Today, an experimental Walmart store opened in Plano. Apparently, my favorite high-volume retailer and grocer is having trouble doing business with the rich and trendy people of America. So, in order to remain competitive, Walmart has opened an experimental version of it’s superstore in the ritzy, Willow Bend area of Plano. The purpose of the experiment is to draw customers away from the SuperTarget across the street and the Costco across the Dallas Tollway.

As a fan of Walmart, Target, and marketing and design in general, I had to go check it out. I took my camera and documented the visit on my Flickr set.

The store was definately a treat for the eyes. As soon as I walked in, I noticed a very nice coffee shop at the entrance that offers free Wi-Fi. The floors were finished in stained concrete and wood laminate and made for a very nice shopping surface. Plasma TVs were mounted everywhere. The place was packed, but mostly due to the presence of Walmart corporate-types, celebrating the Grand Opening, and product reps, marketing their food, etc.

I really had a good time and I would love to frequent a store like this for my grocery/general retail shopping, but I can’t deny the instinctive favoritism towards the ghetto-ness of a more typical Walmart establishment. There’s something about those wobbly shopping cart wheels, heavy crowds, and narrow aisles that make me feel at home.

Make sure and check out my Flickr set to see the fancy place for yourself.