Walter Loeb’s recent Forbes piece, "Why are Walmart Stores Such a Mess?" caused quite a stir on several networks and as of the posting of this blog had generated more than 1,000 comments. 

"My" Walmart, or the one that’s closest to me, is on East Capitol Drive in Milwaukee.  It’s easy to get to, and like all Walmarts has good prices and selection.  If I need something in bulk or at a low price, I’m there.  Yet, like Mr. Loeb asserts in his post, the East Capitol Drive Walmart can often be a disorderly mess which causes me to only shop there a few times per year.

Loeb explained possible similar disarray inside a Massachusetts store (number 2228) as "disturbing."  He went on to say, "Everywhere I looked, whether it was the men’s, women’s or juniors departments, merchandise was not well assorted by style, size, or color. There was no fashion message; and the presentation was poor – goods hung loose on separate racks in a most unattractive way. In the women’s intimate apparel department there were many bras on the floor – certainly unappealing, not to mention an unsanitary condition." 

I’m usually in and out so quickly that I don’t take total stock of the overall cleanliness of the Walmart store at 401 E Capitol Dr., but I almost always notice something that’s out of stock, misplaced or sloppy.  Of course, all Walmarts are different and many are very organized and clean.  And, maybe shoppers just don’t care.  Value and convenience drive buying decisions.  But "my" Target never looks like this Walmart does. 

Do you care about how "your" Walmart looks?  Does your brick and motor retailer, Walmart or otherwise, need to be an organized and design-friendly entity? 

Thoughts?  Chime in, and shop on.