We live in an interesting location. We live within 5 miles of  three different Wal Mart’s in three different directions from our place. All three are Super Centers, in an area that is not really consider a dense populated area; Boise, Idaho.

You would think that each Wal Mart would carry the exact same thing as the other. Not so! It depends what we are going to Wal Mart to buy determines which Wal Mart we drive to first.

The newest Wal Mart that is north of us is the newest. They have more household goods like blenders and clothes. When it comes to electronics they have the minimum. The pharmacy seems to be larger than the others.

The Wal Mart that is west of us has a few more electronics. If I am looking for computer stuff and televisions, this is the place to go. They do have more outdoor and patio stuff than the first. The isles seem wider. In fact there seem to be more open floor space than merchandise.

The oldest Wal Mart that is south of us. In fact after the Super Center was built west of us it was remodeled into a Super Center.

The isles are narrow than the other two Wal Mart. It is packed with merchandise. When it comes to seasonal and holiday stuff for Mother’s Day,  Valentines Day, St Patrick’s Day, and Christmas, this is the place to go. They always seem to have a good selection of everything, except clothes.

Knowing what stores in your area and what they specialize in can save you a lot of money. Even chain/big box stores don’t all carry the same thing. Each store has their basic stock items. Then they focus on items that sell well the specific community where they are located.

It does not hurt to fine tune your shopping by making a list of the store in your area. Take note as to which store sells what items and what prices.

For us the Wal Mart south of us is for grocery shopping and browsing. The Wal Mart that is west of us is more for specific items, like electronics. Then the one north of us we only go to when we are in the area, and need something from there.

Tags: Boise, Idaho, Wal Mart