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Ever hear somebody referring to Walmart as Walley World?
Here’s where the nickname comes from, why people use it, and what it means exactly.
Why do people call Walmart Walley World?
The original Walley World has nothing to do with Walmart the store. Walley World is actually a fictional amusement park from the 1983 movie, National Lampoon’s Vacation.
The movie used the name, Walley World, in the movie as a play on the name, Walt Disney World. They couldn’t use Disney World because of trademarks, so they called it Walley World instead of Disney World, and they replaced Micky Mouse with Marty Moose.
The film became so popular that people started using the term Walley World when referring to Walmart since Walmart stores are gigantic (ie. like their own world) and “Walley” sounds like “Walmart”.
Here is the Griswolds family arriving at Walley World in the 1983 movie:
At first glance, the Walley World amusement park really has nothing to do with the Walmart store.
But there are a few theories as to why the nickname caught on. In the movie, Wally World is absolutely massive, contains everything you can think of, and is labeled as America’s favorite amusement park.
In that sense, the description isn’t too far off from Walmart, a store with ginormous warehouses filled with anything and everything you could need.
Although the film is from 1983, the slang term Walley World is still used and understood today when referring to Walmart stores.
Walley World is a play on words because the original name for the store was “Wally-World.” The name Wally-World was changed because the owner of the original Wally-World chain was a competitor of Walt Disney.
Today, the term is used more broadly to refer to any large chain of retail stores. For example, people might say that they are going to the “Wally-World down the street.”
Is Walley World a real place?
When referring to Walmart – Sure, it’s a real place in that sense.
The actual Walley World Amusement Park from the movie does not exist because it’s not a real place. It was a fictional theme park from the movie, National Lampoon’s Vacation.
Where did they shoot the movie then?
There are two versions of the National Lampoon’s Vacation movie.
The original film came out in 1983. For this movie, Six Flags Magic Mountain in Valencia, California was used as the Walley World set.
In 2015, there was a remake of the Vacation film. In this new version of the film, Six Flags Over Georgia was used as the set of Walley World.
So technically, yes the Walley World sets are real places you can still visit today.
What other nicknames does Walmart have?
Here’s a fun tweet by the official Walmart Twitter account sharing some of their most common nicknames:
Walmart: 10/10 it us
Wally World: 10/10 welcome y’all
The Walmart: 10/10 rep that Midwest life
Gualmar: 10/10 a fav
The Mart: 8/10 keepin’ it simple
Wal-Mart: 2/10 only for a #tbt
Wallymart: 9/10 vibes
High school hangout: 8/10 u know u did it
Datenight: 9/10 keeps it fresh— Walmart (@Walmart) September 12, 2020
Sometimes, slang names catch on quicker than others. Some terms last longer than others.
Slang is a word that is used to describe words and phrases that are not typically used in formal conversation. Slang can be used to express unique ideas or to create a more informal atmosphere. Slang can also be used to describe certain types of behavior or expressions that are not considered appropriate in formal conversation. For example, someone might use slang to refer to their favorite type of music or to describe their favorite type of clothing.
Slang can be a fun way to communicate with others, but it is important to be aware of the context in which it is being used. Some slang terms may have negative connotations and should not be used if you are trying to build relationships with other people. It is also important to be aware of the potential implications of using certain slang terms in a professional setting. For example, using slang terms that are associated with criminal activity could lead to negative consequences for your career.
Slang can be a useful tool for expressing unique ideas, but it is important to be aware of the context in which it is being used. Wally World is one slang term that is often used to refer to the large chain of retail stores known as Walmart.
People still referring to Walmart as Walley World has got to be one of the most longest-running slang usage in history. It’s especially surprising since the original Walley World has nothing to do with Walmart the store.
Although not confirmed, most people believe it was in reference to Walt Disney, since the original Walley World set was shot in Disneyland.
Funnily enough, the slang term Walley World today is used in reference to Walmart’s founder, Sam Walton.
They both work!
But, I’ve got to say, Walley World has a nice ring to it, and it’s fun to say 🙂
There’s a high probability that I’ll start referring to Walmart as Walley World from now on.
FAQs About Walmart (Wally World)
Did Sam Walton Have Another Store Before Walmart?
Yes! Sam Walton opened a store called Walton’s 5 & 10, which was a dime store. It was located in Bentonville, Arkansas, and founded in 1950.
How Did Walmart Stores Fare in the First Decade of Operation?
Within ten years of opening their first supercenters, Walmart was on the same level as other major American grocers.
How Many Associates Does Walmart Employ?
In 2023, Walmart employed about 2.1 million associates around the world, with approximately 1.6 million associates in the US.
The company believes in investing in its employees and helping them to advance their careers through various programs.
What Does the Walmart Logo Mean?
Walmart’s current logo was created in 2008 and is meant to look like a “spark.” Why a spark? It’s the spark of inspiration that Sam Walton experienced to open the first Wal-Mart store in 1962.
Each “spark” in the logo also has a meaning; they represent customers, associates, respect, integrity, service, and excellence.
What Does the Company Name “Walmart” Stand For?
The company’s name, “Walmart,” is for the store founder, Sam Walton. They took his last name to create the “Wal” in the business name and added “mart” for the store. So, today, we have Walmart stores!
Why Did Walmart Change Its Legal Name?
The company wanted to refocus its brands and goals, so it dropped the hyphen in “Wal-Mart” to create the new name “Walmart.” This was done in 2008.
Does Walmart Have More Stores Than Other Retailers?
Yes! Walmart is bigger than Home Depot, Sears, Target, Kroger, Costco, and K-Mart combined!
What You Can Do in Walmart
Sorry folks, you can’t have a family vacation with roller coasters, amusement park rides, and swimming pools. Walmart is not like that. It’s not your favorite family fun park. You can’t have a road trip to Walmart and expect to find amusement park rides, go-karts, and arcade games.
You cannot have a Christmas vacation in a retro-style amusement park either. Some rusty old merry-go-round and a few small amusement park rides are not going to cut it.
Walmart is a large, multinational corporation that operates in the United States and Canada. It is the largest retailer in the world, with over 2,500 stores in the U.S. and more than 11,000 stores worldwide. Walmart offers a wide variety of products, including groceries, clothing, furniture, and electronics. The company also operates a chain of Sam’s Club stores.
Here’s what you can do in Walmart:
1. Shop for groceries.
Groceries can be found in the aisles near the back of the store. You can also find items like milk, eggs, bread, and produce in the fresh food. Walmart also offers meal kits that include everything you need to cook a meal, such as chicken breasts, rice, and seasoning packets.
Beef, pork, chicken, and seafood can also be found in the meat section. You can also find dairy products, such as milk, cheese, and yogurt. You can also find items like cereal, eggs, and produce in the cereal section.
2. Shop for clothes.
From t-shirts and jeans to coats and shoes, Walmart has a wide variety of clothes for you to choose from. You can also find accessories like hats and scarves. There are also sections for kids and babies, as well as maternity clothes.
3. Shop for home goods.
You can find items like appliances, furniture, and decor in the home goods section. You can also find items like lamps and mirrors. There are also sections for tools and outdoor gear.
4. Shop for electronics.
Electronics can be found in the electronics section of Walmart. You can find items like TVs, laptops, tablets, and phones. You can also find gaming systems, cameras, and home theater systems.
5. Shop for pet supplies.
Some of the items you can find in the pet supplies section of Walmart include dog food, cat food, and treats. You can also find items like cages, leashes, and toys. While not all items are available in every Walmart, the pet supplies section is a great place to start your shopping for all of your pet needs.
Tips for shopping at Walmart
1. Check the Walmart app to see what’s new and available before you go.
The Walmart app has a variety of features, including deals and store updates. You can also use the app to locate your nearest Walmart store. The app is available for both Android and iOS devices.
2. Join Walmart’s loyalty program.
Walmart offers a variety of loyalty programs, including the Walmart Rewards Visa Card and the Walmart Savings Club. These programs offer you rewards for shopping at Walmart and other participating stores.
3. Compare prices before you buy.
Before you buy anything at Walmart, be sure to compare prices between the store and online retailers. You can also use the Walmart app to find the best deals on specific items.
4. Use Walmart’s return policy.
If you’re not happy with an item you’ve bought at Walmart, you can use the store’s return policy. You can also return items to any Walmart store in the United States.
5. Sign up for Walmart’s email notifications.
You can sign up for Walmart’s email notifications to be notified about special deals and store updates. You can also use the email notifications to track your shopping progress.
