More Wal-Mart Shoppers

[Pathfinder]

Wal-Mart a couple of years ago began reforming itself to compete more effectively with the likes of Target, which started taking market share in a big way, especially with younger shoppers, and especially in the more urban or "sophisticated" markets.

To do this, WM has very quietly dropped a number of lines, firearms being among them, as well as fabrics, sewing materials, etc., while ramping up things like electronics. Wally Worlds in the more rural markets still have some of the items noted above, but in greatly reduced space and quantity. Whereas before they had 20+ sewing machines, they now have maybe 6-8. I'm sure consolidation due to inflation is another reason to cut the number of options.

I also noticed that in the latest revamp of one of the older local super WMs, they made the aisle spaces wider. Very nice for negotiating around the crowds, but it removes shelf space - at least 1 whole line of shelves in fact. When they put them on a bias, it is even hard to notice, but it's there.

I've never had any problems with the pharmacy, but mine is a rural MN super-WM (ND has a law against chain pharmacies - they must be owner-run). I do like the $10 90-day scripts, but my new insurance company refuses to allow it, they will only approve 30-day, so I just pay WM and ignore the insurance co. Never ever get email notices - maybe because I refused to give them my email address?