Stay On Target.... Stay On Target.....

Lesson of the day: Don't wear a red polo and khakis (especially bamboo color) to Target - even for 4 items. You'll get asked lots of questions. The first guy (I hadn't figured out my mistake of clothing choice at this point) was looking at me asking where the hand weights were as I walked down a main aisle. I just looked away and kept on walking. Then I realized why he was asking ME (thought it was because I was so ripped and he figured I knew where the weight room stuff was) but still kept walking. Then an elderly lady asked for some help with the top shelf - which sure, could have been because I'm tall but I blame the shirt color. I was a nice guy and helped her get what she wanted.

So speaking of Target - I do really enjoy going there, but there's only one in Rochester (till October when the new one for us cool people on the SW side of town is opening). So for convenience shopping, I will head to WalMart and "struggle" through it. Most people I know agree with me - which is surprising because I honestly do feel I save money if I shop at WalMart for the exact same items as Target..... so here's my analysis:

Target has the edge due to:

• MUCH MUCH Cleaner - both in appearance and people
• Parking lot is "normal"... the south WalMart is the dumbest parking lot EVER
• Layout makes more sense.... electronics in the front so I don't have to walk through bedding to get to the Manly sections
• Target generic brand seems more available on most items that I shop for
• WalMart South puts the hand baskets on the left as you enter which is dumb because people enter and walk on the right (like they drive). So I'm basically crossing over the exit lane to get to my baskets. I'm a guy - I don't do CARTS at Target/Walmart. Target has them 15 feet inside the store which is recommended after I read Why We Buy: The Science of Shopping.
• Cuter staff at Target.... note the female to male ratio at Target vs WalMart! I find it much better odds for a guy going to Target!
• No greeter at Target that serves no purpose whatsoever at the front door. LEAVE ME ALONE!!!
• Higher quality shopping bags to go home with. I keep these... WalMarts get immediately recycled.
  

Walmart has the edge due to:

• Greeting Cards suck at Target.... I seriously believe this. WalMart is actually pretty good.
  
• Clearance Items are hidden at Target on the ends - Walmart has 2 of the messiest aisles up front that you'll ever see.... reminds me of the Bargain Barn days of my Drugtown working years (1993-1995).
• Slightly Higher prices at Target - Walmart is big on everything ending in $.x8 instead of the usual $.x9.... even Target generic brand is higher than WalMart generic brand
  
• Self Checkout - unfortunately, this is a huge motivation at times for me to go to WalMart over Target. Hopefully the new Target has these (IBM designed and built!!!)
• Surprisingly - WalMart's webpage is pretty useful and easy to navigate. I believe this is also thanks to IBM!!
• WalMart has a lawn and garden... Target? Negative (at least Rochester's version)....
• I won't get mistaken for an employee when I wear a red shirt (Cyclone Pride!!!) to WalMart.
  

So my conclusion? Target about 80% of the time!!!!

Numbers of the Day - 116/63... that was my bloodpressure taken on Monday at the doctor with the new automated machine that takes it 8 times and uses the average of all of those. It's the "new thing" that doesn't take up time of the hospital staff so they can keep you in the room by yourself even longer. Anyway - "average" numbers are 120/80 so I'm well below the suggested numbers;)

Entertainment of the Day - I love getting radio signals from the Cities because they play GOOD music... heard a little Notorious BIG - Hypnotize last night and wanted to share the awesome video with everyone for your enjoyment!! Ahhhhh... memories of college and Baker floor!

Weblink of the Day - 30 second bunnies are back with Napoleon Dynamite... WHICH is 100 times better than the original movie. I love the bunnies if you haven't noticed:)