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RE: Stopped at a Super Wall-Mart today..stopped selling RV items
It is interesting reading thru these posts and looking back at my previous 20 years working at WM. I have seen the company go thru many changes, but none has raised as much displeasure as the current changes that are going on right now. Handbasket had made a great point about the success of Walmart...going in to buy one thing, and coming out with several items (but that is pretty expensive underwear!). It use to be "if Walmart does not carry it, you don't need it". You could trust that under one roof, pretty much everything you needed was there, and at a fair price. Now they have taken choices away and lost focus of the customer that has made them as successful as they are today (or at least a couple years ago) Living here in NW Arkansas, we hear many people complain about the changes. I can only imagine what the complaints are outside of NW Arkansas. This thread is a good cross section of what we are all feeling. Give me back my Walmart please.
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JaycoRickJoan
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03/10/10 12:51pm |
General RVing Issues
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RE: Stopped at a Super Wall-Mart today..stopped selling RV items
Jerrybo, the "not end in 99" deal at WM was a Sam Walton deal. Sam always challenged the Buyers to work for every penny for the customers. That was reflected in the retail price. For example, which sends a message that WM is fighting for the lowest price, $9.99 or $9.34?
Unfortunatly, the current exec team is now disregarding Sam's culture and saying, "just make it $10. It is easier for the customers to figure out." Really sad to see the current disrespect for the culture Sam built and is the sole reason for WM success.
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JaycoRickJoan
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03/07/10 07:09am |
General RVing Issues
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RE: Stopped at a Super Wall-Mart today..stopped selling RV items
Thought I would chime in here and share some facts since I have spent 20 years working at WM Corp HQ, recently retired.
"Assortments changed based on store location" - Correct. This is called "store of the community" which allows the nstore to merchandise product more popular in that particular region. That is why you will see either large, medium, or small assortments of RV supplies in different stores.
"Look of the store has changed" - Correct. A year or so ago, WM went thru "project impact" where they took feedback from the customers asking for wider ailes, and they got rid of the mid aisle displays called "stackbases". Ain't it nice to drive your buggy down the aisle with all that space?
"They do not carry the brands they use to" - Again, correct. This really gets my goat! In many categories where there use to be a "good-better-best" choice, they have cut back to a "better-best" choice. For many that live paycheck to paycheck, this does not work. The days of "if WM doesn't have it, you don't need it" are gone. And I absolutly HATE the new "great value" white packaging. Looks like low class garbage.
"Stores look more like Target" - Yep. Even down to the Khaikis and dark blue polos. Some upper execs at WM are previous Target execs. Wish they would go back to Target.....or anywhere else.
"Walmart does not pay for thier inventory" - FALSE. In 99% of the inventory, the supplier is paid within 30 to 60 days average. WM is one of the few retailers that pays invoices pretty quick. I have seen both sides as I now work for a WM supplier. But, there are other retailers that take goods from many suppliers on "consignment". This is not a practice at WM.
"Buy American" - WM still tries to buy American where it can and still stay competitive. Forget getting a TV or camera made in the USA at ANY retailer. Before you cut down WM about buying American, take a look at labels at your favorite place to shop. You'll be surprised. It may say "marketed by Target Stores, Inc" but it is not made there.
I will close with this comment. If you see an issue at your WM store, whether it be in assortments or service, be vocal about it. Go to the web site and complain. These comments get read and acted upon. If you just sit back and complain to others and do not reach out to WM, you are accomplishing nothing. Rememnber, at the end of the day, YOU are the boss. Without you, WM will fold. Period. Since leaving WM, my wife and I have choosen not to shop at WM because of the recent reduction in assortment. We like choices and Wm has taken that away recently. I have written my letter and took my wallet somewhere else.
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JaycoRickJoan
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03/06/10 07:26pm |
General RVing Issues
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RE: Nashville Wal*Mart semi convenient to SEC tournament
If you do a search for Walmart Camping, you will find too many to read. I have read many of them due to my 20 years working at the WM corp HQ.
I cannot comment on this particular WM, but what I can tell you is that "camping" at a WM should only be intended for boondocking. If you plan on staying longer that a few hours to grab some shut eye, I would suggest you first visit with the store manager to get his approval. Then respect the fact that it is a privilage, not a right to camp in the WM parking lot. I emphasize "respect" because I have seen RV'er that set up a full campsite complete with awnings, grills, lawn chairs, then leave a pile of trash, even dump black tanks in the parking lots. Not something you should be doing in a WM parking lot. :R
Store managers, unless governed by local ordinances, will welcome RV'er to boondock becuase usually the RV'ers will spend money in the store. Respect where the store manager asks you to park, usually along the outermost edge of the parking lot.
You might also want to consider that other RV'ers may have the same idea as you. If you go to the WM website and on the bottom is a store locator, you can search Nashville, and should be able to get the phone number. Call the store manager and ask. Sure would suck if you drove there thinking you could camp, but would not be able to.
Good luck and enjoy the game.
Go Vols? Sorry, I am a Big Ten fan :B
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JaycoRickJoan
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03/01/10 06:34pm |
RV Parks, National Parks, State Campgrounds & More
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RE: any pickers in sw mo
I'm a drummer, so not to familiar with the pickers in the area, but you may want to post something on the below forum.
Ozark Music Forum
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JaycoRickJoan
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02/27/10 08:46pm |
Travel Trailers
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RE: Review of Jayco trailers
I have been an owner of a 32ft Jayco Eagle since 2005. It has been a great trailer for us, but we had been chasing an issue since we bought it with the dealership. Long story short, two years AFTER the warranty expired, Jayco covered 100% of the repairs at their factory, which would have been a very MAJOR expense if we would have had to cover the cost.
I cannot say enough about Jayco's service. I have had the opportunity to tour the factory as well. Quality thru and thru. I am a Jayco owner for life.
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JaycoRickJoan
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02/23/10 08:14pm |
Travel Trailers
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RE: There is a Walmart without an RV section
I have since retired from WM corporate HQ after 20 years of service. There are two factors that cause different assortments in the stores;
1.) Demographics. Based on the location and customer base, decisions are made on what products to carry in any particular store. These "traits" are generally reviewed annually and changed accordingly. Although you may think "Our WM is located just off the interstate where hundreds of RV pass the store weekly" the customer base may not warrant carrying RV supplies, or carrying a large or smaller assortment. My local three stores carry two different size assortments.
2.) Recent remodel. As someone mentioned earlier, WM just completed a revamp og the inside of the stores. Although you mat find shopping easier because they have removed those center aisle features, unfotunatly they have GREATLY reduced assortments across many categories. Many customers, although love the extra aisle space, absolutly HATE the reduced assortment. Assortments in some categories have been reduced in half, and sometimes eliminated all together.
What is the solution? Get on line and make your voice heard. WM does read your e-mails and takes action. They need to hear from the customer that the reduction of assortments absoultly SUCKS! If you do not speak your mind, nothing will change and it will only get worse.
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JaycoRickJoan
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02/21/10 07:57am |
Travel Trailers
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RE: Best campground directory or internet site
All great advice. One thing I would add is Google Maps. I love to use the satelite view once I get the address of the campground. If the overhead view is not to obstructed with trees, when yopu refer back to the campground site map, you can get a real good idea of the actual proximity to water front, traffic flow, tightness of sites, etc. An actual satelite view of the campground does not lie. Sometimes site maps from campgrounds tend to embellish a bit.
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JaycoRickJoan
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02/14/10 01:39pm |
Beginning RVing
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RE: Best inexpensive leveling device
I use treated 2"x 10" wood blocks. I carry three boards, the shortest is cut about 6 inches longer than the dual wheels, then the second piece is cut 6 inches longer than that one and the third is 6 inches longer than that. Each board has an angle cut so the tires rollup easier. So when all three boards are stacked the rear of the boards are lined up and the front is stagger stepped to easy driving the tires on.
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JaycoRickJoan
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02/14/10 01:32pm |
Beginning RVing
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RE: Door county,WI campground
We drove thru every campground in Door Cty and Baileys is far ahead of anyone else.
Ditto on Baileys.
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JaycoRickJoan
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02/12/10 07:20pm |
RV Parks, National Parks, State Campgrounds & More
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RE: American Chopper TV Show is finished
Maybe Vinne will get his own show.....nah, he's too nice!
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JaycoRickJoan
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02/12/10 07:18pm |
Around the Campfire
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RE: Need RV Transport recomendation
Thx, but I did, and they were not real helpful. They stated they use thier own private transport company that does not do anything for private individuals. They gave a couple names, but did not give too much other info. I can always count on the RV.net army to come thru with good recommendations.:B
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JaycoRickJoan
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02/11/10 11:06am |
Travel Trailers
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Need RV Transport recomendation
I am looking for an RV transport company and I have found many names on the internet, but I am turning to the "loyal and royal" here on RV.net.
Looking to transport my trailer from Jayco factory (where I had repairs made)in Middlebury, IN to my home in NW Arkansas, about 800 miles. Can you offer up some recommendations of reliable transport that you may have used in the past? I appreciate your recommendations.
Thank you.
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JaycoRickJoan
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02/11/10 09:52am |
Travel Trailers
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RE: TV and Trailer Question
Consider a 3/4 tom diesel. They will last 3x a non diesel truck and as you get into camping, you will want to get a larger camper. You will then have the truck to support it. I have 3/4 ton GMC, but if I had to do itall over again, it would be a Ford.
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JaycoRickJoan
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02/08/10 06:37pm |
Tow Vehicles
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RE: Windshield Wiper Replacement Blades - Best?
OK, I promised Brit an update on the Rain-X Lats, so here goes.
Since I installed them in late August / early September, I have been thru most every kind of weather here in NW Arkansas including downpours, slush, freezing rain, snow, sleet, frost and winter road grime. I have driven from Arkansas to N. Indiana in mid January, I have to say, these are the best blades I have ever had on a vehicle. The Lats have kept up with everything weather has thrown at it.
I am sold on them. Thx Brit.
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JaycoRickJoan
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02/06/10 03:18pm |
Tow Vehicles
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RE: What brand of trailer does not have bunk beds
Pretty much every brand offers bunk models, but also offers non bunks. Everyone who responds will be a bit partial to their own brand. I am not any different. Our model is a 2005 Jayco eagle 322FKS. Nice size master suite, trailer sleeps six, if you want to lower the table and fold out the couch. If not, it sleeps 2. Two slide outs (bedroom and living room / dining room).
We call ours, our "lake home", although we park ours at different lakes on each trip. Could be a good lake home for you too.
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JaycoRickJoan
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02/02/10 07:02pm |
Travel Trailers
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RE: RV Companies Left Standing
When I spoke to him, he said he took a page from Harley Davidson dealerships. He wants to create a place that people come to on a Saturday just because it is a fun place to hang out. Guess who will survive?
Things are not so good at Harley these days either according to ADVFN.
http://www.advfn.com/news_Harley-CEO-Tough-Road-Ahead-Restructure-Working-Amid-Losses_41225486.html
Last Friday Harley reported a loss of $218.7 million, or 94 cents a share, compared with a prior-year profit of $77.8 million, or 34 cents a share. Included in the loss was $167 million in restructuring charges. If the money is not there it don't matter how much you advertise. People might come to hang out but they won't be spending any money if they don't have it.
Not sure about your HD dealership, but every Saturday I drive by my HD dealership, the parking lot is packed. They may not be selling them, but they are gettinbg them in the door.
My point was simple, if you get the people in the door, you stand a better chance to sell them.
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JaycoRickJoan
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01/31/10 08:21pm |
Travel Trailers
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RE: RV.Net Tip to avoid oversteering . . . WHAT?
I think this method works just fine. Then you can have the other hand free to wave at other RV's..whoops, think that brings up a different thread.:B
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JaycoRickJoan
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01/30/10 03:26pm |
General RVing Issues
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RE: RV Companies Left Standing
DW and I just returned from Middlebury, IN where we toured the Jayco factory. I aksed the tour guide how many they employed and what the current status was. He said prior to recession they employ 1800. They laid off 600, then hired back 300, then another 150. He feels they are past the worst of it. I think the loss of some RV manufacturers are combination of quality winning out plus longevity / proper management. Just like any business, you have to make sound, informed decisions, stick to what has made you succesful, and provide strong customer service. This will build a strong foundation for any business.
I learned a long time ago that "when times are good you should advertise, and when times are hard, you MUST advertise". Here is a great example. I spoke with one dealer that was having an open house. He sent a mailer to his exsisting customers, and that is all he did. He could not figure out why he did not have a good turn out. When I was at his open house, the dealership was boring, no seminars, no excitement.:Z
Then another dealer had an open house, and advertised on the radio and TV. His dealership was packed. He held seminars for customers varying from "introduction to RV'ing" to "waste water tank care". When I spoke to him, he said he took a page from Harley Davidson dealerships. He wants to create a place that people come to on a Saturday just because it is a fun place to hang out. Guess who will survive?
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JaycoRickJoan
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01/29/10 01:11pm |
Travel Trailers
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RE: OT - Test drove new TV candidate #1 today...
Bobbyg, I felt the same way. Owned gas trux for many years. This is my first diesel. Maintenance is not that bad. I stick to the maintenance schedules pretty close. The only down side to diesel vs gas is fueling up while traveling. My personal choice is not to use semi truck islands, and try to find a diesel pump amongst the regular pumps. It requires a bit of planning. But the pulling power and the longevity of a diesel motor offsets the inconvienence at the pumps.
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JaycoRickJoan
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01/24/10 07:20pm |
Tow Vehicles
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