Perhaps Wal-Mart should try something new

I am a romantic movie junkie. You name it, I have either gone to the theater to see it, watched it on television, or rented it. After watching said romantic movies, I then take the time to re-watch, re-rent and revisit my favorite scenes, lines and situations in the movie. As any friend of mine can attest; once I learn a movie, there’s no stopping me from quoting every memorable (or not) line from it. It is who I am. I’m okay with it.
Sometimes, however, I’ll venture away from my romantic comedies, towards a mystery, documentary or even episodic television– just to keep my media juices flowing.
I decided a month ago to step my movie know how up a notch, which required newer tools in the form of a DVD player and a remote control. Instead of going to an electronic store, I decided to visit a place where not only could I purchase the necessary ‘tools,’ but popcorn, batteries, snacks, a broom, dustpan, ice and a gas card as well. The store where one goes to purchase one thing, and comes out with bags full of everything but-Wal-Mart.
Wal-Mart is a very interesting place to me, because it has something for everybody. Not in the mood for groceries? No problem, visit the gardening section of the store instead. Clothing not quite what you were looking for? No worries, electronics should have something to tickle your fancy. With its self checkout and express lanes for the customer on the go, or, for the more seasoned shopper, the regular all -your-cart-can-hold lanes are available. There is no reason to tarry in Wal-Mart, because the check out process is one smooth sail ride. Right?
Not so in Baton Rouge.
After purchasing my DVD player (which I later had to return, since it didn’t work), assorted snacks and off the wall knick knacks, I obediently counted my wares (19) and made my way to the express lane-20 items or less-and was met with about 15 other store patrons who were just as obedient as I. After about t12 minutes of waiting for the express lane to live up to its name, I decided to be radical.
“Fine,” I thought. “I’ll just go another lane. There has to be more than this one lane open.” There were.
They just weren’t open at the moment.
They didn’t appear to have any plans on opening anytime soon either.
I asked one of the ever present and friendly Wal-Mart associates what the deal was with only two lanes open at five in the afternoon. Why be a superstore, if only two people would be in charge of the entire store’s check out process? And what was her job; was she interested in becoming a cashier? Apparently, they were in demand.
“I’onknow,” she’d replied. “Don’t nobody want to work check out.”
I see.
Well, what was the other associates doing? What were they lingering around the store for, avoiding eye contact in their blue jackets? Maybe they were hiding the ‘Wet Floor’ signs as a joke to see innocent shoppers slip after the hourly rain in Produce?
Of course, I could have gone to another store, and brought the exact same items for at a more expensive price, but without the aggravation of Wal-Mart. Even gone to a legitimate electronics store, and purchased what I needed without the hassle of a return lane? I could have, but with that particular store a five minute drive from my house, and my lean pockets, what other choice did I have?
I wanted stay and exchange these thoughts with the associate, but my all-consuming love of romantic movies was far more important. Besides, I had to unpack, connect and subsequently repack and return my new DVD player.
At this point, I simply got back into the ‘express’ lane, and willed my ice cream to stop melting. I had movies to watch, having just purchased Sanaa Lathan’s Something New for myself, and those lines weren’t going to learn themselves.
Perhaps Wal-Mart should try something new, and utilize all lanes? I’m sure it’d be a welcome change.
Just a thought.