Walmart is widely considered a place to score good deals. With an abundance of checkout lanes, the box store giant pioneered innovation decades ago when it rolled out a more convenient way to shop.
But what was once convenient is now ill-staffed, difficult to navigate, and less enjoyable, even for loyal shoppers. Here are seven reasons why, from shoppers on Reddit.
Earn cash back on everyday purchases with this rare account
Want to earn cash back on your everyday purchases without using a credit card? With the Discover®️ Cashback Debit Checking account (member FDIC), you can earn 1% cash back on up to $3,000 in debit card purchases each month!1 <p>See website for details.</p>
With no credit check to apply and no monthly fees to worry about, you can earn nearly passive income on purchases you’re making anyway — up to an extra $360 a year!
This rare checking account has other great perks too, like access to your paycheck up to 2 days early with Early Pay, no minimum deposit or monthly balance requirements, over 60K fee-free ATMs, and the ability to add cash to your account at Walmart stores nationwide.
Don’t leave money on the table — it only takes minutes to apply and it won’t impact your credit score.
Apply for a Discover Cashback Checking account today
No more in-store scanners
/images/2023/05/09/everyday-low-price-at-clothes-isle-in-walmart.jpeg)
One way to save money at Walmart used to be to take your item to a price scanner to see if there were any deeper discounts on it or if it was perhaps marked at the wrong price.
As Reddit user DilophosaurusMilk points out, not every location has price scanners available on the floor. "You have to find an employee so they can use their phone price scanner."
Other users explain that you can access price information via the Walmart app. However, that doesn't make losing this privilege any easier.
Lack of fresh produce options
/images/2024/08/02/vegetable-farmer-market-adobe.jpg)
The experience at most Walmart stores seems to be that, even though most locations now offer more fresh produce, baked goods, and deli items, the quality of those items isn't up to par with your local grocer.
An insider on Reddit claims this is largely because the chain cuts costs on produce delivery and staffing hours, resulting in less culling and replacement of fresh items. If you can avoid it, leave your produce picking to another store.
Customer behavior
/images/2024/03/13/woman-taking-shopping-cart-at-walmart.jpeg)
Not only is the number of people in any given Walmart alarming, but the behavior is often disappointing. Redditors like slimerboat ask the questions that matter, like, "Why are 60% of Walmart customers always in pajama pants?"
HotGyalMommy gets specific about the Walmart shopping experience: "There's always a family walking around screaming at their kids. I always feel sorry for the people that work there (grandma's been on her damn feet for hours). It just feels like you're scraping the bottom of the shopping experience."
Get a protection plan on all your appliances
Did you know if your air conditioner stops working, your homeowner’s insurance won’t cover it? Same with plumbing, electrical issues, appliances, and more.
Whether or not you’re a new homeowner, a home warranty from Choice Home Warranty could pick up the slack where insurance falls short and protect you against surprise expenses. If a covered system in your home breaks, you can call their hotline 24/7 to get it repaired.
For a limited time, you can get your first month free with a Single Payment home warranty plan.
Shopping pro tip: This month's best deals
/images/2025/01/22/person-holding-a-wallet-adobe.jpg)
April brings not just warmer weather and sunnier days, but also excellent shopping opportunities. With Easter happening on April 20, retailers will offer significant discounts on seasonal items at the end of the month, while also preparing for graduations, weddings, and spring cleaning season.
Here are some of the best deals to watch out for:
- Cookware sets on sale for graduation and wedding season
- Winter clearance items like coats and sweaters at end-of-season prices
- Spring cleaning supplies with potential BOGO offers at stores like Target
- Air conditioners before peak summer demand drives prices higher
- Lawn care equipment as homeowners prepare for the growing season
- Post-Easter candy and ham at deeply discounted prices once the holiday has passed
- For grocery savings, consider seasonal produce like asparagus, broccoli, and spinach, which will be at their freshest and most affordable.
Remember that retailers are always thinking a season ahead. They're already preparing to get rid of spring merchandise while you're just getting ready to enjoy it. This makes April a great time to find budget-boosting deals of all kinds and save money at your favorite retailers.
Poor treatment of employees
/images/2024/07/30/customer-service-department-of-walmart-adobe.jpg)
Walmart employees are often overworked and experience a lot of turnover from burnout. Redditor IwillBeBluntHere notes, "That the company is worth $550 billion but has the highest number of employees that need financial assistance in the country."
Locations don't seem worried about the fallout from low wages, cutting hours, and expecting more from employees than their pay requires.
And users like Phantomknighttv cite issues like "no incentive or room for growth." Making matters worse, the Walton family alone is rumored to make about $70,000 per minute.
Trending Stories
Sub-par environment
/images/2024/05/16/checkout-counters-inside-walmart.jpeg)
Other Redditors cite a horrible work environment — noting the fluorescent box Walmart employees work in. HawaiianShirtsOR admits, "Just existing in there makes me irritable."
Walmart has a significant amount of crime because of its size. Plus, crimes can vary in degree depending on the amount of merchandise.
You have to be vigilant while clocked in and aware of your surroundings as a shopper. On the positive, many locations have begun to employ more law enforcement and safety measures.
Not enough checkout lines
/images/2024/07/06/checkout-counters-at-walmart-adobe.jpg)
Starting with the front of the store, there's often a feeling of chaos when walking into a Walmart. Paulwhite959 complains, "The checkout lines are awful," and many others agree.
It's not the number of checkout lines built into the store, either, as they often line a good portion of the front of the store. However, understaffing issues are also present here.
One "peak Walmart" Reddit photo post detailed only four open checkout options and lines that twisted through the store.
Quick tips: How to prepare for economic uncertainty
/images/2024/01/10/woman-putting-coins-in-piggy-bank.jpeg)
A proactive approach to your personal finances can make the difference between struggling and success. Uncertain times call for a careful review of spending habits, prioritization of expenses, and strategic planning that goes beyond simple cost-cutting.
Here are some tips for creating change on a short-term and long-term basis:
- Build a 6-month emergency fund. Prioritize building this above other financial goals.
- Eliminate or pause unnecessary subscriptions and memberships.
- Compare rates on big ticket items like auto insurance to make sure you aren't overpaying.
- Delay major purchases when possible, buying only after thorough research and assessing your “needs” versus “wants.”
- Consider a side hustle that can generate income with minimal startup costs. Try to pick something fun or use it as a way to spend time with a loved one.
Remember that financial resilience isn't built overnight. Small adjustments can create powerful results over time. Even during challenging economic periods, try to focus on what you can control: your spending, saving, and earning decisions.
Walmart drives out local businesses
/images/2022/08/04/walmartretail_store_sign_and_trademark_logo.jpg)
Walmart is a major threat to mom-and-pop shops nationwide. The moment your small town gets a Walmart, expect many local businesses to close up before too long.
According to some, shopping at Walmart makes it much harder for local businesses and residents to thrive.
Alert: Americans lost billions to identity theft and fraud
According to the FTC, Americans lost over $10 billion to fraud and identity theft in 2023. Before your next online purchase, safeguard your data with all-in-one identity theft protection services from Aura.
Starting at just $9 per month, access Aura's Dark Web monitoring that scours data breaches for your sensitive personal data including Social Security numbers (SSN), Medicare information, and phone numbers.
Save up to 68% when you sign up today.
Bottom line
/images/2023/02/17/walmart_retailer_delivery_application_on_smartphone.jpg)
Walmart's days of being a small business providing unparalleled convenience and value to shoppers are long gone. Now, the retail giant offers a shopping experience that many people try to avoid as much as possible.
No matter where you shop, use one of the best rewards credit cards to get the most from your spending.
Lucrative, Flat-Rate Cash Rewards
Wells Fargo Active Cash® Card
Current Offer
$200 cash rewards bonus after spending $500 in purchases in the first 3 months
Annual Fee
$0
Rewards Rate
Earn unlimited 2% cash rewards on purchases
Benefits
- Low spend threshold for its welcome offer — $200 cash rewards bonus after spending $500 in purchases in the first 3 months
- Cell phone protection benefit (subject to a $25 deductible)
- Can redeem rewards at an ATM for literal cash
Drawbacks
- Foreign transaction fee of 3%
- No bonus categories
- Apply Now to take advantage of this offer and learn more about product features, terms and conditions.
- Earn a $200 cash rewards bonus after spending $500 in purchases in the first 3 months.
- Earn unlimited 2% cash rewards on purchases.
- 0% intro APR for 12 months from account opening on purchases and qualifying balance transfers. 19.24%, 24.24%, or 29.24% Variable APR thereafter; balance transfers made within 120 days qualify for the intro rate and fee of 3% then a BT fee of up to 5%, min: $5.
- $0 annual fee.
- No categories to track or remember and cash rewards don’t expire as long as your account remains open.
- Find tickets to top sports and entertainment events, book travel, make dinner reservations and more with your complimentary 24/7 Visa Signature® Concierge.
- Up to $600 of cell phone protection against damage or theft. Subject to a $25 deductible.
Subscribe Today
Learn how to make an extra $200
Get vetted side hustles and proven ways to earn extra cash sent to your inbox.