Wmart quietly raises prices 65%

[pcrowder]

Some Prices Hiked Over 60%

Some of the price hikes were considerably larger. For instance, the price of a 32-ounce bottle of Windex household cleaner jumped 50%, a 12-ounce box of Quaker Oats instant grits climbed 65% and a 50-ounce container of Tide detergent rose by more than 50%.

See full article from DailyFinance: http://www.dailyfinance.com/story/walmart-raises-prices/19587730/?icid=sphere_copyright


http://www.dailyfinance.com/story/walmart-raises-prices/19587730/

[leera]

I just watched a documentary about WalMart and how they are destroying small towns and that more than 1/2 the employees are on welfare because they make so little....and on Medicaide as well,due to low incomes and not offering health insurance....thye also intentionally keep employess below the full time hours to avoid paying health insurance,etc,etc.....

[bookwormom]

ALDI employes get full benefits, as far as I know, and their prices are cheaper than Wal mart. How can they do it and Wal mart can't?

I shopped at my favorite salvage store and their prices are going up, too. I got five cans of Lavazze coffee for 1.75. but the newer ones were marked 2.50 already.

[MIKENSUE]

My container of Maxwell house coffee that was $5 last month has now jumped to $7.96. The box of kitty litter that was 25 lbs and 9.97 is now 20 lbs and 10 dollars. That is just a couple of things I noticed. TP is still the same price so far, but what will I notice next time I go.
I have heard the same thing about WalMart keeping their people just under full time, and a prime example of it is our son's friend Bobbi. Single parent with 3 children, working as many hours as they will let her; getting FS, and Medicaid.
My problem is that I work in a small town grocery and cannot afford to shop there. The canned cat food that my Chester kitty eats, (He has no teeth left due to abuse in his kitten hood from a nut case) is 21 cents a can higher at our store. I bought a box of canning salt at WW for 1.18, our store is 1.99. Store brand brown gravy mix at WW was 38 cents, .89 at our store. Locally grown canteloupe at WW, 2.28 each and they are as big as a volleyball. The same thing at our store is over $4.00 each.
I only have so much money to work with every month, and I am going to shop where I get the most for what I am spending.
Sue

[Smacktard]

First Walmart changed the products they carry, about a year and a half ago. They got rid of items that I like, those that were of good quality and cheaply priced. In the last 6 months their prices have gone up quickly.

[tomato204]

Yeah the one here dropped a few items I bought on a regular basis. I think if we expect any retail store to maintain the same stock at the same price for very long we're just kidding ourselves. Things change, so I go with the flow and shop around, looking for a deal that's good for me, where ever it is.

[momma_to_seven_chi]

I stopped by WM this morning for some Iams puppy food. I also bought chip dip, and happened to glance at the butter in the cooler there. It was $4.48lb. I was SHOCKED!!!! It use to be like $1.50lb. When did it soar?

[DiggingDogFarm]

What a silly article.
Many of the alleged astronomical price hikes are products coming out of Wal-Mart's "Rollback" promotions.

Like the big bottles of Heinz ketchup that were on "Rollback" for $1.
The Maxwell House coffee is another example of a "Rollback".
Obviously not the regular price, and OBVIOUSLY temporary!

The better half works as a cashier at Wal-Mart and deals with this type of confusion on a daily basis.

[Faye]

The prices at the walmart nearest me have gone up a lot lately and I did shop there a lot so I know they have and it is not the rollback items. Today I was there and the price of 5# of sugar was $3.54. Last bag I bought a couple weeks ago was 2.87. After seeing this on several items I just got disgusted and left with what little I had and went to the grocery store. I paid 2.35 for my sugar there. At this walmart they are replacing a lot of the name brand items with their great value brand. They started out less expensive but are gradually going up. The sugar was their own brand.

[Aamylf]

Prices are going up EVERYWHERE not just Wally World. I am assuming the suppliers charge WM more than in the past and they charge more to the consumer to cover it.

I am not a WM hater. I think they provide decent products for a decent price overall.

According to the web, here are a few of the benefits at WalMart "incentive/bonus plan, health insurance, profit sharing, 401(k), education, store discounts and other Walmart employment benefits. All Wal-Mart associates (full and part time) can become eligible for insurance benefits." I'm sure there are some caveats in there, but that's true at every company. Do you honestly believe that a small 4 or 5 person mom and pop grocery store or tire chaning shop or bakery has insurance, discounts, bonues, profit sharing and retirement plans? If yours do, it's certainly different than here.

Do I think every thing WM does is intrinsically fair? Nope. But I don't think everything any business, government or individual does is fair. I supposed we could ask the government to regulate them in to oblivion and just put all of their ill-used employees on the street.

My advice is this: if you don't like WalMart, shop somewhere else. Vote with your feet and your pocketbook.

[DiggingDogFarm]

According to the web, here are a few of the benefits at WalMart "incentive/bonus plan, health insurance, profit sharing, 401(k), education, store discounts and other Walmart employment benefits. All Wal-Mart associates (full and part time) can become eligible for insurance benefits." I'm sure there are some caveats in there, but that's true at every company. Do you honestly believe that a small 4 or 5 person mom and pop grocery store or tire chaning shop or bakery has insurance, discounts, bonues, profit sharing and retirement plans? If yours do, it's certainly different than here.
.

According to the web, huh? LOL
You don't know ANYTHING about the subject!!!

[Aamylf]

So enlighten me instead of just attacking me. Your post wasn't helpful.

[DiggingDogFarm]

So enlighten me instead of just attacking me.

You're a Wal*Mart lover and it's not my job to change that. Do you really care anyway?


Your post wasn't helpful.

And neither was yours!

[Aamylf]

So you're saying all of this is a lie?

Health & Wellness Benefits



Comprehensive Medical Coverage with no lifetime maximum

80% coverage for eligible services
Preventive care includes an annual checkup for each covered family member, immunizations for children up to age 18, and more
Pharmacy benefits coverage includes $4 generics, brand name and specialty drugs
Ask Mayo Clinic Nurse Line – a free, confidential 24-hour nurse line
Life with Baby Maternity Program is a free voluntary wellness program to help from pre-conception through early child development with your own registered nurse

Dental Insurance
Resources For Living® -- a confidential counseling and health information service that’s free to all associates. Available 24 hours a day, 365 days a year
Business Travel Accident Insurance
Associate Eyewear Program
Company-paid life insurance and Business Travel Accident insurance
Financial planning guidance and will preparation
Optional life and dependent life insurance
Accidental Death & Dismemberment (AD&D)
Critical illness and accident insurance
Short- and long-term disability coverage
Illness Protection (sick time)

Financial Benefits



Associate Stock Purchase Plan with a company match of 15% up to the first $1,800 purchased each Plan year
Retirement Account Rollover
Associate Discounts provides all associates have access to more than 250 discounts on good and services, including movie tickets, sports entertainment, fitness center memberships and more
Bereavement and Jury Duty Time-off
Military Differential Pay
Associate Discount Card for Walmart associates, their spouses and dependents. Receive a 10% discount on regular priced general merchandise and fresh produce purchased at a Walmart store.
Sam’s Club Associate memberships for Sam’s Club associates
Paid Holidays, Vacation Time and Personal Time
Walmart Profit Sharing and 401(k) Plan


As for employees having to wait for coverage -- which seems to be one of the big "i hate WM" complaints, that's true in most companies. And as far as only 50% of their employees being covered (another complaint), we have fewer than 50% because they choose not to have coverage. We certainly can't afford to pay 100% for everyone's coverage, so people decline.

I am assuming any company you own/would own would pay 100% of all employees' family coverage and $15 an hour for even the most minimal job to ensure take people out of the poverty level?

[DiggingDogFarm]

So you're saying all of this is a lie?

Health & Wellness Benefits



Comprehensive Medical Coverage with no lifetime maximum

80% coverage for eligible services
Preventive care includes an annual checkup for each covered family member, immunizations for children up to age 18, and more
Pharmacy benefits coverage includes $4 generics, brand name and specialty drugs
Ask Mayo Clinic Nurse Line – a free, confidential 24-hour nurse line
Life with Baby Maternity Program is a free voluntary wellness program to help from pre-conception through early child development with your own registered nurse

Dental Insurance
Resources For Living® -- a confidential counseling and health information service that’s free to all associates. Available 24 hours a day, 365 days a year
Business Travel Accident Insurance
Associate Eyewear Program
Company-paid life insurance and Business Travel Accident insurance
Financial planning guidance and will preparation
Optional life and dependent life insurance
Accidental Death & Dismemberment (AD&D)
Critical illness and accident insurance
Short- and long-term disability coverage
Illness Protection (sick time)

Financial Benefits



Associate Stock Purchase Plan with a company match of 15% up to the first $1,800 purchased each Plan year
Retirement Account Rollover
Associate Discounts provides all associates have access to more than 250 discounts on good and services, including movie tickets, sports entertainment, fitness center memberships and more
Bereavement and Jury Duty Time-off
Military Differential Pay
Associate Discount Card for Walmart associates, their spouses and dependents. Receive a 10% discount on regular priced general merchandise and fresh produce purchased at a Walmart store.
Sam’s Club Associate memberships for Sam’s Club associates
Paid Holidays, Vacation Time and Personal Time
Walmart Profit Sharing and 401(k) Plan


As for employees having to wait for coverage -- which seems to be one of the big "i hate WM" complaints, that's true in most companies. And as far as only 50% of their employees being covered (another complaint), we have fewer than 50% because they choose not to have coverage. We certainly can't afford to pay 100% for everyone's coverage, so people decline.

I am assuming any company you own/would own would pay 100% of all employees' family coverage and $15 an hour for even the most minimal job to ensure take people out of the poverty level?

Oh, yes, definitely! Wal*Mart associates get all those wonderful benefits from working part-time and just above minimum age! LMAO!!!! :rolleyes:

Those benefits are posted on their website for the gullible to interpret any way they like! :D

[Aamylf]

I am not a walmart lover. I shop there because of the prices, just like most people.

I am not, however, a wal mart hater, as you obviously are.

So you are saying that everything printed on the wal mart pages are lies? I'm asking sincerely.

You are saying that everyone gets paid just above minimum wage? then why do people stay for years and years? When we had unemployment of under 2%, wal mart still had full crews when people could have gone other places easily.

I hope Wal Mart goes out of business in your town so you don't have to deal with them. But you didn't answer my question: does the business you own pay $15 an hour and full health insurance for every one of your employees?

[DiggingDogFarm]

I am not a walmart lover. I shop there because of the prices, just like most people.

I am not, however, a wal mart hater, as you obviously are.

So you are saying that everything printed on the wal mart pages are lies? I'm asking sincerely.

You are saying that everyone gets paid just above minimum wage? then why do people stay for years and years? When we had unemployment of under 2%, wal mart still had full crews when people could have gone other places easily.

I hope Wal Mart goes out of business in your town so you don't have to deal with them. But you didn't answer my question: does the business you own pay $15 an hour and full health insurance for every one of your employees?

Never said I'm a Wal*Mart hater or that the above listed benefits are an outright lie or that everyone earns just above minimum wage. I hope you have more integrity than to continue your spin!

Most of my employees do make more than $15 an hour and all who do have full health-care coverage via AmeriHealth.
But, that's really none of your business, is it?

[Aamylf]

"Oh, yes, definitely! Wal*Mart associates get all those wonderful benefits from working part-time and just above minimum age! LMAO!!!! :rolleyes:

Those benefits are posted on their website for the gullible to interpret any way they like! :D http://www.backwoodshome.com/forum/vb/images/buttons/quote.gif (http://www.backwoodshome.com/forum/vb/newreply.php?do=newreply&p=237045)

That was your quote, from which I inferred people at WalMart worked for just above minimum wage. I guess that makes me not only gullible, but stupid.

I asked about your company and your employees because I find so many people who are disparaging about WM have never created a job, never created a budget, have no employees so no WC or UC to pay, have no clue what it costs to pay health insurance for families, etc. and yet believe they know what a company should be able to do financially. You are obviously a terrific boss if you pay that much and cover all your employees health care. Your employees are very fortunate. If we did that here with our 900 employees, we'd be out of business.

[Anon001]

Personally speaking....

I know several people that work for WalMart. They all receive the full benefits and full-time hours except one. She was a senior citizen and it was her choice to not work full time.

One poster gave a reference to the benefits. Another poster laughed at it but gives no reference. Who to believe?

I also have a good friend that went to work for WalMart part time in the evenings after his full time job so that he and the wife could get out of debt. He spoke highly of his employer and his supervisor. He did that for over a year.

WalMart is like any other business. They have the right to offer full time or part time hours. They have the right to offer benefits or not. They have the right to charge any price they want. And... they even have the right to expand into small towns and ruin mom and pop places if they can't compete in the market place. After all.... WalMart started as a "mom and pop" small business.

If someone doesn't like WalMart, they have the right not to shop there and they have the right not to work there. No one is forced to shop or work where they don't want to.

Paul

[momma_to_seven_chi]

On the original topic--
WM had their generic brand of mac/cheese for a quarter a box last Sat night. I bought some for the pantry. They also had a clearance rack of spices for a quarter a piece. I bought some ground cloves just to put in boiling water for the fragrance.

[DiggingDogFarm]

My advice is this: if you don't like WalMart, shop somewhere else. Vote with your feet and your pocketbook.

If someone doesn't like WalMart, they have the right not to shop there and they have the right not to work there. No one is forced to shop or work where they don't want to.


Preaching and sententiousness is the holier-than-thous' answer to everything! LOL

Folks, c'mon, many who've been taken advantage of by the current Wal*Mart management can't find a different job in this economy!

Your comments prove that you don't care, there's no point in continuing the discussion.

[Aamylf]

Preaching and sententiousness is the holier-than-thous' answer to everything! LOL

Folks, c'mon, many who've been taken advantage of by the current Wal*Mart management can't find a different job in this economy!

Your comments prove that you don't care, there's no point in continuing the discussion.


I didn't say QUIT WORK I said shop somewhere else.

You are correct, there is no point in continuing a disucssion with someone who takes others comments and twists them into something they didn't say. The last bastion of someone who has run out of intelligent things to add to a discussion.

And I'm in awe that god would join in a discussion about WM on BHM -- you're evidently god as you can look into my heart and see whether I care or not.

[DiggingDogFarm]

LOL Now you're getting all huffy because I didn't address your comment directly. :rolleyes:

[BonnyLake]

JMHO - This thread needs to stop because the original post was quoted incorrectly. The price increase was an average of 6% (read - six... not 65%) That would indicate that when everyone who posted to this thread read the attached link they overlooked this bases for the thread. That being said, I believe this thread has no relevant meaning, it's just more WM bashing.

Additionally, I believe that DiggingDogFarm has personal experience with the Walmart corporation and it's treatment of employees because in post # 8 - he states the following -

What a silly article.
Many of the alleged astronomical price hikes are products coming out of Wal-Mart's "Rollback" promotions.

Like the big bottles of Heinz ketchup that were on "Rollback" for $1.
The Maxwell House coffee is another example of a "Rollback".
Obviously not the regular price, and OBVIOUSLY temporary!

The better half works as a cashier at Wal-Mart and deals with this type of confusion on a daily basis.

Evidently when reading his post, this piece of information was overlooked also.

Just my observations, but maybe there was something I missed too.
Bonny

[yotetrapper]

Yes obviously his significant other works there, but I find basing the opinion of the store on one employee is being near-sighted.

I worked at walmart for a month. I started at minimum but in 2 weeks was given a $.75 cent raise. Walmart is an easy place to work your way up in. From what I seen in my short time there, anyone that could add and had a lick of common sense and a decent work attitude would be advanced within 3 months. Most of the shift managers had been there for less than a year before they advanced. Pretty much the only people in the trenches were new hires and subpar employees; either those lacking skills or with bad attitudes.

We'd have a meeting everyday in which employee concerns were adressed and almost always resolved. I liked Walmart while I was there and why I left had nothing to do with the management. You see the only shift available was midights and I thought I could adjust to it but I never did and all I did was sleep until it was time to leave for work again and my house/homestead was falling down around me. So I quit.

To be honest I don't recall about insurance as I wasn't interested as I was already covered, but I know the hours worked accumulated paid vacation for you.

[Anon001]

Ordinarily, it's not a big deal if someone strays a bit from the OP's topic, even though it shouldn't happen. I, too, am at fault this time.

With that said, it stops here. If anyone wants to continue the discussion as relates to the OP's posting, go for it. If you wish to continue to debate the merit of working for WalMart, start a new thread, somewhere else.

Paul

[pcrowder]

JMHO - This thread needs to stop because the original post was quoted incorrectly. The price increase was an average of 6% (read - six... not 65%) That would indicate that when everyone who posted to this thread read the attached link they overlooked this bases for the thread. That being said, I believe this thread has no relevant meaning, it's just more WM bashing.

Additionally, I believe that DiggingDogFarm has personal experience with the Walmart corporation and it's treatment of employees because in post # 8 - he states the following -



Evidently when reading his post, this piece of information was overlooked also.

Just my observations, but maybe there was something I missed too.
Bonny


I stand by my original post. I posted this link which has NOT been changed nor edited. And if you feel this thread "has NO RELEVANT MEANING", then why are you commenting on it?
And WHY should this thread be stopped, as you say it should be? Aren't we all allowed to voice our opinions on legitimate issues any more? Or provide articles with working links? I guess not.


The original link WORKS http://www.dailyfinance.com/story/walmart-raises-prices/19587730/?icid=sphere_copyright and states:

"Some Prices Hiked Over 60%

Some of the price hikes were considerably larger. For instance, the price of a 32-ounce bottle of Windex household cleaner jumped 50%, a 12-ounce box of Quaker Oats instant grits climbed 65% and a 50-ounce container of Tide detergent rose by more than 50%. A spokesperson for the Bentonville, Ark., company could not immediately be reached for comment.


See full article from DailyFinance: http://www.dailyfinance.com/story/walmart-raises-prices/19587730/?icid=sphere_copyright&icid=sphere_copyright


As as far as diggingDogFarm saying it is a "silly article", news flash - I shop at Walmart as I live very rural and have NO OTHER CHOICE except to drive SIX HOURS round trip to the city of Denver as my only other alternative, and I can say from personal experience that the prices at WM have, indeed, skyrocketed over the last 24 months. They have in the other stores, too.

Just a suggestion - if people don't like to shop at Walmart, then DON'T. If you do like it, then DO shop there. Some of us don't have other alternatives. Some of us live VERY VERY rural, and for all the WM bashing we all do, they DO have things that we cannot get elsewhere other than driving 6 hours or ordering through the mail sight unseen. As far as how they treat their employees, they have their bad practices, as do alot of other businesses.

I'm sorry I ever started this thread. I was simply trying to point out that prices are rising, even at WM, who keeps saying they have "roll backs" and lower prices, and that I believe it is a sign of inflation coming. I guess the true intent of this thread has been hopelessly derailed and is so far off track that it can't be resurrected. Guess it's time to let it DIE.

[momma_to_seven_chi]

I'm sorry I ever started this thread. I was simply trying to point out that prices are rising, even at WM,

I think your original link was very interesting. I have been watching prices rise at WM all year long. Once in a while you come across a really great value on a clearance product, but most of the prices seem to be soaring.

[Wyobuckaroo]

Fact I noticed at our local WM..........

When the egg scare first started there appeared a sign that read "Our eggs are not in the recall" or something like that.

Just as soon as the sign disappeared eggs went from $1.18 a dozen to $1.53...................

Wyo

[MissouriFree]

Fact I noticed at our local WM..........

When the egg scare first started there appeared a sign that read "Our eggs are not in the recall" or something like that.

Just as soon as the sign disappeared eggs went from $1.18 a dozen to $1.53...................

Wyo

Makes sense.... Take several million eggs out of the supply chain and demand drives price up. WM sure wouldn't eat the supply cost increase I wouldn't think.

[firegirl969]

Oh, yes, definitely! Wal*Mart associates get all those wonderful benefits from working part-time and just above minimum age! LMAO!!!! :rolleyes:

Those benefits are posted on their website for the gullible to interpret any way they like! :D

Our local Walmart does not give anyone except upper management enough hours to qualify for any benefits. The average employee gets 28 hours which is just under the 30 hour requirement to give benefits. That is why they have a constant turnover and the attitudes of the people they employee stink! I personally think it is terrible that they have put so many of the mom and pop stores out of business. Now that they don't have competition, they are constantly raising prices and will continue to do so IMHO. The senior citizens that I am familiar with are buying most things at Freds or the dollar store because they can no longer afford to buy at Walmart.

Back to the OP- the milk is $3.97 a gallon up over a dollar in the past year and sugar is up to $3.28 for 5 lbs, up a dollar and twenty-six cents in the past year. The rollbacks I have seen are on products that I don't normally purchase. Staples have not been included in the rollback program here locally.

[DiggingDogFarm]

.......the milk is $3.97 a gallon up over a dollar in the past year and sugar is up to $3.28 for 5 lbs, up a dollar and twenty-six cents in the past year.

Must be the market is not as competitive in your area.

Milk at the closest Wal*Mart here is $2.08 per gallon...5 lbs. of sugar is $2.40....butter is $2.28...not bad!

[firegirl969]

No, they have priced most of the competition out of business.

[DM]

The walmart i sometimes go to, the prices ARE going up. I also know someone who works there, and she makes 11 something an hour, and has ins. ect... She has been there 6 or 7 years.

Probably the best thing about walamrt is, they price match! I can look in the paper at who has the best sale price on what i want, and walmart will price match every one of them.

DM

[firegirl969]

The walmart i sometimes go to, the prices ARE going up. I also know someone who works there, and she makes 11 something an hour, and has ins. ect... She has been there 6 or 7 years.

Probably the best thing about walamrt is, they price match! I can look in the paper at who has the best sale price on what i want, and walmart will price match every one of them.

DM

Do they match B1G1F?

[DM]

I have no idea what they do where you live, but here where i live, they will match or beat ANY advertised price for a like itom. The other day, Aldi's had milk for $1.69 per gallon, but i "rarely" go to Aldi's. I was in walmart, mentioned that price, and they instantly matched the price, no questions asked. They do it that way EVERY time, here.

DM

[BonnyLake]

Fact I noticed at our local WM..........

When the egg scare first started there appeared a sign that read "Our eggs are not in the recall" or something like that.

Just as soon as the sign disappeared eggs went from $1.18 a dozen to $1.53...................

Wyo

WM and other big box type stores use FIFO pricing on perishables- which means first in first out. Their costs are calculated by "lots or shipments" each shipment has a unique cost to them, everything from that lot is priced according to a standard mark-up plus the actual cost of that lot. Standard mark-up for big box stores is usually only about 30-33% of costs - smaller grocers are as high as 50-65% of costs (higher overhead, higher wages, etc)- thats why they have higher prices. They can't negotiate the quantity discounts the sellers offer like the big box stores can so their costs are higher there too.

When a new lot comes in the prices are recalculated and changed automatically to the new lot price, but "when"? It depends on how much inventory is still left on the shelves when the new lot is received. If there is a pile of inventory then an average price of what is left and what is new is used. If the inventory is almost gone, the price is set-up to change when it is determined that the inventory will change over to the new costs. It is fair to the consumers when it's done this way. Costs can go in either direction.

Of course there are still "lost leaders" which stay the same no matter what the costs are, they suck it up, they are not programmed to add costs somewhere else to cover a lost leader. It's not willy nilly - their costs are negotiated with the vendors ahead of time, sometimes years in advance, but then freight costs change and that has to be added. Overhead is different all over the country so that's why prices can be different in several other locations - they also use local sellers for perishables and the costs are different from place to place.

I know this because I was a produce broker, I sold fruits and vegetables which are also a perishable category to big box and chain stores, so the price structure is the same.
Now, the other items on the shelves, different story for another day:)

A lot to look at but when prices make sense (somewhat) I don't feel like I've been cheated - I hate that feeling :mad:

Bonny

[Ressa]

My daughter got mugged in our local WM superstore parking lot some months ago. The security guard was nowhere to be found and when they tried to inform someone inside the store they got a brush off and were told that they didn't make reports.
Of course the response changed drastically the next day after some emails had been sent to HQ about the lack of consideration for customers. Local managers contacted my daughter apologized and assured her that things should have been handled differently.
We decided to take our shopping to Albertson's, which was closer anyway and has the clerks that will escort you to your car. I thought that the prices would be a lot higher and I would have to really shop carefully.
When I just had to go to Walmart for something, I decided to pick up a few other things and was shocked to see that they were more expensive.
I get the feeling that those long expanded super store grocery aisles are mostly junk and yummy things I don't need anyway.
Fruits and produce are much better quality at the other store. The shopping experience is definitely more relaxing.
Okay.... I'll admit it.... I am peeved at Walmart to begin with. After running the convenient local fabric shops out of business, they are planning to close the fabric department. VERY peeved lolol

[momma_to_seven_chi]

My husband was having a really tough time with his Arthritis one time, and I let him out at the door to get one of those wheelchair shopping carts. Then I parked in handicapped parking, and came in myself.

When we left, after spending $200, the door greeter told him he couldn't take the wheel chair outside of the store to the car even though it was just in the HC parking area in front of the door. I asked if he could sit on the sidewalk in front of the store where I could pick him up. "No" said the greeter. I had to go out, get the van, get his walker, bring it into the store for him, and walk him out to the van which was sitting in the fire lane.
At home, I was so angry that I sent an email to corporate headquarters. Next morning the manager called him, and apologized. She gave him a forty dollar gift card for his troubles.
She said that the customers could certainly take the wheel chair carts out to the handicapped area anytime they needed to take them. And if that ever happened again, to demand the greeter call a manager for the situation.

Looking back on that night, I really believe it was just a new greeter or something. And usually, he isn't having that many issues, but he had just chipped his ankle from a fall, so he really couldn't walk that far that night.

[fwtxcitywoman]

I usually shop at Super Wal-Mart, but I stopped by WinCo today and I was stunned at the low prices.

I had coupons for free gallon of milk, Honey Nut Cheerios, big loaf of bread, 64 oz apple juice with no purchase requirement.

Canning jars were $1 cheaper per case, lids $1.44 over Wal-Mart.

I live in the Pacific NW and everything is more expensive here, but WinCo is where I'll be shopping from now one, or at least until THEY raise their prices.

[blackpowderbill]

For over a year now the markets have told us of at a min of 50% food price increases. With that said the lame stream media hasn't reported on it much as dance with the stars was more important.
(and $900.00 TV's are now $199.00)

3# of bacon at the Bi-Lo in Washington ,Ga was $20.00 Thanksgiving week. We found the same bacon at ChinaMart in Athens for $13.99. Still a rip off, but my father in law likes his bacon as well as me so I picked it up for him.

FYI: Bi-Lo is Tops markets

Company History:
Tops Markets LLC is a subsidiary of the U.S. operations of Dutch supermarket giant Royal Ahold N.V. In addition to the Tops chain, Ahold also owns Stop & Shop, Giant Food, BI-LO, and Bruno's Supermarkets. With its headquarters located in Williamsville, New York, Tops is comprised of some 160 Tops Friendly Markets, more than 200 Wilson Farms and Sugar Creek convenience stores, and B-Kwik Food Markets superettes. Tops' units are located in central New York and neighboring parts of Pennsylvania and Ohio.
http://www.fundinguniverse.com/company-histories/Tops-Markets-LLC-Company-History.html
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While people cuss ChinaMart for it vampire tactics on small town America you can see Tops is no different~ other than a name change from town to town.

Food has risen by 1 to 3% monthly with some dips for about 3 years now. But it's reported at a much lower rate. All you have to do is look at your food bill to see the increase.
Sugar is the biggest rip off. Sugar should be the cheapest commodity around; but since it is subsidized it cost twice as much here in the states as in other countries. The only thing different today than in the past, in the ships holds, is the lack of slaves to sell on the docks along side the sugar and molasses.

What cooks my ass is how food prices are not factored into the consumer price index.

According to the WSJ article;
Costs are being driven by growing demand for meat in China, India and other emerging markets. That's driven up grain prices, which in turn boost the cost of chicken, steak, bread and pasta. Grain prices also have been nudged higher by drought in Russia, planting problems around the world and speculative trading.
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In a Canadian article some time back the government had farmers slaughter hundreds of thousands of hogs sending the majority of them to the landfill. Why, because if they would have hit the open market prices would have dropped to low.

Again, as in the past we'll be paying for China & India's so called emerging market~ which has lasted way past the emerging state for some time now. I suppose their emergence will be final when every person in China & India has a cell phone next to their piss pot & hog trough.