I Went to Target Because You Guys Told me to.

[leftyladyfrommo]

I'm not supposed to go to Walmart anymore.

But Target had terrible prices on stuff. I looked at a comfoter that was 30% off and its was still $50. I did get a good deal on starch (for my compulsive ironing) as it was a big can for .94.

So- anymore ideas? I live near a K-Mart but they have lousy prices and lousy products. And Biglots is probably 40 miles from me.

[ScreamingMeemie]

1. I do not begrudge people who economically "Have to" shop at

WalMart. I just don't because I don't have to...I do take my grandma there because she is on a fixed income. If it were me, I would still go to the Big Lots though...because it really is worth it in the long run. No pun intended.

for linens and what I consider "incidental deco type stuff" I go to TJ Maxx...It's silly to spend so much. Or, I will knit an afghan for the bed. :hi:

[Richardo]

2. Psst. Go ahead and shop Walmart.

Just feel uneasy about it. :):thumbsup:

[leftyladyfrommo]

3. Oh, OK.

I'm sorry, but you just cannot beat their prices on stuff. And that is the most important thing to a lot of people.

[Richardo]

4. I look at Walmart like carbs...

...Now that I know I should lower my intake of carbs, I do, and it's helped me lower my weight.

BUT that does not stop me from the occasional pasta dinner. I just know what the consequences are, what the alternatives are, and don't make a habit out of it. Same goes for my use of Walmart.

[Blue-Jay]

24. I look at Walmart like crabs...

I generally try to aviod them.

[Richardo]

25. Exactly.

:thumbsup: Pinch your nuts off, Jim.

[China_cat]

17. Or buy a union shirt and wear it when you go.

[Ravenseye]

37. That's a great idea

Make a blue shirt with white letters that reads

Hey,
Wal-Mart
Workers...
UNIONIZE!

[LynneSin]

5. Buy yourself a copy of Greenwald's "Wal-mart" video

I really needed kitty litter late last night (didn't realize I was out after I emptied the litter box). I have a new Wal-mart just opened which would have been the closest thing near me. But I drove the extra 5 miles just to find another late night grocery store to buy the litter.

Starch is cheap and can be bought at any grocery store.

Linens can be found at a variety of places including online shopping.

There are options. Wal-mart is cheap because they pay their employees shit, give them nothing in health benefits and use YOUR tax dollars to cover the healthcare for their employees (ie - medicaid).

It's not worth it. I'll get someone slamming me for posting this but it's not worth it

[leftyladyfrommo]

6. No - I agree with you

But I can't seem to even find someplace to go that isn't like 30 miles away. We just don't seem to have a lot of choices here.

But I do look at the Thrift Stores and have good luck there a lot of the time.

[LynneSin]

8. That's what Wal-mart does - removes the competition

and leaves you no choice.

If you can do online shopping switch. Hopefully there is at least a grocery store you can use instead of Wal-mart!

[leftyladyfrommo]

9. I don't have a computer. I just borrower a friends.

But i probably just need to keep hitting the thrift stores for most of my stuff. Its fun to shop them. But some of the thrift stores are pretty expensive. You have to be careful.

I can get pretty good prices on my grocery kinds of stuff at Price Chopper.

[Benfea]

33. Well, the whole reason to avoid Wal-Mart is prices.

To get those "great prices" at Wal-Mart, they suck the local and state governments dry and do horrible things to their employees. Things cost more at other stores precisely because they're not doing those things.

[blondeatlast]

63. As a former rural dweller, I know this is a problem for many.

What did you do before the Wal-Mart came?

It may be inconvenient, but it's better than watching the heart of small town America die a painful death.

I'm not anywhere near a purist--I got a great cell phone deal at WM recently--but I'm with Blue Jay and Richardo; I avoid them if at all possible.

[BurgherHoldtheLies]

7. No slamming here. MAYBE short-term rewards but long term consequences

I am not convinced that Walmart prices are that outstanding anyway...Target prices are great.

[Bullwinkle925]

66. I agree with you. Watched the DVD this week.

[huskerlaw]

10. Target is a bit more expensive

BUT wasn't your shopping experience more relaxed and enjoyable?

Aside from that, if you financially HAVE to go to Walmart, don't let anyone give you shit about it. It's out of your control.

[Left Is Write]

18. I believe Target's products are higher quality also.

[huskerlaw]

29. As do I

I'm a Target junkie. :)

I merely meant that if they can't financially swing Target, they shouldn't be ashamed to go to Walmart if there are no other options.

[Left Is Write]

42. I know...

my "higher quality" was just meant to go along with Target being more expensive.

I've been shopping at Target since I was in diapers. Nothing can dissuade my Target loyalty. :hi:

[DS1]

11. It's a few dollars more than Wal-Mart, but it's not total shit

Seems like a fair deal to me

[Nikia]

19. It seems like Target is a step up store

In terms of quality products. It seems more like a step between Walmart/Kmart and JC Penny.

[no name no slogan]

26. Target is moving that way

It used to be a tiny step above K-Mart back in the 70s & 80s. It started going upmarket a few years back, and now actually has some decent stuff, on par with Sears or JC Penney, IMHO.

[yellowdogintexas]

53. The Target company also owns (owned) the Mervyn's stores

when we first moved to Texas and discovered Mervyn's, Target was the bargain store, Mervyn's was the mid grade store and there is also a large department store chain that was the top store...gradually Target began carrying things that once were only carried at Mervyn's..like Cherokee brand clothes...and Target got nicer..and Mervyn's started closing, first in California, now here in Texas.

Kohl's and Target upgrading sort of put them out of business. I look for Target to become more like Mervyn's in terms of quality as time goes on.

Ilove Target, Kohl's and BedBathBeyond by the way.

[XNASA]

12. 'Kohl's' and 'Bed, Bath & Beyond' are both very blue.

You should be able to find everything you need in the way of clothes and bedding at either of those.

[dysfunctional press]

69. Kohl's has FANTASTIC sale pricing-

especially "end of season" type stuff. last week i bought 5 sweaters for $25(two of them cashmere)- i had to make myself stop at 5- they were selling them for $5(duh, 5 for $25) and i wear XXL/XLT- at target, they make you pay more for the bigger sizes.

Kohl's is the best.

[redqueen]

13. Just about every store is 40 miles from me.

Waah waah waah. :P


Good luck finding better deals than they have a Target... I'm so not the one to ask for advice.

[Burma Jones]

14. Go To WalMart - But Shoplift

:evilgrin: :evilgrin: :evilgrin: :evilgrin: :evilgrin: :evilgrin:

[Nikia]

15. Walmart is about convient cheap prices

You can buy most things that you would need there at a low price. Most of these items can be purchased somewhere else at a lower price at least at certain times, like sales.
When I was little and stayed with my grandparents during the day during the summer, my grandmother took my sister and I grocery shopping. She would go to all the large grocery stores in town and sometimes some of the smaller ones. It was because some things were cheaper at one store than another and not every store had the least expensive products especially when sales were factored in. There were also products like fresh meat that she would pay a little bit more for because the quality made up for the price difference.
When you factor in more categories of products, you would have to shop even more stores to get the best deals.
I agree that if you live in a small town and Walmart is the main store, your options might be limited. You might want to stop in at stores which you assume are more expensive though, like hardware and drug stores, to check out their prices on various items though. Some items might be comparable to Walmart. Also check out the ads to and notices about stores closing for comparable or better deals.

[bleedingheart]

16. I don't buy comforters and sheets at Wal-Mart or even most

Department stores...

I have kids with asthma and I have asthma as well. I have to wash sheets more frequently and so I buy the really high tread count sheets that can withstand a lot of washing. As a result I have only two sets of sheets for each bedroom (one on and one in the wash) and while they are very pricey even on sale...they last for as long as 6 years...with constant washing...

Meanwhile I have a friend who buys sheets from Wal-Mart and Kohls..etc, doesn't wash them as frequently but has had to buy new sheets every year because they just don't hold up...

[LynneSin]

22. I have to recommend buying high-thread count sheets

First, anything below 250 is liking sleeping in fricking sandpaper - yucky.

But typically I'll buy a set a sheets (I shoot for 400+) and they will last me for 2-3 years and I wash those sheets just about every week. I have 4 sets of sheets. Two sets of flannel for wintertime and 2 sets of cotton for the rest of the year.

Sure, I paid about $100 for each set of sheets (And I'm a major discount bargain shopper) but the fact that I have not replaced any sheets in the past 3 years is a testament that the extra cost brings in extra values.

[LeftyMom]

30. Costco has really nice high thread count sheet sets

I can't get them there anymore (for some reason they carry Cal King but not King and I just got a King mattress) but they're just the softest thing ever and last a long time. The thread count is 430 I think?

[politicat]

36. Hey, let's trade!

The Costco here has King sheets, but not Cal King, and we have a Cal King.

Wanna do a swap? Tell me the color you want and PM me an address....

[LeftyMom]

39. After payday I'd be all for that!

I'll PM you. :)

[leftyladyfrommo]

61. What is a Cal King?

I am so out of it.

[LeftyMom]

65. It's slightly longer and narrower than a King size bed. nt

[politicat]

68. It's a longer version of a king.

A standard king sized bed is is 76x80, while a Cal King is 72x84. They're better for tall people who otherwise have to scrunch up (like Mr. Pcat). They also come with different box springs.

A Cal King is effectively the same as 2 twin beds pushed together, without the crack down the middle!

[bleedingheart]

45. I will have to check that out...

I just bought a set of Sferra (made in Italy) sheets for my bed.....the first time I have bought sheets in about 5 years...but if I can find good linens for a decent price I will try em out...

[leftyladyfrommo]

56. I think there is a Costco here somewhere

Maybe that would be close enough to get to.

Do you have to have a membership?

There is a Sam's close to me but you have to have a membership and that store is so huge that I just get totally overwhelmed in there. I can't find anything. And most of the stuff comes in huge amounts. Since there is only me there is no point buying enough for an army.

[LeftyMom]

64. Yeah, you have to get a membership

There are two cards on it so if you have a friend or neighbor you can share with it's a pretty good deal. I don't get a lot of bulk food there because it usually doesn't make sense for my son and I (I do buy bread and soy milk there) but they have enough deals on non-perishable stuff like DVDs, trash bags and pajama pants that it's still worth it for me to maintain a membership and shop there regularly. They have the best gas prices around, too.

[imperialismispasse]

20. Target costs more but it doesn't look like a yard sale inside

And there isn't as many people screaming at their kids. I am willing to pay more to have a better experience.

[Catch22Dem]

52. That could be the best description ever.

I love it!

[leftyladyfrommo]

57. I go really early in the morning so no one is there.

And our Walmart is really pretty nice inside.

I won't go later in the day when it is full of screaming people. That makes me absolutely nuts.

Probably the real reason I go there is that it is open at 5 in the morning.

[benburch]

21. Nobody is saying you have to buy elsewhere if you cannot afford otherwise.

I'm just saying that *I* would rather freeze than buy a blanky there.

Heck I'd rather have my basement flood than to go there for a pipe wrench even though they ARE open at 3 AM.

It is a personal decision.

WalMart needs to be broken up.

One store at a time.

With Axes.

http://www.outlawwomen.com.nyud.net:8090/CarrieNation.jpg

[LynneSin]

23. Hell I risked having my cats without an available litter box for about 1hr

while I found a store opened at 11pm that sold the kitty litter they use that WASN'T Wal-mart.

[leftyladyfrommo]

62. Price Chopper Kitty Litter is really good - and really cheap.

[Minnesota Libra]

27. I view shopping at Walmart like American politics......

......beccause in a way it is.


Americans don't listen to much of anything if it isn't brought back to their dinner table. In other words a minimum of a ten year campaign against Walmart would have to focus on slave labor by people the same age as little Johnny setting across the dinner table from Mom.

Example: Carrying that a bit further, China's little Johnny doesn't get to play soccer at 5pm every Thursday because he is in a factory making your favorite (insert team name) cap and T-shirt.

What would happen if pictures resembling the Walmart owners grandchildren were shown being waited on by servants and next to it a Chinese child were shown making the same product in the hands of the Walmart kids?? It would have an effect - eventually.

This is the only way people will start to listen and even then it will be years before America stands up and demands that Walmart shape up its act.

[grace0418]

28. Buy online.

That's what I do, and I live in Chicago with of stores around. What I pay in shipping I make up for in not having to gas up my car and not having to deal with the aggravation.

[sandnsea]

34. Exactly - saving on gas

I was so stupid at Christmas. I had picked out my grandson's gift, but in a brain-freeze moment, decided to go buy it in person. Well I have to drive 60 miles to shop, the gas easily cost more than the shipping and there were extra good deals on shipping at Christmas. Between the time saved, ability to price shop, selection, and the gas, it's way better to just shop online. I bought his little Christmas suit online though, it was hysterical to call my sister and tell her I got his suit at the Dillards she shops at all the time. She's in Arkansas, I'm in Oregon. What fun.

[grace0418]

44. Yeah, I did about 80% of my Christmas shopping online.

The only reason I didn't do 100% is because my husband's family was really late getting their Christmas lists to me (and they're rather particular people so you can't just buy whatever for them).

I've done something similar to what you're describing. My sister-in-law lives in Kentucky and I live in Chicago, but for her birthday I went online and found a scrapbook store (she's really into that) that was near her house offering classes and workshops. I got her a gift certificate to use at that exact store for classes or even supplies. She was really excited.

But even beyond gift-giving, I've found online shopping awesome for everyday stuff too. I shop at Drugstore.com, overstock.com, Costco.com and a number of other sites for basics such as toiletries, bedding, cleaning supplies, etc. Sure there are times when I need something right away so I have to run out to the store, but most of the time it works out just fine for me. It certainly keeps me from making stupid impulse purchases because something is sitting on the counter while I'm waiting to check out. Also, with most websites, you can read multiple customer reviews of items. Drugstore.com is great for that. When trying to decide on a pain reliever, vitamin, lotion, baby wipe, whatever, you can actually read what people have said about the product before you buy.

Best of all, no snotty salespeople, no long lines, no screaming toddlers or obnoxious teens, no driving to three different stores to find the product is out of stock, no getting stuck in mall traffic.

[Orangepeel]

31. T's pricing strategy is to be competitive on basics, higher on soft goods

I read an article about it. Their prices are usually very competitive with Wal-mart on cleaning supplies, paper goods, etc., but they make it up by being higher on unstandarized things, like comforters, etc.

[EstimatedProphet]

32. Walgreen's

At least for what you can get there. Prices often outcompete Walmart when you use their coupons.

[Patiod]

35. Don't buy lamps at Target

Very stylish, but I've had electrical problems with 2 of the same lamp, and then a 3rd different one. I'm too afraid to buy them there anymore, because I don't want the place burnt to the ground.

[Bridget Burke]

40. I've got several Target lamps.

No problems at all.

[Patiod]

41. Maybe I got a bad batch, but it's enough to put me off their lamps

Brand name electrics, fine. But the lamp thing scared me :scared:

[Bridget Burke]

43. I can understand.

While you're at it, beware toasters!

[Patiod]

47. Yikes!

:scared:

[LostinVA]

49. Toasters and answering machines cause most appliance fires

So, I have voice mail, and always leave the toaster unplugged.

[leftyladyfrommo]

59. I thought it was home dryers that caused most fires.

Whoa - now I have to obsess about my answering maching?

Bummer.

[Left Is Write]

50. I do too...I have four.

I've had them for several years and no problems.

[bleedingheart]

46. here is a tip when buying electrical light fixtures of any sort

...make sure that the socket is a ceramic socket...not a plastic socket.

I nearly had a fire in my home due to poorly made light fixtures from Home Despot....they were fancy, cheap and made in China...and I nearly had my house burn down because the plastic coated sockets caught fire....

Ceramic...is the way to go...

[nickinSTL]

38. I always shop Target

and K-Mart as a 2nd option if Target doesn't have what I need.

I never go to Walmart.

I hated Walmart even before I found out they were evil. The whole experience of going to them is unpleasant, IMO.

Target's products are also WAY better quality than Walmart. Every piece of clothing I ever bought at Walmart wore out or broke within a couple months. Crap.

[GoddessOfGuinness]

48. You might consider Costco

thrift shops, estate sales

A few years ago I made a commitment to slow my shopping at the big retailers and grocers. I've found that by consuming a little less, the higher prices are offset.

I still go to big stores on occasion; but not nearly as much. And each year I choose one more item that I only buy from organic/earth friendly companies. Toilet paper, laundry soap, hair care products, and vitamins are the goods I currently buy "green", and I usually purchase them from the local organic market.

Do some online research to find the best possibilities in your area. Even if you switch brands on only one item that you regularly purchase, you'll be making a dent.

[Catch22Dem]

51. Am I the only one who thinks a $50 comforter sounds cheap?

My wife buys that kind of thing and they're really expensive. I need to tell her to pick up one of these $50 ones!

[matcom]

58. nope. i'm with you

our winter comforter was double that (and on sale) :shrug:

[leftyladyfrommo]

60. I don't l;ike really expensive comforters

I have animals at home and I need something that I can wash easily.

Really good comforters are way too heavy and impossible to wash. I go for the cheap ones and then replace them often.

[dysfunctional press]

71. I prefer down comforters.

and a $50 one wouldn't be worth shit.

as for blankets- those new ultra-fleece, or micro-plush, or whatever they're called- those things ROCK! and they're pretty cheap everywhere.

[fleabert]

54. What about an employee discount?

I noticed on your profile that you aren't working, perhaps a part time job there would get you a discount that would help out? Don't know what your situation is, but I have done that in the past, worked retail part time to help with the bills (two fronts hit, income increased and you get a discount!)

and, it helps to remember that the crap at WalMart falls apart quicker than quality products from any other store. The last thing I bought there, two years ago, was a hand mixer. It broke after four uses. You will get a lot more wear out of that 50 dollar comforter than anything you could buy at WalMart. That is WM's plan, get people to buy on cost alone, and hope they forget that they keep having to rebuy the same shit over and over.

Check out Ross and Mervyn's for quality cheap linens. And make a day of it when you drive that 40 miles, combine several shopping trips into one and get a lot done.

[hyphenate]

55. I'm afraid I go to both

Actually, if I can, I go almost anywhere if I have enough money. I'm a compulsive shopaholic.

Any Christmas Tree Shops around you? Or Ocean State Job Lots? Ocean State is very similar to Big Lots. A Costco or BJs?

Being in the 125% poverty level, I can't afford to spend a whole heckuva lot. Right now, I'm living sometimes on the back payments I got from Disability, and while I've trying to save it, it's been nearly impossible with the price of oil, groceries, etc. So Walmart still remains on my list of stores, because they do have a layaway that I frequently use, which Target doesn't have.

I've been lucky with clearance items at Target, though. Bought two sets of king sized sheets one time, each for $10! King sized comforters (higher quality than many of the less expensive ones at Walmart) for $25 and a few lower. I head straight for those clearance items once I'm in the store, and am often very happy. $5 for a "spider lamp"--the floor lamp with the multiple armlike lights. $5 for a hot sandwich maker. $10 recently for an ottoman. You don't get them all the time, but frequenting the store on a regular basis helps you spot good buys.

[dysfunctional press]

67. Kohl's- I bought 5 sweaters for $25 last week- two of them cashmere

NOBODY beats Kohl's sale prices. NOBODY.

[Maestro]

70. I just got back from Target and found a pair of

Levi's denim carpenter pants for $12.48 clearance. They have some good prices if you search a bit. I still prefer Target over Wal-Mart.