The best thing of all this story, is how u brought something good from all those bad things that were around you, the positive thinking, and the thankful list. That just encourages me to do the same thing whenever I am in the middle of a terrible situation (this is life, and situations like that will be there all the time!). Here is where the idea of ATTITUDE makes sense, the world might be falling apart, but, even though it’s all about the attitude you have toward that, that will impact your life for good or ..not so good!

Thanks Chris!!

Just One Example: “Yeah, we’ll take forty million of them whirly gig things.”

Months later: “Oh, how much did we say we’d pay for those? Oh dear, that’s just too much. We’ll give you… half of what we promised. Or you can find someone else to buy 40,000,000 whirly gig things… that’s up to you.” *Evil Chuckle*

Target went along with the Lets-Stomp-Out-Christmas politically correct madness a few years back. You even had a hard time finding a Christmas card that said the words Christmas on it. They get a huge portion of their sales at Christmas and want to stomp it out? How dumb is that?

Their greeting card racks usually have 4-5 disrespectful cards you can send to all the idiotic haters in your crowd and they promote, with good shelf space, books by lets-hate-someone-today authors.

At least in Wal-mart you just buy what you need without worrying about making a political statement with your purchase. I shop in Wal-mart because they have good selection, clean stores, and decent prices. I shop in small independent stores when they offer the same thing. I do not shop at places that play political games with their merchandise and donations.

Walmart stresses me out to no good end. The only ones I’ll go to anymore are those open 24 hours, when I’m in the mood for a 2am shopping experience. otherwise, the crowds, the poor service that you cited, the general depressing atmosphere is just too much.

I understand and empathize with a family that uses Walmart to help save cash. I’ve been there, too. But like your reader pinayhekmi, Target is much more preferred. In my hometown of MIchigan, we also have Meijer, which has lovely service and selection.

Generally there comes a point where ‘always low prices’ can only get you so far. However, American’s current economic conditions are likely to continue to keep Walmart doing well for a while. If/when the economy upturns, they may find themselves in a brand crisis for subjugating all else to price wars. A brand that’s based on low prices can only sustain loyalty for so long.

I never have had a serious problem in any of the Wally World stores; but then I am poor and am hate to the crappy service/hight prices from those delightful mom & pop stores that rich people seem to gush about. Maybe they send their servents to those stores, I dunno why someone thinks it is great to pay 50% more for a item because the store is small.

The stores I goto (in OK land) don’t have rude help (they have walked me to items, etc.), no major trash in messy isles (I have seen sometimes the odd item discarded by a shopper in the wrong asle), slow returns, or any hassle problem.

My biggest complaint is that they no longer have hand baskets and only have carts. I complained and the manager-type said sorry and then when she saw I was not happy, explained that they were gone for two reasons; one they were a pain to keep organized and two people bought more with the carts. That sort of honesty suprized me and actually satisfied me.

Anyway, babbling. Like the blog so far.