The florescent lights shine violently above. The air is crisp, tinged with the scent of assorted produce and various outdoor plants with an occasional whiff of a dirty diaper or an unwashed dog.

The endless aisles invite customers in, distracting them with a multitude of colors and patterns.

Walmart is the world’s hidden gem. It is the only place in the world where one can buy a blender, a banana, a mattress, a flat-screen television, and a new wireless plan.

“Walmart carries like everything you can think of. If you aren’t sure about where to get something, you can probably go to Walmart and find it,” said freshman Finn Horsfall.

Though Walmart is open 24 hours a day, seven days a week throughout most of the year, the store closes early on holidays like Christmas and Thanksgiving so that their diligent staff can spend time with their families as well.

“I like my schedule, I work early in the morning so I can be with my kids in the afternoon to help with homework and other activities,” said Walmart employee of 15 years Riena Garcia.

The caring employees are scattered perfectly around the store in order to direct lost customers to their desired isle.

“Walmart is faster than other stores and there is always someone around if you need something,” said Horsfall.

Walmart is a family store. From baby toys and cribs to adult diapers and reading glasses this store carries it all.

“They have absolutely everything, so you can just go into the store and walk around for hours,” said junior Vincent Bowen.

“I always go to Walmart for any type of school supplies because they’ll always have what I need and I won’t have to go to a second-place compared to other stores,” said senior Kane Daniluk.

Not only is their selection mind-blowing, but their prices are almost unbeatable.

“They have everything and at such good prices, even their slogan says it,” said senior Molly Carroll.

Their slogan, “Save Money Live Better,” couldn’t be more accurate. There is nothing like the thrill of saving money. Adrenaline starts pumping and hearts race as customers see their totals start to plummet.

Nowhere else can one feel the same excitement of saving money in the air.

Not only is Walmart great for practical needs, but it is also home to hundreds of memories, stored away on shelves from the past.

“My favorite Walmart memory is getting a Scooby-Doo movie with my mom when I was little,” said Daniluk.

“I remember I went shopping with some friends and bought a Spider-Man light up watch for $5,” said junior Katie Lark.

This store is more than a place to buy groceries. It is the best location for a late-night game of hide and seek. It is the background to secret milestones like buying locker supplies for the first day of middle school. It’s where students buy a poster to ask their crush to a dance.

Not every Walmart purchase is significant, but the experience is always one to be remembered.

“The Walmart experience is always good. You never know what to expect when it comes to the other shoppers,” said Daniluk.

Walmart is single highhandedly the best place to people watch. The store is filled with characters from different backgrounds and levels of hygiene. Yet once through those shiny automatic doors everyone becomes united as one thing; a Walmart customer.

No other store offers such a wide variety of shoppers.

Walmart might have a few stigmas attached to it because of its lower prices and lack of name brand products, but don’t be fooled. This store is a wonderland of endless possibilities.