Supercenter Loses That Hometown Feel
August 05, 2020
Cindy Hembree
While shopping at the Branson West Walmart Supercenter there is a constant reminder of the looming second wave of the COVID-19 virus. Many of the shelves are, once again, bare in some isles. The paper goods and home cleaning supply sections seem to be the hardest hit. The Lysol Disinfectant Spray has never really made a “comeback” from the first wave of the Corona Virus. Therefore, it seems the locals are crossing over to the isle possessing the vinegar to effectively kill their household germs and scrub their floors. Bottled water, soda, canned goods, and non-perishable food items (i.e. sugar, flour, rice, Ramen Noodles) also seem to be undersupplied.
There are other changes at Walmart that were not prevalent six months ago. Everyone, including the associates, is required to wear a face mask before entering the building. They no longer allow their customers to use the General Merchandise or Lawn and Garden doors. Those are the doors that provide the quickest access to the pharmacy, health and beauty and hardware departments. Other changes are the signs that have been placed on the floor all over the establishment. Along the fairways (aka action alleys), and in the Pharmacy, they display six-foot markers so customers can maintain a safe distance from one another. The other signs inform consumers which direction they are to enter and exit each isle. There are shoppers who take this very seriously. Some voice their disgust to fellow patrons or exhibit angry glares to unintentional offenders. Others actually scold unwitting wrongdoers for not paying attention to the laid-out navigations. Another change due to the nationwide mandated shutdown are the store hours from being a 24-hour operation to only opening for a 13-hour period. The new hours are 7:00 a.m. to 8:30 p.m. everyday.
Despite these inconveniences, there have also been some positive changes made. During the pandemic storm this past Spring, many of the services offered within Walmart were unavailable. Gratefully, the Pharmacy department hours and services never wavered. However, if someone wanted to get an eye exam or needed their car serviced, they were unable to do so. Effective Monday, July 20, the Automotive and Vision Centers were reopened. The downside, they are operating under limited hours. The Automotive Center is open for business from 12:00 noon to 6:00 p.m., and only by appointment can vehicles be serviced. The Vision Center is open but has an even shorter operating window. Their hours are from 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m., and exams are also by appointment only. If customers stop by to have their glasses adjusted or wish to pick out new frames, there may be an indeterminate wait time. They will be left standing at the counter or gate until an attendant can step over to make an inquiry of the service they are needing. This department at times is understaffed so it is important to have patience and understanding while needing service from the attending associates. These are unprecedented times.
At last, the best change of all is a courtesy tailored to accommodate seniors. Each Tuesday the store opens one hour earlier to specifically serve the older generation of Stone County. The store during the regular business hours can be crowded, extremely busy and chaotic. The earlier morning service allows the mature consumers to shop in a more orderly and calmer atmosphere.
While shopping at the Branson West Walmart Supercenter there is a constant reminder of the looming second wave of the COVID-19 virus. Many of the shelves are, once again, bare in some isles. The paper goods and home cleaning supply sections seem to be the hardest hit. The Lysol Disinfectant Spray has never really made a “comeback” from the first wave of the Corona Virus. Therefore, it seems the locals are crossing over to the isle possessing the vinegar to effectively kill their household germs and scrub their floors. Bottled water, soda, canned goods, and non-perishable food items (i.e. sugar, flour, rice, Ramen Noodles) also seem to be undersupplied.
There are other changes at Walmart that were not prevalent six months ago. Everyone, including the associates, is required to wear a face mask before entering the building. They no longer allow their customers to use the General Merchandise or Lawn and Garden doors. Those are the doors that provide the quickest access to the pharmacy, health and beauty and hardware departments. Other changes are the signs that have been placed on the floor all over the establishment. Along the fairways (aka action alleys), and in the Pharmacy, they display six-foot markers so customers can maintain a safe distance from one another. The other signs inform consumers which direction they are to enter and exit each isle. There are shoppers who take this very seriously. Some voice their disgust to fellow patrons or exhibit angry glares to unintentional offenders. Others actually scold unwitting wrongdoers for not paying attention to the laid-out navigations. Another change due to the nationwide mandated shutdown are the store hours from being a 24-hour operation to only opening for a 13-hour period. The new hours are 7:00 a.m. to 8:30 p.m. everyday.
Despite these inconveniences, there have also been some positive changes made. During the pandemic storm this past Spring, many of the services offered within Walmart were unavailable. Gratefully, the Pharmacy department hours and services never wavered. However, if someone wanted to get an eye exam or needed their car serviced, they were unable to do so. Effective Monday, July 20, the Automotive and Vision Centers were reopened. The downside, they are operating under limited hours. The Automotive Center is open for business from 12:00 noon to 6:00 p.m., and only by appointment can vehicles be serviced. The Vision Center is open but has an even shorter operating window. Their hours are from 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m., and exams are also by appointment only. If customers stop by to have their glasses adjusted or wish to pick out new frames, there may be an indeterminate wait time. They will be left standing at the counter or gate until an attendant can step over to make an inquiry of the service they are needing. This department at times is understaffed so it is important to have patience and understanding while needing service from the attending associates. These are unprecedented times.
At last, the best change of all is a courtesy tailored to accommodate seniors. Each Tuesday the store opens one hour earlier to specifically serve the older generation of Stone County. The store during the regular business hours can be crowded, extremely busy and chaotic. The earlier morning service allows the mature consumers to shop in a more orderly and calmer atmosphere.