Why Kmart is Failing

Kmart is kind of a tough store to find now.  It is not in that many locations, and sometimes if you can find it, the location is not in an ideal spot where you want to shop.  Since it is such a challenge finding a Kmart, I had not been there in years.  Imagine my delight to see a Kmart again when I went to a different shopping center about 10 miles away from my home.

I will admit, I was pretty excited to see Kmart.  I remember all the time fun times I had shopping at Kmart as a child.  I remember the Blue Light Specials.  There used to be something special about Kmart.  However, all that has changed.

The Kmart I went into over the weekend was cramped, oddly arranged, and hardly had any staff working there.  Mind you, this might just be that particularly Kmart, so I can let that slide.  However, I cannot let the prices slide.

I found a number of items like juice and paper products to be very overpriced.  Not only are Walmart's and Target's prices much better, in many instances, even grocery store prices are better.  I was just not seeing the Kmart low prices I expected.  How is a discount store supposed to thrive when it really isn't discounted?

For this reason, I believe Kmart is failing.  I was disappointed that the store I once loved as child is no longer the wonderful place I once knew.  The deals simply are  not what they once were.  From now on, I will no longer look back and long for the opportunity to shop at Kmart.  Instead, I know I am better off going to Walmart and Target.  I am sorry Kmart. 

Walmart Etiquette

For those of you that love a good bargain, you have probably found yourself shopping at Walmart on numerous occasions.  If so, you've probably learned some people are extremely rude.  Let's face it - some people act like they were never taught manners a day in their lives.  And those people shop at Walmart. 

I do want to say, at least 75% of the people that shop at Walmart are normal, bargain shopping customers like everyone else.  Probably more than 75% most of the time.  However, there are the people that give Walmart a bad reputation.  If you are one of those people, yet you don't realize it, let me break it down for you.

When you are shopping at Walmart, do you:

1. Run into anyone with a cart?
2. Take up an entire aisle with a cart?
3. Block an entire aisle with a crew of people?
4. Stand around gossiping with your neighbor in an aisle?
5. Talk too loud on your cell phone?
6. Have loud conversations that involve too much drama?
7. Block others from getting simple items like bread or socks?
8. Leave dressing rooms too messy?
9. Yell at people from dressing rooms?
10. Leave the public restroom looking totally disgusting?
11. Bring rowdy children with you that destroy the store?
12. Stand in the Express Line with 50 items?
13. Wear pajamas or fuzzy slippers while shopping?

If any of these things sound like you, well then, you are an annoying Walmart customer.  While you are looking for your awesome, low-priced deals, you need to attempt to act like a civilized person.  If you want to learn more on the many rules of Walmart shopping etiquette, or for that matter, shopping etiquette in general, please check out the links below:

Walmart Shopping Etiquette 101
Dressing Room Etiquette 101
Women's Public Restroom Etiquette 101
Checkout Line Etiquette 101
Shopping Mall Etiquette 101

The Layaway Returns

Back by popular demand, many stores have brought back the layaway plan.  For those that have never used it before, you can put an item on layaway by paying a small amount for the product.  You can then come back and get the item later on when you have more money.  Many stores had stopped using the layaway system when the economy was doing better.  For this Christmas season, many stores understand the economy is still not so great and the layaway is back.

Kmart and Sears have still been offering the layaway plan for a while now.  Walmart is obviously not going to be outdone by either of those stores, so they are also offering a layaway option for the holiday season.  I also just found out Toys R Us is offering layaways this Christmas, too.

So if you were ever a fan of the layaway plan, now you know where to shop this holiday season: Kmart, Sears, Toys R Us, and Walmart.

$5 Movie Bin at Walmart

If you are looking to save some money, but you'd like to be entertained, now is the time to shop at Walmart.  Currently, they are running a $5 movie special.  You can get many different DVDs for just $5 a piece.  And no, I am not talking about the crummy movies no one wants to watch.  Now is the time to stock up on some favorites.

Some of the horror movies now available for $5 on DVD at Walmart are:

The Shining
Halloween
Poltergeist
Saw
Scream
Scream 2
Jeepers Creepers 1 & 2 set

So if you would like to watch some good horror movies this year for Halloween at a low price, you need to visit Walmart.  I am sure the best movies are going fast!

There are also some family favorites like Milo & Otis and The Sandlot, but honestly, I did not pay as much attention to them.  After all, Halloween is coming up and you need to stock up on your scary movies.

Nutella - No So Expensive After All

My newest food obsession is now Nutella.  If you are not familiar with it, it is a hazelnut and cocoa spread.  Instead of using peanut butter on a sandwich, you can use Nutella.

For many years, I wanted to try Nutella but I was never able to because of the price.  Finally, Nutella's price has gone down and it is reasonable to buy.  Now that I've tasted it, I can't ever imagine how I lived without it.  The taste is very similar to the chocolate and hazelnut candy called Ferraro Rocher. 

The best thing about Nutella is you can use it for sandwiches.  I make a Nutella and jelly sandwich many days for work now.  This is perfect if you are bored with peanut butter and jelly.  When I am very broke, I find myself eating only peanut butter and jelly sandwiches for work each day.  This is not by choice; this is only because it is all I can afford.

If you are in the same position stuck and bored with peanut butter and jelly sandwiches, I recommend giving Nutella a try.  It might really help your boring sandwich become more interesting.  For now, the price of Nutella is just under $3 at Walmart and $3 at Target.  Yes, that is slightly more expensive than peanut butter, but it is worth it if you might actually enjoy lunch each day.  Also, sometimes you even come across $1 off coupons for Nutella, so it makes the price even better.  So give Nutella a try!

Shop for Your Home Now Part II

I am currently on Walmart's website right now and I have to say, they have some great deals.  Once again, Walmart is trying to appeal to the back to college shopper and there are a number of cute items for the home at a discount price. 

A futon for only $99! http://www.walmart.com/ip/your-zone-loft-collection-mini-futon-lounger-black-silver/13275171

Check out a cute 5 gallon fish tank for only $26: http://www.walmart.com/ip/Hawkeye-5-gal-Tank-Aquarium/14660258

End tables starting at only $14: http://www.walmart.com/ip/Parsons-End-Table-Black/16451428

A floor lamp for just $12.97: http://www.walmart.com/ip/Mainstays-Combo-Floor-Lamp-Silver/16523676

An awesome round shag rug for $19.96! http://www.walmart.com/ip/your-zone-round-shag-rug-racy-pink/14223951

I don't know about you, but I NEED a hot pink round shag rug in my bedroom.  I am so there!