I Went To Walmart For The First Time & Here's Why I Was Actually Really Impressed

The sheer size and the sections

I moved to Canada from Dubai, so I'm really no stranger to huge malls or shopping centres.

But when it comes to Walmart, I had pretty much expected another grocery store, like Loblaws or No Frills.

But the sheer size and variety of Walmart blew my mind.

I can’t think of many stores where I can do my weekly grocery shopping, browse clothes and makeup, pick up toiletries, visit a pharmacy, and then purchase furniture for an apartment!

The closest I could compare was perhaps Lulu Hypermarkets in the Middle East.

Meanwhile, in Canada, Costco excels when it comes to bulk buying, and Canadian Tire has the most random selection of useful goods.

But, I think Walmart has a more rounded selection of basics, without the hassle of having to buy large quantities.

It had everything I needed to set up a house

Moving countries or even apartments is hard work, and there are so many little gadgets and gizmos that you find yourself needing to set up your new home.

The fact that I could buy garbage bins, organizer shelves, pillows, shower curtains, bedsheets, towels, bathroom mats and so many other products I hadn't even realized I needed, all in one go, was a life-saver.

My only takeaway here is to visit with a friend who has a vehicle. Or be prepared to cab it out, because chances are you're going to leave with some bulky goods.

The furniture section is impressive

While I love Canadian Tire and Costco, if I was looking for furniture, I'd visit HomeSense or IKEA.

But the homeware section at Walmart Canada took me by surprise, as it's well worth a browse in my opinion.

There are some pretty nice looking lamps, office desks, computer chairs, organizers, tables, frames, clocks and more, and the prices really aren't too bad.

I spotted a floor length mirror for under $12 — a price I couldn't even imagine at other major furniture stores in Canada.

They are so many kitchen must-haves

If you're moving and are looking to pick up everything you need for your new kitchen, from plates and knives to appliances like air fryers and kettles, Walmart should be your go-to spot.

I was amazed by the sheer variety of kitchen must-haves on offer, as well as some niche products I didn't even know I needed — like food choppers and salad spinners.

You can pick up groceries on your way out

Of course, if you're setting up a new home, chances are things like homeware, kitchenware, toiletries and gadgets are your main priority.

But, hey, starting a kitchen pantry from scratch isn't cheap either, and whether you need to pick up eggs, milk, flour or sacks of rice, Walmart might actually be your best bet.

The grocery selection there beats out big retailers like Loblaws and Sobeys in my opinion. Meanwhile, the prices were also so much better.

The prices are reasonable

That brings me to my next and final point!

After months of feeling absolutely swindled by Loblaws, I've finally started stocking up on groceries from other places.

And as I genuinely do feel like the prices differ so much at Walmart, it's well worth a trip there.

In fact, even simply ordering stuff there through Instacart is cheaper than heading to a nearby Loblaws, including factoring in an Instacart membership and delivery fees.

That should say it all.