I generally give retailers the benefit of the doubt (takes a lot to get a REALLY bad review from me!) but this place is a real "gem!"
Customer Service:
There are a few very good employees here, but a majority act as though I'm interrupting them if I have a question ("Excuse me, where is... Located?" Typical reply "SIGH, it's on THAT aisle (finger point) like it always is" and that exchange happened verbatim). Last 3 visits the same guy was "working" (looking at video games) in Electronics/Movies. We asked him (first 2 times) where something was, he actually replied "Sorry no clue, I don't work in this department, I was just checking for something" the first time. The 2nd, he said, "No idea, not my dept." Now, I don't expect people to know where everything is, but I worked retail for 7 years and would've been FIRED if I handled customers that way! (The 3rd time we didn't bother asking because... we knew his answer already) So here's an idea guy, walk around and help us find it???
That said, there's a 50's-ish gentleman that typically works later nights in grocery and another (same hours) younger guy by cleaning supplies that are GREAT. They stand out because they're the exception. The ladies that work over by cosmetics and medicines at night??? Universally rude! (Guys I get WalMart hasn't been the greatest employer, but that's not MY fault so please save that 'tude for the people you're angry with! NOT me!) Another note about said cosmetics/hair products, evidently we're all assumed to be thieves, so if you need ANYthing from those aisles after 8 or 9:pm, go across the street to Target because they LOCK ACCESS TO THIS DEPT after that time so you canNOT get anything from there though the store is open 2-3 hours later than that!!!
Stock:
This store has the worst out-of-stock issues I've EVER experienced!!! EVERY department! If it's on sale/special, better get there day one or two because it will be out of stock for a week or more! I have 2 small children and shop for diapers, wipes, etc. No joke, these guys miss out on $150+/mo of my money alone due to this issue (size 2, 3 or 5 diapers in Pampers or Luvs - good luck!!! I stopped even trying after FIVE separate visits over 2 months and now I buy at Target or on Amazon).
Checkout:
The cashiers are generally very nice in this store. Which IS impressive because as most reviews note, they generally have mile-long lines because they only keep 2 (Max) open later in the evenings so the ladies that are typically up there are being yelled at due to the aforementioned issues in the store, yet they maintain their cool quite well! But the lines are ridiculous and we've walked out & gone (yet again) to Target across the street and paid a bit more so we could get our toddler & infant out of the store without a 40-min wait in line. (Attn Mgt: Our last trip saw $240 in merchandise & food go back when we gave up and left!!! Now if we see the lines, we just leave without even shopping! This is lost revenue for you guys!!!)
Returns:
I will say the customer service/returns desk has some GREAT employees! They've been very kind and for my baby shower I got a lot of newborn sized items I had to exchange (no receipt) and they were wonderful. But again, nothing in this store is straightforwardly positive... Employees are great BUT they do not staff the CS/Returns desk past 9. So again, I have been told "come back tomorrow" twice. Why advertise store hours of open until 11 or 12 if 30%+ of your store closes at 9????
After all this, you're likely thinking "why has she continued to go?" Good question (one I ask myself EVERYtime I've walked in - on the rare occasion I still do.) The Mc Donald's means my 3year old may eat AND I get shopping done (which sometimes is the only way w/a 3y old! Lol) There are some things they carry that Target does not or in larger quantities and the grocery section is nice. That said, I've found the location in Riverside and now that I know this area better, I will likely switch to that location. Many people dislike all WalMarts, but we had one near us in Irvine that was wonderful. This is truly an issue with this location and the mgt here! read more