Walmart — Local services in Union

This is a Personal Commendation for an Outstanding Employee: Tamara at Walmart Store #03292 in Union, NJ Route 22

I felt compelled to take time out of my busy day to recognize an extraordinary employee by the name of TAMARA, who works at the Walmart located on Route 22 in Union, NJ Store #03292.

During my visit today, Tamara was the Literally the ONLY associate working the entire Customer Service desk! Tamara was handling everything from returns, refunds, and exchanges to Western Union and MoneyGram transactions. I waited in line for over 45 minutes, and during that entire time, I witnessed her tirelessly managing a long and growing line of customers, most of whom were quite difficult and even confrontational. Despite all of this, Tamara remained professional, respectful, and incredibly efficient.

What stood out most to me was not just her work ethic, but her poise, grace, and resilience under pressure. One particularly challenging customer attempted to bypass store policy, and despite Tamara explaining things clearly and calmly, the customer still refused to cooperate. Even when management had to step in, they ended up saying the exact same thing Tamara had been explaining all along. It was clear she was not only doing her job, but doing it Exceptionally Well

When I finally reached the front of the line, I asked her why she had no assistance. Her eyes told a story she wouldn’t say, a story of there’s nothing she can do, and daily overwhelm, something no employee should have to go through and endure. I voiced my concern to her manager directly, since she happened to be their at that moment, I asked why someone as hardworking and dedicated as Tamara wasn’t receiving proper help and support. Unfortunately, there was no real answer provided. Nor do I blame her either, seems this is a coverage issue that corporate needs to look into ASAP!

I’m writing this as a fellow General Manager, and I know firsthand the importance of recognizing Essential Personnel Tamara is one of those people that will go above and beyond her call of duty. She deserves not only recognition, but also Support and Adequate Break Time, and Positive Reinforcement from her leadership team. It is simply unacceptable for one person to shoulder the workload meant for an entire team, especially at a high-traffic customer service desk that is equipped with Four to Five Computer/Register Stations but only One Employee using them! Makes No Sense Whatsoever!

The only reason this is not a one-star review is because I refuse to let Tamara’s outstanding performance be associated with anything negative. If anything, this should be a Five-Star Commendation for Tamara alone. Walmart Corporate and Upper Management need to take a serious look at staffing practices and ensure that employees like Tamara are not burned out or left to fend for themselves under daily pressure. The way I observed, she definitely was today!

Tamara, I wrote this Review because I am a man of my word, and I wanted to thank you once again. You definitely went above and beyond the call of duty today and I am without complaint. Your work ethic, professionalism, and dedication did not go unnoticed. I hope this message reaches those who can make meaningful changes and that you are in fact Recognized, Rewarded, and Considered for Promotion You truly are an asset to Walmart. Upper Management/Corporate needs to Recognize You and all of your efforts in your next team meeting! And NOT just a high five, but with a Raise and Promotion!

I write this with Sincere Appreciation for Tamara, A Concerned Customer and Fellow General Manager Tamara if you ever decide to make a career change and want to work for an Auto Dealership, I will Gladly train and hire you Tamara! Keep Up...

I'm giving this store 3-stars only because Lamount "Store Coach" helped them earn it back because they really deserve none. If I can rate the employees individually, Lamount would definitely get a 10-star.

This Union location is out of control. On December 31, 2021 around 5:30pm, I was checking out at self-check when the price of 2 children's chairs that match the children's tables rang up $17.44. The sign in the back of the store where the chairs are hung clearly states that they were $15.86. I even scanned the chairs on the walmart app as says a lot of the signage in the store because all the price checkers were pulled.

I asked the self-checkout associate (a young man very slim with brown dreadlocks) if a price adjustment could be done for me and I showed him evidence of the price. He told me "we don't do price adjustments at this location." Then I asked him since when and he said "Do you want the chairs or not." I said "or not." He voided the chairs from my purchase. Then I said, how do I get the chairs for this price because you all have plenty. He responded "you have to order the chairs online and then come pick them up in store." That made no sense to me as I already had the chairs in my hand.

Coincidentally, a Team Lead associate by the name of what I thought was Tosha or Tori (now identified as Tora) was walking passed and I asked her about the situation. She responded "we don't get paid to do price adjustments." So I asked to speak to a store manager. She replied "They will tell you the same thing I am telling you, so you have to order them online and pick them up in store or have them shipped to you for that price of $15.86 because other people could have ordered them and if by the time they get to your order and we don't have any left then you're out of luck."

So I ordered the chairs online at 5:41pm when leaving the store only to receive an email the next morning at 8:40am stating that the chairs were available for pick up. So not only did I waste my time, but I wasted gas as well traveling back and forth for 2 chairs. I needed this set for my kids who are currently remote learning due to COVID mandates. I was so annoyed.

When I picked up the chairs I asked to speak to someone in charge and the best person they had for me to explain the situation. Lamount came out and handled this situation with poise and grace and assured me that he would take care of it and he did. He was polite, understanding and he made the visit worth my while. For this reason alone, I will return to Walmart but they almost lost me as a customer for good.

My recommendation is that the store associates at this union, NJ location be retrained and learn what it truly means to service...

I normally don't write reviews, however I have a lot of time on my hands this summer so here it goes! I really used to like going here in the past due to the convenience of it being a short drive, but after today I will be either ordering online or driving way past this one to the one in Watchung. My husband always growls when I mention going to this Walmart, being that it is a little "rough around he edges". He just can't forget the shootout in the parking lot a few years ago lol. I have made due for years by forgiving the bad customer service and not asking staff where things are ..but today was the last straw! So at 8am this morning I ordered some IMPORTANT things online for same day pickup. In my head knowing what I know about the morale of this place I delusionally had confidence in this being an easy process. I kept myself occupied ALL day cleaning, hugging my pets and talking about an explosion that actually happened next door to me, so by 4pm I really needed a nap. I just woke up at 8:30pm and said "I'm bout to go to Walmart" In my best happy voice when I suddenly check online and notice that my order still says "processing". I really was unsure why it would still be processing so I call them. The receptionist kept transferring me to the "online orders" dept. No one answered, so I call back two more times to show them that I do have stalker capabilities, when all of a sudden the lady who was answering the phone hung up on me. Then immediately after picking my feelings up off the floor, I get an email saying my order was delayed (not sure if this was coincidence or they realized their error). I then canceled the order and get an email saying that "my card was not charged", but when I checked my account, it was lol. So here I am, with nothing: no stuff, no time, less money. If you could sue someone for getting back your "hopes and dreams", this would be a good case.With all the time that went by I could have went early and shopped for the items myself...Looking forward to happily doing...