In my I-think-I’m-a-couponer-because-I’ve-clipped-a-coupon-and-then-watched-as-it-gets-crumpled-and-expires-in-the-bottom-of-my-purse days, I was a Walmart shopper. And why not? It truly was one-stop shopping. I could walk in for a loaf of bread and walk out with an ottoman, a fishing pole and a $2 copy of Overboard. The problem was/is I dislike everything about Walmart except their prices. Their customer service is awful, their cashiers worse and the store itself makes me crazy. I even hate the lighting. And then I leave with an ottoman, a fishing pole and a $2 copy of Overboard that I have no use for.
But I shopped there all the time because I didn’t know any different. And then I began to coupon. I pulled into Albertson’s parking lot and never looked back. Their stores were cleaner, homey even. Their cashiers were friendlier. Their managers were readily available. And while I have had a few less than perfect experiences there, most of my overall shopping trips are actually enjoyable.
Now I’m sure you’ve heard that Walmart is now accepting Albertsons Twice the Value Coupons. And I’m sure many of you, eager to use 15 in ONE transaction, will be headed that way.
I will not. Period.
Please don’t misunderstand. There is nothing illegal or immoral about it. You will certainly save money by taking advantage of this new policy, and we are obviously all about saving money here. But I would urge you to use caution; to look at the big picture.
Albertsons is bending over backwards to make their stores coupon friendly. As a corporation, they are really trying. And we are so grateful for all the opportunities they give us to save money. A LOT of money. Their profit margin shrinks each time we walk into their stores. But they do make money on us. And they need to continue to make money on us or couponing at Alberstons will be a thing of the past.
So while I will not be venturing back to Walmart anytime soon, I am not asking you to boycott the joint. I am, however, asking that if you choose to use Albertsons doublers at Walmart, you to continue to support Albertsons as well. Let’s not bite the hand that feeds us!
Yea and well said!! Agree with you completely and won’t add a thing. Alb’s you still have my business.
I have always preferred Albertsons. Even when people told me I was crazy to shop there because they were just to expensive. I am all about customer service. Why would I want to bag my own groceries, when they do it so much better? Or haul them out to the car? My days of having to shop with little kids are over
but I remember them, and a store that was willing to think of me the customer over their bottom line will get my business every time.
GO ALBERTSONS!!!!
Ditto! I’d also add about customer service, that Albertsons has the “3 is a crowd” policy and calls another checker if there are 3 or more people in a check out line. The cashiers are also very good at making sure they invite the person who has been standing in line the longest to the new checkout. That doesn’t happen at Walmart – not that I’ve ever seen.
Thank you for saying something about this. Honestly, thats the first thing I thought of when I heard that Wal-Mart was taking doublers. For the most part, Albertsons has been very good to all of us and we should all keep that in mind before we scramble to the store that is trying to put Albertsons and other smaller markets, out of business.
I will not be patronizing Wal-Mart.
Nicely said Megan! I agree 100%. I just hope that all of Albertsons’ shoppers will read this and understand that Walmart is trying to take out all of their competition and they have realized that Albertsons is competition thanks to all of us couponers. I was one of those who went to Walmart for everything. That was over a year ago. I never would have dreamed I would be shopping at Albertsons and saving my family hundreds of dollars too. Thank you Albertsons and thank you Fabulessly Frugal for this post!
So glad you posted this! Honestly, I didn’t even think of it this way! So true!!! Thanks!
Perfect post! I couldn’t agree more! Walmart is always my last resort store!
Thanks for the reminder about what a wonderful store Albertsons is. I don’t shop there as much as I should. Sometimes the creative couponing just gives me a headache.
Amber,
All I can say is Amen. I even refused to post it on my blog because I don’t support the idea at all. I think that Albertson’s is so good to us that we need to return the favor. I wouldn’t trade the customer service that I get at Albertson’s for the few bucks that I might save at Walmart. It is really nice to see others who have the same view as me. Thanks all you Fabuless gals.
I don’t own a Rascal scooter, beat my kids in public (or otherwise) nor do I shop in my pajama’s… so I’ll stick to shopping at Albertson’s… You couldn’t PAY ME to shop at Walmart!
Hey! I shop in my pajamas sometimes!! But I still go to Albertsons in them:)
Perhaps Sophie, but do you sport a mullet while shopping in your pajamas? I didn’t think so.
I concede, I do not have a mullet. And considering my pajamas are usually yoga pants and a t-shirt, it isnt as bad as those on the below mentioned website!!
haha, agreed! If you haven’t ever visited this site, do so now
http://www.peopleofwalmart.com/
Ahhh Sara, I LOVE that site. But I thought it might be a bit too offensive to add it to the post (although I seriously considered it!).
If by offensive, you mean absolutely disgusting, then yes
And click on “Photos”
I check that site every day its like my little prozac/zanex pill….it makes me laugh
You’re making me laugh Mavis!
I’ve seen the “people of walmart” website before and it makes me sick. Really???? Making fun of people because they have less money or are less educated than you are? or how they dress? or if they are overweight? Are we in high school?? As couponers, we pride ourself in using our “good coupon fortune” to share with those less fortuate, but we rip on them behind their back? nice.
Its all fine and dandy if you don’t want to shop at walmart, but making fun of people who do? That I don’t understand.
Oh Jennifer, you misunderstand me. I am not making fun of anyone because they have less money or are less fortunate! I just enjoy a good giggle from a picture of a man who chooses to wear a kilt w/ a tube top while shopping in Walmart. I might have a twisted sense of humor, but that is funny to me, in the same way certain late night show host’s jests are funny to me.
I don’t think I’m too good to shop at Walmart by any means, and I certainly hope that didn’t come across in my post! That was not my intention at all! Because there are many days I head into the grocery store worthy to be featured on People of Walmart myself!
I’m sure you are a nice person and don’t intend to be mean, but the bottom line is that website is making fun of people for whatever reason and those people most likely are less educated and less fortunate than most of us. Its just not nice, kwim?
tell me if you are walking into albertsons and you saw some kid with a 15″ spiked mohawk that was green wearing a dress with his underwear around his ankles and pepsi cans in his ear holes you would not look/stare/giggle/ or at least say what the?? I laugh, laugh all the time, if you cant find humor with yourself and others then you are waaaaay to serious, seriously:-) I would laugh weather they were poor or ritch, black or white, male or female, and weather they were walking into walmart or Gap…..laugh on Amber!!
megan there is a big difference between laughing at yourself and laughing at the expense of others. Do you teach your kids to “look/stare/giggle/ or at least say what the??” when they see someone that looks way different? I hope not.
No, I don’t take myself too seriously, but I take kindness way seriously.
Totally agree, its wrong. If someone took a pic of me, or any one of my family or friends to laughed at it would be really upsetting. We dont know what any of these people’s situations are.
I totally agree. I have never known a name of a cashier over at Walmart. I saw the manager but never spoke directly to him. This was in my days before couponing.
Shopping at Albertsons is refreshing. They have the same 3-4 cashiers that work the am shift when I shop. They usually have 2 grocery managers and the personal care items manager in the store when I shop. And I have had many conversations with each of them. they may not all know my name, but they know my face and have always done their best to answer any question I had.
As a result, I have a loyalty to them. That doesn’t mean I won’t chase the cheapest deals elsewhere. But it does mean that I won’t use their double coupons over at Walmart. Its a respect thing for me. They do their best for me, I’ll do my best for them.
Ditto!
I fully agree! I never shopped at Albertson’s before I used coupons because of the prices. But after shopping there for a while and getting customer service, even if I need to grab something real quick I would much rather support Albertson’s than WalMart.
I totally agree!!!
I for one can’t stand Wal-mart and only go there if I can’t get it at Albertsons or Walgreens. I totally agree with you and must add… If people just take the doublers to Wal-mart they might save money in the short run, but if people quit taking the doublers to Albertsons, Albertsons will quit giving us doubles and evil Wal-mart will win. You will no longer save money at either store and they will get back the business Albertsons has worked so hard to win. Albertsons prices are lower, they are friendlier, they generally have shorter lines, shorter waits and are more helpful. Albertsons deserves our business because they have worked for it. Don’t be a sell out, you’ll lose in the end.
)
The best part of couponing for me is not shoping at Wal-mart I really don’t like it there. Once I started couponing I couldn’t believe how high Wal-marts prices are don’t be fooled, they were only cheap the first 6 mo they were in your town then they raised the heck out of their prices. They under cut the little guy just long enough to get rid of them then they make you pay for it in much higher prices once the competitions gone.
So count me in, I’m a true Albertsons fan- no evil Wal-mart for me. (at least not for my groceries
WalMart is my favorite store to HATE, for all the reasons listed above. I was so fustrated with them one Christmas over their Ship to Store process that I wrote their corporate office to complain, I even went as far to give employee names and a copy of the receipt so the could pin point the exact employee that was in need of customer service training. I shop at Fred Meyer, for as much as I do like Albertsons, I get sticker shock everytime I walk in that store. I am in a unique position, I worked next to a WalMart, when driving home I pass by both Fred Meyer and Albertsons (they are kitty-corner from each other), so I really can choose where I shop.
I went to Walmart just yesterday to pick up a few random things and thought to myself how I hadn’t been there in ages. It is nice to know that there are other close options for things that can’t easily be found at Albertsons but I am loyal to Albertsons all the way on the majoirty of things. They are minutes from my house, the customer service is awesome and the store always feels clean and organized. Plus there is no temptation to reach for things I don’t need. Another added benefit is the gas rewards that add up quite quickly saving me there.
Another thought that I just had. If people do use “Albertsons Doublers” at Walmart Albertsons is going to quit printing the doublers. Don’t do it people. Bad…bad idea!! Please don’t take your doublers to Walmart. If they want to print their own out then fine let them, but Albertsons spends a lot of money printing those coupons out for us. I’m afraid already that by Walmart doing this Albertsons is no longer going to give them to us.
Ditto! That was my first thought as well when I read that evil Walmart was taking Albie’s doublers
I completely agree I’m glad somebody is saying something about us! Thank you.
that must be part of the reason why albertsons does not carry the double coupons at teh customer service counter anymore. i was very sad when i was told i could not get any extras the last time we had doubles
Amen. I have had nothing but great experiences with the customer service at Albertsons. I actually look forward to shopping there each week. I DREAD going to Walmart. Thanks for posting this!
I adamantely REFUSE to shop at Walmart any longer. Besides their terrible customer service, poor quality merchandise, and prices that aren’t much lower (if at all) than Winco, they are a HORRIBLE, UNETHICAL, and BULLYING company. I would rather spend twice the price for decent meat at Fred Meyer and drive twice the distance to Albertsons than give this company one more dime!
Honestly, I’m excited that Walmart is taking doublers. Why? Because nothing is more frustrating than to go to Albertsons to use your fistfull of doublers and everything is wiped out! There are soooo many couponers out there now that its frustrating to take the time to load up a kid or two only to be disappointed when you get to the store. Now that Walmart is taking doublers, I can take advantage of their every day low price AND double it. The only thing worth doubling at Albertsons is whatever is on sale which isn’t much.
Don’t get me wrong. I LOVE my Albertsons and will continue to go there. But I’ve never been a Walmart hater. I can look past all their imperfections in order to save money. Isn’t that what couponing is REALLY about. Saving money and getting your groceries for the CHEAPEST price possible!? I’m not “too good” to shop there even when I honestly don’t even “need” to coupon at all.
Thankfully MY Albertsons is right across from MY walmart. If I can’t use up my doublers there, I’ll happily drive across the street and use the rest up at Walmart. I can happily shop at both stores. Competition is a good thing because in the end the consumers usually win.
I agree! I always get to Albertson’s just a little later than everything else so everything I wanted to get is gone. I’ll always start with Albertson’s, but if need be I’m going to Walmart to get the use of my doublers. I’ve always sort of enjoyed shopping at Walmart. Sure it is hectic and has longer lines than should be allowed, but when I moved away to college in a town that didn’t have Walmart I went crazy. Whenever I’d come home my mom and I always made a special trip to Walmart just because!
“just a little later than everyONE”
Totally Agree!!
I agree with you!! I love my Albertsons however I will go to any store to save money for my family. I have not had the best experience at Walmart and I’ve had problems with some Albertson cashiers too. If Albertsons decides to stop the doublers then I will no longer do the majority of my shopping there. I share my hard earned money with all of the stores in my area and I will continue to do that. Its all about competition and Walmart has now made it interesting. On another local blog a women spent $220 and she walked out paying $22 at Walmart. She stated in her comment that Walmart has a new coupon policy and the cashier struggled with the double coupons but in the end it all worked out. She was thrilled about saving all that money and I would feel the same way! Also some of the comments about Walmart shoppers are not kind and I have always told my children and grandchildren to speak kindly of others and to not be a snob.
I agree with all the ladies above! I will shop where I am going to save money. If I can go use my doublers at Walmart because Albertsons is out than I will go where they can keep the shelves stocked! I also don’t consider myself above others, and think that I am to good to shop at Walmart. All companies have their good and there bad. Albertsons has there bottom line just as Walmart does and its to make millions! Do we not all remember how Albertsons ripped us off for years. I remember in the early 90′s paying almost $200 for a weeks worth of groceries. Lets remember this is America and we have plenty of choices, they want to compete for our business, its the American way! I’m pretty sure if it was just Albertsons like it was for years they would still be ripping us off! But they have competition now so like everyone else in business they have to have some sort of gimmick to get us in the door. Thats what Albertsons has going for it, gimmicks. And if they keep it up I will continue to shop there. Enough said!
To all the above; Say goodbye to the “twice the value” coupons from Albertsons ( I might ad) if you start using them at Walmart. Why would Albertsons spend their money for printing them if you are going to take them to Walmart? Just a question.
They could go away anyways, whether we take our business to Walmart or not. I will always choose Albertsons over Walmart because Walmart doesn’t have Catalinas. I can’t depend on a store to help me out, they can snatch it away whenever they feel the need to. Again its their bottom line not ours. The only reason Albertsons has doublers is because they NEED our business, and if they keep it up I’ll keep shopping there.
I find if you walk into Walmart expecting the experience to be pretty horrid with their lack of customer service and crap associates then you are not to upset if it turns out to be that way. You know it sucks so you are not disappointed when it does!
Just yesterday, 4-2-11, I went to Albies but everything was wiped out on their shelves of the things I wanted to double so I went over to Wally World and they had the items on their shelves BUT…………. when I got to the register they would not let me use my doublers. I told them I read on this blog that I could use the Albertson’s doublers at Walmart but the lady over my cashier was very snooty and wouldn’t let me do it. My cashier was very nice. I didn’t buy the items. This was the Walmart in Idaho Falls, ID on Hitt Road. How do I find out who was wrong. Has anyone had this problem with this particular store??? Thanks for your help………it was quite frustrating!!
I haven’t read enough to know if it’s a corporate policy to accept them or at local store discretion. If it IS corporate, put their number on your phone, give them a call and clear it up. When you get to Walmart and the front end sup gives you grief, call the number and then give it to the supervisor. I’d also follow up with a complaint (to corporate, with a cc: to the local store and regional managers) naming the rude person and giving details.
It’s not about being mean or ugly, it’s ensuring that the store has their policy straight. Walmart’s new emphasis is a RETURN to customer service so I’m quite certain they would take your complaint seriously. Do it by old-fashioned LETTER, too, not email. Those seem to matter more!
I printed the coupon policy of all the stores I go to and keep them in the front of my binder. When the cashier refused to take a coupon and the supervisor refused to take the coupon I whipped out the corporate policy and pointed out that the coupon conformed to Wal Mart’s corporate policy. They took the coupon. It wasn’t a doubler – it was a b1g1.
I’ll have to check Wal-Mart’s website as I had not heard anywhere else that Wally World accepted the doublers.
I’m in the grocery store to get the items my family needs at the cheapest price possible. Not to make friends or enjoy the ambiance. If Wal-Mart has the same product for a lot cheaper than Albertsons then Wal-Mart wins my business. In Lewiston, ID I haven’t noticed an appreciable difference in customer service between Albertsons and Wal-Mart. If there is any differece at all Albertsons would lose because of the snooty girl who rolls her eyes and makes comments under her breath to her co-workers when she sees a coupon binder in the cart.
Yup, totally agree! Walmart gives me anxiety, I feel depressed when I go there and can’t wait to leave! Plus, like everyone else said, it will only cause Albertsons to stop issuing doublers, why would they want to give business to Walmart? They have to pay to print those ads and then have them used at another establishment? Nope, not gonna happen. So hopefully people will realize this … or else bye bye doublers.
I agree…Walmart is depressing and every time I go there it feels like they sucked the life out of me!! LOL
Either way, Walmart can’t match a lot of the actual deals because they don’t have catalina machines. On rolling cat deals, or just cat deals period, there’s no comparison.
I went to Walmart yesterday to find out the real deal on this and there was a huge sign when I walked in that said they will match ANY coupon. Then on the bottom, it said some restrictions apply. I went and asked about Target web coupons, which the cashier and a manager told me they still won’t accept. From that, it is clear that this new policy is truly targeted at Albies doubles. If you’re going to take Albies doubles, why not Target coupons? Clearly a one track objective against, as you said, “the hand that feeds us.”
Mavis, I sure hope I never run into you at Albertsons because I will probably be shopping in pajama pants. I LOVE pajama pants. My freshman college roommate got me hooked and I still do it. And I try to shop early in the morning before my hubs leaves for work or later at night after my kids are in bed so I can think straight while I shop, so chances are…
AJ, you & Sophie should have an Albies PJ party!
I’ve never been to Albertsons (or Walmart for that matter) in my pajamas, but I do go almost daily after I workout. So I’m in smelly gym clothes, which I’m pretty sure is worse!!
Wow! Good point with the Target coupons AJ !
Oh and Amber you may be one of the only fab five that don’t shop in pjs. Cathy and I have done it late at night at Albs before. Not often, but we have. You should try it sometime
By ANY coupon, they mean ANY coupon that isn’t a specific store coupon. So no on the target web coupons because its specific to target but they will take albys doublers (with no limit per transaction) AND catalinas.
But aren’t Albertsons doubles a specific store coupon? I dont get that.
the other night I went to walmart to see if they had the soap that you can get for free with the coupon that is expiring and I had a target web coupon that my cashier let me use. The night manager (I never go at night cause it is too busy but I had to this night) Was the nicest manager I have ever worked with. She was so coupon savy! I need to find out her schedule and always go when she is there. And I do like shopping at albertsons the best but I hate to say it there are some very grumpy cashiers there–at the store I shop at—So I won’t tell you the location but it would be nice to go in and have them be nicer. I go in the morning usually so i know they are not having a bad day yet.
Thank you, Thank you, Thank you! I own a small local business and am truly frustrated when I see large corporations taking over our community. We will never see the customer service and true appreciation that our smaller business’s have. I was an avid Winco shopper mainly because of this. I own a small business and we purchase almost all of our groceries from them. I wish they were more coupon friendly.
I have not shopped at Walmart for over 3 years and there is absolutely NOTHING that will get me back in that store. I despise it. Since I started couponing, my Albertsons has been my favorite place to shop. I drive 1/2 hour to get there and do it happily. Please don’t use your doubles at Walmart. Why would you want to be treated badly to save a few dollars? Is it really worth it?
Thank you sooo much for this post! I wanted to say something the other day when I heard that evil Walmart was taking Albie’s doublers, but didn’t quite know how to verbalize my frustrations. Your post is perfect!
I felt the same way (I’ll still be shopping at Albertsons) when I heard the news. But I’m dissappointed to read all these comments bashing Walmart. After all, as couponers we are all about getting great prices, and that’s what Walmart does for us. It’s nice to know you can go and get diapers, apples, shampoo, and a t-shirt all in one place and know you’re getting a low price on everything. Walmart has save my family so much money over the years (before I discovered couponing) and has allowed me to stay home with my children just from the money we’ve saved on groceries. As far as customer service, I have had some really friendly cashiers at Walmart and some not so friendly at Albertsons, and vice versa. And I’ll be the first to say I’ve had a good laugh at the people of walmart website. That said, when we go into Walmart, we see our community, the fortunate and those less fortunate. They are people too and I’m sure just as happy as us to have Walmart to help them save money for their family. So instead of bashing Walmart, we should just be thankful they are there to provide low cost items for all members of society, and just shop where you want to shop without casting judgment!
AMEN!!
Perhaps the poor members of the community wouldn’t be so poor if Walmart paid their employees more, and didn’t strong arm good, decent companies into selling their products to them for less (for example: Rubbermaid, Coca Cola, etc.), which in turn forces them to pay THEIR employees less too.
And Walmart is NOT the cheapest place to shop. They lure you in with that thinking, but if anyone paid attention they’d realize that Walmarts prices are comparable to most other stores. Sure, you can buy a vaccum for less than $100 here, but considering that it’s built cheaply (yeah, even the name brand ones. They build them badly specifically for Walmart), they will break down in the half the time.
The problem here is American’s way of thinking–that they just can’t WAIT to buy something; saving money to buy a quality item is just too difficult so they rush to Walmart where yes, they can get that instant gratification.
The repercussions are numerous, though, as Walmart has infected every corner of the economy. This store makes me sick. Is saving pennies worth the damage they’ve caused this country????
I don’t care if Walmart was handing out free bags of groceries and hundred dollar bills. I’ll never go near this place again.
That is what America is all about…capitalism. And it’s not just Walmart. All retail is the same-low pay and bad hours. People use Walmart as an excuse to blame all the problems of the economy. And to insinuate that people that shop at Walmart can’t save money andshop at Walmart because they just need to spend is absolutely absurd. People shop at Walmart because they value their hard earned money and Walmart allows them to SAVE more. Why must you cast judgement on those you do not know? It’s easy to say what you think someone else should do when you haven’t walked a mile in their shoes!
And lets not forget all that walmart gives back to the community. http://walmartstores.com/pressroom/FactSheets/#CharitableGiving
I have been a mile in those shoes–I keep them under my bed now that I’m fairly smarter and slightly better off.
Capitalism is NOT a good thing. I know, I know–that’s what “Built America”. But that’s not true. It’s a convenient and popular myth that is spread throughout the school system that warps the minds of our youth and creates brainwashed adults that keep the system going. If you’d like, I could suggest a book or two that might help you…
And all retail DOES NOT pay low and offer bad hours. One has to look no further than Fred Meyer or Winco to see that.
That’s not true. Last year my husband was looking for a second job. My husband is a journeyman meat cutter and they make around 15-17 bucks an hour. They wanted to start him off at 7.50 an hour! He stated I’m a journeyman meat cutter and they said well that’s what we pay. Needless to say he told them they could keep their job.
I worked for Fred Meyer. They would force their employees to clock out exactly enough minutes short to NOT qualify for benefits. They also paid crap wages that were well below the other grocery store in town – Safeway. The managers also ripped us if we dared to use WIC coupons or food stamps in their store because it made them look bad that their employees qualified for public assistance. Bad for their image.
I knew people who worked for Wal-Mart and they have some great programs for employees who are students, etc. The people who had those jobs didn’t seem interested in going to work for other companies even though there were plenty of job opportunities back then.
I think Wal-Mart gets a bad rap simply because it’s fashionable to hate Wal-Mart lately. Much like McDonalds. It’s chic to hate them. The whole anti-capitalist hippie thing.
I check a list of staple items in every store I go into and Wal-Mart is much cheaper than Albertsons. Albertsons plays mind games to make you think you’re saving a ton of money with their card by jacking up the shelf price then giving you a special price if you have their card. That price is usually within a few cents of Wal-marts regular shelf price. Then they proudly circle all the money you “saved”. That is a turn off to me. Spare me the mind game … I”m too old and cynical to buy your BS.
Well said!
All I can say is AMEN, sister!
Since starting serious couponing about 7 months ago, honestly my most frustrating coupon experiences have been at Albertsons, including this week with the Doublers. I won’t go back. Our Albertsons does not have good customer service, the store is dingy and not clean and it is almost like they read these coupon blogs and change prices if someone is going to get a “free item”. Every item mentioned for good doubling this week was different when I got there. They would not take a manufacturer’s coupon as it was printed from Target’s site, and the list goes on. I get five Sunday papers and have yet to be able to use more than a few doublers as even with a double coupon, I can get a better deal somewhere else. Also so time consuming to buy 3 items, take them to your car, come back, start over, etc. That is our Albertson’s policy. I always get to my car and was overcharged for something or not given the Catalina, etc.
I live more than 40 miles from any major grocery store chain and so I don’t have the luxury of going from store to store for small purchases with coupons only like many do. I SO wish that I did. So for me, Walmart is a time saver. I can take all coupons from all the stores and do one-stop shopping. Yes, they have issues. Yes, I avoid certain checkers just like any store I go to, but overall I get the best deals and save the most money and for me that is what it has to come down to. It remains to be seen whether in our small area if Walmart really will take Doublers, in those rare events that we even get doublers, but my decision to avoid Albertson’s was made before this announcement and I plan to stick with it. If I ever move or something, I would certainly give a different Albertson’s a shot…but done with this local one.
Kelly,
I’m so sorry to hear that! Sometimes I forget just how lucky we are to not only be surrounded by such great Albies, but also by sooo many stores. If we ever have a bad experience at one Albies, all we have to do is drive a few miles down the road to another. Thanks for reminding us how good we have it & to not take that for granted!
Also, have you voiced your frustrations with your store to management and corporate? Might not help, but worth a shot!
I must say I love Albertsons. I only buy Albertsons meat they can cut it chop it or dice it any way I want. Also they have a real meat guy who knows his meat if I am not sure of what steak is tender. Walmarts meat comes in frozen and the guy who wears the white coat knows nothing.
I feel like it’s another step Walmart has taken in their quest for world domination. Call me paranoid, but Walmart won’t have to worry about taking coupons after they put every home town store out of business. 20 years ago we had to drive to Ontario just for the privilege of shopping at Walmart. Now, there are three in the Nampa area alone.
Hearing this and reading all the buzz about it, I have been led to wonder what WalMart’s motivation is in changing it’s policy to accept Albie’s 2x’s…. I wonder if they were starting to feel a pinch, and this is an effort to win back those of us who *used* to buy most/all of our groceries there, but who haven’t set foot in a WalMart in eons. I do NOT think this is a customer service “helpful” thing.
I read a while back that WalMart was specifically targeting toy stores and put KBToys out of business, and next in line would be ToysRUs. Why wouldn’t they try to be doing the same thing with grocery chains?
Completely boycotting WalMart might be a bit over the top, but corporate motives are important to me in choosing where I shop. Albertson’s is still a winner in this regard.
If they were taking all other coupons, okay. But they’re not. It’s clearly not about customer service. And the sign in the one I went to yesterday said something about “Pay for it all at Once,” above the now taking ALL coupons part of the sign. They obviously know at Albies we pay in multiple transactions and are now accepting doubles.
It’s clearly a campaign against Albertsons. Period.
Thanks for this post. A good reminder.
i’m really frustated with all the bashing on walmart. i have shopped walmart for YEARS and for the most part always had good service. Yes, they are A LOT cheaper than albys and fred meyers (without couponing) but even after couponing for a year now, i still shop at walmart. Walmart is good to there employees, my husband is the AP there. He has more flexibility and benefits than any other professional job hes ever had, (and way more fun too!).
I think Walmart taking the doublers is a great thing. They have seen a drop in customers and is trying to make that better. I will still shop at Albys, but honestly i will probably take more of my doublers to walmart because it will save me 30+mins to not have to do 20 transactions, i won’t have to wake up early to beat the rush either. My time is worth money too! I’ve had WONDERFUL customer service experiences at walmart, and i’ve had TERRIBLE customer service experience at Albys (also vis-versa) .
I’m kind of offended that people are making judgements that you only go to walmart if you are white-trash. I’ve seen seen way more “normal”, WEALTHY people shop there than anything else.
I think Walmart is really trying, even giving their employees “coupon classes” and that this move will greatly benefit them without affecting Albertsons.
Hi Brittaney,
Do you know why they’re not taking Target Web coupons in their new policy? That’s what I don’t understand and makes me think they’re just trying to put Albies out of business.
I do not know about Target web coupons, but they have always taken the Target ones that are manufacturer’s coupons and Albertsons will not. I have never had trouble using Fred Meyer coupon (which they say is just a store price match) and then using a manufacturer’s coupon on top of it for even better savings.
As long as it says manufacturer coupon on it, they will take it. the only actual store coupons they’ll accept is doublers and catalinas. they’ll price match anything else though!
My Walmart won’t take Albertson’s doublers. It is in Idaho Falls, ID, on Hitt Road. I called just a few minutes ago and the RUDE lady in customer service said they NEVER have and NEVER will………………..can anybody in Idaho Falls reply and let me know if they have had the same experience…………just trying to figure it out. I only go to Walmart if all the shelves are cleared in Albertsons. Thanks for your help…….
Holly, I have bad experiences at the Hitt Rd location frequently, so I’m not surprised that you experienced rudeness as well (It was at this store where the cashier said “Thank you….for raising prices” to me after I redeemed coupons with her). The location on Utah (across town) is much friendlier and I like their layout more, so if I have to go to Walmart, I’ll make the drive. I did get communication from the store manager of the Hitt Rd location that more training will take place, so maybe things will improve. The Albertson’s just down the street is filled with helpful, friendly employees, though. I have yet to leave there feeling less than pleased with my shopping experience in that store. I haven’t checked on using doublers at the Walmart location because I much prefer Albies for the pleasant, hometown store feel as well as the doubler savings.
Well said!
I am very loyal to Albertsons I appreciate your opinion as well.Go on ahead and use your Albertsons doubles at Walmart and see how long it takes Albertsons to pull the whole thing from the ads they do it for more sales and business. If its just a customer service thing why do we need to use Albertsons doubles at Walmart ? How come Walmart wont make a ad with Walmarts very own doubles? And dont tell me Walmart takes care of its employees I will straight up call you on that….Go ahead and do your own research google Walmart and Public Assistance. Despite Walmarts profits they actually burden us taxpayers by not providing affordable insurance..Look it up yourself ..pay the employees a low wage no benefits and you can get the cheap food?
Let’s start of with this: I really do not care for Walmart. HOWEVER, last I checked, there were minimum wage requirements in the United States that even Walmart has to honor. Walmart does offer it’s employees benefits as well as there are laws that require companies of their size to give those benefits to their employees. You could say all of these same things about any of the fast food restaurants but I will bet that we would never boycott all of those! In many states if you receive tips your hourly wages are cut to nearly half of the minimum wage and many of those people would love to work for Walmart!
Also, to say this is aimed specifically at Albertson’s is untrue and slanderous when Albertson’s only has stores in 16 states in the U.S. Walmart has stores in every state, DC, Guam, Palau, the Virgin Islands, Puerto Rico, Northern Mariana Islands and American Samoa. They are also the parent company to the Walmart like stores in many other countries. Walmart has many kinds of coupons it will not take, If Albertson’s has such an issue with this why do they not just word their coupons so they are not acceptable to Walmart? They could also take other stores coupons to get to a larger consumer base.
I AGREE! Your post hits the mark exactly. I Love my local Albertsons. In my two year couponing experience, they have been the store that gives me (the honest couponer) the least hassle. I get no eye rolling, no rude comments, no huffing and puffing, just great customer service and treated like a human being. Sure, I have been disappointed from time to time when stock for that super cheap deal is low or completely gone, but that is the way the dice rolls another great deal is just around the corner. Patience is a key virtue to an avid couponer. I don’t think Walmart is even worth my time to complain about. Just let me say…Will the Walmart cashiers even be able to figure out how to double a coupon?? or is the concept beyond their abilities? I will be honest, I do shop at Walmart from time to time and will continue to, but my visits are far and few between.
Is the concept beyond their abilities? Wow! After reading some of these comments from Albertson’s shoppers, I think I may stay away for that place from now on.
I agree. I have not had huffing, puffing, eye rolling etc. at Walmart. I am careful about which cashiers I go to , but I am that way at any store. I try to get the most experienced checker possible.
From a woman that has a son with learning disabilities, that comment was uncalled for! Rude! Maybe being polite and kind is beyond your abilities!
It’s not really rude–it’s being honest about how she feels. Considering that Walmart aims to hire the undereducated and disabled (and considering my experience with them as well), I’d say it’s a valid question.
I agree. I don’t think she said it in a rude manner or trying to be rude…it was a valid question.
Everyone is entitled to there own opinion, I get that……So here’s mine, everyone who is willing to work should have the opportunity to work, whether they are “slow” or “uneducated”. Whatever it might be, people just want to be treated with respect and kindness regardless of there abilities. Its okay though, I’m sure they are used to the snickers and the whispers while they check people out because they aren’t going as fast as the “normal, educated people”. Maybe we should just round up all the non-perfect people and put them in concentration camps because they are not worthy of anything and are wastes of space. Probably being dramatic but I can’t tolerate what I PRESUME to be intolerance! Geez I need to get off this site! Wasted enough of my lunch break! But this topic hit a nerve with me!
Drea–I totally agree. I feel like the people commenting here are giving couponers a bad name. It seems as though we need a certain social status to shop or work at certain stores. Lets give everyone a fair chance to live a good life–no matter what ABILITIES they have!
As being a Walmart cashier n for my fellower walmart workers I say we dont need customers like you to come to walmart stay shopping at any other store than walmart. I hate customers like you, thinking your better then people that work at walmart.Thats why Walmart cashiers are rolling eyes n all the above we have to put up with people like you. So do us a favor and stay out of Walmart we will have a better day!
I don’t shop at Walmart for political reasons. I will continue to spend my hard earned money elsewhere…. Thanks for the reminder!
Of course the Walmart employees will be able to figure out how to double the coupons. I had some left over and tried it. It worked fine. My husband was laid off from his sales job last year, and if it were not for his part-time Walmart job we would be in really bad shape right now. I have never had a really bad experience in Walmart. They may not have the customer service of Albertsons, but they do try, and often will go out of their way to help. I have always shopped at Walmart, although I spend much less there since I started couponing.
I agree that since Albertsons has been good to couponers and they print the ads it is best to use our doublers there first, but I often have some I can’t use because all the good deals are gone. I may continue to use those at Walmart in the future.
Frankly, the attitude towards Walmart customers and employees in some of the posts above is distressing and reflects very poorly on those who posted those comments.
I have no problem with the competency of Walmart employees. I just don’t believe Walmart has employees’ needs or the needs of our community at heart.
Did your husband choose part time work at Walmart, or was that what he was offered. I have heard from friends who work at Walmart that their schedules are arranged to where they put in as many hours as possible, but not enough to be considered full time. That alleviates the need to pay a Walmart employee benefits. My best friend was hired by Walmart as a Pharmacist, and she was required to be employed full time for 12 months before she could obtain health insurance. She ended up going to work for another grocery store pharmacy before her 12 month wait period was over, for immediate benefits.
Not to mention….if you pay close attention, the Walmart on Garrity Avenue has prices that are slightly higher than the Walmart on 12th Avenue. Why? Because there is only one store in that area of Nampa. Why do you think the Greenhurst Albertson’s gas prices went up comparable with Chevron? Because they have no competition on the corner of 12th and Greenhurst. People will buy that gas no matter what they charge. A checker at that Albertsons told me that the gas station supports that store.
If this Walmart coupon debacle takes more business from Albertsons, causing them to shut down, there’s no doubt in my mind that Walmart’s amazing coupon policy will end and prices will go up at that store.
Fred Meyer does exactly the same thing with employee hours to make sure they do not qualify for benefits. I worked there for a couple of years.
I haven’t shopped at Walmart in six years. And to be honest I thought about trying it when I heard about the new doubler policy. Then after some contemplation I realized they were just doing exactly what this post is about. They are trying to put the hurt on Albertson’s. Once again, the all mighty dollar is at stake so Walmart is grasping. If they wanted to double coupons out of the goodness of their blackened corporate hearts, they would do it automatically or bear the expense of printing the doublers themselves.
And they don’t treat their employees well, at all. Why else would they all be so nasty? I worked there years ago and am still getting legal notifications from pending lawsuits from the years of my employment. Do you think employees or the community is going to see any of this extra revenue? Absolutely not, just managers and stock holders. FYI, 7 or the 20 richest people in the world are Waltons…do you think they hold this status by being generous and philanthropic?
Saving money is the name of the coupon game. However when money becomes more important than ethics, how much are we really spending? In a struggling business environment, Albertson’s still chose to launch the Twice the Value concept, and have carried the expense. They have been loyal to us, they deserve that loyalty in return.
I LOVE THIS! My father works for Albertson’s and I don’t want his job to go anywhere. Albertson’s is a great store to shop at and they have really blessed my family. I’m glad that so many are loyal to them.
On Tuesday I went into my normal albertsons to finish up some more doublers and when I asked for doublers the managere told me that there were no more, he said we have had so many people come to get them and then go over to walmart to use them we have been dead. I felt bad because I had used some of mine from the paper over at Walmart (I was 30 minutes in the check out)
Anyway he said they were probably going to have the checkers keep them so they never even touch the customers hands, I actually like this idea! No more standing in line at customer service when all you want is a sheet of doublers.
I think Walmart could print their own doublers, or have a doubling event without having Albertsons go through the expense of printing them and then just use theirs, that doesn’t seem quite right.
The checker I used on Tuesday at my Albertsons is a couponer and has worked for Albertsons for over 30 years, she will always say when she knows of a good deal I missed or something, I just have a lot of respect for the checkers I use and agree lets not forget about Albertsons.
Without Albertsons my house would not be stocked, I would be very sad if there were no Albertsons!!!!
OH BOY….where to begin with this one. Lol. Ok, so here are a few key things I’d like to say…
1.) This could be trouble. I REALLY hope people will realize the damage they will do by taking the doublers to Walmart. You can try to justify it to yourself by saying that Albies is out of what you want and therefore it’s “easier” to just go to Walmart, but you have to look at the long run. And what you WON’T see in the long run are double coupons PERIOD if people don’t act responsibly. It is just
2.) In response to the person who wondered if Walmart was feeling the “pinch” and if that is why they decided to do this …YES! They just released that Walmart profits are down for the fourth quarter in a row by 1% or more. 1% seems like a small amount, but when you consider how huge their profits are, that 1% HURTS! Personally, I am GLAD they are feeling this pinch. It’s about time. I am so glad that we are able to help our local stores give Walmart a run for their money (pun intended).
3.) Customer Service. Their is a difference between having a friendly cashier at Walmart and believing you are getting great customer service. Customer service is SOOO much more than just the face you see and talk to at the register. As a few said before, it’s about actually being able to get to know the cashiers as well as the managers and having them know YOU (even if only by face and not name). It is about how clean the store is. It is about how large the aisles are and how the lighting is. It is about hassle-free returns. it is about a manager doing whatever they have to to make your problem right. It is about calling your store and getting straight through to the person/department you want to speak to in a matter of seconds instead of having to go through an automated system and waste precious minutes out of your day/life on “hold.” It is about never having to wait in a line that is 7 (or more) people long because as soon as there are three people in each open lane, they will call another available cashier to come immediately and if they need yet another, another will come. It is about (this is a true story that happened to me) a manager seeing that it is pouring rain outside and walking a person to their car while holding an umbrella over that person’s head and helping them unload groceries, asking if he can help you with anything else, and then going on to help another person to their car and doing this over and over and over all without so much as a jacket on and never being asked. It is about SOOOO many things. Don’t fool yourself into thinking you get “great customer service” at Walmart just because you get a cashier that is friendly. You’re really not.
4.) When I first started couponing I had the mentality that Albertson’s was so much more expensive and therefore I would shop there for the great weekly deals, but would still do all of my other grocery shopping at Walmart (would go there for milk, bread, eggs, etc) but it wasn’t long before I realized that that was SOOOOO SILLY! Yes, this “game” is all about saving the most money possible for our families, but there IS a cost of taking your business to Walmart to save a few more pennies. The cost is in that Albertson’s (and other smaller businesses) will continue to go under and disappear. Eventually Walmart will “take over the [consumer] world” and then we will be forced to pay the prices that Walmart demands. We won’t have any other options. They will have the upper hand and we will be at their mercy. (sounds pretty drastic, eh? But it’s TRUE!) If the other stores seize to exist, there will be no more need for “competitive pricing” on Walmart’s part. So you really won’t be saving your family more money in the end. In fact, you will be doing your part to RAISE prices for everyone, including yourself. For me, I will GLADLY pay $.20 more for my bread each week, $.21 more for my milk each week, and $.50 more for my eggs each week (etc, you get the idea) in order to give my business to Albertsons. I can feel good about it. Especially since in that same trip that I spend a little more to buy my non-sale items for the week, I probably managed to get most everything else for FREE or close to it. Don’t be so “cheap” people that you don’t see the true damage you are doing and don’t forget that it’s because of Albies (and other smaller grocery stores) that couponing is so successful.
5.) DITTO TO “dsperin” above’s comment about the instant gratification. Well said!
6.) Lastly, I will get down from my high horse and say that believe it or not, I am not a Walmart hater. I still shop there. I will continue to shop there. Personally there are a few Great Value items that I actually PREFER over name brand (such as the macaroni & cheese and their Garlic cheese toast, YUM). I also like that I can purchase items online and have them shipped to their store for free. I like that I can take my kids to “play” in the toys section to distract them for a while if need be (or can send them to that section with the hubby while I shop.
. I also like that no matter what I need, I can almost always find it there and that the price will be within my budget. I also like that it’s literally one minute from my house, while Albies is10, when I need just an item or two.
HOWEVER…all of that said. Albertson’s DESERVES your patronage. They DESERVE your loyalty. They DESERVE the modest profit they make. They are a GREAT company and they DESERVE our money. They work hard to cater to us and do it with a smile on their face. I heart Albertson’s and pray that they are around for many many many many many many many years to come….:)
Ok. I’m done now.
haha!
I live in Idaho and I have to say that the Albertson family has been one of the largest supporters in this economy with more than just the jobs in their stores. They are one of the largest charity contributors in our area!
I too am offended about the “white trash”-type comments, it’s snooty. I don’t see myself as being “too good” or above shopping among others just because we enjoy a high income. I’m happy there are choices for us to take advantage of, I doubt that Albertsons would fold under all because of the double coupons. How much money can they possibly make when using those when they pretty much wipe out their profits on the items you buy?
I love couponing at Albertsons but will NOT shop for everything I need there. I shop the sales, take advantage of great prices on meat and produce, and of course I save money using coupons, taking advantage of sales and catalinas. Albertsons non-sale prices are OUTRAGEOUS and my frugal side cannot justify it even though I can afford it. I will continue to shop for the other things I need at whatever store can offer the best deal. If I shopped for all I needed at Albertsons I would not save much money.
Poor customer service is everywhere. Albertsons employees can be very rude and many are NOT fans of couponers or “hoarders” as one Albertsons employee called us when I was inquiring if they were completely out of an on-sale item.
I understand the political/business reasons and I think they are valid concerns. Another real concern is there are many people who live in our country who cannot afford to put food on their table even taking advantage of Wal-mart / Winco / and Targets low prices.
I hear that Target will be building a superstore in Meridian off of Overland and Meridian Rd by Lowes in the near future. Will Target take away from Albertson’s too? Again it’s all about competition. Like I said in my earlier post I shop for the best prices. I even shop at the dollar store. I’m sure there are many people on this blog that feel the dollar store is below them but not me I’m in this game to save money bottom line!!
My parents live a sub over by roaring springs, and yes they are going to build a super target there. When they were building the Target on Eagle Rd. it was supposed to be a super target but Albertsons has some sort of legal thing where another grocery store can’t build within so many miles of them. They own this town! They wanted to continue to rip us off, they hate the competition! Do I love Albertsons, yes! The only reason I shop there is for doublers and the gimmicks when I can roll my cats. But again I will shop where my family will profit, not corporate America,
If Satan were to set up shop next door to you and his prices were the very best in town, would you buy from him? If you knew that the guy who owns the cheapest gas station in town were a convicted child rapist, would you still buy your gas there?
Doubtful. So see? It’s not just about prices because we all have our own idea of what’s morally right or wrong. It’s just that some people have more of a conscience than others.
I’d say comparing Walmart to Satan a little far fetched. I really hope you’re not implying that those who shop at Walmart have no conscience. That is just so rude.
…they either have no conscience or are blissfully ignorant. But I’m not judging, mind you. I wish that I were unaware of the attrocities of man so that I could do whatever I pleased with no guilt.
What an elitist attitude! People who shop at Wal-Mart are ignorant or have no conscience? You need to put down the “kool-aid”. Wal-mart’s “evil” practices are pretty much the same as every other retailer out there. I know if you pull Albertsons earnings reports they are making a huge profit and I’ll bet the bulk of their employees don’t get benefits, have crappy hours, etc. They’re sainted and Wal-Mart is akin to Satin. That’s pure ignorance.
Wow! Seriously?! Have you ever worked at Walmart? Have you or a family member ever benefited from all the charity work Walmart does? Comparing Walmart to Satan or a child rapist? REALLY!
I’ve never worked there because I’ve never needed to. And I’ve never “benefited” from their charity because I’ve never needed to. I consider myself quite fortunate that I haven’t had to do either, and I wish that all the people in this country were so fortunate. But with Walmart as the biggest employer, that’s just not possible now is it?
Yes I would. Buying from that store does not make me a satanic supporter or say that I approve of child rape and to say so is asinine.
Oh and make sure you do not buy anything that says ‘Made in China’, any form of fuel that comes from the middle east, or clothing that might have been made in Mexico because they don’t treat women and children right in those places either.
Doubtful, right?
Boy, oh, boy, lots of you are passionate about this topic! I love an Albertson’s SALE, but otherwise, they can’t get me to buy anything! If Albertson’s goes out of business, it isn’t because Walmart did it to them, its because they did it to themselves by not having good prices on everyday items (like Walmart and Winco do). I realize that they have to have higher prices because they train their employees well, & they have great customer service & their stores are always clean & they try to be well stocked, & they have managers handy who will bend over backwards to help you out…. but if you don’t “need help” with anything during your shopping trip, I’d prefer to shop at Winco or Walmart to stock up on every day items – because of their prices.
It’s important to keep in mind WHY Walmart has such low prices:
They stongarm merchandise companies into lowering their prices so they can “sell for less”.
I hate to be disagreeable, but Albertsons has pretty big buying power as well. They also spend a lot of money on “tracking” customer purchases (you know, your “preferred card”) so they are well aware of what & how much their customers are buying. I’m pretty sure they pay some smart people really well to watch those figures & scheme up their next gimmick to get people in their stores.
In the Treasure Valley, Albertsons used to be the big bad guy, because they had a monopoly! They won’t be going anywhere unless they don’t give the people what they want!
Add to that that they pay and treat their employees very poorly in comparison to other stores. Albertsons higher prices aren’t just because they TRAIN their employees well, it’s because they offer them a living wage and a workable health care plan, as well as paying them for overtime (which they do not force them to work or risk losing their jobs). I haven’t shopped (or even entered) a Walmart in at least 10 years, so I can’t comment on the condition of the stores or the attitudes of the employees, but I’m pretty sure that if I was working there I wouldn’t be very happy. The store has come into so many communities that had thriving small businesses, and put those small businesses out, which in turn forced the former employees and owner of those same small businesses into the position of working for Walmart or nowhere at all.
I don’t judge other people for shopping there, but I do try to educate those who are willing to listen. Think about the items that you purchase at Walmart; where are they made? Are you helping any Americans keep their jobs in this economy by purchasing things made in China or Bangladesh?
Taken from the JA and Katherine Albertson Foundation website: http://www.jkaf.org/about/our-beliefs/
Our Beliefs
* We Believe that the Foundation should stay focused on Idaho students and what’s best for them.
* We Believe that relevant data and information in the hands of citizens and policymakers is key to continuous improvement of learning in Idaho.
* We Believe that every Idahoan deserves high quality educational choices to fit their needs.
* We Believe that the Foundation should be a credible, useful source of information for educational stakeholders and a catalyst for change and improvement.
* We Believe that beginning with the end goal in mind should drive Foundation program decisions.
* We Believe that, regardless of anyone’s definition of the purpose of education, all Idaho students need at a minimum, an education that prepares them for college or 21st Century careers.
* We Believe strong leadership, stakeholder involvement, quality instruction and accountability can be more effective than money in improving educational performance.
This should give you reason not to spend your doublers at Walmart.
have you ever looked into how much money goes into the community through j.k. albertsons fund?? AMAZING!! not to mention Katheryn Albertson park and many other city park and any school can receive 8,000 a year just by parents using there community partners cards…………..1 % back tot the schools for nothing, oh and how much money did you get for free during their tax relief sale….personally we saved all year to be able to buy 1500.00 in gift cards for our whole years worth of groceries, with that we got 150.00 for free, you cant get 10% back from any safe investment,
When was the last ballet put on for the kids or sporting event sponsored by walmart…. give up?? it was never:-)
Who is the first company to help out with a national disaster? Walmart that’s who. They give millions and donate food, water and transportation. During Katrina they donated tons of money. All of the large corporations do their part not just Albertsons. The reason Albertsons helps out Boise so much is because their headquarters are in Boise. I don’t hear about Albertsons outside of the Boise Idaho area.
I’m just jealous that you have an Albies. I wish I had one near where I live. (Southern Utah County)
Oh by the way the gas station at Greenhurst and 12th has been gone for over a year:)
I hadn’t heard about WalMart’s new policy to accept Albertsons double coupons but honestly it doesn’t change anything for me! I shop Poulsbo, WA Albertsons and have only ever had a GREAT experience with my coupons or any other purchases! Its seriously the one place I know will not hassle me. We have a NICE WM here in town-its extremely clean and kept up well. But I swear, it attracts the riff raff that I didn’t even know lived here! LOL And I hate using coupons there! The horrible cashiers give me such a hard time and look at me like I am trying to rip them off personally! If I do have to use a coupon to get something there I try to use self checkout but that’s a pain with coupons too! So I really stick to Albertsons as much as possible or our local Central Market. Anyway, great post and I will keep continuing to support Albertsons!
Let me tell you about my coupon binder. It is a huge beast of a thing completely encased in duct tape. It is the ugliest (and possibly biggest) coupon binder you will ever see.
Are you visualizing it?
Okay, now come along with me to Walmart. I’ve picked out my items. I’ve loaded them all onto the belt. My binder is the only thing left in the cart besides an exceptionally adorable 15 month old girl.
Why is the cashier coming around with the scan gun? To charge me for my binder! Seriously.
“That’s my binder.” The cashier looks at me me funny and murmurs somehting about “Oh.”
I move my binder to the bottom of the cart, pay and load up my items.
I’m heading for the exit when that greeter puts their hand on my cart and questions me about the item on the bottom of my cart. “Big, duct-taped monstrosity only a mother could love? No, that’s already mine.” I’m treated to an encore of the funny look and “Oh,” and finally make it out the door.
If I try to use Doublers there, I’m pretty sure they’ll finally have me arrested.
I can’t believe I just wasted ten minutes reading all those comments! Your comment made me laugh out loud sitting here by myself. SO many times I have taken my coupon boxes (two Martha Stewart recipe boxes) into the store and the cashier says “Um, what are those?” like I’m trying to steal them by leaving them conspicuously sitting in the cart for all to see. Love it!
My two cents.. It never even crossed my mind to use my doubles at Walmart, NEVER! Not because I dislike Walmart all that much, but because our customer service at our local Albertsons is so fantastic and I know exactly how I am going to be treated every time I go in. I know exactly what coupons will work and what won’t so my transactions don’t get thrown off I am greeted by name every time. I also totally agree about catalinas, that is where I save the majority of my money. And to be honest, I can get so many things for free at Albies with my doubles, what is cheaper than free?
Cheryl – I love your binder. Let’s take a picture of it and post it! SERIOUS!
Wow! What a hot topic. I personally dont shop at Walmart anymore because I dont need or want to. I may stop in once a month for something (like benadryl itch sticks, that I absolutely couldnt get anywhere else and really needed), but that is about it. Between Albertsons and Winco, I can get all the groceries I need. We switched to Winco about a year and a half ago for their prices and quality! I dont like to shop at Walmart for many reasons, but the way they treat their employees has to top the list. There have been a few comments on here from people that have a family member working at Walmart, and can you tell me they honestly enjoy the way get treated? Id bet not. I can tell that most Albertsons and Winco (which is employee owned, and offers good insurance and benefits) are happy with their job just by the way they treat me. Is it really that hard to say hi and ask if you are finding everything ok? I cant make it through an Albertsons without getting approached by an employee who wanted to help me. It was a rarity at Walmart to even get a cashier who would look me in the eye while checking me out! I dont hate Walmart employees at all, I just wish the company would change it’s values.
Yes, i can HONESTLY say that my husband LOVES his job at walmart!
ABSOLUTELY for almost TWO DECADES!
Back to my Fred Meyer stint: We were watched like hawks by managment and REQUIRED to walk at a pace twice that of the normal shopper so we appeared “eager” and “busy”. We were required (read: bullied) to stop and ask a certain number of customers if they needed anything on our way to our break – every third customer – as we walked from our work area to the break room. We still had to make sure not to rack up enough hours to qualify for benefits mind you so if we had to stop to help a customer we were forced to ask if we could help them we had to fudge our time stamps so we did not get credit for that time on the floor. One big happy dysfunctional family with plastic smiles painted on for the customers.
I have not had the experiences portrayed here with Wal-Mart cashiers. The contrary actually. I do have one little snotty girl at the Albertsons who rolls her eyes, harumph’s and whispers under her breath if you dare to use coupons. Another cashier at Albertsons with creepy cruella devil fingernails garishly painted that scrutinizes each coupon as if you were a counterfitter trying to pass off phony hundred dollar bills. She even takes a pen and checks off the expiration date (on each coupon when they are all exactly the same coupon) and circles the small print. She doesn’t make eye contact either. Then there are some really great Albertsons cashiers too. I’ve just never been treated rudely or mocked at Wal-Mart like at Albertsons while using coupons.
The last time I had doublers in my hand the Albertsons cashier snapped at me, “You KNOW you can only use 9 total!!!” I had to explain to her about 5 times I only had 8 total I wanted to double and understood I had to divide them into three transactions. Then she was pissy about ringing me up even when I was completely within the guidelines. I won’t feel bad a whit about taking my Albertsons doublers to Wal-Mart if that’s how Albertsons shows their appreciation for my business.
I really feel that Albertsons has been good to us, and I enjoy shopping there since I started couponing. (I never shopped there before couponing.) I have never encountered anit-Walmart attitudes like I see on this thread. I didn’t know that people hated Walmart. I really like Walmart and I like shopping there. My husband has been treated fairly as an employee there, and I shop at several stores around here and I have not had many problems with coupons.
I think the main point of the original post is valid. Albertsons gave us the doubles and we owe it to them to use them there for the most part, but the bashing of the Walmart corporation, the employees of Walmart and the people who shop there, is unproductive and unkind.
Please be kind in your comments. I do go to Walmart sometimes. Albertsons does not carry the milk my son has to drink, and I buy it at Walmart. I also shop at the dollar store. And the dollar section of Target, Michaels, and everywhere else that has one. I wear my pjs to the store all the time, no matter which store I am going to. After I shower in the morning, sometimes I put on clean pj bottoms with a normal shirt because I am a major fan. My hubs found PJs that look like jeans, made exactly for people like me, and told me that’s what I’m getting for Christmas. Don’t worry, he knew what he was getting when we got married. I hung out in pj bottoms plenty while we were dating…lol.
ANYWAY…I do not think people that shop at Walmart are bad people. If so, I would be counting myself. I do not think people that work there are bad people. But I will not take my doubles there for all reasons mentioned: Albertsons will stop printing them and then we won’t have them to use anywhere. They won’t keep letting us double coupons once that happens. Period. On facebook a few days ago I made the comment that I might try if it were true that Walmart was now taking doubles, but hadn’t thought through everything it meant if I did. In the end, it will hurt us because they will disappear.
AJ – you should wear your PJ pants when we get our pix done next week. Ha ha!!! You’re awesome and I heart you!
I love all the discussion here. Many good points and in the end, I can say that I used to be a Walmart shopper and am no longer a Walmart shopper, unless I’m looking for a specific item that I can’t find anywhere else. I’ve been there only twice in the past 6 months and haven’t missed it. If others want to shop there, that is their choice. And aren’t we blessed to live in this country where we do have the freedom to choose?
We are all different. We all have different ways of organizing, of cooking, of parenting, of… everything! Let’s respect that.
Thank you for this, please don’t ruin it for those of us that don’t and won’t shop at walmart! Walmart is hurtting, let them go the expense to print their own coupons and run their own catalina. I don’t care what you say, I think it is a form of dishonesty. No walmart for me, Albies is willing to spend money on me to get my business so they will get it!
Oh and don’t forget that quite often Albertsons offers FREE redbox codes and we can rack up a lot of cents off our gas too – can’t get those using doubles at Walmart.
So… over at KCL they advertised a deal using Albertson’s coupons at Walmart (for Ketchup – making it free) and I admit, I grabbed some coupons to take there… in my mind, I was thinking – I don’t want to go to Walmart for ketchup… what else do I need? Nothing… I need nothing. I’m so well stocked from all my Albertson / Safeway deals – I need nothing.
After reading this post, I’ve changed my mind. I’m not going to walmart with Albertson’s coupon. it’s not the right thing to do.
I agree with so many of the posts here, support the hand that gives you the deals… and that’s Albertson’s. and it’s an easy store to work with, easy to get to know everyone there, have great products and a great store.
Not boycotting Walmart, but not shopping there like I used to (before coupons – it’d be about 100 every week). I haven’t spent that kind of money there in ages!!
I quit shopping so much at Walmart when they remodeled. They don’t have near the selection of items they used to. Once I started couponing I realized I could get a lot of things I used to buy at Walmart for a much better price at Albertson’s and it’s closer to where I live. If my stockpile runs low on personal items/toiletries/cleaning supplies I go to Walmart because generally their prices on those items are lower than Winco or Albertson’s. However I will not be using my double coupons there. I agree that if they want more people to shop there maybe they should print their own coupons and put out weekly sales ads like Albertson’s does….I believe they don’t put out sales ads weekly becuase they know most people walk in and end up buying things more than what they originally went in for.
I went to Walmart this week for the first time in over 3 months (couldn’t find decent priced tomato cages anywhere!). I had 3 doublers left over from things Albertsons was out of, so I used them to see if the rumor was true. Yes, Walmart took them, but it was very SLOW to checkout. So as far as the “use 15 at once to save time”, I’ve checkout out 5 times at Albertsons much faster than I checked out 1 time at Walmart – and I only had 3 doublers. I may still shop at Walmart sometimes, but it won’t be to save time with doublers!!
GEEZ!
Can anyone say “BIG OL CAN O WORMS”?
heehee – people are passionate and I’ve wasted so much time today, LOL
I use to only shop at wal-mart. But since I have started to coupon I have hated going there. I too prefer, smaller, friendly, emptier stores. I have hardly gone to wal-mart and I am glad. I don’t have an Albertson’s so I don’t get the doublers but I wouldn’t use them at wal-mart if I did. They are too much of a hassle to deal with when it comes to coupons. I enjoyed your post.
You know I dont go to albertsons because of the doublers. When I’ve got 15 of them to use up, many times I give my extra’s away. If they’ve got a really good promo going on, the doublers make it really nice – but you still get a good deal without them. If Walmart is taking doublers, Albies just needs to get smarter and change the way they do them – maybe linking them to our cards or something. Competition keeps everyone sharp – it doesnt have to be a bad thing.
http://www.fee.org/pdf/the-freeman/1005Semmens.pdf
just for fun, here’s a positive story on them
if its ok to post
Perfectly fine for everyone to see both sides, but we just have to approve all comments with links before they show up. Just in case you were wondering why it was delayed!
oh, no – I understand that – who know’s what my link could’ve been too – and I feel its your site – you can edit what’s on it, I don’t mind.
Albertsons could easily stop printing doubles and just have a one day a week when you can double your coupons. I remember when I was a teenager–some 25 years ago, my mom would only use coupons on the double days at albertsons. I wish they would bring these back instead of having to have a coupon to double. but maybe that wouldn’t work cause we would double too many coupons?
I understand the sentiment of using the Albertsons doublers at Albertsons. Or the Target coupons at Target. (Though several people talked about trying to use those at Walmart as well.) Or whatever. And I didn’t know about Walmart taking the doublers until reading this post.
But for those of you whining (and yes, I mean whining) about the big, evil Walmart putting the “little guys” out of business, may I remind you that stores like Albertsons and Toys R Us are pretty large chains. I would have thought you were talking about Paul’s, or possibly Winco. It wasn’t that long ago that the big, evil Albertsons chased Smith’s out of this town. And I happen to know former Albertsons corporate employees whose jobs were sent overseas who have at least as much hatred for Albertsons as many of you have for Walmart.
Please just keep life in perspective. If you like a store, shop there. If you don’t like it, shop elsewhere. And let me shop where I like. It’s as simple as that.
exactly Dorothy!! Albertsons isn’t the small little local grocery store it used to be! When SuperValu bought them out in 2006 they became the THIRD LARGEST grocery retailer in the nation!!!!! Hello?!?! Talk about the big corporate giant!!! I promise you, the bottom dollar is just as important to Albertsons as it is to Walmart. They just have different marketing stratagies!!!
Albertsons used to have a total monopoly here in the Boise valley for YEARS!! Walmart came to town and gave them some much needed competition. This is the United States–competition is a good thing for consumers remember?! Hopefully this makes BOTH stores more competative so we can FINALLY save money on groceries when prices have been going sky high in recent years.
I don’t shop at Wal Mart and won’t in the future. Why do you think this discussion is preventing you from spending your money in a store that has some horrible political and social views?? I think discussions like this are important, but it doesn’t stop YOU from shopping at the store of your choice! If you want to hand money to a company that pushes the low income people lower, that costs taxpayers $1,557,000,000,00 to support it’s employees (due to those poorly paid employees using gvmnt aid), that makes $3.2 MILLION in political contributions that I disagree with (and you might too if you researched it) then GO FOR IT!!!
Wal Mart will NEVER receive my business….
Thank God for the well educated and high moraled!
What does well educated and morals have to do with saving money? Just because I choose to shop at Walmart from time to time, makes me less educated and lacking morals? Are you married and wear a diamond ring? Somebody probably died for you to wear that pretty rock on your finger. Do you wear clothes, probably made overseas by a child in a sweat shop. heck, do you wear leather, a cow had to die for you to look cool. I am a registered nurse in Oregon and and can tell you I am very well educated and I consider myself a moral person. So please, don’t judge me and assume that I’m a bad person because I shop at Walmart!
I am not saying that you are immoral, I was just commenting that you can shop where you want and this discussion isn’t preventing that. Since you said, “And let me shop where I like.” Go for it. I was simply explaining why some people avoid/boycott/do not shop at Wal Mart.
FYI, I do not wear a diamond on my finger (and I am married). We can’t avoid every product that has negative moral implications, but we can try to avoid the ones that are the most morally disgusting to us. And because SOME clothes are made by sweat shops doesn’t mean that ALL clothes are made at sweat shops. I seem to remember Wal Mart bought from a sweat shop in the recent past. I suppose another reason to boycott!!! And using EVERY part of the animal (that we eat lke cow) is better than letting it go to waste, a lesson from the Native Americans so long ago. Your argument holds NO water—sorry….
I love all the support for Albertsons! It is really the only grocery store I shop at. Albertsons also “pays my bills” since my husband works there.
Right now Albertsons is really pushing customer satisfaction. Do you take the surveys that are sometimes at the bottom of your receipt? These surveys create the store’s “report card”. if you give them a 5 (highly satisfied) they get 100%, anything less and they get 0%. They are pushing all of the stores to have at least a 70% average satisfaction rating for every 100 surveys completed. Not an easy task when a customer gives you a 4 (satisfied) and you get 0% for that. So…if you get a survey please give them a 5! Thanks!
I didn’t know that about the surveys, kind of stinks that they get no credit for a 4. I’m a 4 kind of gal because there is always room for improvement, but 4 in my book is a great job!!!! Makes me feel bad for all the 4′s I’ve been giving, guess I’ll have to change it.
If everyone starts taking their coupons to walmart, who’s to say they won’t do away with the doubles! I think all she was saying here is, if you find a great deal at walmart you can’t pass up, great! If not, try to use the doubles at the place they were intended for. I don’t think anyone here was trying to get everyone to stop shopping at walmart. I think some people are missing the point and/or reading too much into it.
There seems to be a lot of anger here. My thought is this: competition is good. Maybe Walmart will start doing thier own doubles, or maybe Albertsons will change the way they do theirs (someone mentioned attaching them to the preferred card) or allowing more than 3 per transaction. Either way the consumer (us) wins. I also appreciate Albertsons efforts towards the couponers, but the bottom line is simple. I will shop wherever I can get the most for my family’s money. I can’t imagine Albertsons would just stop putting out doubles… that’s just shooting themselves in the foot because many would revert back to being Walmart shoppers.
I probably won’t take my doublers to Walmart because I want to support Albertsons. Although, I wish the rules for doublers was a little more clear. For as long as I’ve shopped at Albertsons I’ve been able to do up to three transactions with doublers. Then suddenly yesterday the cashier tells me I can only do one. I then tell her “okay, I’ll go out to my car and come back in.” She says, “You can’t, it’s linked to your card and you can only do one set a day.” Huh? Is this some new thing I wasn’t aware of or did I get a bad cashier. Anyway, it was kind of embarassing.
I agree with Amber completely! I was just in Walmart today I have been able to avoid it by all means since I started couponing because like amber said I spent way to much money , the customer service SUCKS, its always so crowded and takes forever to get through the line! I went in to Walmart today just for 5 Ketchups, 2 Lawrys and a Ranch. It took me an hour to get in and out. They were out of ketchups and the managers are rude and I always get harrassed coming out of walmart for something or another. Anyway I will be using my doublers at Albertsons as long as I can do more than one transaction with doublers at a time. I have only done one transaction at a time for fear of being told no. haha. I’m silly. But next doublers I will try to do 3 since that seems to be the maximum. Anyway I love Albertsons and Walmart in my opinion is not a place to save money.
I admit when I first heard this news I was a little excited thinking it would spread the couponers out a little bit….but I don’t think that it is right. I think Walmart should print their own coupons and maybe work on their customer service. I am not a Walmart fan….at all. I didn’t mind them as much until I started couponing but now I LOVE Albertsons and stay away from Walmart as much as possible. They are not coupon friendly in my opinion and I would much rather go to my Albertsons where they know me and are SO nice and great with coupons. I will continue to give Albertsons my business to thank them for giving us doublers! I love this post….and all the comments!!
Walmart frightens me. *cringe*
I go wherever is cheapest because it is more important to me to save money, than have loyaltyto a grocery store. Iwal mart is accepting doublers, awesome, that just opens up a lot more things I can buy cheap or get free. I will stick with albertson’s for meat because I trust them the most, but I have no problem with wal mart. I have used doublers at the 12th ave wal mart twice already and the cashiers have been excellent. I don’t understand why so many people think the are too good for wal mart. Cheapest is best.
Cheapest is not always best.
And I should have added that I am the BARGAIN shopper of all time. I still will not give my hard earned money to Wal Mart (see post #58.2 for reasons). Honestly, I would pay a few bucks more to shop with a more reasonable company.
I’m not too good for wal mart. Cheapest is BEST
Wow can you believe this, what a fab discussion. Thanks for it and thanks to all of you who have commented.
As for me and my house we will shop at…. well does it matter?
Ha ha!
I have enjoyed reading all your posts. I also do not shop at Wal-Mart, and it is great to read there are others out there who feel the same way. More power to those who enjoy the Wal-Mart experience, but it just doesn’t work for me. I try to shop “local” as much as possible, and, yes, I know Fred Meyer and Albertsons are part of national conglomerates now, but they still feel a lot friendlier than “Stuff Mart”, and that counts for me.
I love Albertson’s! Thanks for this post!
Albertsons has gone out of business in so many places, so it is possible here to so something to think about, thanks everyone for making me think:)
So I have to put in my 2 cents! Over 150 comments wow!
For anyone that might be interested in finding out how Walmart affects AMERICA watch this PBS documentary. It is very well done, objective and informative! http://www.pbs.org/wgbh/pages/frontline/video/flv/generic.html?s=frol02s48dq71&continuous=1
If you are wondering why Walmart is being accused of paying low wages, offering poor benefits, driving out small business, and more I would encourage you to watch this!
I think I have shopped there less than 10 times since I watched this back in 2004!
PS AJ I am not mad at you or anyone else for shopping there some times, I just try to avoid it.
Did anyone watch the PBS special called “Food, Inc.”? (I’m sure you could find it at PBS webstie) It was appalling. The wages & conditions of our meat packaging companies in the USA are shocking!
Anyhow, one of the things that hit me was that ConAgra was one of the “big” companies that rule the meat world. Every time Albertsons has a ConAgra promo, I cringe now.
And, I know that Walmart sells plenty of ConAgra products too. I just think we are being a little unfair in pointing fingers at only one company, when the problem is the way we eat, not just how we buy our food.
I don’t watch PBS to liberal for my liking.
Everyone is entitled to their opinions. The wonderful thing about our country is our right to express our opinions freely, but one should remember their manners. I personally do not really like Walmart. It seems as though they have built their company by cutting corners at every possible opportunity and offering items so cheap that other stores cannot possibly compete. I just have the opinion that they are not a very honest company. They also do not provide good customer service because they dont have to. People will shop there anyway because they have to in order to provide for their families. I have shopped alot at Walmart in the past but I dont so much anymore. I have found that other stores are becoming more and more competitive with Walmart. I actually enjoy shopping at Albertsons. But it is not the only place I shop. I do shop there the most though. It isnt Albertsons, Fred Meyer or Walmart that are saving me the most money, it is the coupons that I use there that save me the most money. It is websites such as this one that save me the money. I personally wont be using my doubles at Walmart. It will only save me a few pennies difference and I enjoy my shopping trip better at Albertsons. The only advantage I could see is that there isnt the 3 transaction limit. I never really understood why Albertsons does that anyway. It just makes it take longer to checkout. I think that if Albertsons changed it so that you could do it all in 1 transaction, Walmart would not do very well with their plan. It seems kinda of sneaky of Walmart to take those coupons anyways. Why doesnt Walmart make coupons of their own if they think it is such a good idea? It just says alot about the kind of business they are!!
I figured this would fire up an intense debate.
Someone posted that it would be nice to see Wal~Mart print their own coupons, etc. I felt that comment hit the nail on the head. How lazy is it to just say, “you do all the work, then we’ll agree to just accept yours.” My region of Wal~Marts is so completely unfriendly with coupons, that even the incentive of using Albertson’s coupons there makes my stomach turn. I never thought I’d be an old biddy that refused to shop at a store, but after multiple HORRIBLE experiences there with coupons (In line for over 1 hour
checking out with coupons – no joke), and the inspiring PBS Documentary Monica posted (I’ve seen this in the past – and love it!), I am one of those who refuses. I don’t pass judgement on those who go. I also understand that as a non-couponer, this store would make since to you to save money. I’m just saying a good deal at Wal~Mart this week is an even better deal at Target next week.
I”m happy to hear that wal-mart is accepting doublers because I often find empty shelves on the best coupon deals at Albertsons. I”m willing to check albertsons first but if they’re out of stock, I think Wal-mart is a great alternative.
You know one thing that hasn’t been brought up here – is Albertson’s just changed their policy as well. They’ll double ANY coupon – no matter if it says ‘do not double’. I would guess – that is a result of Walmart accepting doubles..
it’s all a game to see who can get your business.
Of course though, I’m still getting better deals at Albertson’s and will continue to shop there for the great deals!
OK, Just for FUN,
If I posted WALMART has Boneless – Skinless – Chicken Breast on sale for lets say $.0.69 a lb, how MANY of you would jump on that deal? With out even thinking about all the White trash that shops there, in their PJ’s, the bad service…. I could go on with the rest of the comments left, but you get the Idea…. the fact is you would JUMP in your car head over to WALMART anf fill your carts ….
JUST SOME THING TO THINK ABOUT WHEN YOUR BASHING WALMART SHOPPERS OF THE PEOPLE THAT USE THEIR DOUBLER COUPONS THEIR, SORRY TO SAY IT;S ALL ABOUT THE PRICE
No it’s not all about price, and I do like great deals. I only buy organic chicken so I wouldn’t shop for meat at Wal Mart. But let’s say that Wal Mart was selling ORGANIC chicken for the price you listed… I still wouldn’t buy it. I wouldn’t believe it first of all (something devious must be going on!), secondly I will and do pay more to shop at responsible company stores.
I absolutely would NOT buy any chicken from a place that doesnt even cut their own meat, do you realize that walmart has no butchers or meat cutters, like at albs, freds, winco etc that meat is packaged at other facilities and then shipped in and then stored and then put out…..minimum time till its on your shelf to buy from the time its cut is like 4-6 days, every wonder why the majority of their meat is vac packed?? you all go load up on chicken I ll kep my 169 lb thanks:-)
(giggling) I only shop Wallmart when i’m getting free or nearly free products for many reasons. Like ketchup this week!
Ditto sista’s! I loved everything you said!
Just about everything under the sun has been covered already, but here’s one BIG thing that I haven’t heard: Albertsons supports our public schools like no company I’ve ever seen! I’m a teacher and about 10 years ago, Albertson’s gave every district in Idaho that applied for it a half million dollars. They have consistently supported education for years and that’s why they will get my business every time!
you hear all these comments like walmart is so cheap and I can buy apples, and a t-shirt and diapers and its cheap…..aside from the fact that you will be getting B grade apples and a crappy t-shirt that will probably be recalled for having lead in it, does anyone actually look at the prices….walmart has increased their prices 10-15% accorss the board they openly spent millions pounding into the heads of people through advertising that they are cheap, cheap, cheap and then when people just go cuz they “know” its cheap they slide those prices up, like people are too stupid to figure it out ( which I guess is actually true) cuz they keep going there. you go to walmart grab your orowheat brad and never look ath the fact that its 3.89 cuz if it is 3.89 that musy be the best price right? albies, 2.00 1.89 a loaf is huge. as a consumer, or the purchaser for your household you should know the prices, I have a hard time keeping it straight in my head so I have lists I know the price for everything my house uses, so if albies says something is on sale for 2.00 and I know its 1.98 at walmart I’ve got me a deal my goal is always to to beat or meat their price and stock up when its cheap! Now if its on sale for 2.00 and th price at walmart is 4.00 then I know its stock up time if its something I use….it takes a bit of work to make a list like that but it has saved me from thinking I was getting a fab deal only to find out that its cheaper everyday somewhere else:-) Don’t be a leming use your own brain and do whats best for your family, even in tight times money isnt everything that you should consider:-)
OK…
I used Chicken as a “What If”
If this is more to your liking, “what If ” they had TIDE on Sale, for $3.00, and and Albertsons had a coupon for $1.00 off Hey TIDE for $2.00…
What I’m trying to say is be a Smart Shopper, Albertsons has some Great Deals, and So does Walmart, Don’t look down on people that shop for the best needs of their family and budget,
And this is just a tid -bit, I have taken My Daughter who is in her Mid 20′s shopping in her PJ’s and she rides the power carts, after 48 hours of kemo, she just does not feel like walking, and we stop in to stock up on 7-up before she starts throwing up for the next 5 days, I hope you never have to walk in her shoes
Michelle, sorry to hear about your daughter. I hope she will get better.
I know I don’t look down on you for shopping at walmart. I hope you won’t look down on me for NOT shopping there. It became a matter of taking a moral stand for my family. I will not tell you details because that is not the point I want to make with this comment.
My point is that each of us needs to do what is best for our families. Whatever it is.
I loved the post and all the comments, including yours. I found it very beneficial, to hear all sides.
This blog is about deals, these ladies do a great job helping us save money. I know we can both agree on this as well as the fact that we love getting deals, however and wherever we get them.
P.S. I shop at Albies in my p.j’s, oops! :/
What’s with all the PJ comments? Okay, so I didn’t bring it up initially but I guess I started the crusade in favor of it. Don’t apologize, don’t say oops! I don’t care where you shop, PJs forever!!! I don’t think Cathy ever posted pics of it but I went to our April Freezer Meal Group in PJ pants. For the love, we are NOT ashamed!!! lol (but totally serious)
Michelle, I’m also sorry to hear about your daughter. If you need coupons for anything special that come in the inserts, or if printables you need especially for her ever come up, please let us know. I would be so happy to print them and send them to you as I’m sure many of us would.
To get away from Wal-Mart “stealing away” customers, maybe Albertsons should go back to the double days by doubling a certain number of coupon without the in-hand doubler coupons?! Just thinking out loud.
Okay, I have to say, I’ve used coupons (doubles) at Walmart. The last time I was there I spent 45 minutes arguing with the manager (nicely, but, seriously, I was right) about taking a coupon (not EVEN another store coupon, a P&G coupon). I am SO OVER Walmart!! The only time I spend 45 minutes doing anything at Albies is MAYBE checking out if they are super busy and I’m doing like 15 transactions
.
I’ll still shop at Walmart, but there’s NO WAY I’m going back from Albies. Plus, if you do it right, Albies Is WAY cheaper than walmart (can we say Catalinas?)
I love my Albies!
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I’m way late on this discussion as I’m new to the site BUT I will say that of all the stores we now shop (we’re military, so we used to do all shopping at the base grocery store and Costco) Albertson’s is, beyond a doubt, our favorite!
We live in a smallish area of western Washington and I’ve noticed that our Walmart and Target are routinely out of sale items, particularly when coupons make them super cheap. I’ve had to explain coupon policy to the checkers at Walmart more than once the last few visits and I typically walk out empty handed (as far as the sales go) but with a few unplanned extras in my buggy! (That’s not WM’s fault, of course – my own lack o’ self-control!)
Our Albertson’s, on the other hand, is fast, friendly and helpful. I’ve never left without the deals I was hunting for, including on the LAST day of a sale. Just last night, the service supervisor checked us out and told me I may want to wait for doublers to get a better deal! He then told me it was super easy to do a special order on ANY item and the days to call, as well as the delivery days. All of this was without my asking.
I told my husband last night that Albertson’s was our go-to store from this point forward. I’m not looking down on WM or anyone who shops there, far from it! You have to shop where your needs are met and, for this western Washington family, Albertson’s more than fits the bill.
Happy shopping, everyone!
i am late to the post as well but i am also new. i am what you use to be, i am new at couponing and im trying really hard to do it right and save as much as possible seriously im on here every day! right now i go walmart for everything! but i hate them too, the one and only reason i go there is because of the prices. i am going to try really hard to go to other stores instead. i just have a hard time with paying more… its horrible really… wish me luck!
I just moved across the country and live near an Alberstons for the first time since I was a kid. I walked in this last week, saw the circular ‘belts’ and smiled. I just found out yesterday at Walmart that they would accept the other coupons and told my husband: I’m all for consolidating trips, but part of why I’m couponing more is so that I can QUIT shopping at Wally-hell. Well written post, thanks!
It is interesting to see how very heated this conversation is. I love my Albertson’s, but they aren’t open 24-7 and if we need some infant ibuprofen at 2 am, (and somehow we’ve run out again) I’m off to Walmart.
What I would love to see is a day a week or month that Albertson’s would automatically double our coupons. Wouldn’t that be great? Also, on the far side of the Mississippi, competition is so strong between grocery stores that some triple coupons.
Maybe with the imminent arrival of both Rosauer’s and Whole Foods in Boise, we’ll be able to reap some of those benefits, as well.
I called Walmart and have looked at the corporate webpage where you can view their coupon policy. The customer service associate that I talked to told me that Walmart does NOT (or atleast is not suppose to) accept double coupons from any other store. If you look on their webpage and read their coupon policy it clearly states that they do not accept double or triple value coupons. http://walmartstores.com/7655.aspx
I am not trying to get anyone to shop where they don’t want to. If you are not a Walmart shopper great. I do shop at many different places…it just depends on where I can get the best price for what I need.
i’ve tried two walmarts and none of them would take my doublers – and I had a cart full of stuff i wanted to get! What a waste of time!!
Wow I am amazed at the ignorance of people. First Albertsons does not lose a single dime on coupons. All coupons go to a coupon clearing house and the company is paid back for every penny. So your sentiments about poor suffering Albertsons is unfounded. Second, if I recall correctly, it was poor Albertsons who laid off a bunch of employees during the sale of their corporation to some company in Minnesota. Meanwhile walmart, one of the largest employers in the state, and one of the largest tax generating entities, is hiring people. So truly who is the hand that feeds us? A company that lays off employees, or the one that is employing people during tough economic times and generating taxes for our infrastructure? Also why do people always choose walmart to bash. Why not Fred Meyer or Target at least walmart is an American company
Alb. has my support they are always someone close who will answer my questions and lead me in the right direction when I have the lost or wrong look on my face. Their customer service is second to none
According to Wal-Mart’s coupon policy they DO NOT accept “competitor’s double or triple value coupons” So that should fix our problem
Where in the world does it state that Walmart accepts Albertson’s “Twice The Value” Coupons?!?!!?!?
I have to say, I used to shop at Wal Mart, too. I lived in a small town and there weren’t many options. But now days things have changed. Ever since I got into couponing, I’ve left Wal Mart almost completely in my past. now, i do stop in there once in a while and pick up a copy of the AllYou mag and a few free items if i want them, but that is so few and far between now i cant even remember the last time it happened.
as for the twice the value to use at wal mart….. that’s just nonsense. Why would I want to drive all the way to the wal mart where the parking is bad, the aisles are cramped, the people are rude and the most frequent sound is crying babies when i can shop at my nice, clean, good-smelling Albertson’s that is literally right down the street?
But Albertson’s, oh Albertson’s, with your clean aisles, organic and vegetarian friendly selections, and your wonderfully helpful associates, you will have my business for as long as i shop. I love the stores i shop at now, and while i do frequent several of them, Albertson’s is def in my top 3.
I know you all are saying it’s best to go to Albertsons with your coupons, BUT Albertsons only allows 3 transactions while you said you can go to Walmart and do 15 doublers in ONE transaction. SO arent you saving money by being able to use MORE coupons? especially when they are ONLY a 3 day coupon.
I agree with some of this, however my Albertsons has horrible customer service. They make my coupon trip difficult every single time I go there. For that reason, I will consider taking my doublers to Walmart. At least Walmart has more than one cashier.
That’s odd, because everytime I go to walmart, there are 100 checkout lanes but only a handful of checkers
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It all depends on which Walmart you shop at . The one 2 miles from my house is horrible! Always crowded and never enough lanes open, but if I go to one 20 minutes away–that one is cleaner- It’s all management and what they expect from their employees.