News & Trending Shopping & Deals News

The 7 Worst Parts of Shopping at Walmart, According to Reddit

Long lines and unsightly aisles are just the tip of the iceberg.

Monroe Walmart roadside store sign
Updated Dec. 17, 2024
Fact checked

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. It’s hard to justify a trip to Walmart like we used to. Here are seven reasons why from Reddit communities.

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

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

Sundry Photography/Adobe low price signs in walmart's clothing aisle

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, there are no more 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

olinchuk/Adobe vegetable farmer market

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

photopixel/Adobe woman taking shopping cart at walmart

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.

Get a free quote

Poor treatment of employees

M. Suhail/Adobe customer service department of walmart

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.

Sub-par environment

ColleenMichaels/Adobe checkout counters inside Walmart

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

Joni/Adobe checkout counters at a Walmart

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, the 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.

Walmart drives out local businesses

wolterke/Adobe WalmartRetail Store Sign and trademark logo

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. 

Shopping at Walmart makes it much harder for local businesses and residents to thrive.

Bottom line

H. Ozmen/Adobe Walmart retailer delivery application on smartphone

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

5.0
info

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 and Drawbacks
Card Details