Exactly this. Walmart is rapidly becoming a sellers marketplace which is mostly what Amazon is these days. 99% of the things you buy you are not buying from Amazon, but, Amazon is facilitating the transaction between you and another seller and taking a percentage of the transaction.

 

I've been THAT person who stays away from Walmart. Never set foot inside one and always stayed away.
Bought a beach house in Hood Canal Wa. recently and I needed 2 cycle oil for my boat and Walmart the only place around.
I have to say it was an eye opening experience. People are just like portrayed on photos/videos you see on internet.
Lots of white trash and some crazy outfits. I think there'd be a goldmine having an inexpensive dental clinic in these stores for teeth replacement.

But I was very impressed with the selection of products especially the motor oils and outdoor/boating items. And great prices.
The Quicksilver 2 cycle oil I use was a lot cheaper than competing sellers.
Also fruits/vegitables were great quality and super inexpensive.

 

Same here. I just don't like the stores for a number of reasons, some of which you mentioned. Their selection of products and the low pricing can't be denied though. Never thought I'd buy any kind of groceries at a Wal Mart but there's one next to the Publix store I usually go to and if Publix is out what I need I get it at Wal Mart. As you said, great quality and inexpensive. I was surprised the first time I tried it. Also get my Mobil motor oil there. Big discount compared to any other place I've found that sells the oil for our cars.

As for the dental clinic, definitely a broad customer base in the stores. Problem may be that dental health seems to be far down if not near the bottom on their list of priorities.

 

Mobil One is even cheaper if you use their on line service. Shipping is free and fast. I found the store would frequently be out of stock. On line was always available. And on line saves me the trip and the experience.

 

I found that out for myself. Last oil change I bought online, Two five quart bottles for less than 20 dollars a piece delivered to my door in less than two hours from the store down the street. ( I still hate walmart for other reasons)

 

Of course now when I visit Walmart there is the self esteem booster factor.
Feeling down/crappy comparing your wealth to the 25 year old Bagillionaire's in Seattle?
Just pay a visit to Walmart and leave feeling like a man of wealth, well educated with all of their teeth and no Felony's to deal with in an upcoming court date.

 

Try rolling through there on Christmas Eve just before closing to witness lower income families with children in tow struggling to find a things for the children to have on Christmas. Heartbreaking.

 

It was a Walmart parking lot where my fender got keyed. And I parked well away from any other car. I don't need an "I'm better than them" experience to make my day. That price may be too high. This is a case where I'll stick to online services.

 

They had an H7 battery when my 5 year old one crapped out at 9V Mon morning at 6am. Previous one went from fine to 9V also.

On the bright side - my misfires CEL went away.

Also Mobile 1 - buy it in bulk when on sale.

 

I looked around and Wally's batteries & warranty were hard to beat. Johnson Control was their previous supplier - among the top manufacturers. Anyway JC battery division was sold and last I knew the buyer is now Walmart's supplier. I got the largest AGM that fit the tray. Screw the weight, I'm not racing it. Should last ten years. Somebody claimed the new ones for our cars are made in Germany - haven't seen proof though. The store also installs them free. Usually I try to avoid Walmart. They've killed half the small towns in America. I did buy something on Walmart's market place once. After waiting nearly three months I cancelled. The guy was just using my cash. With sales & discounts, NAPA and Advance are very competitive. I would rather support them, normally.