More Manageable than a Superstore: Wal-Mart's Neighborhood Market

One-stop shopping has been a boon to errand-running moms,who can handle everything from the kids' haircuts, eye exams and portraits to fetching groceries, clothes and cash under one roof.  But when you have a routine grocery list and you want to get in and out quickly, there is nothing worse than realizing the toothpaste aisle is a football field away from where you stand in the dairy section.

Leave it to retail Goliath Wal-Mart to create another version of itself for smaller scale shopping.  If you like WalMart's prices but are overwhelmed by the superstores, the Neighborhood Markets located in Vestavia (Hwy 31), Homewood (Palisades), and Center Point are good options.  Advertised prices are the same in the Neighborhood Markets as they are in the superstores, and the produce, deli and bakery departments are comparable.  The markets also carry the usual cleaning products, pet supplies, and cosmetics.  

All in all, you have a decent chance of buying just the things you came for and not the One Time Only specials on each aisle of the superstore.  At least if you're tempted, your impulse purchase will be a harmless jumbo bag of pretzels rather than a gas grill.