Walmart V. Target: A Supermarket Showdown

Target and Walmart are two retail giants vying for costumer loyalty. If you’re looking to find out which is the superior supermarket, you’ve come to the right place. While they share a lot of similarities, Target clearly comes out on top.

Right off the bat, Walmart has a much larger selection than Target. If you can think of something, they probably have it. They’ve got all the basics such as groceries, clothes, electronics and beauty products, alongside some products you wouldn’t see at your regular supermarket such as auto parts and plants.

While Target has the smaller selection, their products are known for much better quality. Their food tastes better, their clothes are more stylish and their appliances last longer. But if you want to get all your shopping done in one spot, Walmart is the store for you. If you favor quality over quantity, stick with Target.

Walmart claims to have lower prices than all of its competitors, but Target actually has the better deals. A study done in 2013 by Bloomberg Industries has shown that a Target shopper saves 46 cents for every $100 spent as opposed to a Walmart shopper. If you’re looking for the lower price, Target is the way to go.

It may not be the first thing you think of when deciding which store to shop at, but atmosphere is big part of the shopping experience. Everything in Target, from its lighting to its promotional decorations to its iconic red color scheme makes it an aesthetically pleasing place to shop at. On the other hand, Walmart gives off an uncomfortable gloomy vibe with its eerie fluorescent lighting and dull colors.

“Working at Walmart made me realize that the place is frighteningly gross and unethical,” said Walmart cart pusher, senior Jeremy Forebeck.

Target feels like a warm inviting home where you want to stick around to shop, while Walmart feels more like a creepy warehouse where you want to get what you need and get out ASAP.

As far as service goes, Target wins by a long shot. The employees are easy to find, always willing to help and usually find what you are looking for. Meanwhile at Walmart, you find more people outside taking breaks than in the actual store. Walmart employees have actually been known to deny service to customers if they have already clocked out or are on break. While they are not technically required to help anyone, it’s still pretty rude to ignore a customer.

“I remember I approached the employee and asked, ‘Do you guys have Nutella anywhere?’ and she simply – without even glancing at me – said, ‘I’m clocked out,’” said disappointed Walmart customer, senior Gabe Hollowell.

Aside from the friendly greeters at the front door, Walmart’s employees don’t take nearly as much pride in their work as the employees at Target.

“Target is way better, the staff is way more friendly, and the products they sell are better quality. They have the Cartwheel app that offers ways to save on everything,” said Target employee Kelsey Cooper.

Each store has its own pros and cons, but when it comes down to it, Target is clearly the better choice. While some prefer Walmart for its convenience, Target has superior products, service and atmosphere. If you’re still a loyal Walmart shopper, you might want to at least give Target a try. You never know…you may end up liking it even better.