3 Things Not to Buy at Walmart
You can save money on plenty of items at the world's largest retailer--just not these.
Walmart is known for saving shoppers lots of money. You might even find that it’s tough to beat the retailer’s prices on everything from food to clothing to electronics. However, we were able to identify a few products that can be purchased elsewhere for less. Here are three of them:
You’ll typically see gift cards for a variety of restaurants and retailers at the checkout in Walmart stores. If you’re looking for a particular type of gift card, however, do some online research first to see if you can’t find a better deal. For example, a $50 Olive Garden gift card was recently selling for 15% off face value through GiftCardGranny.com, a Web site that rounds up the best deals from several gift card brokers. Shipping was free, so the savings added up to more than $7.
Supermarkets tend to have high markups on batteries and so does Walmart. You’ll do better by buying batteries in bulk at warehouse clubs. Duracell AA batteries cost nearly twice as much per battery at Walmart than at Costco, for example. You can buy a 40-pack of batteries for $14.99 at the warehouse club versus paying $10.97 for just a 16-pack at Walmart.
From just $107.88 $24.99 for Kiplinger Personal Finance
Become a smarter, better informed investor. Subscribe from just $107.88 $24.99, plus get up to 4 Special Issues
Sign up for Kiplinger’s Free Newsletters
Profit and prosper with the best of expert advice on investing, taxes, retirement, personal finance and more - straight to your e-mail.
Profit and prosper with the best of expert advice - straight to your e-mail.
Amazon beat Walmart’s prices on all but one of the PlayStation 4, Xbox One and Xbox 360 video games we checked--and the price difference was significant in some cases. For example, “Call of Duty: Ghosts” for Xbox 360 was $17 less on Amazon than at Walmart. Although Xbox One and Xbox 360 consoles were the same price at both retailers, the PlayStation 4 console was $50 less on Amazon than at Walmart.
Looking for more smart shopping tips? Check out our complete lists of the worst things to buy at Walmart, Trader Joe's, Amazon and warehouse clubs.
-
Timeless Trips for Solo TravelersHow to find a getaway that suits your style.
-
A Top Vanguard ETF Pick Outperforms on International StrengthA weakening dollar and lower interest rates lifted international stocks, which was good news for one of our favorite exchange-traded funds.
-
Is There Such a Thing As a Safe Stock? 17 Safe-Enough IdeasNo stock is completely safe, but we can make educated guesses about which ones are likely to provide smooth sailing.
-
First the Penny, Now the Nickel? The New Math Behind Your Sales Tax and TotalRounding Tax A new era of "Swedish rounding" hits U.S. registers soon. Learn why the nickel might be on the chopping block, and how to save money by choosing the right way to pay.
-
Costco Gold Bars Keep Selling Out. Are They a Smart Investment?How Costco's bullion program works, how to get the best deal and whether it makes sense for investors.
-
21 Last-Minute Gifts for Grandparents Day 2025 to Give Right NowHoliday Tips Last-minute gifting is never easy. But here are some ideas to celebrate Grandparents Day.
-
Texas Sales Tax-Free Weekend 2025Tax Holiday Here's what you needed to know about the Texas sales tax holiday.
-
I Live Next to a Costco Business Center. Here Are 5 Things You Won't Find at a Costco WholesaleYou don't need to own a business to shop at a Costco Business Center. Here are five reasons to visit the one near you.
-
Alabama Tax-Free Weekend 2025Tax Holiday Here’s everything you need to know about the 2025 back-to-school Alabama sales tax holiday.
-
Don't Let High Taxes Break Your Heart This Valentine’s DayState Taxes We’ve mapped out the best states where your box of chocolates comes without a side of sales tax.
-
Florida Back-to-School Tax-Free Holiday 2025Sales Taxes The new tax-free holiday in Florida brought month-long savings on computers, clothing and other school supplies.
