Which Wal-Mart?
by Katie Maupin, posted Oct. 24, 2007
With three Wal-Marts within five miles of campus, students can play favorites.
It seems that all MU students have their favorite Wal-Mart. Some out of habit, some out of personal preference and for others it’s about convenience.
The Wal-Mart Supercenter at 1202 Grindstone Parkway, also known as the Nifong Wal-Mart, seems to be one of the favorites. Katie Mino, a freshman, prefers this Wal-Mart because it is cleaner and less crowded. Stacy Ebbesmeyer, also a freshman, echoes her sentiments.
“I like it because it is new and clean, and they have more stuff than the one on Broadway,” Ebbesmeyer said.
Friends Kristen Stumpe and Mandi Scheulen often make trips to the Grindstone Wal-Mart.
“I like the scenic drive,” Scheulen said.
Stumpe’s reason for liking the Nifong location is a little less sentimental.
“I just like it because it’s brand spanking new,” Stumpe said.
The Supercenter located at 3001 W. Broadway has its own student following. Amber Romine, a freshman, said she prefers the Broadway location because it is really nice and clean. Tyler Ownby, a sophomore, likes it for its convenience.
“It’s just the easiest one for me to go to,” Ownby said. “But, the Nifong one is a lot nicer.”
The Wal-Mart at 415 Conley Road, next to Sam’s Club, received mixed reviews from students. Honora Kinsella, a sophomore, likes its social atmosphere.
“It is rarely crowded, but always busy,” Kinsella said. “There is always something going on.”
Romine, however, has a much different idea.
“I hate the one by Sam’s Club,” Romine said. “They never have anything.”
But according to Wal-Mart.com, the Conley location actually has more to offer than the other two locations, including a gift registry and portrait studio.
Some students, such as Rebecca Kerr, do not go to the local Wal-Marts. For Kerr, it is a matter of finances because when she grocery shops at home, her parents can foot the bill.
“If I go to Wal-Mart here, I would have to pay for stuff,” she said.
Kerr dislikes the hassle of parking her car and said that she has plenty of food with her MU meal plan.
Wal-Mart shoppers are left wondering if there is really that much of a difference between the stores. Katy Wagner, a freshman, answered it best.
“I think it’s just a force of habit,” she said. “I mean let’s be completely honest here. They’re all pretty much the same.”
