We’ve Been Sleeping on Walmart

Until recently, I had been to Walmart three times in the last two years. They aren’t plentiful in Los Angeles for one, and if we’re being transparent, I had a bad taste in my mouth from prior Walmart visits. While in L.A., I went to a small Walmart twice to use the gift card my insurance card sent out for use at places like Walmart and Walgreens during the pandemic in an effort to help support a healthy lifestyle, and then again when I needed to buy junk food in bulk. It was a miserable experience – most of the stock was behind glass and you had to find the attendant dedicated to the section to open it for you due to theft.

After moving back to Nashville where Walmarts are more prevalent, I decided to give it another go. I have a two bedroom apartment that is twice the size of my space in Los Angeles which means lots more space to decorate. And of course, when you move you realize you need things like a toilet brush, trash bags, cleaning products, a broom… The basics. If nothing else, I reasoned I’d find those essential items at a good price point at Walmart. 

Y’all, I’m here to tell you Walmart has stepped up their game. 

I was wandering through the home goods out of curiosity and the next thing I knew, I had rugs, wall art, lamps, and more in my cart. I picked up a couple of pairs of what are now my new favorite sleep shorts, and by the time I left, I had a cart full of (organic! healthy!) groceries, too, all for under $200. 

Here are a few thing I found at Walmart for my apartment: 

While I can’t find the rug that started it all online, I ended up finding this one for my living room – it’s GORGEOUS in person – this photo from the website doesn’t do it justice.  

I’m collecting pieces for a gallery wall/shelf situation over my bed and this piece of art is right in line with what I had in mind. 

I want pops of greenery around my apartment, but I also can’t keep a plant alive to save my life, so I’ve been picking up cute vases to fill with stems. Here are a couple I found while browsing.

I didn’t buy this lamp, but I did have buyers remorse as I bought a very similar lamp and paid a lot more for it. 

Speaking of lamps, my dad gave me one of these Cree lightbulbs and I was all “that’s silly, I won’t use Alexa to turn my lights on and off.” Jokes on me because it’s my favorite thing. Walmart has a good price on these bulbs, so I picked up a couple more. 

I needed new knives as there was a packing incident with mine (I forgot to pack them…) and I liked how Drew Barrymore’s new line looks – and the price point – so I picked up this knife block – love it! 

I looked everywhere for the perfect fall wreath and had settled on making my own when I found this one in Walmart – it’s perfect on my front door! 

I’ve found myself doing a lot of my grocery shopping at Walmart since that first trip – good prices, good quality, great selection. The Walmart I’ve been frequenting (Franklin!) is clean, well-stocked, organized, and well-staffed. I’ve been to the Bentonville Walmarts (headquarters!) and Franklin compares. 

If you’ve been avoiding Walmart, give it another chance, especially online. I’m impressed!