I’m not one of those people who thinks Wal-Mart is responsible for all the world’s ills, but I do believe some of their business practices leave a lot to be desired.  It’s interesting that in the last few years the company has made some major stumbles in their relentless need to cut prices and be the biggest.  Now, all these mis-steps seem to be catching up to them.  For the first time in a decade, Wal-Mart will report that November sales are down.  Granted, I think they will still be a force for the entire holiday season, but I do believe Wal-Mart’s days as #1 are fading.  Personally, I’ve become a Target shopper. Yeah, I know they have many of the very same business policies as Wal-Mart (cutting costs, cheap labor, etc.), but I actually find a lot of values shopping at Target and most of all I always have a better shopping experience.  Over the years, Wal-Mart’s labor policies have left them with a less than motivated work force and it shows in the lack of customer service I receive at nearly every Wal-Mart I’ve been to across the US.  In comparison, I have been to several Target stores across Missouri and a few in other states and I always have a positive shopping experience.  Something Sam Walton always understood is the the customer is king.  Wal-Mart’s business philosophy seems to be customers will shop our stores if we offer them a variety of items at extreme low prices.  Even if they have to wait in line forever because there aren’t enough lanes open, even if the customer service provided is less than positive, people will shop their stores because they get a good deal.  Well, Wal-Mart isn’t the only place offering good deals and you can have a much better shopping experience elsewhere.   In fact, I’ve been shoppingboth stores this holiday season and I’ve actually far more deals at Target than at Wal-Mart.