Walmart is more than just a grocery store: it’s a national phenomenon. As the world’s largest public corporation by revenue, this superstore tycoon’s net worth in 2011 was approximately $410 billion, according to Forbes Global. Walmart is not only racking up massive revenue, it defines political demographics, like “Walmart Moms,” and, ultimately saves people money. Research from Global Insight shows that Walmart now saves American families $2,500 each year. While Walmart has helped us save over the years, it can also be a bit overwhelming at times. There are, however, some ways that you can navigate through Walmart’s website or their store to quickly and efficiently get all the items on your Walmart grocery list.

Navigating Walmart Stores

#1 Using Price Match:

Walmart veterans simply rave about the store’s price match policy. For those of you who have never used price match, this feature allows you to purchase an item at Walmart for the same price as that of a competitor store. Of course, to take advantage of this feature, you have to bring a current, dated advertisement in hand, before the cashier rings up the price match item. Take your price match ads to the grocery store with you and put all your price match products in a certain section of the cart so you don’t get confused. Price match aficionados usually prefer to put their price match items aside and lay the advertisements on top of their appropriate item. Walmart will not price match the following:

• Items that require a separate purchase to get the ad price
• Items with no actual price that require a purchase to get a free item
• Items that require a purchase to get a competitor’s gift card
• Buy One Get One Free ads with no specific price
• Going out of business or close out prices
• Percentage off
• Competitor’s private label price promotions.

#2 Coupon Overage:

Walmart also has an overage policy. This policy states that coupons may exceed the price of the item and this difference may be given or applied toward the cost of the basket purchase or given back to the consumer in change.

#3 Policy Resistance:

There are times when even the Walmart regulars are met with a little bit of employee resistance. This is usually because the employee is not aware of an overage or price match policy, in which case you should get in touch with the manager for verification. Having the corporate policy on-hand for further verification is always helpful, especially if you’re taking advantage of a new coupon policy. Also, understand that all Walmart managers have the ability to refuse coupons, if they feel it’s necessary.

#4 Buying produce:

While Walmart does take the initiative to buy produce locally, fruits and veggies sometimes appear wilted or old. As nutrients are depleted when fruits and vegetables age, make sure that all your produce is extremely fresh before buying.

#5 When and how to shop:

Morning is always less busy, less messy, and better stocked at Walmart. If you can, start your day by hitting the grocery store first. Also try and leave the kids at home when you shop. If you’re keeping track of your children, using coupons, store policies, and grocery lists, becomes a whole lot more complicated!

Navigating Walmart Online

There are some special features that Walmart provides online. Take advantage of these tools:

1. Subscribe to Walmart’s twitter feed, where you can find the deal of the day.
2. Walmart provides free samples through their website for things like shampoo, coffee, and makeup. These samples don’t usually last, so act fast and check their website regularly. Usually, the samples get to your doorstep in about a month.
3. Find and print Walmart’s coupons listed on their site.

With grocery list in hand, store policy in tow and Twitter subscriptions in place, you’ll be maximizing your savings and taking advantage of all that Walmart has to offer.