https://www.wcpo.com/news/insider/kroger-merges-with-target-unlikely-but-intriguing
There is speculation at play but its the going after Amazon part that's at play here.
Well, they're both too expensive to shop at unless they're holding a big sale, so it would be a perfect marriage.
Federal and state regulators need to swat down this merger with all haste.
Quote from: bandit957 on April 07, 2018, 10:37:04 PM
Federal and state regulators need to swat down this merger with all haste.
I mean, I'm all in favor of antitrust regulation, but it'd be hard to argue that a combined Target-Kroger would be too big to compete against. Walmart is an option, as is Amazon for some things, and any number of local grocers across the country.
Quote from: Scott5114 on April 08, 2018, 02:41:55 AM
Quote from: bandit957 on April 07, 2018, 10:37:04 PM
Federal and state regulators need to swat down this merger with all haste.
I mean, I'm all in favor of antitrust regulation, but it'd be hard to argue that a combined Target-Kroger would be too big to compete against. Walmart is an option, as is Amazon for some things, and any number of local grocers across the country.
Anti-Trust regulators wouldn't be interested unless a company had a least half of domestic market share. There are still way too many retail options out there that chip into the Grocery and General Goods market in terms of market share. Target ought to be cautious with the moves it makes, it traditionally hasn't done well absorbing other companies and is coming off a massive failure in Canada. At least something like this makes way more sense than the Sears-Kmart Merger did.
If the rumors pan out, they might focus on any Pacific Northwest cities where Kroger's Fred Meyer superstores (the most Target-like part of Kroger, but really somewhat more like Wal-Mart) overlap with Target, especially if Wal-Mart is weak/not there in particular markets.
SOP for the antitrusters is selective divestitures, where a merger of store chains raises issues in a few places but not across the board.
Quote from: Max Rockatansky on April 08, 2018, 08:21:12 AM
Anti-Trust regulators wouldn't be interested unless a company had a least half of domestic market share.
I remember reading that Kroger already had a 70% share in grocery retailing in the Cincinnati area.
Quote from: bandit957 on April 08, 2018, 10:58:08 AM
Quote from: Max Rockatansky on April 08, 2018, 08:21:12 AM
Anti-Trust regulators wouldn't be interested unless a company had a least half of domestic market share.
I remember reading that Kroger already had a 70% share in grocery retailing in the Cincinnati area.
But that's a regional thing. Federal regulators wouldn't act unless that kind of market share was on the national level and some sort driving motivation like price fixing.
A Kroger - Target merger does not even get a sniff from federal regulators. It has no anti-trust issues.
It, however, seems like the Sears-K Mart merger. Two sick people getting married in hopes of becoming healthy.
Kroger is burdened by ridiculous union contracts that force it, which is to say you the customer, to pay triple the value for what is essentially unskilled entry level work. Work places like Wal Mart can get done for you, the customer, at vastly more reasonable prices. Target has no idea what it wants to be. The market was not looking for a slightly upscale Wal Mart.
Quote from: SP Cook on April 08, 2018, 01:16:26 PM
Kroger is burdened by ridiculous union contracts that force it, which is to say you the customer, to pay triple the value for what is essentially unskilled entry level work.
The workers wanted a union, so they deserve a union.
Quote from: bandit957 on April 08, 2018, 01:30:16 PM
Quote from: SP Cook on April 08, 2018, 01:16:26 PM
Kroger is burdened by ridiculous union contracts that force it, which is to say you the customer, to pay triple the value for what is essentially unskilled entry level work.
The workers wanted a union, so they deserve a union.
The customer just ends up paying the price in the end, or they just move elsewhere. I never understood the point of over paying employees for jobs that are really meant for high school/college kids or people collecting Social Security.
Quote from: Max Rockatansky on April 08, 2018, 01:48:53 PMI never understood the point of over paying employees for jobs that are really meant for high school/college kids or people collecting Social Security.
But why shouldn't these workers be allowed to form a union?
Quote from: bandit957 on April 08, 2018, 01:50:11 PM
Quote from: Max Rockatansky on April 08, 2018, 01:48:53 PMI never understood the point of over paying employees for jobs that are really meant for high school/college kids or people collecting Social Security.
But why shouldn't these workers be allowed to form a union?
Never said they shouldn't be allowed, I'm just saying that there isn't much of a point.
Kroger's unionization is probably why prices are so high there. And most of their sales are limited to people who have the loyalty card, and there are a number of people who don't like to join such programs due to privacy issues.
We've been Kroger card carriers for years. Every so often, we'll get a package of coupons in the mail. They're usually for items that we have previously purchased. Obviously that data is gleaned from the card program.
There's nothing stopping Walmart employees from unionizing if they want. There's obviously a reason they haven't yet. In large part they must be satisfied with their jobs, hours, pay, etc., as it is now and they see no need to unionize.
As for Target, I've long said that I don't get the fascination with them, other than being a place that the Walmart haters like to go to make them feel better about themselves. I've found the prices to be much higher, the selection of merchandise smaller, and the quality no better than what's available at Walmart.
Same for Meijer. I know Michiganders love Meijer, but to me it's a more expensive version of Walmart. I don't like to shop there unless they're having a sale.
I'm not sure what a merger would accomplish. Kroger is a grocery story that's expanding into general merchandise in a few places with their Marketplace stores (but about all I see in them that isn't grocery-related is patio furniture; I have yet to see clothing, fishing tackle, electronics or other general merchandise in one). Target is a general merchandise store that carries a few grocery items (canned or boxed) but no fresh produce, no deli, no bakery or other things one would generally find in a grocery store.
Quote from: oscar on April 08, 2018, 08:50:33 AM
If the rumors pan out, they might focus on any Pacific Northwest cities where Kroger's Fred Meyer superstores (the most Target-like part of Kroger, but really somewhat more like Wal-Mart) overlap with Target, especially if Wal-Mart is weak/not there in particular markets.
SOP for the antitrusters is selective divestitures, where a merger of store chains raises issues in a few places but not across the board.
I'm curious to see how the merger of Family Dollar and Dollar Tree will work out. I've noticed no differences in our local Family Dollar. Their $1 offerings have not expanded. Of course, Dollar Tree is not a competitor here, as the nearest locations are an hour away. Dollar General is expanding rapidly (they built a second store in my community, about three miles away from an existing DG) and I've noticed they carry more $1 products.
I'm a Dollar Tree fan. Great place to get snacks for the road.
Quote from: hbelkins on April 08, 2018, 03:17:47 PM
There's nothing stopping Walmart employees from unionizing if they want.
Except of course Walmart, which actively suppresses unions.
Quote from: bandit957 on April 08, 2018, 03:21:09 PM
Quote from: hbelkins on April 08, 2018, 03:17:47 PM
There's nothing stopping Walmart employees from unionizing if they want.
Except of course Walmart, which actively suppresses unions.
Yeah, H.B.'s logic is very strained there that workers do not unionize there because they're satisfied. More like paid pennies and kept desperately beholden to their job since they are so easily replaced; their timesheet abuse was legendary (i.e. work now, but you're not getting paid). To unionize would take a herculean effort on behalf of ALL employees and even potential scabs.
^ Yeah, Walmart really, really hates unions, and goes to a lot of trouble to prevent unionization. The last and AFAIK only time it had a union forced on it (at a store in Quebec), that store was promptly closed.
Quote from: hbelkins on April 08, 2018, 03:17:47 PM
I'm not sure what a merger would accomplish. Kroger is a grocery story that's expanding into general merchandise in a few places with their Marketplace stores (but about all I see in them that isn't grocery-related is patio furniture; I have yet to see clothing, fishing tackle, electronics or other general merchandise in one).
Kroger's Fred Meyers are definitely "general merchandise + groceries" (better at the latter than Target), and at least some even have jewelry stores. Of course, the one closest to you would probably be the Fred Meyer in Pocatello ID. Definitely a Pacific Northwest thing. But within that region, it seems to be a popular alternative to Walmart, and indeed has done in Walmarts like the one that used to be in Juneau AK.
I don't know Kroger's logic in acquiring the Fred Meyer chain, but I haven't heard of any Kroger interest in expanding Fred Meyer or at least the concept to other regions. Not even adjacent Utah, which used to have at least one Fred Meyer, but Kroger's presence there is only the Smith's grocery store chain (but some of the Smith's stores include Fred Meyer jewelry stores).
Pro: More competition for Amazon and Whole Foods. Knowing Amazon, they could create a real, Kroger-esque grocery store in the future;if this happens, all of the other stores would probably die out due to Amazon's low prices. If a merger happens, then Amazon would be less able to take over the grocery store world.
Con: The merged company would have LOTS of power, and it would be a headache for regional, smaller grocery stores like Hy-Vee and Food Lion.
Quote from: hbelkins on April 08, 2018, 03:17:47 PMI'm curious to see how the merger of Family Dollar and Dollar Tree will work out. I've noticed no differences in our local Family Dollar. Their $1 offerings have not expanded. Of course, Dollar Tree is not a competitor here, as the nearest locations are an hour away. Dollar General is expanding rapidly (they built a second store in my community, about three miles away from an existing DG) and I've noticed they carry more $1 products.
I'm a Dollar Tree fan. Great place to get snacks for the road.
I haven't noticed any changes in the Family Dollar near me, either. However, the store manager is NOT happy at all about the merger. According to her, the workload for managers has increased with less time off given. They've also talked about cutting benefits, though she did not go into exact details and I didn't press her. She's made it known that if she had any other alternative, she would quit. But given the shitty job market in Danville (along with much of southern VA), she's pretty much stuck for the time being.
Quote from: bandit957 on April 08, 2018, 10:58:08 AM
I remember reading that Kroger already had a 70% share in grocery retailing in the Cincinnati area.
That does sound like a lot, but that is probably because Kroger's Headquarters is in Cincinnati, Ohio, and that is also where it was founded.
Quote from: ThatRandomOshawott on April 08, 2018, 08:42:34 PMCon: The merged company would have LOTS of power, and it would be a headache for regional, smaller grocery stores like Hy-Vee and Food Lion.
Food Lion (aka Shitty Kitty) could use a good swift kick in the ass. Their prices have gotten more expensive, most of their store brand products aren't worth a shit and, lately, the attitudes of some of their employees (management included) leaves a lot to be desired.
10-20 years ago, Food Lion was actually a decent place to shop and the store brand products were nearly as good, if not the same, as the name brand products.
Guys, this is a rumor that somehow became news. It's very doubtful this would actually happen.
Quote from: LM117 on April 08, 2018, 08:59:18 PM
Quote from: ThatRandomOshawott on April 08, 2018, 08:42:34 PMCon: The merged company would have LOTS of power, and it would be a headache for regional, smaller grocery stores like Hy-Vee and Food Lion.
Food Lion (aka Shitty Kitty) could use a good swift kick in the ass. Their prices have gotten more expensive, most of their store brand products aren't worth a shit and, lately, the attitudes of some of their employees (management included) leaves a lot to be desired.
10-20 years ago, Food Lion was actually a decent place to shop and the store brand products were nearly as good, if not the same, as the name brand products.
Didn't Food Lion have an issue with tainted meat about 20-25 years ago?
Quote from: hbelkins on April 09, 2018, 01:06:37 PM
Quote from: LM117 on April 08, 2018, 08:59:18 PM
Quote from: ThatRandomOshawott on April 08, 2018, 08:42:34 PMCon: The merged company would have LOTS of power, and it would be a headache for regional, smaller grocery stores like Hy-Vee and Food Lion.
Food Lion (aka Shitty Kitty) could use a good swift kick in the ass. Their prices have gotten more expensive, most of their store brand products aren't worth a shit and, lately, the attitudes of some of their employees (management included) leaves a lot to be desired.
10-20 years ago, Food Lion was actually a decent place to shop and the store brand products were nearly as good, if not the same, as the name brand products.
Didn't Food Lion have an issue with tainted meat about 20-25 years ago?
That's why he said 10-20 and not 10-25 or 10-30.
Quote from: hbelkinsAs for Target, I've long said that I don't get the fascination with them, other than being a place that the Walmart haters like to go to make them feel better about themselves. I've found the prices to be much higher, the selection of merchandise smaller, and the quality no better than what's available at Walmart.
In comparing Target to WalMart, the old adage that "you get what you pay for" holds true. Sure, Target's a little more expensive than Walmart (not by much, and certainly not at the level you're insinuating). But in return, you get stores that are cleaner, less cluttered, faster checkout, and higher quality (my experience being opposite of yours) than WalMart.
Quote from: LM117 on April 08, 2018, 08:59:18 PM
10-20 years ago, Food Lion was actually a decent place to shop and the store brand products were nearly as good, if not the same, as the name brand products.
The store branded products are name brands in no frills packaging. Do you honestly think that (insert store here) packages their own canned corn as an example?
Quote from: bandit957 on April 08, 2018, 01:50:11 PM
Quote from: Max Rockatansky on April 08, 2018, 01:48:53 PMI never understood the point of over paying employees for jobs that are really meant for high school/college kids or people collecting Social Security.
But why shouldn't these workers be allowed to form a union?
In New England, the unionized grocery store (Shaw's) is the most expensive and teetering on bankruptcy. Market Basket sure as hell proved you didn't need a union. Their entire workforce went on a defacto strike to drive the inept co-CEOs out in favor of the original owner, and it worked. Market Basket is also the most affordable to shop at.
Quote from: froggie on April 09, 2018, 01:21:37 PM
Quote from: hbelkinsAs for Target, I've long said that I don't get the fascination with them, other than being a place that the Walmart haters like to go to make them feel better about themselves. I've found the prices to be much higher, the selection of merchandise smaller, and the quality no better than what's available at Walmart.
In comparing Target to WalMart, the old adage that "you get what you pay for" holds true. Sure, Target's a little more expensive than Walmart (not by much, and certainly not at the level you're insinuating). But in return, you get stores that are cleaner, less cluttered, faster checkout, and higher quality (my experience being opposite of yours) than WalMart.
Please visit the Target in Lowell, MA to see your worldview tainted just a bit. Worse than any Walmart I've been in.
Quote from: SectorZ on April 09, 2018, 01:38:20 PM
Quote from: bandit957 on April 08, 2018, 01:50:11 PM
Quote from: Max Rockatansky on April 08, 2018, 01:48:53 PMI never understood the point of over paying employees for jobs that are really meant for high school/college kids or people collecting Social Security.
But why shouldn't these workers be allowed to form a union?
In New England, the unionized grocery store (Shaw's) is the most expensive and teetering on bankruptcy. Market Basket sure as hell proved you didn't need a union. Their entire workforce went on a defacto strike to drive the inept co-CEOs out in favor of the original owner, and it worked. Market Basket is also the most affordable to shop at.
Stop & Shop is also unionized. Is the same thing happening there?
Quote from: froggie on April 09, 2018, 01:21:37 PM
Quote from: hbelkinsAs for Target, I've long said that I don't get the fascination with them, other than being a place that the Walmart haters like to go to make them feel better about themselves. I've found the prices to be much higher, the selection of merchandise smaller, and the quality no better than what's available at Walmart.
In comparing Target to WalMart, the old adage that "you get what you pay for" holds true. Sure, Target's a little more expensive than Walmart (not by much, and certainly not at the level you're insinuating). But in return, you get stores that are cleaner, less cluttered, faster checkout, and higher quality (my experience being opposite of yours) than WalMart.
House brands maybe, but you'll get the same quality Ziploc bag at either store. Quality of the
building, OTOH, is definitely different. None of the newer Walmarts I've been in have acoustical ceiling tiles over the main sales floor...same with carpeting. Even the remodeled Targets still have carpeting in the clothing departments. How clean the store is...that can go either way. I was in both stores last night and the Walmart was much cleaner and better-stocked than the Target. Both were in the same neighborhood. Same with the speed of checkout. At least Walmart adopted self-checkouts much earlier...now if we could only weed-out the technologically illiterate, I'd be in and out in no time.
Quote from: SectorZ on April 09, 2018, 01:38:20 PM
Quote from: bandit957 on April 08, 2018, 01:50:11 PM
Quote from: Max Rockatansky on April 08, 2018, 01:48:53 PMI never understood the point of over paying employees for jobs that are really meant for high school/college kids or people collecting Social Security.
But why shouldn't these workers be allowed to form a union?
In New England, the unionized grocery store (Shaw's) is the most expensive and teetering on bankruptcy. Market Basket sure as hell proved you didn't need a union. Their entire workforce went on a defacto strike to drive the inept co-CEOs out in favor of the original owner, and it worked. Market Basket is also the most affordable to shop at.
Stop & Shop was unionized, at least when I was a kid. I would be surprised it it wasn't anymore.
Quote from: 1 on April 09, 2018, 01:40:58 PM
Quote from: SectorZ on April 09, 2018, 01:38:20 PM
Quote from: bandit957 on April 08, 2018, 01:50:11 PM
Quote from: Max Rockatansky on April 08, 2018, 01:48:53 PMI never understood the point of over paying employees for jobs that are really meant for high school/college kids or people collecting Social Security.
But why shouldn't these workers be allowed to form a union?
In New England, the unionized grocery store (Shaw's) is the most expensive and teetering on bankruptcy. Market Basket sure as hell proved you didn't need a union. Their entire workforce went on a defacto strike to drive the inept co-CEOs out in favor of the original owner, and it worked. Market Basket is also the most affordable to shop at.
Stop & Shop is also unionized. Is the same thing happening there?
In terms of being super expensive, yes. Close to going under, no they're actually doing fairly well. I think the local market can take a Shaw's OR a Stop & Shop, but not both.
I excluded Stop & Shop before, not because it didn't prove my point, but because I wasn't 100% sure if they were still unionized.
Quote from: signalman on April 09, 2018, 01:22:42 PM
Quote from: LM117 on April 08, 2018, 08:59:18 PM
10-20 years ago, Food Lion was actually a decent place to shop and the store brand products were nearly as good, if not the same, as the name brand products.
The store branded products are name brands in no frills packaging. Do you honestly think that (insert store here) packages their own canned corn as an example?
I can't speak for the other stores, but Food Lion's suppliers have definitely dropped the ball. There certainly has been a big drop in quality compared to most of the name brands, at least where food is concerned. Their non-food items (like paper towels, etc.) are still good.
Quote from: froggie on April 09, 2018, 01:21:37 PM
Quote from: hbelkinsAs for Target, I've long said that I don't get the fascination with them, other than being a place that the Walmart haters like to go to make them feel better about themselves. I've found the prices to be much higher, the selection of merchandise smaller, and the quality no better than what's available at Walmart.
In comparing Target to WalMart, the old adage that "you get what you pay for" holds true. Sure, Target's a little more expensive than Walmart (not by much, and certainly not at the level you're insinuating). But in return, you get stores that are cleaner, less cluttered, faster checkout, and higher quality (my experience being opposite of yours) than WalMart.
That's been my experience. The Target near me is much more organized and less stressful than Walmart. I don't mind going to the Walmart Neighborhood Markets, but the supercenters? Give me Target any day.
Here in Arizona, Fry's (Kroger's Arizona division) is usually one of the cheapest grocery stores. Other than Walmart and Target, local competition includes Safeway/Albertsons, and Bashas', both of which are generally priced higher.
Quote from: hbelkins on April 09, 2018, 01:06:37 PM
Quote from: LM117 on April 08, 2018, 08:59:18 PM
Quote from: ThatRandomOshawott on April 08, 2018, 08:42:34 PMCon: The merged company would have LOTS of power, and it would be a headache for regional, smaller grocery stores like Hy-Vee and Food Lion.
Food Lion (aka Shitty Kitty) could use a good swift kick in the ass. Their prices have gotten more expensive, most of their store brand products aren't worth a shit and, lately, the attitudes of some of their employees (management included) leaves a lot to be desired.
10-20 years ago, Food Lion was actually a decent place to shop and the store brand products were nearly as good, if not the same, as the name brand products.
Didn't Food Lion have an issue with tainted meat about 20-25 years ago?
Yep, in 1992.
https://www.rcfp.org/browse-media-law-resources/news-media-law/news-media-and-law-spring-2012/landmark-food-lion-case (https://www.rcfp.org/browse-media-law-resources/news-media-law/news-media-and-law-spring-2012/landmark-food-lion-case)
Quote from: froggie on April 09, 2018, 01:21:37 PM
Quote from: hbelkinsAs for Target, I've long said that I don't get the fascination with them, other than being a place that the Walmart haters like to go to make them feel better about themselves. I've found the prices to be much higher, the selection of merchandise smaller, and the quality no better than what's available at Walmart.
In comparing Target to WalMart, the old adage that "you get what you pay for" holds true. Sure, Target's a little more expensive than Walmart (not by much, and certainly not at the level you're insinuating). But in return, you get stores that are cleaner, less cluttered, faster checkout, and higher quality (my experience being opposite of yours) than WalMart.
+1. The positives of Target vastly outweigh the maybe $5-10 a week I would save by going to Walmart.
Quote from: hbelkins on April 09, 2018, 01:06:37 PM
Didn't Food Lion have an issue with tainted meat about 20-25 years ago?
In the early '90s, Food Lion was caught putting Clorox on meat to make it look fresher.
Quote from: bandit957 on April 09, 2018, 06:55:25 PM
Quote from: hbelkins on April 09, 2018, 01:06:37 PM
Didn't Food Lion have an issue with tainted meat about 20-25 years ago?
In the early '90s, Food Lion was caught putting Clorox on meat to make it look fresher.
Actually, it was washed in bleach to kill the odors (read the linked article).
BTW, unlike most chains, Kroger actually makes some of its "house brand" products. Its corporate website outlines the various factories around the country. Even has a peanut butter plant it co-owns with Wal-Mart.
They used to have a soda/pop factory in Bluefield, VA, right on the state line, but it has since closed.
One thing I've noticed about Target is that just about every store I've ever been in has had very, very dim lighting, especially when compared to Walmart supercenters.
Quote from: hbelkins on April 10, 2018, 10:33:05 AM
One thing I've noticed about Target is that just about every store I've ever been in has had very, very dim lighting, especially when compared to Walmart supercenters.
I haven't noticed that, and I really hate dim lighting so I think I would've noticed.
I'm not a fan of Target's higher prices (it's often pronounced in French, as "tar-zhay", to mock its pretensions to be better than Wal-Mart). But I shop there occasionally, especially since they usually have aluminum can recycling bins, which help in states (most of them between the west and east coasts) without recycle bins in rest areas.
Quote from: hbelkins on April 10, 2018, 10:33:05 AM
One thing I've noticed about Target is that just about every store I've ever been in has had very, very dim lighting, especially when compared to Walmart supercenters.
I've noticed the exact opposite. Could be a regional thing.
Quote from: Takumi on April 10, 2018, 12:39:19 PM
Quote from: hbelkins on April 10, 2018, 10:33:05 AM
One thing I've noticed about Target is that just about every store I've ever been in has had very, very dim lighting, especially when compared to Walmart supercenters.
I've noticed the exact opposite. Could be a regional thing.
Shouldn't be, Target is obsessive with making all stores alike. They actually call it "Target Branding." Anyone ever notice the complete lack of shopping music or pretty much any background noise at Target stores?
Reminds me of the Penn & Teller joke about Folger's and Smucker's merging: They're either gonna call it Smolger's or...they're gonna call it Smolger's.
Quote from: Takumi on April 10, 2018, 12:39:19 PM
Quote from: hbelkins on April 10, 2018, 10:33:05 AM
One thing I've noticed about Target is that just about every store I've ever been in has had very, very dim lighting, especially when compared to Walmart supercenters.
I've noticed the exact opposite. Could be a regional thing.
Most recent Target stores I've been in are Bloomington, Ind., Barboursville, WV, Hamburg Pavilion in Lexington, and one other I'm drawing a blank on.
The Targets I've been to tend to be brighter than the Wal-Marts I've been to, and I've been to both stores all across the country.
I try to avoid shopping at Target for groceries, because it's more expensive than both Walmart and Crest, our local grocery chain. But for durable home goods like towels, sheets, furniture, etc. I prefer Target because their products are usually designed better.
Quote from: Max Rockatansky on April 10, 2018, 01:10:56 PMAnyone ever notice the complete lack of shopping music or pretty much any background noise at Target stores?
Yes and I hope it stays that way! Nearly every store I go into has shit (IMO) music blaring. I like to be able to hear myself think while I'm shopping. Even Dollar General and Family Dollar have their radios blaring. I don't need to hear Walker Hayes sing "You Broke Up With Me" every time I set foot in Dollar General. :ded:
Quote from: Max Rockatansky
Anyone ever notice the complete lack of shopping music or pretty much any background noise at Target stores?
Yep. As someone who works in retail and hears the same 100 or so songs 5 days a week, it is a welcome change.
Quote from: Scott5114 on April 10, 2018, 04:44:54 PM
I try to avoid shopping at Target for groceries, because it's more expensive than both Walmart and Crest, our local grocery chain. But for durable home goods like towels, sheets, furniture, etc. I prefer Target because their products are usually designed better.
I split my grocery shopping between Target and Aldi, because some things I frequently get are cheaper at each. They're very close to each other, so it's very convenient, and easier to get in and out than the local Walmart.
Quote from: LM117 on April 10, 2018, 05:49:05 PM
Quote from: Max Rockatansky on April 10, 2018, 01:10:56 PMAnyone ever notice the complete lack of shopping music or pretty much any background noise at Target stores?
Yes and I hope it stays that way! Nearly every store I go into has shit (IMO) music blaring. I like to be able to hear myself think while I'm shopping. Even Dollar General and Family Dollar have their radios blaring. I don't need to hear Walker Hayes sing "You Broke Up With Me" every time I set foot in Dollar General. :ded:
Same here I am getting sick of it too. I don't know why they even do it seems like a waste of electricity to me. If I want to hear music I will play what I want to hear. Does anyone even care about it?
Quote from: dvferyance on April 10, 2018, 05:54:41 PM
Quote from: LM117 on April 10, 2018, 05:49:05 PM
Quote from: Max Rockatansky on April 10, 2018, 01:10:56 PMAnyone ever notice the complete lack of shopping music or pretty much any background noise at Target stores?
Yes and I hope it stays that way! Nearly every store I go into has shit (IMO) music blaring. I like to be able to hear myself think while I'm shopping. Even Dollar General and Family Dollar have their radios blaring. I don't need to hear Walker Hayes sing "You Broke Up With Me" every time I set foot in Dollar General. :ded:
Same here I am getting sick of it too. I don't know why they even do it seems like a waste of electricity to me. If I want to hear music I will play what I want to hear. Does anyone even care about it?
I'm to understand the theory is that the music is supposed to make you lose touch with what time it is and encourage you to keep shopping.
Quote from: Max Rockatansky on April 10, 2018, 06:36:02 PM
I'm to understand the theory is that the music is supposed to make you lose touch with what time it is and encourage you to keep shopping.
Two other important factors here:
1) a lot of people are conditioned to expect constant background noise (TV is always on at home, radio is always on in the car, etc.) to the point where when it's suddenly quiet they notice and it feels weird. Having music playing therefore to some degree becomes a social norm that stores conform to for no other reason than habit / meeting customer expectations.
2) Back when elevator music and "muzak" were things, the general principle was it was supposed to be soothing, making an experience that might otherwise cause people to get stressed or impatient more pleasant. At some point, we as a society decided elevators could be quiet and stores started playing normal music instead - an evolution of the previous concept that perhaps still fulfills the same goal.
The Kroger stores around here always play Thompson Twins songs I haven't heard on the radio in 30 years.
I can't say I have ever heard music in Wal-Mart.
Quote from: cjk374 on April 11, 2018, 07:27:33 AM
I can't say I have ever heard music in Wal-Mart.
No "Walmart radio"? Consider yourself lucky. As for Target, no music is one of the things I do enjoy about that store. Like others, after working retail for 6 years, I got sick of hearing Santana or "You Paved Over Paradise" 20 times a day.
Quote from: DaBigE on April 11, 2018, 08:59:15 AM
Quote from: cjk374 on April 11, 2018, 07:27:33 AM
I can't say I have ever heard music in Wal-Mart.
No "Walmart radio"? Consider yourself lucky. As for Target, no music is one of the things I do enjoy about that store. Like others, after working retail for 6 years, I got sick of hearing Santana or "You Paved Over Paradise" 20 times a day.
If I could ban one song from ever being played again, it would be Smooth. It was overplayed when it came out 20 years ago, and it's still overplayed now.