What I’m buying at Walmart may surprise you. How I think it compares to Target may not.
We haven’t had a Walmart Superstore near us where we’ve lived for the last several years. But now that we are in the South, and I’ve seen influencers promoting some cute things at Walmart, I thought it was time to investigate.
Yesterday, I visited a Walmart Superstore for a few hours. Walmart’s size is huge.
It is a block away from the Super Target that I frequent. The fact that these stores are Super, means that they have supermarkets in them too.
If you are a Walmart insider, please tell me what you like to buy in the comments. In the meantime here’s…
What I’m Buying At Walmart
Plants (Especially Indoor Potted Plants)
I started in the plant and outdoor living section (Target doesn’t really have plants on a large scale anymore, at least in Florida and California). This is a great stop for indoor plants and trees and topiaries.
I plan to go back here for more houseplants.
Children’s Clothes (Especially Baby Clothes)
Isn’t this a cute outfit? I bought Louisa the light blue outfit (to match her eyes) in the first photo above.
The clothing is soft and well-made.
Low Prices On Housewares
There are pretty black and white dishes. In fact, I have been wanting some black salad plates to add to my mix. The bottom left ceramic plates are only $2 each (I bought the 6 they had in stock and plan to order 6 more online). Their online shopping is easy and they have in-store pickup, too.
The dishtowels are thick and only $7.99 for three (I bought some in black and white). One would make a nice hostess gift wrapped around a bottle of wine or olive oil.
Pet Supplies
The pet department is enormous. I bought Chief a reflective leash with an attached zippered pouch.
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Why Shopping At Target Is More Pleasant Than Walmart
Here’s the deal. I REALLY wanted to love Walmart. They have a good playlist (a lot of Dolly). But in comparing the two retailers, Target has department store-like merchandising and trendy touches.
They use designers like Johanna Gaines and Shea McGee with finds that look expensive but aren’t.
This just looks like more fun, right? I couldn’t leave without ANYthing. Here are my Target purchases.
I have plans for that nice outdoor pillow (I should probably order another) and for the faux eucalyptus and mums.
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So, bottom line, what will I be buying at Walmart? I will be back to explore/save on more at the grocery store (bad wine selection though). Especially as how expensive food is now. They have same-day home delivery…which could be useful someday.
I will definitely be back for the plants, pet goods, and cute clothes for children and babies and toys. But when I want to enjoy shopping (even window shopping)…Target here I come.
Am I missing anything else at Walmart? What do they have cheaper prices on? Please leave a comment!
You may also like New Home Accessories From Target That I Bought And More.
I’m a little late to this party but I’m with you …definitely prefer shopping at Target!
Target used to be my favorite but maybe 5-6 years ago ours was remodeled. It has never been the same. Weird layout, not cart friendly, not stocked well, used food and drinks on the shelves. The Studio McGee area never looks like the pictures I see online of other Targets. I still shop there and it has improved some but I do not love it like I used to.
I love the garden section at WalMart, plants and cute pots. Merchandising is not great in other areas. Food prices are very similar between Walmart and Target here. The one near me is not crazy busy and I have Walmart+ so I check out my items as I put them in my cart. You then finalize checkout, scan phone at a self checkout register and are finished!
Wow…I haven’t done that. Need to check out Walmart +
I too never shopped at Walmart when we lived in Chapel Hill NC. Now that we have retired to eastern NC and have a new Walmart, I now grocery shopping at Walmart and save many $ each week. Their basics are significantly less expensive, and agree with others on international foods, no salt items, specialty (keto, gluten free, organic, and plant based…Beyond Meat, Impossible) items, select produce, kitchen storage items, dog food…only store that carries a low fat food topper for our fat intolerant Aussie, gardening items..solar lights, fertilizer, toys for grandies and so on. We also have a huge renovated Lowes Foods, a Publix, Piggly Wiggly, and FoodLine for anything that Walmart doesn’t carry which isn’t a lot. Our son and DIL, when they visit from Austria stock up on underwear, socks, jeans, huge jars of peanut butter 🙂 at Walmart. In our area, Walmart is supported by of wide variety of people with various incomes from modest to significant. I love Target which is 45m away and always visit when I am in the area.
See. Lots to love about Walmart!!
This was a fun post! Try and I may, I just can’t love Walmart 😂 I do go there if something is cheaper (this week that item was a giant roll of bubble wrap haha) but at least in our Walmart in Houston, it’s just not a pleasant experience. Target is my happy place tho, you nailed it with your description above ⬆️
Target is pretty much my happy place too, Kristen.
Hi Mary Ann!
Very interesting post – Wal Mart vs Target!
I agree with how you feel, and do I feel like WM has been stepping up their game lately. I really do like the Better Homes and Gardens line.
Have you seen Erin onIG @mytexashome
She is a designer and creator of a new line at WM called My Texas Home… she has some nice stuff.
The dishtowels are from the BHG line…I like what they have there, too. Also, need to check out My Texas Home! Thanks, Linda.
Let’s see if 3rd time it’s a charm, living a comment here it’s an exercise of patience and persistence, perhaps because I visit your blog out of my cellphone, every time I try to correct a typo, I’m taken back to the beginning of the post and the comment’s been deleted. Admittedly, never Ben to any Walmart. I have shopped online though and had no problems. They have great prices at home fitness equip and accessories.
Hey…forget get the typos…I can figure it out with them! Sorry. Yes, I have shopped at Walmart online too!
I get the hanging damp rid at Walmart as Target does not carry it here. I can always count on Walmart for: playdoh, bubbles, beach balls, beach/pool towels, acrylic tumblers & melamine plates for by the pool or beach, marshmallow forks for s’mores, and picnic table clips to hold the tablecloth in place, sunscreen, goggles, collapsible chairs, easy crafts for young kids to do, flannel backed table cloths that you can have cut for you in the fabric section, piñatas, the eggs with confetti inside, etc. In Jan, eggs were more expensive than Target so I get my eggs at Target- $7.99 currently. Walmart brand of crunchy PB large size is only $5. Also if ever in Hawaii, Walmart is great for all the Hawaiian macadamia nut chocolates, kid size grass skirts, ukuleles, faux plumeria hair clips, real leis, postcards, rash guards, water shoes, fins, masks & snorkels & boogie boards.
This is excellent info, M. When my brother lived in Hawaii I remember how expensive things were and he loved Costco.
Good to know about the swimming things now that we are at the beach and are expecting company.
Right now Walmart has some cheap, but very trendy flower pots and vases. I don’t usually shop there either, but you can do online ordering and drive up pickup.
Hi Mary Ann,
It looks like you found some good functional items and then some. Walmart looks like they have a decent nursery in your community.
Target has it all together. There is something for everybody at both stores. You are right about the big increase of prices. At Costco too, less quantity in the container and the price went way up. I usually don’t pay that much attention to price. If we need it we just buy it. I feel for large families that are struggling by to just make ends meet.
Our Super Walmart I find is hit or miss for home goods. Shampoo, lotions, toothpaste, etc are usually a good buy. As for groceries I shop elsewhere. The personal shoppers usually have all the aisles blocked with their huge carts and you can’t get to anything. And like someone previously mentioned-I don’t think their produce lasts very long. On another note our local Target just added an Ulta department. It’s a great addition to the store.
Howard buys shampoo, and lotions at Costco…so I wonder how that compares to Walmart. Fun about the Ulta department!!
I am surprised that no one has mentioned The Neighborhood WalMart! Here in Colorado we can enjoy a few of these stores for groceries and beauty products. Much smaller than a Super WalMart, easy to navigate, and their prices are hard to beat – we save on canned goods, paper products, baking supplies, laundry, and health and beauty. Our brand of dog food is priced the same as Target. We buy meat, dairy, and fresh produce at other stores for better selection. We discovered them for online grocery shopping and pick up during the pandemic and have been amazed at all the food products we can find there. Great selection of gluten free packaged foods, also!
We have a Neighborhood Walmart even closer to us. I will check it out, Pat.
Mary Ann, I love this topic and have become someone who (very reluctantly at first) embraced our local Walmart. Ours is one of the cleanest that I’ve ever been in and I think that makes a difference in the experience. I still like Target for all the reasons you’ve mentioned, but have a few favorites from Walmart. We buy some groceries there – no-salt beans, some pasta varieties, good prices on Fage greek yogurt, peanut butter, Peet’s coffee, frozen berries, low-sodium chicken stock, canned tomatoes, and their brand of granola. I also like that they have some reduced-sodium potato chips/snacks that still taste good. The produce is hit or miss, and I don’t buy much from the meat department. I also always shop the plants, outdoor section, housewares, some make-up/beauty and have had luck with some of their leggings and pjs over the years. Let us know what else you find!
“no-salt beans, some pasta varieties, good prices on Fage greek yogurt, peanut butter, Peet’s coffee, frozen berries, low-sodium chicken stock, canned tomatoes, and their brand of granola.” Good to know about all of these things. Thanks so much, Judith!!!
We moved to a somewhat rural area that only has a Walmart about 20 minutes away. Publix is 30 minutes away. Bought grocers at Walmart and it took forever. By the time I waited in line to check out and the process of checking out it took over an hour. I got two gift cards and was told they couldn’t be in the same transaction. What? Target is 45 minutes away but I will drive the extra miles to there as well as Publix.
Wow…what a bad experience, Debby! Get some books on tape for your drive to Target! Our Walmart was efficient though.
I’m so with you. That’s exactly what I do. Can’t stand Walmart. They don’t except cash and one register open plus their carts are just awful. Haven’t been in a Walmart in over a year. I don’t miss it at all. It’s worth the drive to Target and Publix.
I’m not really against Walmart, Judy. Especially after reading some of these comments.
Funny you are talking about Walmart. My mom likes to save money by shopping at Walmart and since I recently took over her grocery shopping, that’s where I shop for her. (I’m lucky too as my husband likes to do OUR grocery shopping)! When there, I spotted nice size (not too big or small) Gala apples for $1.67 a pound. I thought that was fantastic and bought a few. The next day when I ate one, it wasn’t fresh. Also, a week later, they’re already beginning to soften (compared to our apples we buy from other groceries, Publix or Whole Foods). So, I am wondering if Walmart buys older fruits and vegetables as a way of keeping prices down? It would make sense. And as an aside, your Walmart (from above photo) has to be the quietest one I’ve ever seen. Where are the crowded aisles? Having said all this, I am glad I go to Walmart for my mom, as I too pick up some great bargains such as paper products, laundry detergent, makeup products, etc.
Note to self about the produce. Thanks. You are a good daughter!
Cute things you purchased at Walmart! I am a Target snob too…there is a Walmart in the same mall as the Target I frequent but I never shop there. Maybe someday I will check out the garden section though. Target used to have a nice one and took it out years ago. 😟
Linda
Yes…check out the garden section!
Target has a great selection of quality products. The prices are good, too. I have shopped Target for 48 years and will continue to do so. (I live in Minnesota.) We do most of our grocery shopping at Target, too.
A friend has dragged me into Walmart a few times. I just didn’t care for the shopping experience there.
I bet your Targets in Minnesota are amazing.
I feel compelled to add my opinion. I have always preferred Target to Walmart. I have been pleased with some items I have found at Walmart. Walmart has become a horrible place to shop. I am assuming they are having difficulty with staffing. I have recently shopped at Walmart in the Minneapolis area and the Phoenix area. The experiences were the same. They were both filthy, disorganized, piles of merchandise in stacks all around. It was difficult to find things because there were junk piles everywhere. I have decided I will not shop at Walmart unless there is change.
Wow, Barb, our Walmart in Jacksonville is clean and nice just not merchandised well.
I don’t love shopping at the Super Walmarts because I don’t have the patience to walk long distances hunting for things, lol! We had a smaller Walmart in NC that I frequented often. I used to buy those adorable outdoor topiaries for my front door every year. They looked amazing and lasted from spring to fall! My husband is an avid Super Walmart shopper because he likes the lower grocery prices for the basics like milk, eggs, bread and cereal.
I still prefer the Target shopping experience but I will say the grocery area has taken space away from housewares, etc. and they do not always have what it want. I can usually find what I need online though and the shipping is quick.
Howard and I mostly shop at Publix and Trader Joe’s for groceries. But after reading the comments here, I think we need to check out Walmart’s grocery store.
I keep several running shopping lists going and assign different items to different stores. Walmart would be ethnic brand condiments, sauces, vinegars and such. It’s the only place in town that stocks mayacoba beans. Ditto on the habanero peppers last year. I also stock up on the HH’s brand specific keto cereal while there as they’re significantly less expensive. Canning supplies and odd bits and bobs that I can’t find at Costco or my favorite market. Perusing the isles is always fun. I stop in maybe 4 times a year.
Thanks, Suzanne. Good info. Now I want to know what mayacoba beans are?
We don’t have Walmarts here in our area, I have no idea what they are like. Several Targets are close, they are my “go to” for many things.
That’s the way it was for me in California, Nancy.
I don’t think it’s fair to compare the two since they are designed for two different audiences. Like comparing Saks to Macy maybe? Two different atmospheres completely. You can’t expect the same quality or design from these retailers. I don’t suspect the same person that “needs” to shop at Walmart is reading this blog either. I find the market at Walmart incredibly diverse and the international food selections fab. Prices so competitive. Meats, cheeses, wines never disappoint. Almost everything is cheaper there. And I adore their little pointed toe flats to wear on trips so affordable you can toss them away at the end. So I believe each store is designed to meet the needs of different customer base and the comparison isn’t necessary. Just use each and enjoy the differences they provide.
I agree – nicely said. I shop both; Walmart for savings/necessary items and Target for fun finds.
good policy!
I need to check out those flats next time, Leanne. Thanks for your thoughts on this. My sister says the same thing but I still think Walmart would benefit from the littlest bit of merchandising.
I prefer my local Walmart rather than Target. Target is always a mess and never has a selection of sizes or products. Somehow Walmart has become my go to for laundry detergent and the coconut milk my husband prefers so while there I pick up other groceries. They are by far the best prices on makeup, soft soaps & other toiletries. I bought 4 throws in a black & white check for the outside fire pit at $5 each & other accessories for the patio. Table runners and placemats are less expensive..When my grandchildren visit I take them to Walmart to choose their cereal and snacks and it’s never a wallet buster. Maybe one of the biggest reasons I prefer Walmart over Target is the parking.
I think Targets vary by location as the ones I have been to are tidy. So good to know about Walmart’s makeup prices. We use a lot of lotion and sunscreen so I will check that out next time too. And for laundry detergent!!
Your throws sound really cute!! I bought the dish towels. The BHG line is good.
To be honest I always turned up my nose whenever I thought of Wal-Mart. That has changed in a huge way. First of all – my husband is a coffee lover – he has 9 different types of coffee purchased at a number of stores and coffee roasters. I still love my first coffee of the day – Maxwell House. After that one cup, he takes over with his gourmet selection he brews in rotation. Well, Maxwell House has large containers for several dollars less than other stores. I usually buy 2 or 3 at a time to put in the pantry. Another item – I purchased an electric scented wax warmer for our daughter as a stocking stuffer this year. Wal-Mart carries Better Homes & Gardens scented cubes that are delightful. I purchased the same warmer at Wal-Mart for myself, but I ordered a large selection of the cubes from Amazon – the ones from Wal-Mart are far superior. Also, I refuse to pay for shipping for any on-line purchases. Wal-Mart comes through there as well. I ordered a new card table for our grandchildren to use as a craft table when they are with us – it was delivered from the store for free within 2 hours. Also, to freshen up our kitchen I recently purchased Cuisinart coffee maker and a 4-slice toaster in a beautiful white with chrome. I originally was going to buy from Amazon – but one item was not available for free shipping:, and the other item was $5 more at Amazon than it turned out to be at Wal-Mart. Both items were delivered in 3 days. Also, one more thing – one day as I was going past the girls’ department I spied some pretty sweatshirts and printed leggings at a great price and the quality is good. I had been buying all our granddaughters’ clothing from Boden, and they wore uniforms to school. The girls are now both homeschooled and can wear very casual clothing and these Wal-Mart items fit the bill. Both our daughter and son-in-law are professionals and they could shop anywhere they want, but they have discovered Wal-Mart as well.
Oh my gosh!! So much good information. I really appreciate it. I thought the kid’s clothes were cute too!
An occassional trip to Walmart will find you the latest food goods that have been released, they seem to get them in sooner than other grocery stores.. fun to try those out. Also found little portable watercolor set to have with you if you want to preserve a beautiful view! You never know what you may find so an occassional trip can be fun. My sister loves to find shorts to wear while working in the yard that are not expensive. Have looked on website for some things. Still will never replace Target at my house
That’s great about the food items!! Howard and I can check out together!
Hi MaryAnn – totally agree with your assessment on the shopping experience inside a Super Walmart vs. Target. I have, however, found a few good things online at Walmart you may want to check out: their Free Assembly clothing line is great, good affordable basics. Also the C Wonder accessories and shoes are fun and affordable. Beware the clothing sold on Walmart that isn’t actually from them (ie, the cheap, international stuff)—I got a “houndstooth” jacket that was more like a picture of houndstooth printed onto polyester. Ugh!
Good to know, Lori!! Thanks.
C Wonder is interesting. They had a shop at the Corte Madera mall in Marin County Ca. I still have a sweater from them. They closed all the stores maybe 10 years ago. I just looked at WM online and they have some nice things! Looks like more coming for Spring 2023.
I will check it out. Thanks for the tip!
I shop at Walmart for my vitamins, shampoo, shower soap, my Goddaughter’s baby clothes and especially their organic soups. Seasonally, a couple of years ago, I found the prettiest acrylic glasses that looked like cut crystal, in ice teas and old fashioned. You never know what you might find until you walk around and look! There is even a small appliance line by, Drew Barrymore, in very pretty color options. I always check Walmart when I have a gift to buy. Their prices are very good, Mary Ann!
Great advice, Terry. I think I will check things out somewhat regularily.
My daughter bought the Walmart salad plates with dots all over them…. They look great w/her wedding China… gives a new modern look….I recently bought 2 swivel chairs from Target… they are supposed to be delivered today…. I’m keeping my fingers crossed that they are as good as they looked… first time I’ve ever bought chairs like that
My kid’s bought the cute McGee chairs from Target but they don’t swivel. Hope they work for you.
Those salad plates that your daughter bought are so pretty! Love them.