If you’ve ever walked through the doors of Walmart, you know it’s a hub of convenience and deals. But what you may not realize is what happens behind the scenes at this retail giant. Former employee Julie Vasold opens up about her time at Walmart and shares some of the surprising lessons she learned along the way.
There Are Strict Rules About Employee Relationships
When Julie first worked at Walmart in 1992, the store was brand new, and the employees had the responsibility of setting up the store from scratch. Starting as a cashier, she quickly worked her way up to customer service manager, overseeing front-end operations, service desk, layaway, and greeters. However, her job came with unexpected challenges—one of the biggest being the company’s rule about relationships between employees and supervisors. At the time, management wasn’t allowed to date anyone they supervised. Julie found herself leaving the company when she became pregnant and in a relationship with an assistant manager.
The Walmart Culture Felt Like Family in the 90s
Back in the 90s, working at Walmart felt like joining a close-knit family. Julie remembers being treated well by the company and forming lifelong friendships with her coworkers. Under the leadership of Sam Walton, the founder of Walmart, employees felt appreciated, and the sense of belonging was palpable. Julie saw herself as part of something bigger than just a job, which made the experience all the more rewarding.
Returning to Walmart After a Career Change
After a career in insurance, Julie found herself looking for a fresh start and decided to return to Walmart in 2014. She recalled how much she had enjoyed her time there and felt it was the right choice to reapply. During her second stint at Walmart, she worked as a part-time sales associate in the sporting goods section before advancing to roles such as produce department manager, support manager, and fresh cap supervisor. For Julie, returning to Walmart felt like revisiting a place where she had a sense of purpose.
Walmart’s Culture Has Evolved Over the Years
While Julie has fond memories of her early days at Walmart, she notes that the company’s culture has changed significantly over time. One of the biggest shifts she witnessed was the discontinuation of the price-matching policy, which came as a surprise to many employees. Attending the 2017 shareholder’s meeting, Julie heard one consistent theme echoed: change was constant at Walmart. This ever-evolving environment kept employees on their toes, but it also highlighted how much the company had grown and transformed since its early days.
Technology Makes a Difference in Shopping
Julie recommends that shoppers use the Walmart app to enhance their shopping experience. With a new store layout and constant updates, the app provides a helpful guide to navigating the aisles more efficiently. Though Walmart employees don’t typically share a lot of insider shopping tips, using the app was one way Julie stayed ahead of the game.
Customer Interaction Is One of the Best Parts of the Job
For Julie, working at Walmart was all about connecting with people. Whether helping customers find a product or offering a kind word, the social interaction was one of the most rewarding aspects of the job. She also enjoyed the practical side of things, such as organizing and cleaning the produce room. There was a sense of accomplishment that came with finishing a task and making sure the department ran smoothly. For anyone who thrives on interaction and enjoys a fast-paced work environment, Julie says Walmart could be a perfect fit.
Conclusion: A Unique Experience
Working at Walmart taught Julie many valuable lessons—from understanding company rules to adapting to a constantly changing work environment. While some aspects of the company’s culture have shifted over time, one thing remains constant: the importance of customer service and teamwork. Whether you’re a longtime shopper or considering a job at Walmart, Julie’s insights give a behind-the-scenes look at what makes this retail giant tick.
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