Mansi's Blog

Moving to a new country is a whirlwind of emotions—excitement, nervousness, and a whole lot of “Where do I even start?” As an international student landing in the U.S. for the first time, my to-do list was long, but at the very top? Shopping for essentials.

Enter Walmart.

Before I even stepped inside, I had heard about it. “You can literally buy everything there,” my friend told me as we pulled into the massive parking lot in Bayonne, NJ. I nodded, not realizing just how true that statement was until I walked in.

A Store Unlike Any Other
The sliding doors opened, and I froze for a second.
The store was HUGE.

Aisles stretched endlessly, shelves were stacked with every imaginable product, and bright signs advertised deals that seemed too good to be true. It was like stepping into a world where convenience ruled—whatever you needed, you could find it here.

With empty carts in front of me and a mission to stock up my new apartment, I dove in.

Filling Up Two Carts Like a True First-Timer
I started with the basics—bedding. I grabbed a soft comforter, pillows, and fresh sheets. The variety was impressive, and the prices? A dream for a student on a budget.

Then came the bathroom aisle. Shampoo, lotion, shower gel, toothpaste—into the cart they went. I noticed that alongside familiar brands, there were also more affordable alternatives, which made shopping easier without compromising on quality.

Next stop: the kitchen section. I needed pots, pans, cutlery, and plates—basically, everything to start cooking for myself. Walking through the cookware aisle felt like unlocking a new level of adulthood. I even tossed in some groceries—pasta, rice, spices, and snacks—because, let’s be honest, shopping makes you hungry.

By the time I reached checkout, my two carts were overflowing. The cashier gave me a look that said, “You sure you got everything?” I just laughed. For someone who had only heard about Walmart before, I had officially lived the experience.

A Pleasant Surprise: Friendly Staff and Smooth Shopping
One thing that made my first trip even better was the customer service.

Despite the size of the store, the staff was friendly and helpful. One associate even walked me over to the kitchen section when I couldn’t find the measuring cups. Small gestures like that make a shopping trip feel effortless.

Even the checkout process was smooth, with both regular and self-checkout options. Despite the long lines, everything moved efficiently, making the whole experience stress-free.

A Marketing Student’s Take on Walmart’s Strategy
While I was shopping, I couldn’t help but notice how Walmart’s retail strategy was playing out in real-time.

• One-Stop-Shop Convenience: Walmart positions itself as the ultimate shopping destination where you can find everything under one roof. This not only saves customers time but also increases basket size—just like mine that day!
• Smart Product Placement: Essentials like toiletries and kitchenware were placed along major pathways, making it easy to grab things you might have forgotten. Even near checkout, impulse buys were everywhere (yes, I bought a few).
• Affordable Yet Quality Alternatives: I saw how Walmart balances affordability and brand appeal, offering both well-known brands and its own private-label products that provide value for money.
• Customer Experience Matters: Despite being a massive retailer, Walmart still focuses on ensuring a smooth shopping experience, from store layout to helpful staff. This makes first-time customers (like me) more likely to return.

Final Thoughts: More Than Just Shopping
What started as a simple essentials run became an experience in itself. Walmart wasn’t just a store that day—it was my first step toward settling into life in the U.S.

Beyond just affordability and convenience, it made me appreciate how well-planned retail spaces can influence buying behavior. Walking in, I had a set list, but walking out, I had discovered more than just products—I had experienced how a brand builds trust and loyalty through seamless shopping.

Would I go back? Absolutely. Walmart had officially won me over as a loyal customer.