quickandeasycooking

I have a Super Wal-Mart and a Super Target within about five minutes of where I live. The two stores are actually side by side, which I found incredible when they first opened within a few months of each other. I’ve grocery shopped at both, and there are only a few good things I can say about Wal-Mart. One, it’s really cheap. If you’re buying for seven kids and three dogs, it’s the place to hit.

I refuse to buy meat at Wal-Mart. The few times I have it’s been pretty bad. The produce is not the best. One time they were out of lemons; since when is a grocery store out of lemons? If I have 10 items on my shopping list, they’re out of least three of them.

On a positive note, you can also get lots of non-grocery stuff while you’re there. Tires, for instance. (By the way, you can do that at Cost, too.) I’ve never gotten a hair cut or manicure there, but you can if so desire. My kids love the chicken tenders from the deli, and the Wal-Mart brand of grits is the best I’ve ever tasted.

But that’s it. I’d rather take a beating than go to Wal-Mart. You have to park miles away no matter what time of the day. I know, the exercise is good for me. There are three zillion check-out lines, but only five are open. Be prepared for a long wait. If you have to take something back, the customer service line is even longer.

Target, on the other hand, is the upper class store of the great middle class. Although their grocery section is not nearly large enough, it’s pretty darn close to gourmet. They bake fresh bread every single day. They have Maytag blue cheese, and I’m a sucker for that. They have little individual portions of soup, so everybody gets their favorite.

The produce is fabulous. The asparagus at mine are to die for. I love the little packages of beans and potatoes and carrots that are ready to pop in the microwave. I know they’re not cheap, but they are super convenient when you’re in a hurry.  The spices and rubs and marinades are incredible. Every time I’m there, I want to rush home and start cooking.

And it smells good. My Wal-Mart smells terrible. I’m sure they all don’t, but there you have it.

I know there are a lot of you out there who agree with me, and also a lot of Wal-Mart fans. What’s your take?

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