You're kidding right? I'm 73 YO and Walmart has had a hardware/paint section for as long as I can remember. Jeez, I thought you were going to say Walmart was selling lumber now.
Its like ACE and small hardware stores unable to compete against Lowes or Home Depot primarily. They sell some but not all from the associated manufacturers Home Depot and Lowes are not willing to sell. When Home Depot discontinues selling things they used to sell, ACE or a small hardware store pick them up from the manufacturer and sell them at a higher price always. They are not price competitive but have additional hardware items not sold anymore at Home Depot or Lowes. Walmart sells additional from manufacturers who don't supply Home Depot and Lowes primarily. From fixing electric motors, doing auto mechanics even light jobs to many various outdated plumbing ware ... additional Hardware stores get my business also.
Throughout the Covid 19 era and even up through mid-2024 my local Walmart's paint section was mostly empty. They frequently didn't even have more that a couple of gallons of white ceiling paint; the shelves were mostly bare. By the end of 2024 it did seem like they were getting better stock, but still, if anyone has anything more than a small project Walmart would be a poor choice. Different subject, but why is latex paint so expensive at the big hardware stores? US 30-80 dollars per gallon for good paint?
Lumber at Walmart... wouldn't that be something. It isn't that I didn't know that they had the section, but more like I always walked past and didn't notice it. What surprised me was that they carried a lot of things that I was not expecting, like the electrical wire I bought. I never would have thought about buying that at Walmart.
I've been buying paint at Walmart for 30 years. I've never had a problem with getting an associate or having paint mixed. The paint is fine. I've even gotten paint-matched paint and it was perfect. I also buy tools and paint supplies. It's been somewhat of a necessity for me since I live in a small town and the nearest lowes is 15 miles away. Nearest home depot is at least 25 miles away.
I don't mean this as an insult but you are young. We've always had hardware and such at department stores. In fact there's a Fred Meyer that even sells lumber. Back in high school, mid 70's, I used to buy paint at Kmart. And even Bartell's pharmacy had quarts of paint back then. Kmart always had door locks, dead bolts, paint, shelf boards, Stanley hardware like hinges and L brackets. Walmart tools are talked about often here on RUclips. They are improving their quality and starting to make progress. I love your channel and watch about 3 of 4 of your videos. Also, another reason they sell that stuff is so you will grab that set of hinges while the family is clothes shopping so you don't have to make another stop.
Lol... I am not offended, but I rarely get called young! I don't mind it one bit. When I was a kid we shopped at the local hardware store called Sutherlands for all that stuff. I didn't go to kmart often, but I do not recall it having paint. I think that you are right, though, on their strategy. I think that it is all about convenience. I don't think that there are a lot of people that go there for tools and such, but if you happen to be there and you need the stuff, then why not?!?
I worked in the hardware department at Walmart back in the early 2000s. We mixed probably 10 gallons or so a day of paint on average. At the time it was mainly Dutch Boy and it was decent stuff. You hit the nail on the head when you said a 'one stop shop', that is the whole reason the hardware department exists. Walmart wants you to be able to get everything from them. We sold a lot of glue, picture hangers, 3M hooks, and other accessory items for projects. At the time we also sold Stanley tools and around Christmas time each year there would be good deals on things like fully stocked tool chests. Not the best quality of tool but for a person who doesn't do a lot of projects or someone who simply can't afford anything more it was perfect. Bottom line is, many of the people who buy hardware at Walmart do so because they are there anyways and don't have a great enough need to go to a dedicated hardware store, or are intimidated to do so.
When walmart was open 24 hours a day being able to hit up the hardware section was a god send for a builder like me but since they no longer are open 24 hours and it's a further drive to goto a walmart vs the other big box stores I stopped bothering to goto walmart. When I was younger, broke and it was late night, my friends and I would wander around the walmarts because again they were open, and look at all the random stuff so I knew they had all this stuff. They have a full DIY car audio section as well as a fishing and camping section, they're all next to each other...
I don't go to Walmart often and, to be fair, I did know that they have a hardware and paint section, but I usually walked by without noticing it. What surprised me is that they sell items, like the romex wire that I was surprised that would be sold at Walmart.
It’s funny that you mentioned it, either in Home Depot or Lowe’s you can never find an associate when you need one and when you do, they have no idea what you’re talking about so you better off looking for the product yourself? lol
My local Homey Depot is different. It's almost like they trained at a Chick-fil-A. When you walk in the door, there is always 3 or 4 associates asking if you need any help. If you are walking looking for the isle you need, every associate you pass will ask if you need help. Then, when on the isle you need, 2 or 3 will always walk by asking if you need help. But Lowe's, it's like you could video one of those urban exploration videos for RUclips. NOBODY asks if you need help. You'll be lucky to even see an associate before you checkout. I honestly don't know which is worse. Too much "help" or no help.
I find that our local Menards is a different experience all together. It’s interesting that they do have a small grocery section. But they do have quality lumber which is rare at both Lowe’s and increasingly Home Depot. I think Menards is superior to the other two big box stores. Walmart is great for picking up something quick like you would at a Harbor Freight store. Not your first choice but works in a pinch.
Home Depot customer service is weird. I ordered something online for delivery and it said delivery on Friday. Got a text with a link to my order, link doesn't work. Stopped by their customer service on Saturday with the order number in the link, they said it was delivered. I got a little belligerent and asked where to and by whom? They checked again and said it was delivered to their distribution hub and I would get it Monday. Got home and a couple of hours later, the order was delivered! They seem to just do the minimum for service. Don't get me started about when their credit card issuer, Citibank got hacked. Someone 2,000 miles away charged over $6,000 worth of stuff to my account. Took over a month to get the charges dropped.
Menard's sells groceries! That's not where we generally grocery shop because they don't have everything grocery stores carry, but we've acquired a preference for some of the lesser known brands of jellies, pumpkin seeds, etc., and grab them when buying project materials. And when they have their 11% rebate running, things they have like soft drinks that we normally get at a grocery store become a bargain.
@@DIYwithDave wait wait wait...hope you can see Menard's business perspective for why they're selling food, it's only bcuz of their cherished 11 % rebate program, the rebate you receive can ONLY be used at Menards. I really have issues with their mail in rebates....The advertise the rebated sell price heavily but in reality, you still have to pay full price THEN get ur Menards store credit. Now at this moment, they are having a What You Can Fit In The Bag sale for 15% off.... Now this I agree with and support, I just bought more at Menards than I did the year before.....even some groceries. Also my son & I love the Hart tools they are not bad at all in okay priced.
WM paint section used to be staffed all the time. Since just before covid they started down sizing the paint area. As for hardware it has been reduced from 8 to 10 isles years ago to 2 or 3 now, which included lighting, plumbing, small home repair items and an isle for tools that are locked up in most of the country now. The fasteners has been put in with the case with the tools at many location. The automotive section has seen a significate decline in available items as well. What was 4 isles of various items has been reduced to a single isle now. Sporting goods also has seen a major shrinkage over the years since the anti 2A movement within WM cooperate.
If you have a 5HP motor operating on 120vac it is doubtful you could plug it in anywhere. 35 amp receptacles are not common at 120 vac. Could you please check with motor nameplate for correct data? It’s not unusual for retail outlets to lie about things like horsepower. But math never does.
@@matthewcauthorn3948 The advertised horsepower rating for vacuums is usually based on "Peak Horsepower" (PHP)The rating is based on the maximum in-rush current, which is the current the motor experiences when first started up
I’ve purchased their LED shop lights, found them to be well made and bright. Bought some antique white paint (did not need to be mixed) Glidden brand, it’s held up well. Masking tape, gorilla glue, duct tape. All only because I was there for other stuff.
I think that is partly what their strategy is. Draw you in for other things and then buy the hardware store stuff because it is there. I think that convenience has a lot to do with it.
@@DIYwithDaveyea, you’re right…. Don’t expect it to be marketed, never has, never will. But it’s convenient. I don’t go to Walmart to buy hardware, but if I need something small and at Walmart I’ll save a trip to Lowe’s
The first set of screwdrivers I bought were Popular Mechanics from Walmart years ago. I still have them and love the triangle handle that doesn't roll away from me.
Walmart has had a “hardware” section for decades. I live in a rural area and Home Depot and Lowes are further away than Walmart. So when you need to fix a toilet, replace an outlet or grab something for a project it’s pretty handy to have that option. I have bought paint from Walmart and it’s done exactly what it’s supposed to do. Our store carries a selection of Glidden paint products at various prices. Each Walmart has a different selection of items available in the Hardware Dept. I know of one in a different location that has a smaller selection of products. Perhaps they look at demographics to decide how much to stock. Hart tools are fine for most DIY tools. I’ve had a few different HyperTough yard tools I bought on clearance that have worked just fine. I think the idea of Walmart carrying these items is to be able to offer a product that’s affordable to people who don’t want to spend the money a similar product would cost elsewhere.
I’ve shopped the Walmart hardware and automotive departments as well as the usual departments. Solid source for things like an adjustable wrench set for the toolbox in my truck, etc. My take is that it gives them variety. Even if you don’t walk those areas, knowing that they have everything is a marketing strategy. As far as what they carry, I see hardware as aimed at low cost immediate fixes and landlords shopping for cheap materials. Not a lot of variety in sizes, finishes, assortment, and so on. Several other RUclips channels have noted that regarding Hart tools, no matter where you are, there is a Walmart near by 99% of the time. If you need a battery, or a tool and you’re already on that platform, it’s a simple answer. My local Walmart also has very little traffic to the automotive, fabric/notions, party goods and sporting goods relative to the footprint of each. Again, I may not shop them every time but I know that it’s there when I need it add always go for an all through just in case I see something I wasn’t thinking about.
Hart tools are good. I know many craftsman starting to use them. Those who service that department goes through several training sessions and supervision their first few times doing any mixing and such.
I live rural, I frequent the Walmart hardware section because the nearest big box hardware store is about an hour and a half away, while the nearest Walmart/grocery is a half hour away.
Parking in modern city's is a true factor as well... Accesibility and convenience. Selection and variety. There's so many factors that made big box stores the juggernauts and now online shopping is an extension of all that. It has it's own pitfalls, that will mean boxstores will never go away, and I believe will make online shopping go through a bubble that bursts. Things like porch pirates costing these companies infinitely more in loss than even shoplifting will be a factor that eventually will make box stores more relevant again. Both consumers and businesses will want to keep both and modify them to work together. Specialty stores will appeal to certain people. But box stores like walmart are great at figuring out what kind of casual specialty items work in certain areas. The basic tools or needs of that community. They will always test and modify their shelf space to accomodate our basic needs so they can get people coming in for that variety. I love that you can shop at so many departments and am glad they have basic tools and fixtures at ours here.
Sometimes it's also about what store is closer, or even in your town. Walmart is almost everywhere. Home Depot, Lowe's, Ace, True Value aren't in every town. Walmart is 20 minutes from home and Lowe's/Home Depot are 40-45 minutes away where I live. If it's a simple tool or supply, we go to Walmart first because it's closer. For the planned project, we head for HD or Lowe's etc. I always research online first as much as I can.
I'm 70+ and shop at Walmart two or three times a month mostly for clothes, groceries, medicine, greeting cards, camping and automotive supplies, and, yes, light hardware items. Some of their tools are better than low-end Harbor Freight similar items. There are several shoppers in the hardware/paint sections whenever I go there. It's a one-stop shop rather than spending gas driving more miles to other stores.
Some of their tools aren't bad, for the price, for someone that will them lightly and not professionally. Some of the Hart and HT tools have been tested on some other channels and performed fairly well. Recently the gen 2 HT cordless impact wrenches went head to head with big yellow and red. (the test was on Torque Test Channel, if mentioning another channel is against your policy/rules I apologize) I personally picked up their heart 3pc stack system mobile tool box is great for $75. They have added a few more items to it I have been meaning to pick up. Please note I am not a professional mechanic, wood worker, etc. but I did use it daily for about a year going to school for welding classes.
25' 12-2 58 cents difference. I have bought paint, stain, glue, shop vac, gloves, screws,storage containers. The only POS I bought was a hyper tough circ saw. The base must have been damaged in handling as it was WAY out of line. Toilet seats, yeah, a LOT of different stuff in that area.
I worked at Walmart garden center from 2015 to 2017. I was always asked to fill in for hardware because that department has a total of 2 employees, across the entire store/shifts. They can't always be there and so I was trained to mix paint. The walmart I worked at had old style paint mixer where you had to pull a plunger to mix paint, and a computer that looks like it's from the dinosaur age tells you what colors/base to start from (and we always followed that to the letter, as you can get the wrong color and the store manager had to deal with this at times, when some worker screwed up on 100 dollars worth of paint). for the record I never screwed up or had calls about screwing up paint mixes, but I read labels carefully before committing to mixing as there are several bases the computer tells you to start from, and if you get it wrong, it will come out wrong. The procedure is always mix the paint, open it up and dab one on the label so the customer sees exactly what they're mixing. Tool selection was crap, not a whole lot and maybe this have changed, but I didn't remember seeing Romex wires at all, only seeing lots of extension cords when Christmas comes around. There were some tools but often I'll buy some myself as I had an employee discount card to save a little. Maybe they're stocking more stuff now? I can't say what their strategy is and I have no idea what changed since, as I am not in the US anymore and there's no Walmart in Taiwan. But I get the sense that hardware section is an afterthought at Walmart, the garden section is several times bigger than hardware, and are better staffed as we have a register there (a secluded exit and lots of opportunity for theft). Shrink at my store was so bad, often 1.6 million per year minimum. We had police officers stand there but then Walmart didn't want to keep paying the city a fortune for this. Just so you know, in Taiwan mom and pop hardware stores still dominate the scene. Corporate shops/hypermarkets simply didn't even try to enter the market. There's a "big box" tool store that carried tools, but their selection is nearly as bad as Walmart's, that shop sold more furniture than tools. If you wanted tools, especially professional tools, you went to a mom and pop hardware store. They have different hardware stores for different things. A general type that had a little of both (but it occupied maybe 300 square feet if that), there's a tool hardware store that only sold tools, there's a different one that sold plumbing and electrical supplies (in Taiwan plumbing and electrical is considered one trade, for some odd reason), and a shop that sells construction lumber (crap from southeast asia, it's both expensive and crap quality), a shop that sells masonry (concrete mixes, cement, bricks, cinder blocks, rebars, etc.), and finally paint shops which sells ONLY paint (it's a bit like Sherwin Williams but mom and pop, often carries Dulux, Benjamin Moore, and Nippon) which is where you get your paint mixed. Means for any construction project in Taiwan, you need to visit about 10 different shops. But Taiwan's retail landscape seems to be mostly dominated by mom and pop shops... some of them can be rather large but are still "mom and pop". The only exception is convenience stores, but most food here is sold at wet markets and not supermarkets. It could be because the market is too small and so most big corporations simply skips Taiwan...
I was mixing paint when I was 16 in 1983 at Walmart. Their variety is limited but like most sections at WM the whole thing exists to get one more customer to come through the door to get that one item and then fill the basket with shit they didn't need while they are there.
I was in Walmart the other day and went through that area and they had Kilz paint that I was looking for and was surprised ... I also ended up getting some keys made from their auto key copier and not only was it fast and accurate I did not have to go looking for anyone to make them......
These areas were always a staple in department stores. I worked in Kmart’s DIY department in the 90s, and they always had that department. In fact, it had shrunk since the 80s. Bradlees and others had their hardware department. For the record, we sold a ton of paint in Kmart. Some of the Walmart tools are pretty good, and for the average person, most of what you need for small repairs, etc are there. I was at my rental property and the faucet needed to be replaced. Home Depot and Lowes were at least 20 minutes away, while Walmart was five minutes away. I even got new supply lines to go with it. Keep in mind that all of the main items you might need for a home repair are located in a few aisles of the store rather than all over a sprawling big box store. It’s all about convenience. I bet that department, with its house brand tools, etc are high profit margin.
Walmart plays the 'long game'. They can't compete with the hardware big boxes for contractor and serious DIY needs, but they can nibble at the edges, and fill that 'midnight repair' niche while you are buying groceries and school supplies. Also - as a frequent traveler, Walmart is my go-to for food, water, and that miscellaneous roll of duct tape that I may need. Finding an inexpensive cordless drill at a Walmart on a Sunday evening in a town that had no Harbor Freight, no big box retailers was an unexpected surprise. Now finding someone with the keys to the loss prevention cabinet you need something out of can be every bit as difficult as finding the same at Home Depot or Lowes...
Same for me, because the only other option in town wanted 2X in price for their paint. Although paint can be one thing where you do actually get what you pay for in terms of quality, every new tenant wants/expects a fresh paint job. Last time, Walmart's color matching computer was out of service though so we just eyeballed the color chips and called it close enough.
I shop at the Walmart hardware section now and then but only because it is about 10 miles further to the Lowes and Home Depot. 42 years as an electrician working all over the world and I don't think I have ever considered buying a tool there. I need something professional grade.
Walmart has had hardware for years and I bought a drill from them and it still works well today. As for the paint, did that once and noticed the quality is not good and have not since. I do still get paint supplies from them and simple hardware stuff like screws and fasteners and such.
Dave, your Walmart hardware and paint department analysis was spot on, have bought Paint as a painting contractor. The one thing Walmart does not have is service .if they ever figured it out, they would be truly a competitor to Home Depot or Lowe’s.
It’s hard to find decent service in Lowe’s or Home Depot as well. Back in the day Home Depot crushed it with knowledgeable associates, many former tradespeople.
@@paulsworkshop4179 at least in my area the Lowe’s I’ve been going to for 20 years when they first opened they hired knowledgeable sales associates from other suppliers. They paid them well, after about a year I guess the pay was too high at the time and they ended up letting them all go. But within the past few years, I’ve noticed they do have plenty of help if you ask for it they’re just not as knowledgeable and helpful as far as projects like the past.
Given a choice, I’d go to HD or Lowe’s, but sometimes those are hours away and a Walmart is close by. Items for most DIY repairs or small projects are available there. 😊
I almost always buy my paint at Walmart. It seems to be less of a hassle. A lot of times I bring in a color sample, and they use there scan tool to match. Almost always it matches. Home Depot almost always argues with me.
If I need something small to finish a project (like you mentioned) such as caulk, glue, wood filler, etc. I recall years ago going there to purchase paint and while I got what I needed, the sales person took forever to arrive and when he did, he was visibly annoyed at having to do his job. Needless to say, I've not purchased any since.
I last bought paint at Walmart over 20 years ago. (I bought spray pain more recently.) I didn't get it tinted. I was putting a fresh coat of paint on a house I was selling. It worked for me. I have also purchased several tools and batteries in the 12V Hyper Tough line. They have worked well for me on many projects. I really liked these tools: 3/8 Brushless Impact Brushless Impact Driver 3/8 Ratchet Brushless Drill The one-hand sawzall was okay the first time I used it. I bought some Diablo blades for the next time I need it. The router disappointed me as I couldn't lock the depth. Fortunately the piece I was using it on didn't need to be pretty. Finally I also bought many pieces from the Hart Stack system. It doesn't come close to the durability of Milwaukee or DeWalt systems, but I was able to get more pieces for the money.
I worked at Walmart years ago in the Hardware department. To my surprise i received more calls from customers calling the store to see if we had specific Hardware items. I answered alot of calls. Also i was constantly mixing paint. I was really busy working only in Hardware. I was working in Gadsden Alabama. It was a good experience helping customers find what they needed.
I have a hyper tough palm sander....it's good. Just like anything else...depends on how well you take care of your tools, take good care of them...they'll last a lifetime
My favorite tool from walmart is the Hart Stack toolboxes, there are several different combinations, and they even have one that comes with foam to cut out for tools, much cheaper than the famous Milwakee Packout. I'm very intrigued by some of the Hart power tools, specifically for the price and large selection, but haven't pulled the trigger on any yet
I’ve bought mixed paint at Walmart, and the wait times to get someone to mix it for you are generally similar. I’ve waited a very long time for someone to show up at Lowe’s, and HD on occasion. As far as someone being able to answer questions for you, probably not as good. I don’t ask questions at Walmart, or other hardware stores though, as I know more than even Ron Swanson! I buy most of my wood stains, and finishes at Walmart, as they are more likely to have them in stock, and a bit cheaper too. It is always pretty quiet around the hardware sections at both Walmarts I shop at. One has hardware all the way in the right hand corner with automotive. The other is near the inside entrance to the garden section, and it always seems much more busy in hardware at this store. Prices, selection, and quality of goods sold, certainly don’t measure up to the dedicated hardware stores.
I have a few Walmart tools that come in clutch. The Hart rinser is awesome to bring to the beach (we can drive on the beach here), the Hyper Tough right angle die grinder is a great deal compared to the Milwaukee version (I compared the features in a video) and I took a Hyper Tough cut off tool and cobbled it together with a Harbor Freight mini belt sander to make a cheap cordless bandfile.
My Walmart paint section is just as desolate. Diyer here and try not to buy from Walmart but i certainly have bought many (bare) paints and deck sealers from the discount rack. For cheap cheap projects, chicken coops and that sort of projects.
About 10 years ago I bought some aerosol clear lacquer paint to spray on a guitar project... the paint still has not dried, and this was rustoleum name brand. I think that the products at wallmart are seconds or not of good quality. I worked at Clorox, and they said they have a "recipe" specifically for wallmart, in addition, look at a spray bottle of windex you buy at safeway, compared to a bottle you buy at wallmart. Wallmart is light blue, whereas Safeway is a deep richer blue. I bought a cooked cornesh hen you get at Costco, and it was like buying an enemic undernourished bird. You get what you pay for at Wallmart.
We bought a HyperTough random orbit sander at Walmart. When the sander hook-n-loop backing pad wore out, we found it impossible to buy a replacement pad for that brand. I took measurements of screw spacing and ordered another brand that fit - with some minor filing of holes - but will return to recognized brand names for future tool purchases.
FYI I have several Hart cordless power tools and they work fine and a 6 gallon shop vac too. All were very inexpensive even compared to Ryobi. I have 2 Walmarts very close to each other, 1 has an auto repair dept. (tires etc) limited food selection and a very small tool/hardware dept where I have never seen anyone in the small paint dept. The other is a super Walmart which has everything but no auto dept. A few more tool/hardware but no on in the paint area. I think they are using the tools/hardware as a loss leader to get people to walk thru the store and maybe buy other things. BTW one is in the same strip mall as a Home Depot the other as a Lowes.
One change that irks me is the Wal-Mart automotive section. They no longer have the parts books hanging on the shelf, but only QR codes. Not everyone has a smart phone. I had to ask another customer to look up an oil filter for my car, since I only have a dumb "flip phone." I find this "progress" to be annoying.
I worked at Walmart in Sporting Goods which is now part of what is called Hardlines. It includes Sporting Goods, Hardware and Arts&Crafts. I had to cover all Departments in Hardlines because I worked the Evening shift. So I had to know how to mix paint but also how to cur Fabric. Hardware has lots of items and I also had to cover Automotive also.
You can get paint, brushes, tape a bag of boot socks, your groceries a bottle of wine for supper and put the 67" TV on layaway for after you get the painting done. And never leave the store.. And don't forget the oil & filter for this weekend project. I have the love/hate thing with Wal-Mart.
Hi dave another great video. I always give Walmart a shot at first.If I have time for no other reason in the price. I will buy paint there, but only if it's specific color that I know you are absolutely right.There is nobody there to help you when you need it.And like you also said I don't know if I would trust them. That doesn't mean that the people that I have run into aren't hard working and attempt to be very accommodating. I have never bought Electric tools from them.But it was interesting to know that they are manufactured by milwaukee. Tools appear on the surface to be competitively price.D however not quite sure about the quality.
I have some hypertough tools. Good for the price point. The 20v cordless drill works great. Maybe not as good as a dewalt but at the price point it is not bad.
One of the main issues with the staff in a lot of these stores is the staff are not paid enough for what they do and what they know, I worked in a major hardware store in New Zealand for fourteen years and when I left in 2001 I was only on $12.50 per hour, I then went into the corrections system and gained another $5.00 per hour, if companies want loyal staff they MUST paay a decent wage, I believe wages are not high in the US, I now live in Australia and when I retired I finished on $43.00 per hour, there were certain conditions with that, best regards from Australia, Les
The WallyWorld stores in my area have a very limited amount of hardware and home improvement stuff, and their tools are limited and mostly pretty low quality. Apparently this varies somewhat in various areas of the country. Now the “helpful” people that work at Walmart? Good luck even seeing anybody. We’re on our own. But also in my area, Lowe’s and HD sometimes have small select I’ll be of work clothes, like Carhart or similar.
I walk through their hardware department section weekly. Most of their tools are for weekend home repair & projects. Now, around Christmas, there usually a crowd in that section, but most people I meet in that section are needing to pick up that one item like hooks to hang a picture. I have picked up some glue, silicone, and paint from there. Mainly because they are cheaper than Ace & True Value. There is no Lowes or Home Depot in my town.
I bought some exterior paint for a porch a year or two ago at Walmart. I can't remember the brand, but it has held up very well in high traffic areas. I actually got them to color match the old color using a piece of wood from a small redo. It was correct. Since now that mom and pops have gone, I don't feel like I'm hurting the small guys by shopping there because there ARE no small guys.
The lady that has the channel 3x3 customs is doing some testing on the hyper tough tools from walmart and so far she says they are great in her opinion
"So far she says they are great." That's like Amazon reviews dated Dec. 26 where Lisa M writes, "Bought this saw for my husband for Christmas. No complaints yet."
Walmart has a lot of unfulfilled potential in hardware. They have two primary lines of hand tools, Hyper Tough and Hart. They could have positioned these two lines as low and high, and promoted Hart, but instead it seems like they have these two brands competing with each other. The Hart line actually has a lot of items, but I rarely see more than a few items in stock in my local stores. I could have been a good Hart customer, but instead I bought into the Ryobi line a couple of years ago because Hart is just an afterthought for Walmart among all the other things they sell, and Home Depot really supports and promotes Ryobi. The same general comments also apply to Amazon's Denali/Skil tools--that could be a great line of tools, but again, I think they are under supported.
What I like about their tool and hardware department is how simple it is. If you're a diy homeowner and you go to the plumbing section of Home Depot, you're going to be overwhelmed. If it's stocked at Walmart, you can rest assured it's something you can use, something you can do yourself.
When a friend of ours started a 99 cent cards & gifts shop at the other end of a strip mall where Walmart was the anchor store, Walmart quickly moved their cards & gifts department to just inside their main entrance. They are vicious competitors for every retail customer in a small town, and, yes, they destroyed all of the small mom & pop stores along main street. Their final move, after luring any final downtown mom & pops out to their strip mall, was to build a super jumbo Walmart at the other end of town and continue to hold the lease on their old empty store to help all of those other mom & pop stores to die a long, slow death. So, yeah, this is how they do business...
I just bought the Walmart Hart Stack system tool boxes ( like Milwaukee Pack & Others) . Got the 3 piece rolling kit for $79 , also several drawers & small parts boxes that all lock on to each other total $200 It’s slightly smaller 18”wide plastic is seems to be 1/3 less stiffer. Seems to be more for diy / homeowner as opposed to tradesmen.
Maybe your local Walmart seemingly never has anyone or just a few people shopping, but that is not the case on average. Walmart rarely misses the mark on what are the most popular selling items. I'll bet that every local handyman knows what Walmart has in their hardware/paint/tool section. Just because Home Depot and Lowes dominate doesn't mean they have thin markups on everything - Walmart takes notice of popular items with a healthy markup. I'll bet this department has enough of a profit margin that even at a lower volume of sales than other departments, that it adds good profits. As a plus, most of this departments items are non-perishable and not subject to fashion trends or have any worries about being last year's models.
I remember when Walmart got onto Computer parts back in the 90s they had high end part's like Video cards etc locked up in cases but they were far from competitive. Oke example they had a Creative Labs video card for sale. Its price was extremely high on the tag , I decided to ask a employee to scam to check of that price was correct? They did and it was!?😮 They wanted over $400.00 for a card i could get at a Local Computer store even the small shops for under $200.00 I don't think they sold much unless it was uninformed buyers getting gifts for grandchildren etc . They might pay that crazy price not knowing what it's actual going MSRP was
Their cordless tools are getting pretty good reviews. The Torque Test Channel just tested their Hyper Tough high torque 1/2 inch impact and it did very well. Particularly for a price of $99. For me, Walmart hardware is an afterthought. I am in Walmart for some other reason and remember that I need something. We moved recently and the closest Walmart is a bit sketchy, so we tend to avoid it.
I am with you on Walmart hardware being an afterthought. Also, some Walmart's are super sketchy. I avoid those too. There are plenty that are just fin though.
I have purchased hand tools, screws painting supplies when I needed it because Walmart is 3 minutes away from my house while Home Depot & Lowe's is 7 minutes, also Mendards & Harbor Freight is 15 minutes away from my house. When shopping at Walmart I use to be able to park on the side and go in the Automotive door entrance. That was where the hardware section is, after I was do I was able to check out at the Automotive cash register. But just recently Walmart change there Curbside delivery to the Automotive side so now i can't park next to the building to go in. I would by a lot of tools for my job as a tool and die make when they we're on sell.
When I was a kid Kmart sold it all. We bought paint there and they mixed it. We bought TV tubes there. Other than food Kmart, for the most part, had everything Walmart has. This was mid 1970s so I don't understand how you didn't realize Walmart had it all? Especially a hardware department.
Sam did: Walton built his stores in small towns rather than large towns, but made sure all of his stores were within a day’s drive of his warehouses. It was no longer necessary to take a trip to the big city to buy specialty items. And the variety, although limited made "hick" shopping much easier. He was "What you need, out here" before TSC figured it out(maybe)
Walmart used to have a solid DIY section. Black & Decker. Crescent. Channellock. Maglite. Stanley. Outfitted my entire tool box for work with those tools and still have most of them.
As a basic DIYer, I use Harbor Freight’s Bauer as my main drill. But I also like Hyper Tough better than Warrior, so I use the Hyper Tough as the supplemental drill. So far, I haven’t had any problems… I even use HT for my smaller tasks due to its smaller footprint
Walmart has sold tools for many years. Our local,(we moved here 24 years ago), Walmart has had a tool and paint section since we've been here. Their paint mixing associates seem more knowledgeable and ready to help select and mix than our last paint experiences at Lowe's or Home Depot . You called it the "Walmart Effect" that closed local mom and pop stores. I think Kmart killed the little local stores before Walmart moved in and put Kmart out of its misery.
I like the idea of a small hardware department within but finding someone with knowledge of mixing paints, electrical, etc. would be another thing. In a radius, you'll see more Walmart stores than HD or Lowes stores. For me, it would be a convenience not having to travel out of my way and still be able to pick up a gal. milk.
I like mixing my colors and having them put in the computer for retouching. Walmart; •Before you go, open app to see inventory •If you can’t find anything, call while you are in the line, or use app to see which isle • purchase item online and pick it up •If Karen irritates you, shop at midnight -Lowe’s is vey helpful as soon as they can get to you - Home Depot is filthy and not laid out for those, unfamiliar * save money, some deliveries are local, buy your lumber/ carpet from them
I used to buy more tools at Walmart when they carried Black and Decker tools but that was before Lowes and Home Depot were everywhere,I still buy paint but not exterior paint I prefer Home Depot s exterior paint for outside projects
I was shopping for a Milwaukee 12 volt cordless light. Walmart's online price came up $15 less than anyone else. I was surprised to see Walmart selling Milwaukee. A couple days later, Walmart's price was $21 more than anyone else.? 🤷♂️
The hardware department at Walmart is smaller today and has less selection than in the past. As you said - no employees around to mix that paint; and now, no employees around to unlock the spray paint cabinet.
Walmart tools and hardware department is excellent for part time and weekend warriors to get the job done. I'm a part time mechanic on the weekend and I can't justify spending good money on snap on, pronto, and high end brands. The tools and equipment Walmart sell to work on my projects are reasonable price and quality. The same goes for Harbor Freight.
I shop at the Walmart hardware section all the time I've bought tools there, I've bought supplies there, I've bought many things there. And I've never seen the hardware section to be empty. Every time I go there are people in the aisles. I don't know what what happened at your local Walmart. I'm a bit perplexed at all the sudden you're surprised they have hardware and you discovered something.😂
I love my Hart tools. They work as well as any DeWalt or Ryobi I already own, with a huge price difference. Granted, not everything is great, just like Harbor Freight has some short comings in their tools. Though all of my welding equipment came from HF, and I couldn't be happier with them.
the paint at walmart is OK paint but the problem is there is NEVER anyone available to mix it. Funny story i needed to match a color i bought years ago at Walmart and no one would come, i fumbled my way through the computer and figured it out my self and mixed it up...hahaha
stared buying their Hart auto lock tape measures. Under $10, seams like they work fine. funny thing is i used to go to the same WM to buy the Komelon tape measure. Komelon went to poop.
interesting thoughts, never been a walmart fan and go there rarely. as in, i have been there a couple of times in the past 20yrs! i think your thought that they may be trying to attract a lighter diyer sounds plausible. they do not seem to be doing a good job of it though 🙂
I make lists and try to only go to walmart once a month mainly for pet food and grocery haul. And I only go to Lowes once a month unless I'm working on a big project. So my lists rule where I shop, preferring Lowes for hardware/home improvements. But sometimes I make an exception if I'm in walmart and on impulse, remember something specific I forgot to pick up last trip to Lowes. Walmart is chronically understaffed and you're right about being skeptical that any random clerk will know what I'm talking about and it an be a long wait to find someone with a computer to look it up
@@DIYwithDave convenience :) actually our last true Value store closed last year so our only choices are Lowes & HomeDepot. I sometimes prefer special items/brands like windows and some tools & blades at HD and will drive the 6 miles but Lowes is only 1.5 miles so I get all my routine stuff (hardware, paint, glue, insulation, exterior lumber, etc) I'm committed to keeping my carbon footprint small :)
I shop in Walmart’s hardware section on occasion. I’ve purchased some HyperTough tools, which work well enough for a non-pro. Recent tests on RUclips sites revealed that the HT impact drivers and wrenches performed on par or better than name brands. And there are the other items that cannot be found at L or HD, like swivel multi-tap outlets. They don’t always have something useful and inexpensive, but if one finds oneself at WM, why not check it out?
I find Walmart to be cheaper than HD & Lowe's on identical items. Their clearance sales on tools are excellent if you are in the right place at the right time. I have scored some great deals at Walmart. The Hart & Hyper Tough tools are definitely homeowner grade but work fine for the price. Plus it's nice to go to one store and get everything including hardware. If you ever need to make a warranty claim on a tool, chances are there's a Walmart nearby.
There are never any employees in any department except Electronics and Auto. None in Sporting goods, Hardware, some Walmart stores even lock up the spray paint.
Walmart’s Hypertough 1/2” impact wrench was recently one of the tools tested on The Torque Test channel on RUclips and it performed rather well. Especially given the price!
You're kidding right? I'm 73 YO and Walmart has had a hardware/paint section for as long as I can remember. Jeez, I thought you were going to say Walmart was selling lumber now.
On the other hand, Canadian Wal-Marts have virtually no hardware section.
Its like ACE and small hardware stores unable to compete against Lowes or Home Depot primarily. They sell some but not all from the associated manufacturers Home Depot and Lowes are not willing to sell. When Home Depot discontinues selling things they used to sell, ACE or a small hardware store pick them up from the manufacturer and sell them at a higher price always. They are not price competitive but have additional hardware items not sold anymore at Home Depot or Lowes. Walmart sells additional from manufacturers who don't supply Home Depot and Lowes primarily. From fixing electric motors, doing auto mechanics even light jobs to many various outdated plumbing ware ... additional Hardware stores get my business also.
Throughout the Covid 19 era and even up through mid-2024 my local Walmart's paint section was mostly empty. They frequently didn't even have more that a couple of gallons of white ceiling paint; the shelves were mostly bare. By the end of 2024 it did seem like they were getting better stock, but still, if anyone has anything more than a small project Walmart would be a poor choice. Different subject, but why is latex paint so expensive at the big hardware stores? US 30-80 dollars per gallon for good paint?
Lumber at Walmart... wouldn't that be something. It isn't that I didn't know that they had the section, but more like I always walked past and didn't notice it. What surprised me was that they carried a lot of things that I was not expecting, like the electrical wire I bought. I never would have thought about buying that at Walmart.
Interesting...
I've been buying paint at Walmart for 30 years. I've never had a problem with getting an associate or having paint mixed. The paint is fine. I've even gotten paint-matched paint and it was perfect. I also buy tools and paint supplies. It's been somewhat of a necessity for me since I live in a small town and the nearest lowes is 15 miles away. Nearest home depot is at least 25 miles away.
I agree. I painted the interior of my house with the Walmart store brand paint and it has held up very well. Some of it is 30 years old.
That's great, thanks for sharing!
I don't mean this as an insult but you are young.
We've always had hardware and such at department stores.
In fact there's a Fred Meyer that even sells lumber.
Back in high school, mid 70's, I used to buy paint at Kmart.
And even Bartell's pharmacy had quarts of paint back then.
Kmart always had door locks, dead bolts, paint, shelf boards, Stanley hardware like hinges and L brackets.
Walmart tools are talked about often here on RUclips. They are improving their quality and starting to make progress.
I love your channel and watch about 3 of 4 of your videos.
Also, another reason they sell that stuff is so you will grab that set of hinges while the family is clothes shopping so you don't have to make another stop.
Lol... I am not offended, but I rarely get called young! I don't mind it one bit. When I was a kid we shopped at the local hardware store called Sutherlands for all that stuff. I didn't go to kmart often, but I do not recall it having paint.
I think that you are right, though, on their strategy. I think that it is all about convenience. I don't think that there are a lot of people that go there for tools and such, but if you happen to be there and you need the stuff, then why not?!?
I worked in the hardware department at Walmart back in the early 2000s. We mixed probably 10 gallons or so a day of paint on average. At the time it was mainly Dutch Boy and it was decent stuff. You hit the nail on the head when you said a 'one stop shop', that is the whole reason the hardware department exists. Walmart wants you to be able to get everything from them. We sold a lot of glue, picture hangers, 3M hooks, and other accessory items for projects. At the time we also sold Stanley tools and around Christmas time each year there would be good deals on things like fully stocked tool chests. Not the best quality of tool but for a person who doesn't do a lot of projects or someone who simply can't afford anything more it was perfect. Bottom line is, many of the people who buy hardware at Walmart do so because they are there anyways and don't have a great enough need to go to a dedicated hardware store, or are intimidated to do so.
Thank you for sharing your experience. Super interesting...
When walmart was open 24 hours a day being able to hit up the hardware section was a god send for a builder like me but since they no longer are open 24 hours and it's a further drive to goto a walmart vs the other big box stores I stopped bothering to goto walmart. When I was younger, broke and it was late night, my friends and I would wander around the walmarts because again they were open, and look at all the random stuff so I knew they had all this stuff. They have a full DIY car audio section as well as a fishing and camping section, they're all next to each other...
Thanks for sharing! It is a shame that they have stopped being open 24 hours.
You must not go to Walmart very often to not know that they had basic hardware and paint sections.
I don't go to Walmart often and, to be fair, I did know that they have a hardware and paint section, but I usually walked by without noticing it. What surprised me is that they sell items, like the romex wire that I was surprised that would be sold at Walmart.
It’s funny that you mentioned it, either in Home Depot or Lowe’s you can never find an associate when you need one and when you do, they have no idea what you’re talking about so you better off looking for the product yourself? lol
My local Homey Depot is different. It's almost like they trained at a Chick-fil-A. When you walk in the door, there is always 3 or 4 associates asking if you need any help. If you are walking looking for the isle you need, every associate you pass will ask if you need help. Then, when on the isle you need, 2 or 3 will always walk by asking if you need help.
But Lowe's, it's like you could video one of those urban exploration videos for RUclips. NOBODY asks if you need help. You'll be lucky to even see an associate before you checkout.
I honestly don't know which is worse. Too much "help" or no help.
I find that our local Menards is a different experience all together. It’s interesting that they do have a small grocery section. But they do have quality lumber which is rare at both Lowe’s and increasingly Home Depot. I think Menards is superior to the other two big box stores. Walmart is great for picking up something quick like you would at a Harbor Freight store. Not your first choice but works in a pinch.
Home Depot customer service is weird. I ordered something online for delivery and it said delivery on Friday. Got a text with a link to my order, link doesn't work. Stopped by their customer service on Saturday with the order number in the link, they said it was delivered. I got a little belligerent and asked where to and by whom? They checked again and said it was delivered to their distribution hub and I would get it Monday. Got home and a couple of hours later, the order was delivered! They seem to just do the minimum for service.
Don't get me started about when their credit card issuer, Citibank got hacked. Someone 2,000 miles away charged over $6,000 worth of stuff to my account. Took over a month to get the charges dropped.
I don’t buy tools there because they’re all locked up behind glass. If I can’t hold them and look at them up close, not interested.
💯% true
Menard's sells groceries! That's not where we generally grocery shop because they don't have everything grocery stores carry, but we've acquired a preference for some of the lesser known brands of jellies, pumpkin seeds, etc., and grab them when buying project materials. And when they have their 11% rebate running, things they have like soft drinks that we normally get at a grocery store become a bargain.
I wish we had Menard's in Florida.
I wish we had Menards in Texas!
@@DIYwithDave wait wait wait...hope you can see Menard's business perspective for why they're selling food, it's only bcuz of their cherished 11 % rebate program, the rebate you receive can ONLY be used at Menards. I really have issues with their mail in rebates....The advertise the rebated sell price heavily but in reality, you still have to pay full price THEN get ur Menards store credit. Now at this moment, they are having a What You Can Fit In The Bag sale for 15% off.... Now this I agree with and support, I just bought more at Menards than I did the year before.....even some groceries. Also my son & I love the Hart tools they are not bad at all in okay priced.
WM paint section used to be staffed all the time. Since just before covid they started down sizing the paint area. As for hardware it has been reduced from 8 to 10 isles years ago to 2 or 3 now, which included lighting, plumbing, small home repair items and an isle for tools that are locked up in most of the country now. The fasteners has been put in with the case with the tools at many location. The automotive section has seen a significate decline in available items as well. What was 4 isles of various items has been reduced to a single isle now. Sporting goods also has seen a major shrinkage over the years since the anti 2A movement within WM cooperate.
Very interesting, thanks for sharing!
I bought a 6 gallon 5 HP Hart stainless shop vac and am very pleased with the performance and quality. It was $45.00.
I know, right? If the parent company makes Milwuakee, Ridgid, and Ryobi, how bad can the Hart tool line-up be. This kid seems very timid.
If you have a 5HP motor operating on 120vac it is doubtful you could plug it in anywhere. 35 amp receptacles are not common at 120 vac. Could you please check with motor nameplate for correct data? It’s not unusual for retail outlets to lie about things like horsepower. But math never does.
That is a great price!
@@matthewcauthorn3948 The advertised horsepower rating for vacuums is usually based on "Peak Horsepower" (PHP)The rating is based on the maximum in-rush current, which is the current the motor experiences when first started up
I’ve purchased their LED shop lights, found them to be well made and bright. Bought some antique white paint (did not need to be mixed) Glidden brand, it’s held up well. Masking tape, gorilla glue, duct tape. All only because I was there for other stuff.
I think that is partly what their strategy is. Draw you in for other things and then buy the hardware store stuff because it is there. I think that convenience has a lot to do with it.
@@DIYwithDaveyea, you’re right…. Don’t expect it to be marketed, never has, never will. But it’s convenient. I don’t go to Walmart to buy hardware, but if I need something small and at Walmart I’ll save a trip to Lowe’s
The first set of screwdrivers I bought were Popular Mechanics from Walmart years ago. I still have them and love the triangle handle that doesn't roll away from me.
The triangle doesn't roll away because it has sides, unlike a circle. Ok, I'll show myself the door...
lol...
Walmart has had a “hardware” section for decades. I live in a rural area and Home Depot and Lowes are further away than Walmart. So when you need to fix a toilet, replace an outlet or grab something for a project it’s pretty handy to have that option. I have bought paint from Walmart and it’s done exactly what it’s supposed to do. Our store carries a selection of Glidden paint products at various prices. Each Walmart has a different selection of items available in the Hardware Dept. I know of one in a different location that has a smaller selection of products. Perhaps they look at demographics to decide how much to stock. Hart tools are fine for most DIY tools. I’ve had a few different HyperTough yard tools I bought on clearance that have worked just fine. I think the idea of Walmart carrying these items is to be able to offer a product that’s affordable to people who don’t want to spend the money a similar product would cost elsewhere.
Thanks for sharing!
Love the convenience of Walmart for my small woodworking business
bots do woodworking?
I'm 54 & I always remember Walmart have always sold hardware stuff & more if you're in the country.
Some Walmart still sell guns rifles and shotguns.
I’ve shopped the Walmart hardware and automotive departments as well as the usual departments. Solid source for things like an adjustable wrench set for the toolbox in my truck, etc. My take is that it gives them variety. Even if you don’t walk those areas, knowing that they have everything is a marketing strategy. As far as what they carry, I see hardware as aimed at low cost immediate fixes and landlords shopping for cheap materials. Not a lot of variety in sizes, finishes, assortment, and so on. Several other RUclips channels have noted that regarding Hart tools, no matter where you are, there is a Walmart near by 99% of the time. If you need a battery, or a tool and you’re already on that platform, it’s a simple answer. My local Walmart also has very little traffic to the automotive, fabric/notions, party goods and sporting goods relative to the footprint of each. Again, I may not shop them every time but I know that it’s there when I need it add always go for an all through just in case I see something I wasn’t thinking about.
Hart tools are good. I know many craftsman starting to use them. Those who service that department goes through several training sessions and supervision their first few times doing any mixing and such.
I live rural, I frequent the Walmart hardware section because the nearest big box hardware store is about an hour and a half away, while the nearest Walmart/grocery is a half hour away.
Parking in modern city's is a true factor as well... Accesibility and convenience. Selection and variety. There's so many factors that made big box stores the juggernauts and now online shopping is an extension of all that. It has it's own pitfalls, that will mean boxstores will never go away, and I believe will make online shopping go through a bubble that bursts. Things like porch pirates costing these companies infinitely more in loss than even shoplifting will be a factor that eventually will make box stores more relevant again. Both consumers and businesses will want to keep both and modify them to work together.
Specialty stores will appeal to certain people. But box stores like walmart are great at figuring out what kind of casual specialty items work in certain areas. The basic tools or needs of that community. They will always test and modify their shelf space to accomodate our basic needs so they can get people coming in for that variety. I love that you can shop at so many departments and am glad they have basic tools and fixtures at ours here.
Great points, thanks for sharing!
Sometimes it's also about what store is closer, or even in your town. Walmart is almost everywhere. Home Depot, Lowe's, Ace, True Value aren't in every town. Walmart is 20 minutes from home and Lowe's/Home Depot are 40-45 minutes away where I live. If it's a simple tool or supply, we go to Walmart first because it's closer. For the planned project, we head for HD or Lowe's etc. I always research online first as much as I can.
I'm 70+ and shop at Walmart two or three times a month mostly for clothes, groceries, medicine, greeting cards, camping and automotive supplies, and, yes, light hardware items. Some of their tools are better than low-end Harbor Freight similar items. There are several shoppers in the hardware/paint sections whenever I go there. It's a one-stop shop rather than spending gas driving more miles to other stores.
Some of their tools aren't bad, for the price, for someone that will them lightly and not professionally. Some of the Hart and HT tools have been tested on some other channels and performed fairly well. Recently the gen 2 HT cordless impact wrenches went head to head with big yellow and red. (the test was on Torque Test Channel, if mentioning another channel is against your policy/rules I apologize)
I personally picked up their heart 3pc stack system mobile tool box is great for $75. They have added a few more items to it I have been meaning to pick up. Please note I am not a professional mechanic, wood worker, etc. but I did use it daily for about a year going to school for welding classes.
25' 12-2 58 cents difference. I have bought paint, stain, glue, shop vac, gloves, screws,storage containers. The only POS I bought was a hyper tough circ saw. The base must have been damaged in handling as it was WAY out of line. Toilet seats, yeah, a LOT of different stuff in that area.
I bought Killz primer there a few months back and it worked just like it does from Home Depot. 😊
Oh my gosh! You mean it's the same Killz???? : )
lol...
Hahaha... yeah, it's the same stuff alright.
I worked at Walmart garden center from 2015 to 2017.
I was always asked to fill in for hardware because that department has a total of 2 employees, across the entire store/shifts. They can't always be there and so I was trained to mix paint. The walmart I worked at had old style paint mixer where you had to pull a plunger to mix paint, and a computer that looks like it's from the dinosaur age tells you what colors/base to start from (and we always followed that to the letter, as you can get the wrong color and the store manager had to deal with this at times, when some worker screwed up on 100 dollars worth of paint). for the record I never screwed up or had calls about screwing up paint mixes, but I read labels carefully before committing to mixing as there are several bases the computer tells you to start from, and if you get it wrong, it will come out wrong. The procedure is always mix the paint, open it up and dab one on the label so the customer sees exactly what they're mixing.
Tool selection was crap, not a whole lot and maybe this have changed, but I didn't remember seeing Romex wires at all, only seeing lots of extension cords when Christmas comes around. There were some tools but often I'll buy some myself as I had an employee discount card to save a little. Maybe they're stocking more stuff now?
I can't say what their strategy is and I have no idea what changed since, as I am not in the US anymore and there's no Walmart in Taiwan. But I get the sense that hardware section is an afterthought at Walmart, the garden section is several times bigger than hardware, and are better staffed as we have a register there (a secluded exit and lots of opportunity for theft). Shrink at my store was so bad, often 1.6 million per year minimum. We had police officers stand there but then Walmart didn't want to keep paying the city a fortune for this.
Just so you know, in Taiwan mom and pop hardware stores still dominate the scene. Corporate shops/hypermarkets simply didn't even try to enter the market. There's a "big box" tool store that carried tools, but their selection is nearly as bad as Walmart's, that shop sold more furniture than tools. If you wanted tools, especially professional tools, you went to a mom and pop hardware store. They have different hardware stores for different things. A general type that had a little of both (but it occupied maybe 300 square feet if that), there's a tool hardware store that only sold tools, there's a different one that sold plumbing and electrical supplies (in Taiwan plumbing and electrical is considered one trade, for some odd reason), and a shop that sells construction lumber (crap from southeast asia, it's both expensive and crap quality), a shop that sells masonry (concrete mixes, cement, bricks, cinder blocks, rebars, etc.), and finally paint shops which sells ONLY paint (it's a bit like Sherwin Williams but mom and pop, often carries Dulux, Benjamin Moore, and Nippon) which is where you get your paint mixed.
Means for any construction project in Taiwan, you need to visit about 10 different shops.
But Taiwan's retail landscape seems to be mostly dominated by mom and pop shops... some of them can be rather large but are still "mom and pop". The only exception is convenience stores, but most food here is sold at wet markets and not supermarkets. It could be because the market is too small and so most big corporations simply skips Taiwan...
Very interesting, thanks for sharing!
I was mixing paint when I was 16 in 1983 at Walmart. Their variety is limited but like most sections at WM the whole thing exists to get one more customer to come through the door to get that one item and then fill the basket with shit they didn't need while they are there.
I was in Walmart the other day and went through that area and they had Kilz paint that I was looking for and was surprised ... I also ended up getting some keys made from their auto key copier and not only was it fast and accurate I did not have to go looking for anyone to make them......
That's great! Thanks for sharing.
These areas were always a staple in department stores. I worked in Kmart’s DIY department in the 90s, and they always had that department. In fact, it had shrunk since the 80s. Bradlees and others had their hardware department. For the record, we sold a ton of paint in Kmart.
Some of the Walmart tools are pretty good, and for the average person, most of what you need for small repairs, etc are there. I was at my rental property and the faucet needed to be replaced. Home Depot and Lowes were at least 20 minutes away, while Walmart was five minutes away. I even got new supply lines to go with it. Keep in mind that all of the main items you might need for a home repair are located in a few aisles of the store rather than all over a sprawling big box store. It’s all about convenience. I bet that department, with its house brand tools, etc are high profit margin.
Interesting, thanks for sharing!
Walmart plays the 'long game'. They can't compete with the hardware big boxes for contractor and serious DIY needs, but they can nibble at the edges, and fill that 'midnight repair' niche while you are buying groceries and school supplies. Also - as a frequent traveler, Walmart is my go-to for food, water, and that miscellaneous roll of duct tape that I may need. Finding an inexpensive cordless drill at a Walmart on a Sunday evening in a town that had no Harbor Freight, no big box retailers was an unexpected surprise.
Now finding someone with the keys to the loss prevention cabinet you need something out of can be every bit as difficult as finding the same at Home Depot or Lowes...
For over 20 years I have purchased paint for all my rentals
Same for me, because the only other option in town wanted 2X in price for their paint. Although paint can be one thing where you do actually get what you pay for in terms of quality, every new tenant wants/expects a fresh paint job. Last time, Walmart's color matching computer was out of service though so we just eyeballed the color chips and called it close enough.
Thanks for sharing!
I shop at the Walmart hardware section now and then but only because it is about 10 miles further to the Lowes and Home Depot. 42 years as an electrician working all over the world and I don't think I have ever considered buying a tool there. I need something professional grade.
Great point. I think that proximity has a lot to do with where I shop too.
Walmart has had hardware for years and I bought a drill from them and it still works well today. As for the paint, did that once and noticed the quality is not good and have not since. I do still get paint supplies from them and simple hardware stuff like screws and fasteners and such.
Dave, your Walmart hardware and paint department analysis was spot on, have bought Paint as a painting contractor. The one thing Walmart does not have is service .if they ever figured it out, they would be truly a competitor to Home Depot or Lowe’s.
It’s hard to find decent service in Lowe’s or Home Depot as well. Back in the day Home Depot crushed it with knowledgeable associates, many former tradespeople.
@@paulsworkshop4179 at least in my area the Lowe’s I’ve been going to for 20 years when they first opened they hired knowledgeable sales associates from other suppliers. They paid them well, after about a year I guess the pay was too high at the time and they ended up letting them all go. But within the past few years, I’ve noticed they do have plenty of help if you ask for it they’re just not as knowledgeable and helpful as far as projects like the past.
Given a choice, I’d go to HD or Lowe’s, but sometimes those are hours away and a Walmart is close by. Items for most DIY repairs or small projects are available there. 😊
I almost always buy my paint at Walmart. It seems to be less of a hassle. A lot of times I bring in a color sample, and they use there scan tool to match. Almost always it matches. Home Depot almost always argues with me.
If I need something small to finish a project (like you mentioned) such as caulk, glue, wood filler, etc. I recall years ago going there to purchase paint and while I got what I needed, the sales person took forever to arrive and when he did, he was visibly annoyed at having to do his job. Needless to say, I've not purchased any since.
Yeah, that is closer to my experience...
I last bought paint at Walmart over 20 years ago. (I bought spray pain more recently.) I didn't get it tinted. I was putting a fresh coat of paint on a house I was selling. It worked for me.
I have also purchased several tools and batteries in the 12V Hyper Tough line. They have worked well for me on many projects. I really liked these tools:
3/8 Brushless Impact
Brushless Impact Driver
3/8 Ratchet
Brushless Drill
The one-hand sawzall was okay the first time I used it. I bought some Diablo blades for the next time I need it. The router disappointed me as I couldn't lock the depth. Fortunately the piece I was using it on didn't need to be pretty.
Finally I also bought many pieces from the Hart Stack system. It doesn't come close to the durability of Milwaukee or DeWalt systems, but I was able to get more pieces for the money.
Interesting, thanks for sharing!
I worked at Walmart years ago in the Hardware department. To my surprise i received more calls from customers calling the store to see if we had specific Hardware items. I answered alot of calls. Also i was constantly mixing paint. I was really busy working only in Hardware. I was working in Gadsden Alabama. It was a good experience helping customers find what they needed.
Interesting, thanks for sharing!
I have a hyper tough palm sander....it's good. Just like anything else...depends on how well you take care of your tools, take good care of them...they'll last a lifetime
My favorite tool from walmart is the Hart Stack toolboxes, there are several different combinations, and they even have one that comes with foam to cut out for tools, much cheaper than the famous Milwakee Packout.
I'm very intrigued by some of the Hart power tools, specifically for the price and large selection, but haven't pulled the trigger on any yet
I’ve bought mixed paint at Walmart, and the wait times to get someone to mix it for you are generally similar. I’ve waited a very long time for someone to show up at Lowe’s, and HD on occasion. As far as someone being able to answer questions for you, probably not as good. I don’t ask questions at Walmart, or other hardware stores though, as I know more than even Ron Swanson! I buy most of my wood stains, and finishes at Walmart, as they are more likely to have them in stock, and a bit cheaper too. It is always pretty quiet around the hardware sections at both Walmarts I shop at. One has hardware all the way in the right hand corner with automotive. The other is near the inside entrance to the garden section, and it always seems much more busy in hardware at this store. Prices, selection, and quality of goods sold, certainly don’t measure up to the dedicated hardware stores.
I have a few Walmart tools that come in clutch. The Hart rinser is awesome to bring to the beach (we can drive on the beach here), the Hyper Tough right angle die grinder is a great deal compared to the Milwaukee version (I compared the features in a video) and I took a Hyper Tough cut off tool and cobbled it together with a Harbor Freight mini belt sander to make a cheap cordless bandfile.
My Walmart paint section is just as desolate. Diyer here and try not to buy from Walmart but i certainly have bought many (bare) paints and deck sealers from the discount rack. For cheap cheap projects, chicken coops and that sort of projects.
Thanks for sharing!
About 10 years ago I bought some aerosol clear lacquer paint to spray on a guitar project... the paint still has not dried, and this was rustoleum name brand. I think that the products at wallmart are seconds or not of good quality. I worked at Clorox, and they said they have a "recipe" specifically for wallmart, in addition, look at a spray bottle of windex you buy at safeway, compared to a bottle you buy at wallmart. Wallmart is light blue, whereas Safeway is a deep richer blue. I bought a cooked cornesh hen you get at Costco, and it was like buying an enemic undernourished bird. You get what you pay for at Wallmart.
We bought a HyperTough random orbit sander at Walmart. When the sander hook-n-loop backing pad wore out, we found it impossible to buy a replacement pad for that brand. I took measurements of screw spacing and ordered another brand that fit - with some minor filing of holes - but will return to recognized brand names for future tool purchases.
A lot of wal marts have discontinued the paint depts other than spray paint and stains. I like the HART tools I never had a problem with them.
FYI I have several Hart cordless power tools and they work fine and a 6 gallon shop vac too. All were very inexpensive even compared to Ryobi. I have 2 Walmarts very close to each other, 1 has an auto repair dept. (tires etc) limited food selection and a very small tool/hardware dept where I have never seen anyone in the small paint dept. The other is a super Walmart which has everything but no auto dept. A few more tool/hardware but no on in the paint area. I think they are using the tools/hardware as a loss leader to get people to walk thru the store and maybe buy other things. BTW one is in the same strip mall as a Home Depot the other as a Lowes.
Interesting, you may be right!
One change that irks me is the Wal-Mart automotive section. They no longer have the parts books hanging on the shelf, but only QR codes. Not everyone has a smart phone. I had to ask another customer to look up an oil filter for my car, since I only have a dumb "flip phone." I find this "progress" to be annoying.
I worked at Walmart in Sporting Goods which is now part of what is called Hardlines. It includes Sporting Goods, Hardware and Arts&Crafts. I had to cover all Departments in Hardlines because I worked the Evening shift. So I had to know how to mix paint but also how to cur Fabric. Hardware has lots of items and I also had to cover Automotive also.
Wow, that is a lot of departments to cover!
You can get paint, brushes, tape a bag of boot socks, your groceries a bottle of wine for supper and put the 67" TV on layaway for after you get the painting done. And never leave the store.. And don't forget the oil & filter for this weekend project. I have the love/hate thing with Wal-Mart.
Hi dave another great video. I always give Walmart a shot at first.If I have time for no other reason in the price. I will buy paint there, but only if it's specific color that I know you are absolutely right.There is nobody there to help you when you need it.And like you also said I don't know if I would trust them. That doesn't mean that the people that I have run into aren't hard working and attempt to be very accommodating. I have never bought Electric tools from them.But it was interesting to know that they are manufactured by milwaukee. Tools appear on the surface to be competitively price.D however not quite sure about the quality.
I have some hypertough tools. Good for the price point. The 20v cordless drill works great. Maybe not as good as a dewalt but at the price point it is not bad.
One of the main issues with the staff in a lot of these stores is the staff are not paid enough for what they do and what they know, I worked in a major hardware store in New Zealand for fourteen years and when I left in 2001 I was only on $12.50 per hour, I then went into the corrections system and gained another $5.00 per hour, if companies want loyal staff they MUST paay a decent wage, I believe wages are not high in the US, I now live in Australia and when I retired I finished on $43.00 per hour, there were certain conditions with that, best regards from Australia, Les
The WallyWorld stores in my area have a very limited amount of hardware and home improvement stuff, and their tools are limited and mostly pretty low quality. Apparently this varies somewhat in various areas of the country. Now the “helpful” people that work at Walmart? Good luck even seeing anybody. We’re on our own.
But also in my area, Lowe’s and HD sometimes have small select I’ll be of work clothes, like Carhart or similar.
Interesting, thanks for sharing!
I walk through their hardware department section weekly. Most of their tools are for weekend home repair & projects. Now, around Christmas, there usually a crowd in that section, but most people I meet in that section are needing to pick up that one item like hooks to hang a picture. I have picked up some glue, silicone, and paint from there. Mainly because they are cheaper than Ace & True Value. There is no Lowes or Home Depot in my town.
I bought some exterior paint for a porch a year or two ago at Walmart. I can't remember the brand, but it has held up very well in high traffic areas. I actually got them to color match the old color using a piece of wood from a small redo. It was correct. Since now that mom and pops have gone, I don't feel like I'm hurting the small guys by shopping there because there ARE no small guys.
The lady that has the channel 3x3 customs is doing some testing on the hyper tough tools from walmart and so far she says they are great in her opinion
"So far she says they are great."
That's like Amazon reviews dated Dec. 26 where Lisa M writes, "Bought this saw for my husband for Christmas. No complaints yet."
Interesting. I'll have to check it out.
I have been buying paint at Walmart for over 20 years. You can't beat the quality for the price. My color choices have been on file for many years.
Interesting... thanks for sharing.
Walmart has a lot of unfulfilled potential in hardware. They have two primary lines of hand tools, Hyper Tough and Hart. They could have positioned these two lines as low and high, and promoted Hart, but instead it seems like they have these two brands competing with each other. The Hart line actually has a lot of items, but I rarely see more than a few items in stock in my local stores. I could have been a good Hart customer, but instead I bought into the Ryobi line a couple of years ago because Hart is just an afterthought for Walmart among all the other things they sell, and Home Depot really supports and promotes Ryobi. The same general comments also apply to Amazon's Denali/Skil tools--that could be a great line of tools, but again, I think they are under supported.
What I like about their tool and hardware department is how simple it is. If you're a diy homeowner and you go to the plumbing section of Home Depot, you're going to be overwhelmed. If it's stocked at Walmart, you can rest assured it's something you can use, something you can do yourself.
When a friend of ours started a 99 cent cards & gifts shop at the other end of a strip mall where Walmart was the anchor store, Walmart quickly moved their cards & gifts department to just inside their main entrance. They are vicious competitors for every retail customer in a small town, and, yes, they destroyed all of the small mom & pop stores along main street.
Their final move, after luring any final downtown mom & pops out to their strip mall, was to build a super jumbo Walmart at the other end of town and continue to hold the lease on their old empty store to help all of those other mom & pop stores to die a long, slow death. So, yeah, this is how they do business...
I just bought the Walmart Hart Stack system tool boxes ( like Milwaukee Pack & Others) . Got the 3 piece rolling kit for $79 , also several drawers & small parts boxes that all lock on to each other total $200
It’s slightly smaller 18”wide plastic is seems to be 1/3 less stiffer.
Seems to be more for diy / homeowner as opposed to tradesmen.
Maybe your local Walmart seemingly never has anyone or just a few people shopping, but that is not the case on average. Walmart rarely misses the mark on what are the most popular selling items. I'll bet that every local handyman knows what Walmart has in their hardware/paint/tool section. Just because Home Depot and Lowes dominate doesn't mean they have thin markups on everything - Walmart takes notice of popular items with a healthy markup. I'll bet this department has enough of a profit margin that even at a lower volume of sales than other departments, that it adds good profits. As a plus, most of this departments items are non-perishable and not subject to fashion trends or have any worries about being last year's models.
I remember when Walmart got onto Computer parts back in the 90s they had high end part's like Video cards etc locked up in cases but they were far from competitive. Oke example they had a Creative Labs video card for sale. Its price was extremely high on the tag , I decided to ask a employee to scam to check of that price was correct? They did and it was!?😮 They wanted over $400.00 for a card i could get at a Local Computer store even the small shops for under $200.00 I don't think they sold much unless it was uninformed buyers getting gifts for grandchildren etc . They might pay that crazy price not knowing what it's actual going MSRP was
Bought a lot of paint there. Never had an issue. The Hart tools are garbage but work in a pinch.
I have never tried the Hart tools, but I feel like they can't be that bad if they are made by the same company that makes Milwaukee tools.
Their cordless tools are getting pretty good reviews. The Torque Test Channel just tested their Hyper Tough high torque 1/2 inch impact and it did very well. Particularly for a price of $99. For me, Walmart hardware is an afterthought. I am in Walmart for some other reason and remember that I need something. We moved recently and the closest Walmart is a bit sketchy, so we tend to avoid it.
I think they’re just as good as Ryobi
I am with you on Walmart hardware being an afterthought. Also, some Walmart's are super sketchy. I avoid those too. There are plenty that are just fin though.
I have purchased hand tools, screws painting supplies when I needed it because Walmart is 3 minutes away from my house while Home Depot & Lowe's is 7 minutes, also Mendards & Harbor Freight is 15 minutes away from my house.
When shopping at Walmart I use to be able to park on the side and go in the Automotive door entrance. That was where the hardware section is, after I was do I was able to check out at the Automotive cash register.
But just recently Walmart change there Curbside delivery to the Automotive side so now i can't park next to the building to go in.
I would by a lot of tools for my job as a tool and die make when they we're on sell.
When I was a kid Kmart sold it all. We bought paint there and they mixed it. We bought TV tubes there. Other than food Kmart, for the most part, had everything Walmart has. This was mid 1970s so I don't understand how you didn't realize Walmart had it all? Especially a hardware department.
Sam did: Walton built his stores in small towns rather than large towns, but made sure all of his stores were within a day’s drive of his warehouses. It was no longer necessary to take a trip to the big city to buy specialty items. And the variety, although limited made "hick" shopping much easier. He was "What you need, out here" before TSC figured it out(maybe)
I use the hart wheeled tool boxes. Great price and quality.
I buy caulk mud fillers sand paper screws and a bunch of other stuff and they are cheaper then HD or Lowe’s.
Ive always bought my poly at wallie world and hardware to hang my projects.
I have always bought stains, spray paint at Walmart as they have the best prices on Rustoleum. Also, paint tape, brushes, etc. for at least 20 years.
That's great, thanks for sharing!
Walmart used to have a solid DIY section. Black & Decker. Crescent. Channellock. Maglite. Stanley.
Outfitted my entire tool box for work with those tools and still have most of them.
As a basic DIYer, I use Harbor Freight’s Bauer as my main drill. But I also like Hyper Tough better than Warrior, so I use the Hyper Tough as the supplemental drill. So far, I haven’t had any problems… I even use HT for my smaller tasks due to its smaller footprint
Walmart has sold tools for many years. Our local,(we moved here 24 years ago), Walmart has had a tool and paint section since we've been here. Their paint mixing associates seem more knowledgeable and ready to help select and mix than our last paint experiences at Lowe's or Home Depot . You called it the "Walmart Effect" that closed local mom and pop stores. I think Kmart killed the little local stores before Walmart moved in and put Kmart out of its misery.
I've bought house paint at Walmart several times. It has worked well for me.
Thanks for sharing!
I have bought tools at Walmart before. They are not great quality, but are perfect for home projects.
I like the idea of a small hardware department within but finding someone with knowledge of mixing paints, electrical, etc. would be another thing. In a radius, you'll see more Walmart stores than HD or Lowes stores. For me, it would be a convenience not having to travel out of my way and still be able to pick up a gal. milk.
Right, I think that convenience is their real strategy.
I like mixing my colors and having them put in the computer for retouching.
Walmart;
•Before you go, open app to see inventory
•If you can’t find anything, call while you are in the line, or use app to see which isle
• purchase item online and pick it up
•If Karen irritates you, shop at midnight
-Lowe’s is vey helpful as soon as they can get to you
- Home Depot is filthy and not laid out for those, unfamiliar
* save money, some deliveries are local, buy your lumber/ carpet from them
I used to buy more tools at Walmart when they carried Black and Decker tools but that was before Lowes and Home Depot were everywhere,I still buy paint but not exterior paint I prefer Home Depot s exterior paint for outside projects
I was shopping for a Milwaukee 12 volt cordless light. Walmart's online price came up $15 less than anyone else. I was surprised to see Walmart selling Milwaukee. A couple days later, Walmart's price was $21 more than anyone else.? 🤷♂️
The hardware department at Walmart is smaller today and has less selection than in the past. As you said - no employees around to mix that paint; and now, no employees around to unlock the spray paint cabinet.
Walmart tools and hardware department is excellent for part time and weekend warriors to get the job done. I'm a part time mechanic on the weekend and I can't justify spending good money on snap on, pronto, and high end brands. The tools and equipment Walmart sell to work on my projects are reasonable price and quality. The same goes for Harbor Freight.
I shop at the Walmart hardware section all the time I've bought tools there, I've bought supplies there, I've bought many things there. And I've never seen the hardware section to be empty. Every time I go there are people in the aisles. I don't know what what happened at your local Walmart. I'm a bit perplexed at all the sudden you're surprised they have hardware and you discovered something.😂
I love my Hart tools. They work as well as any DeWalt or Ryobi I already own, with a huge price difference. Granted, not everything is great, just like Harbor Freight has some short comings in their tools. Though all of my welding equipment came from HF, and I couldn't be happier with them.
the paint at walmart is OK paint but the problem is there is NEVER anyone available to mix it. Funny story i needed to match a color i bought years ago at Walmart and no one would come, i fumbled my way through the computer and figured it out my self and mixed it up...hahaha
stared buying their Hart auto lock tape measures. Under $10, seams like they work fine. funny thing is i used to go to the same WM to buy the Komelon tape measure. Komelon went to poop.
interesting thoughts, never been a walmart fan and go there rarely. as in, i have been there a couple of times in the past 20yrs! i think your thought that they may be trying to attract a lighter diyer sounds plausible. they do not seem to be doing a good job of it though 🙂
That's my thought too. That section always seems empty.
I make lists and try to only go to walmart once a month mainly for pet food and grocery haul. And I only go to Lowes once a month unless I'm working on a big project. So my lists rule where I shop, preferring Lowes for hardware/home improvements. But sometimes I make an exception if I'm in walmart and on impulse, remember something specific I forgot to pick up last trip to Lowes. Walmart is chronically understaffed and you're right about being skeptical that any random clerk will know what I'm talking about and it an be a long wait to find someone with a computer to look it up
That's great, thanks for sharing. If you don't mind me asking, why do you prefer Lowes over other Home Improvement stores?
@@DIYwithDave convenience :) actually our last true Value store closed last year so our only choices are Lowes & HomeDepot. I sometimes prefer special items/brands like windows and some tools & blades at HD and will drive the 6 miles but Lowes is only 1.5 miles so I get all my routine stuff (hardware, paint, glue, insulation, exterior lumber, etc) I'm committed to keeping my carbon footprint small :)
By coincidence I was in Walmart this early morning (gets creepy by 9AM) to pick up a car battery and walked right past the hardware aisles.
Thanks for Sharing!
Walmart hardware section has improved indeed.
Another well done informative post!
I shop in Walmart’s hardware section on occasion. I’ve purchased some HyperTough tools, which work well enough for a non-pro. Recent tests on RUclips sites revealed that the HT impact drivers and wrenches performed on par or better than name brands. And there are the other items that cannot be found at L or HD, like swivel multi-tap outlets. They don’t always have something useful and inexpensive, but if one finds oneself at WM, why not check it out?
I find Walmart to be cheaper than HD & Lowe's on identical items. Their clearance sales on tools are excellent if you are in the right place at the right time. I have scored some great deals at Walmart. The Hart & Hyper Tough tools are definitely homeowner grade but work fine for the price. Plus it's nice to go to one store and get everything including hardware. If you ever need to make a warranty claim on a tool, chances are there's a Walmart nearby.
I bought ceiling paint at Walmart. It was far inferior in coverage to what I got at home Depot.
There are never any employees in any department except Electronics and Auto. None in Sporting goods, Hardware, some Walmart stores even lock up the spray paint.
Walmart’s Hypertough 1/2” impact wrench was recently one of the tools tested on The Torque Test channel on RUclips and it performed rather well. Especially given the price!
When visiting Walmart, I would stroll through the hardware and tools department and none of their products really interested me.
I bought a couple of those HART tools in a similar "need it now" situation. They're garbage.
At my local Walmart they have a better selection of spray paint than the Lowe's right next door.