re re?

[Himu]

what's the appeal over something smaller like Target or Kroger?

...You answered your own question...

White people can you explain this? why are there so many sections? Groceries, electronics, gardening, home appliances, toys, bikes, guns, makeup, furniture all in one mega store?!

It literally has nearly everything. If you throw in the "super centers," you can get your nails done, get eye-glasses, bank (ugh at this one), get Subway/McDonalds to go, has a mini-Arcade (if you count that I guess), and/or eSports Arena (before they shut down that imitative I think?).

It's literally a one-stop-spot for shopping. For better or worse, that's what rurals want/need.

It's the reason those mom-and-pop shopping districts died off. You think Persona 4's "Junes" wasn't a parody of Wal-mart? (I mean it sort of wasn't given Japan but it sort-of was since Japan even has Wal-marts or the equivalent since IIRC Wal-mart has expanded past the US/N.America)

Guys this isn't a serious thread. It's a thread making fun of James living isolsted from society the past twenty years so I picked the most common, American thing that has existed 30+.

My care post for nothing.

All our careposts for nothing

Your post made me realize Walmart basically took 80s/90s malls and miniaturized it to one store. Problem is everything is so tightly optimized and efficient the entire social aspect of the malls is a total non-starter. Who the fuck would want to hang out at Walmart? But again, that's more efficient for Walmart's bottom line, so they don't care. "If you're done buying stuff, leave."

wal-mart has nothing like spencers or movies. This is an odd comparison to me.

[thisismyusername]

what's the appeal over something smaller like Target or Kroger?

...You answered your own question...

White people can you explain this? why are there so many sections? Groceries, electronics, gardening, home appliances, toys, bikes, guns, makeup, furniture all in one mega store?!

It literally has nearly everything. If you throw in the "super centers," you can get your nails done, get eye-glasses, bank (ugh at this one), get Subway/McDonalds to go, has a mini-Arcade (if you count that I guess), and/or eSports Arena (before they shut down that imitative I think?).

It's literally a one-stop-spot for shopping. For better or worse, that's what rurals want/need.

It's the reason those mom-and-pop shopping districts died off. You think Persona 4's "Junes" wasn't a parody of Wal-mart? (I mean it sort of wasn't given Japan but it sort-of was since Japan even has Wal-marts or the equivalent since IIRC Wal-mart has expanded past the US/N.America)

Guys this isn't a serious thread. It's a thread making fun of James living isolsted from society the past twenty years so I picked the most common, American thing that has existed 30+.

My care post for nothing.

All our careposts for nothing

Your post made me realize Walmart basically took 80s/90s malls and miniaturized it to one store. Problem is everything is so tightly optimized and efficient the entire social aspect of the malls is a total non-starter. Who the fuck would want to hang out at Walmart? But again, that's more efficient for Walmart's bottom line, so they don't care. "If you're done buying stuff, leave."

wal-mart has nothing like spencers or movies. This is an odd comparison to me.

It doesn't need those (and the movies were in the "Electronics" section, but with DVD's dying off they're nothing but $5-15 DVD's and TV seasons on DVD's, no Blu-rays since those died off pretty fast thanks to Netflix).

Which is missing the point of  his post with the front of the store having Nail Salons, Hair Salons (ugh), Banks, etc. Just like a mall.

[james]

If you like Starbucks so much, wouldn't your prefer Target that has a Starbucks inside?

I don't get the thread. I don't have beef with poor people. I don't go to Walmart but the poor need a place to stock up on corn based products

[Himu]

If you like Starbucks so much, wouldn't your prefer Target that has a Starbucks inside?

I don't get the thread. I don't have beef with poor people. I don't go to Walmart but the poor need a place to stock up on corn based products

who said anything about poor people? and yes, I do shop at target. 

[thisismyusername]

I don't have beef with poor people.

I don't go to Walmart but the poor need a place to stock up on corn based products

>Proceeds to have a Beef (with Corn) against poor people.

[Himu]

what's the appeal over something smaller like Target or Kroger?

...You answered your own question...

White people can you explain this? why are there so many sections? Groceries, electronics, gardening, home appliances, toys, bikes, guns, makeup, furniture all in one mega store?!

It literally has nearly everything. If you throw in the "super centers," you can get your nails done, get eye-glasses, bank (ugh at this one), get Subway/McDonalds to go, has a mini-Arcade (if you count that I guess), and/or eSports Arena (before they shut down that imitative I think?).

It's literally a one-stop-spot for shopping. For better or worse, that's what rurals want/need.

It's the reason those mom-and-pop shopping districts died off. You think Persona 4's "Junes" wasn't a parody of Wal-mart? (I mean it sort of wasn't given Japan but it sort-of was since Japan even has Wal-marts or the equivalent since IIRC Wal-mart has expanded past the US/N.America)

Guys this isn't a serious thread. It's a thread making fun of James living isolsted from society the past twenty years so I picked the most common, American thing that has existed 30+.

My care post for nothing.

All our careposts for nothing

Your post made me realize Walmart basically took 80s/90s malls and miniaturized it to one store. Problem is everything is so tightly optimized and efficient the entire social aspect of the malls is a total non-starter. Who the fuck would want to hang out at Walmart? But again, that's more efficient for Walmart's bottom line, so they don't care. "If you're done buying stuff, leave."

wal-mart has nothing like spencers or movies. This is an odd comparison to me.

It doesn't need those (and the movies were in the "Electronics" section, but with DVD's dying off they're nothing but $5-15 DVD's and TV seasons on DVD's, no Blu-rays since those died off pretty fast thanks to Netflix).

Which is missing the point of  his post with the front of the store having Nail Salons, Hair Salons (ugh), Banks, etc. Just like a mall.

Are you comparing movie theaters to an electronics section which is available at any store like Target? Target's had electronic sections in the 80's. Target also had toys.

[thisismyusername]

what's the appeal over something smaller like Target or Kroger?

...You answered your own question...

White people can you explain this? why are there so many sections? Groceries, electronics, gardening, home appliances, toys, bikes, guns, makeup, furniture all in one mega store?!

It literally has nearly everything. If you throw in the "super centers," you can get your nails done, get eye-glasses, bank (ugh at this one), get Subway/McDonalds to go, has a mini-Arcade (if you count that I guess), and/or eSports Arena (before they shut down that imitative I think?).

It's literally a one-stop-spot for shopping. For better or worse, that's what rurals want/need.

It's the reason those mom-and-pop shopping districts died off. You think Persona 4's "Junes" wasn't a parody of Wal-mart? (I mean it sort of wasn't given Japan but it sort-of was since Japan even has Wal-marts or the equivalent since IIRC Wal-mart has expanded past the US/N.America)

Guys this isn't a serious thread. It's a thread making fun of James living isolsted from society the past twenty years so I picked the most common, American thing that has existed 30+.

My care post for nothing.

All our careposts for nothing

Your post made me realize Walmart basically took 80s/90s malls and miniaturized it to one store. Problem is everything is so tightly optimized and efficient the entire social aspect of the malls is a total non-starter. Who the fuck would want to hang out at Walmart? But again, that's more efficient for Walmart's bottom line, so they don't care. "If you're done buying stuff, leave."

wal-mart has nothing like spencers or movies. This is an odd comparison to me.

It doesn't need those (and the movies were in the "Electronics" section, but with DVD's dying off they're nothing but $5-15 DVD's and TV seasons on DVD's, no Blu-rays since those died off pretty fast thanks to Netflix).

Which is missing the point of  his post with the front of the store having Nail Salons, Hair Salons (ugh), Banks, etc. Just like a mall.

Are you comparing movie theaters to an electronics section which is available at any store like Target? Target's had electronic sections in the 80's. Target also had toys.

Sure. Because who is going to movie theaters now a days? Expensive food, show times that may not fit your schedule/etc.

Waiting for the DVD to hit in six months is cheaper for most poor folks. If you throw in Netflix ($10 a month) you get a bigger selection than the theaters AND DVD section of Wal-mart.

Malls with Spencers only have the "novelty gag and cheap adult sex toys ['I'm just buying this as a gag gift for a friend']" market. everything else is gotten elsewhere.

[Himu]

Nowadays? Tasty said this,"Your post made me realize Walmart basically took 80s/90s malls and miniaturized it to one store."

I remember the day my local Wal-Mart opened in like 89 or something. Was a big deal.

And still nothing on the mall.

[Tasty]

I meant they miniaturized the retail aspect of stores, but I was also clear Walmart does nothing but provide the bare minimum; niche stores, movies, and the social atmosphere weren't profitable to Walmart, so they weren't included.

At the end of the day Walmart (and changing purchasing habits?) is still mostly responsible for killing most malls across America I believe. Walmart's gamble the average slack-jawed buyer wouldn't care about Spencer's or whatever paid off handsomely.

[thisismyusername]

Malls are being repurposed into "social experience" spaces, nearly, as retail is dying due to Wal-mart (for cheap goods) and online (everything else). The former SEARS space around here is now an medical space, for instance. While stuff like gyms and the like fill in older/dead retail spaces.

Andy's point was more "they condensed the mall experience of many-stores that focused on one thing in a 'tiny' space." And he's right in that aspect.

[Himu]

Why in the fuck are you arguing about malls in 2020? Everyone and their mother knows their plight.

[team filler]

always knew you were bougie

[Kara]

it's an obvious joke thread because i copied james thread and replaced starbucks with wal-mart

who hasn't shopped at wal-mart?

are you all re re?

I think I have made one single (emergency) purchase from a Walmart in my entire life. The whole "what if the aesthetics of a clearance endcap was expanded to an entire retail space?" is a question I never asked but Walmart was happy to answer anyway.

[bork]

At the end of the day Walmart (and changing purchasing habits?) is still mostly responsible for killing most malls across America I believe. Walmart's gamble the average slack-jawed buyer wouldn't care about Spencer's or whatever paid off handsomely.

I was going to say it has to be online shopping that did it, but according to the WSJ:

Collectively, three major economic forces have had an even bigger impact on brick-and-mortar retail than the Internet has.
In no particular order, here they are:

Big Box Stores: In the United States and elsewhere, we have changed where we shop — away from smaller stores like those in malls and toward stand-alone “Big Box” stores. Four years ago, the economists Chad Syverson and Ali Hortacsu at the University of Chicago analyzed the recent history of retail and found that the rise of warehouse clubs and supercenters was bigger than the rise of online commerce.

    They gave this telling example: Over the 14 years through 2013, Amazon added $38 billion in sales while Costco added $50 billion and the Sam’s Club division of Walmart $32 billion. Amazon had the higher growth rate, but the bigger problem for most brick-and-mortar stores was other, larger brick-and-mortar stores. This continued in 2019.

Income Inequality: Rising income inequality has left less of the nation’s money in the hands of the middle class, and the traditional retail stores that cater to them have suffered. The Pew Research Center estimates that since 1970, the share of the nation’s income earned by families in the middle class has fallen from almost two-thirds to around 40 percent. Small wonder, then, that retailers aiming at the ends of the income distribution — high-income people and lower-income people — have accounted for virtually all the revenue growth in retail while stores aimed at the middle have barely grown at all, according to a report by Deloitte.

    As the concentration of income at the top rises, overall retail suffers simply because high-income people save a much larger share of their money. The government reports spending for different income levels in the official Consumer Expenditure Survey. In the latest data, people in the top 10 percent of income saved almost a third of their income after taxes. People in the middle of the income distribution spent 100 percent of their income. So as the middle class has been squeezed and more has gone to the top, it has meant higher saving rates overall.

Services Instead of Things: With every passing decade, Americans have spent proportionately less of income on things and more on services. Stores, malls, and even the mightiest online merchants remain the great sellers of things. Since 1960, we went from spending 5 percent of our income on health to almost 18 percent, government statistics show. We spend more on education, entertainment, business services and all sorts of other products that aren’t sold in traditional retail stores.

    That trend has continued for a long time. The federal government’s Current Expenditure Survey goes back more than a century. In 1920, Americans spent more than half their income on food (38 percent) and clothing (17 percent) and almost all of that was through traditional retail stores. Today, food eaten outside the home and in it accounts for 10 percent of spending and clothing just 2.4 percent.

    Economists debate theories of why we have shifted to services and away from goods but no one questions that it has happened. It means that over time, retailers selling things will have to run harder and harder just to stay in place.

In short, the broad forces hitting retail are more a lesson in economics than in the power of disruptive technology. It’s a lesson all retailers will have to learn someday — even the mighty Amazon.

[Mandark]

I think I have made one single (emergency) purchase from a Walmart in my entire life. The whole "what if the aesthetics of a clearance endcap was expanded to an entire retail space?" is a question I never asked but Walmart was happy to answer anyway.

I bought a wedding gift at Wal-Mart because that's where the couple was registered.

[bork]

I think I have made one single (emergency) purchase from a Walmart in my entire life. The whole "what if the aesthetics of a clearance endcap was expanded to an entire retail space?" is a question I never asked but Walmart was happy to answer anyway.

I bought a wedding gift at Wal-Mart because that's where the couple was registered.

I think I've been inside a Wal-Mart maybe 2-3 times in my life and also bought something there for a registry.  Have ordered from their site once or twice too.

[thetylerrob]

I worked at Walmart for 3.5 years and got fired because I took 2 hour lunch breaks every other day and refused to wear the vest. Pretty okay job though, one time I spent half a shift throwing away pallets of melted ice cream.

[ToxicAdam]

You haven't lived until you shopped at Wal-mart at 1am in the morning. Can't do it now, but maybe one day you will.

[porkbun]

It's a great place to get D-grade piss-soaked steaks.

[Great Rumbler]

[benjipwns]

Who the fuck would want to hang out at Walmart?

In small towns where there's nothing else I've seen this. Like middle of Nebraska or Kansas or whatever.

Popular past time: driving up and down the only main road in town inbetween stints of hanging out at/around the Walmart

[benjipwns]

back in the beforetime, you could do this thing called travel, it was interesting

[naff]

benji speaks the tru tru

were you also tryna mack on Walmart skanks?

[Himu]

in college towns wal-mart is often the only thing that is reminiscent of civilization

[Kara]

benji: I'm just a simple country ethnographer traveling from place to place and sampling the local gathering places.

[Cauliflower Of Love]

Who the fuck would want to hang out at Walmart?

In small towns where there's nothing else I've seen this. Like middle of Nebraska or Kansas or whatever.

Popular past time: driving up and down the only main road in town inbetween stints of hanging out at/around the Walmart

Why have you seen this? 

Why haven't you seen this?

[benjipwns]

i hadn't yet discounted libertarianism as a failed ideology okay