If the Wal-Mart era is over, what is replacing it?

The WSJ made a bold prediction yesterday. But is it true? Let me give you my personal perspective for kicks.

They say that Wal-Mart is being replaced by the internet and some sector retailers and by companies emphasizing quality.

Although we own a few shares of Wal-Mart, I do not like shopping there. I much prefer Target for its wide aisles, short lines and better products. And I will pay for that. The one nearest our house is not, in my view, a pleasant shopping experience. There are, however, two supercenters under construction near us, so I will reserve judgment.

I do shop a lot on the Internet. It is generally easy.

Best Buy? I like the place, but I rarely see a crowd at our new local store. We bought my latest monitor at Sam's Club, but we have bought a desktop and a laptop at BB in the last year.

Kroger? I think the Kroger nearest Chicago is here in Bourbonnais. Although I have always been a Jewel fan, I don't like the new store they opened here, and I like Kroger more each time I go. Now if the new Kroger would just open....

Walgreens and CVS? I only go to Walgreens in a desperate pinch. I can't remember the last time I was at a CVS (and I am not alone - a CVS near our house closed about a year after opening). I'm an Osco guy for pharmaceuticals but the $4 scrips at Wal-Mart are a steal. But based on the number of scrips the boss writes, I will say I think that Walgreens is the most popular pharmacy in town by far.

Petsmart and Petco? Pretty rare. Wal-Mart and Target generally carry what we need for the cats.

Niche market retailers like H&M? LOL...although I did buy a Cubs T-shirt at Wal-Mart this week.

Finally - Costco. I would convince the boss to move from Sam's to Costco if the nearest Costco wasn't 45 minutes away. So we are a Sam's family for now. And unless it is a complete mess, we'll probably shop regularly at the Super Wal-Mart when it opens. In the immortal words from Monty Python and the Holy Grail (or Spamalot, for that matter), "I'm not dead yet!"


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