Walmart - Low Price Paper

When Walmart isn't busy, it can be a great place to shop.

This weekend I popped in for an American-made toilet plunger that cost less than $5.

Last night, I was able toslip in and pick up a ream of paper for only $3.47.

Quick and cheap--that's cool by me.

The Weakest Links: Kmart, Sears, and JC Penney

Can you imagine a world with nothing but Wal-Mart and Target?  It would suck.  They would only sell the items that their computers deem most profitable.   Prices would rise and the diversity of products offered would decline.  We would find yourself in situations like my wife and I found ourselves in a few years ago.  We were looking for a lampshade and we found one.  But, Target didn't have lamp harps so we had to abandon the project.

We need o keep diversity alive, buy shopping at all the different stores.  Buyng something from Sears, Kmart, and JC Penny helps keep them in business.
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American-Made Products in Walmart: Okabashi Shoes

A lot of folks think that Walmart is all about Chinese products.  Sometimes it seems that way.  But, a couple of weeks ago, I got a good deal on some American-made flip-flops at Walmart.  The shoes were made by a American company called Okabashi and are made in Buford, Georgia.  They are high tech, recyclable flip-flops, with arch support and comfortable soles.  They were displayed prominently on the sales floor.

The flip-flops that I got were called "Surf" and are all black with an aggressive tread design and comfortable foot bed.  You can read a complete review here:

Cheap Shoe Review:  Okabashi Men's "Surf" Flip-Flops

What time is it? Walmart time!

When I wander through Walmart, I always gravitate towards the watch department.  The prices are amazing--especially for the no-name quartz watches.  For less than $15, you can get a great watch!  But, there are a few things you need to know in order to choose a good watch, to learn them read my article:

How to Find Great Watches at Walmart

The Secrets of Walmart

My wife and I wander about in Walmarts more than any other big box store.  Walmart is huge.  They have girly things for women and manly things for men.  They have everyday low prices.  Unfortunately, Walmart often has huge crowds, long lines, and busy parking lots.  But, if you know the secrets of Walmart shopping, you can eliminate many of those hassles.  To learn more and make your Walmart wandering easier, read my article: 

Secrets of a Seasoned Walmart Shopper

Buying A Wedding Ring From Walmart

A Review of a Titanium Wedding Ring from Walmart.com 

Men's jewelry isn't just for pompous ring-knockers, pimps, and pianists. Normal guys need a few simple pieces of jewelry as well. For example, every guy needs a wedding band. You can get by without a wedding band, but you may have to carry a stick to keep desperate single women away from you.

 
If you do have to get a wedding band, you can get one made out of titanium from Walmart.com for only $40. The Walmart alternative represents a savings of at least $150 over a gold band from a traditional jewelry store. This savings could be applied to the purchase of something useful like a trolling motor or, for wussies, a nicer engagement ring for your fiancee.

I got my new ring because my I've been married long enough for my fingers to get too pudgy for my original wedding band. However, if you have to get married quick, Walmart.com can deliver your ring within 3 or 4 days and it will arrive in a plain white box. Inside, it will have perfectly respectable padded presentation box and a small carrying pouch. Walmart.com has a variety of men's wedding bands with different finishes and materials at very affordable prices.

The ring design that I chose is a plain titanium band with a nicely detailed edge. The color and finish matches most typically masculine accessories like wristwatches, pocket knives, and stainless steel handguns. Like any wedding band, your ring will accumulate some small scratches. However, you'll be able to shrug off any that accumulate on your Walmart wedding ring and be secure in the knowledge that you didn't spend a lot of money for it. After a couple of weeks of constant daily wear, I have not noticed any unusual wear, fading, scratches, or skin reactions. The Chinese-made ring has stood up to showering, dishwashing, dog walking, and other typical daily duties. If you are into fishing, hunting, or other outdoor activities, the Walmart.com wedding band should be able to accompany you on your adventures without worries.

On a serious note, the wedding and jewelry industry works very diligently to pump your wedding day full of extraneous expenses. The Walmart.com wedding band is one way to fight back. While you should never scrimp on a woman's ring, Walmart.com offers a perfectly appropriate alternative for a man's wedding band. Congratulations on your big day and your big savings.