Commitment, A Major Key - Lauren Matthews

Commitment, A Major Key

Stores that produce the most revenue are typically the ones that are the most convenient for customers. These stores provide a space where customers want to spend their money because of good quality of their service. Walmart and Target, two big box steady retail stores, make efforts to lure their customers with advertisements that guarantee the costumer’s satisfaction. Although they both guarantee satisfaction, there is clear evidence that proves Walmart is a better source for shoppers than Target because of their commitment to their customers above all else.  

One way that Walmart shows their customers that they value them is through policies such as their loyalty programing. According to the news on Walmart's website, Walmart’s 3-2-1, is a new way save money for Walmart prepaid and Walmart money cards. Their 3-2-1 rewards program includes, 3% back on purchases made on Walmart.com. It also offers 2% back on fuel purchases at Walmart gas stations and 1 % back on purchases made at Walmart stores. In comparison, Target’s has a savings system called Cartwheel Perks. Cartwheel Perks is a program which allows Target shoppers to earn points every time a purchase is made and redeem the points for apparel, food, and other items. As reported by couponsinthenews.com, Target’s program is currently in the process of ending because of they are making adjustments regarding to issues that was found by the perk users. The negative feedback that states as such, “experiencing pricing errors when buying items.” Target shutting down their program, leaves both the old user and the new user with nothing to depend on when purchasing items. Loyalty programs brings more customers to the store because of the discounts the program provides.

Besides customer service, another key component to Wal Mart's business is advertising. Advertisement  creates an immediate impact that will keep customers engaged to what is called the “better buy.” Social media accounts make contributions to relevant benefits and opportunities for the customer. Walmart is socially involved but also uses the media nationally and locally. For example, Walmart reaches out to other store locations around the world by establishing Facebook pages for each located store. Interfering with social media accounts, promotes a company or brand, genuine intentions  to create a motivation for customers so they can be interested. Most importantly, these social accounts provides a platform for their customer’s voices to be heard and taken seriously. For instance, Walmart has a website where mothers can talk about their shopping experiences. Target’s Twitter and Facebook social media accounts has community involvement that is equal to social involvement. Being socially involved with the community is a positive because it shows sincerity and shows support to the customers in the community. However, Target receives more negative feedback based on a customer's shopping experience found on consumeraffairs.com.

Walmart’s mission is phrases that they commit to build opportunities to customers and communities worldwide:, Save Money, Live better .On the contrary, Target consistently fulfills the Expect More. Pay Less brand. These two persuasive slogans that have different meanings. However the proof that is shown is that Walmart follows through on their slogan and constantly dominates Target.  Based on the research given by investopedia.com, WMT, Walmart Store Inc, is the world’s largest retail company with 10,700 stores, with 4,500 of those store in the U.S. Target has 1,806 stores that are only to be found in the U.S. Wal-Mart’s total assets were $203.7 billion, about five times larger than Target’s comparatively $41.4 billion. Consequently, Walmart is the “elephant in the room” when it comes to market capitalization, which is $240 billion, three times larger than Target’s $79 billion.  

Commitment is a key point in a relationship because it shows reliance and loyalty from one to another. Although, commitment may only seem important  to customers, it should in fact concern anyone who cares about saving a buck or two. This becomes especially evident for those who attempt to make a profit off of their relationships. Advertisment, revenue, and saving programs are all essential principles to a customer - store relationship. This shows that Walmart is faithful to their customers because they have not abandon the one thing that customers value.

Works CIted

Memphis, TN Damean of, et al. “Walmart MoneyCard.” ConsumerAffairs, www.consumeraffairs.com/finance/wal-mart-moneycard.html.

"Retail Advertising." Adage.Com, 2017, http://adage.com/article/adage-encyclopedia/retail-advertising/98854/.

"Retail Advertising." Adage.Com, 2017, http://adage.com/article/adage-encyclopedia/retail-advertising/98854/.

Target Officially Kills Off Cartwheel Perks.” Coupons in the News, 20 July 2017, couponsinthenews.com/2017/07/19/thanks-scammers-target-officially-kills-off-cartwheel-perks/.

FRM, Elvin Mirzayev CFA. “Target Vs. Walmart: Who's Winning The Big Box War?” Investopedia, 7 July 2015, www.investopedia.com/articles/active-trading/070715/target-vs-walmart-whos-winning-big-box-war.asp.