The New Wal-Mart in Port Saint Lucie on Gatlin Blvd

I'm one of those people you might see on the news protesting the plans of a new Wal-Mart. Why? Well I can tell you it is not because I'm worried about small businesses dying, because they've been dying a slow death since the dawn of the 20th Century. I protest new Wal-Marts being built because they're usually ugly monstrosities that sell cheap crap. Still, despite any convictions we may hold, we all cross over to the "dark side" once in a while and it has happened to me. I protested the idea of a new Wal-Mart on Gatlin Blvd. in Port Saint Lucie, Florida, but now I go there regularly.

Atmosphere:
I've always used the phrase "colorfully drab" when I tried to describe Wal-Mart to people. The colors are always boring and the employees are always drab and sad looking. The Wal-Mart on Gatlin seems to be actually breaking the mold as far as this goes. Don't get me wrong, Wal-Mart still needs to learn a thing or two about interior design, but this one has come a long way from the red, white and blue color scheme with the white tile floors. The colors in this Wal-Mart all seem to be earth tones that actually lead to a warm feeling, an inviting feeling. The tiles are still white, but when you walk in they're a nice, level brown color.

Employees and Service:
I used to be a Wal-Mart employee, which could also explain my bias against the store, and I know for a face that many of the employees hate their jobs there, I did. Wal-Mart is very unappreciative of their employees and that plays on employee morale after a while. The employees at the Wal-Mart on Gatlin Blvd seem to actually enjoy their job. It may be because they are located in a nice area (only a mile away from Tradition, a swanky development) and the pay may be better. Employees at other Wal-Marts usually give service, but without a smile. The employees at this store are very happy and helpful.

Products:
Sadly, when it comes down to the products sold, Wal-Mart is as Wal-Mart does. I understand that they sell more for less or whatever their slogan is, but why do they have to sell subpar products for less. Couldn't they sell good products for less? One can find a few worthwhile things to buy, but nothing to write home about. The biggest deal is that at Wal-Mart, you can buy DVDs for much less than you would pay anywhere else, including the movies people actually want to see.

Overall:
While still staying true the spirit of Wal-Mart (hopefully it will get over that) the Wal-Mart on Gatlin Blvd in Port Saint Lucie is actually a pretty nice place to go, even if it just to while away the lazy hours on a Sunday afternoon. If you're interested, the Wal-Mart is on Gatlin Blvd on the left hand side if you're heading toward I-95 and on the right if you're heading away from I-95. Give it a try.