Ch Ch Ch Changes........

The last few months have been interesting. On September 9th, the first day of my tenth year of FatWallet employment, the company was acquired by Performance Marketing Brands, which is now a parent company to FatWallet, Ebates and AnyCoupons.  After a flurry of questions, providing information and feeling like we were in limbo, we finally get to move forward. The possibilities and opportunities are pretty exciting.

New ownership naturally means a shift in how I think about where I work. I have quite a bit of logo-wear, so I'm used to answering questions about FatWallet when I'm out and about. On a recent flight, the person in the seat next to me asked, "So what is FatWallet?" After my normal elevator pitch, he said, "I'll have to have my wife check it out. She loves to coupon and save money." I found myself telling him that maybe she should try Ebates first, as that site is a bit more female-friendly. This led to a conversation about the differences in the sites, FatWallet's great electronics deals, and the tv he's thinking about buying soon.

I've been a loyal FatWallet employee and customer for so long, it wouldn't be surprising to me if I bled green (one of the colors we frequently use and associate with the brand).  Just three weeks ago, I would not have had this conversation (suggest a competitor? No way!). Anyone who knows me well knows I hate to fly. This conversation, which was friendly and fun, helped me to relax a bit. Hello change!

Why, Walmart? Why? Next Time, Target.

I've spent my day sticking donation tags on items for Chemo Cargo tote bags, and making a run to Walmart for large plastic bins to store said tote bags. Why couldn't Target have built a store a block away from me instead of Walmart? I end up frustrated and sorry I ever set foot in the door about 50% of the time I walk into a Walmart. You'd think I'd learn not to go there. This morning I told myself that it was only for plastic bins, how bad could it be?

On a Saturday, don't you think they could have more than 4 registers open in a Walmart super store? Seriously? And of course 2 of the lines open are 20 items or less, one line sells cigarettes, and the other line is on the grocery side. I only had 12 items, but the darn lines were just so long. I waited longer in line - much longer - than I spent walking in, getting a cart, getting my items, and walking to the front of the store.

Next time, I'm definitely going to Target. They have better shopping carts, too.




http://onmilwaukee.com/market/articles/newtargetcarts.html