Wal-Mart’s “relaxed” quality standards force me to shop elsewhere
Jennifer McClelland | RSS | 4 Comments
When someone brings up Wal-Mart in conversation, what do you immediately think? Some people probably have memories of cheap clothes and off brand food items, or even low quality items. The truth is, even with a negative image of Wal-Mart in our minds, we still shop there and its competition has definitely taken notice.
Other companies like Target and even Family Dollar Stores have started implementing some of the same practices Wal-Mart has had for years. If you’ve noticed, there have been more and more “Super Target” stores popping up that sell grocery items just like Wal-Mart. Now, in my opinion, the offerings from Target are a bit more high quality and definitely less “everyday” like Archer Farm’s foods.
One of the main reasons why Target didn’t start this policy in the past is because retail items such as clothing have a higher profit margin than food items. However, it is seen now that if you can get a customer in the door with food items, then perhaps they will also start purchasing the other items with the higher profit margins at your store as well.
Target was once known for its inexpensive, yet stylish, clothing. Wal-Mart has since followed suit introducing the clothing lines George and even getting clothing maker L.E.I. to start making juniors clothing for the stores. So, once Wal-Mart has the customer in the door, then that customer is more likely to buy an item from the LEI brand than Merona or a Target brand.
However, from now on I will be doing all of my shopping for fresh items such as produce and meats from stores other than Wal-Mart. The last few times I have purchased either of these from a local Wal-Mart, they spoiled well before their time. On Wednesay June 3, I stopped by the nearest Wal-Mart to pick up some treats for my dog’s birthday and I noticed that seedless watermelons were on sale. I picked one up because my husband and I both like watermelon. Later that night, we went to cut it open and it was completely spoiled and waterlogged. The weekend of Memorial Day a similar situation happened with sirloin steak from Wal-Mart; when we went to cook the steaks before the use by date, they were also ruined. That time, I got sick from the food, even after cooking it until it was “well-done.”
The watermelon situation was the final incident, I will be buying those items, at a premium, from my local Kroger store or from a farmer’s market.
Target, Wal-Mart, and Best Buy all try something new
Wal-Mart wants to crush all its competition
Tags: profit margins, seedless watermelons, cheap clothes
Amy | Fri, Jul 03 2009
You should really have complained and taken them back. Sloppy remaining practices have to be abolished. No matter how much you’re spending, you should always be confident that the food you’re consuming is safe to eat, and it doesn’t sound like you were.
Chris McClelland | Fri, Jul 03 2009
Frankly after having almost gotten sick from eating the meat I was strongly considering bringing action against Wal-Mart especially if their where any medical bills involved.
I don’t find it good policy to sell meat that when cooked smells like “wet” dog because it is so fouled.
George from Gourmet Foods | Wed, Aug 26 2009
I would of taken them back and complained. Show them your receipt. Bad customer service should not be tolerated.
Cindy from Tagesgeldzinsen Vergleich | Wed, Sep 30 2009
I think you are right. If you buy food or eat in a restaurant the minimum you have to get is that it is safe to eat. If not I react the same way – shopping elsewhere or choosing different restaurants.