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I suspect most of us shop at Walmart to protect the money sitting in our checking accounts. Heaven knows it's not for the serene ambiance.
However, what if what we've been told about Walmart having the lowest prices is untrue? What if there are a host of products we'd be better off buying somewhere else, either because of cost or quality?
Here are five examples of products you may want to avoid buying at Walmart and why you may be better off spending your hard-earned money elsewhere.
1. Vacuums
I'll admit to buying a vacuum or two from Walmart over the years. However, I've recently realized that Walmart does not always offer the lowest price on vacuum cleaners. Here's an example based on today's prices.
Shark Lift-Away® with PowerFins HairPro and Odor Neutralizer Technology
- Walmart price: $190
- Amazon price: $160
- Home Depot price: $180
- Wayfair price: $160
Will prices always be lower elsewhere? Absolutely not. The point is that it pays to shop around before assuming Walmart prices are always the lowest. One other issue involves Walmart's relatively small selection of vacuums. For a greater selection, you may want to look somewhere else.
And if you'd be more comfortable working with a salesperson who can walk you through the pros and cons of several models, your best bet would be to visit a retailer specializing in sales and repair.
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2. Gift cards
There may be over 4,600 Walmart stores in 52 states and territories, but that doesn't mean it's always the most competitive for every purchase. Take, for example, gift cards.
Walmart does sell gift cards, but that doesn't mean it always has what you're looking for. If you're a Sam's Club or Costco member, check out what your club has to offer. Gift cards from either warehouse giant are often deeply discounted.
And some sites, like Giftcards.com, Raise, and CardCash, allow you to buy retail store gift cards for less than face value.
3. Fresh produce
If you're making an apple pie and are squeezed for time, you may be tempted to pick up apples at your nearest Walmart. But not only can you save money by checking out your local farmer's market or Aldi store, but you're likely to find a fresher selection.
Few things are more disgusting than biting into a blueberry only to find that the inside is rotten. It's important to trust that your produce is fresh, and it's certainly not a guarantee at Walmart.
Author's note: Although I continue to order pantry items from our nearby Walmart (thanks to Walmart+ and its free delivery), I've had no luck with fresh produce. After months of dissatisfaction with Walmart's fruits and vegetables, I recently threw away a container of perfectly lovely blueberries after learning that most were rotten in the middle. That was it for me.
However, based on comments I've found online, some people are pretty happy with the fresh produce carried by their local Walmart store, so it may be a regional issue.
4. Party supplies
The next time you're having a cookout or birthday party, you may want to pick up your paper plates and cups, throwaway tablecloths, streamers, and other supplies somewhere other than Walmart. For example, you'll likely pay far less at your local Dollar Tree, 99 Cents Only, Dollar General, or Family Dollar store. You're money ahead as long as you can find plates and cups sturdy enough to get through the event.
5. Clothing
There's a good reason Walmart's prices on swimsuits, T-shirts, dresses, pants, and shoes are so cheap. It keeps prices low by selling lower-quality items. That may be fine if you're buying a T-shirt and sweatpants to lounge around at home or putter in the garden. However, you have a better chance of purchasing clothes that will hold up well enough to wear in public if you shop somewhere else.
As I mentioned, I continue to shop at a Walmart blocks from my home, and I'm especially fond of the benefits associated with Walmart+ membership. Keeping a careful eye on my personal finances means not wasting money on things that will fall apart, end up being disgusting (like those blueberries that have nearly turned me off the fruit), or cost more than they should.
As with any retailer, it pays to know which items are bargains and which ones to avoid.
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We're firm believers in the Golden Rule, which is why editorial opinions are ours alone and have not been previously reviewed, approved, or endorsed by included advertisers. The Ascent does not cover all offers on the market. Editorial content from The Ascent is separate from The Motley Fool editorial content and is created by a different analyst team.John Mackey, former CEO of Whole Foods Market, an Amazon subsidiary, is a member of The Motley Fool’s board of directors. Dana George has positions in Amazon, Apple, and Walmart. The Motley Fool has positions in and recommends Amazon, Apple, Costco Wholesale, and Walmart. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy.
