My friend ScienceGrrl became enamored with the new vacuum version of the Swiffer. In her online quest the only place she could find that was selling it was WalMart and she asked me if we could perhaps drive to one and purchase her new found marvel. Now I have always had issues with the way WalMart does business. They drive out local businesses and pay their employees crap. Their obsession with having the lowest prices has put many a company out of business. Basically instead having the manufacture set the price for the item they force the prices on the manufacture. WalMart’s market base is so hugh that their suppliers will jump to meet WalMart’s price. Basically I just don’t like them as a company and refuse to do business with them. For my friend though I would purchase this one thing from them.
While I was up in New Hampshire hiking (will post on that later) I stopped by the Hooksit WalMart, just outside of Manchester. I walked around that place for about 5 minutes until I found the housewares department. The Swiffer supplies were burried in one of the inner aisles. I swear that they arrange the store so that you have to browse. In the end they did not have the item.
Leaving the WalMart I notice that the mall is very empty. As of my visit the open stores were: Goodwill, For Nails, R & D Cleaners, Jo-Ann Fabrics, Family Pet, Post Office, Peking Buffet, and Express Fitness. But the following were closed: Osco Drug, Bookland, Fashion Bug (Plus), Moore Simons’s, and KY Toy Works. Three more store fronts were vacant and I could not tell who had occupied them previously. All with the exception of KB Toys are still in business as chains. Notice any pattern? WalMart shoved the other places out. Interesting.
So I continue on my way to the highway with no vacuums Swiffer in hand. Passing a Big KMart I figure I’ll just stop in and check. With in about 30 seconds I found the housewares section and they have 2 of the Swiffers for sale. After my little internal victory dance at not having to give any money to WalMart I share my amusement with the sales clerk and make my way home to Boston.
