[_wp3r]

To be clear the actual wealthy people always shop at Walmart, because, ya know, they are wealthy because they don't waste money on more expensive groceries because the floors are nicer, and they probably don't mind being around other hard working people.

Only half tongue in cheek, and completely agreeing with you.

[faeriechangling]

The difference I see with more upper class stores especially ones like Whole Foods is they tend to be in dense layouts where it is literally more time efficient to get your shopping done, and the stores are frequently placed on higher value property which is closer to the wealthy patrons. They tend to have a good selection of healthful foods maybe with pricy grass fed animal products with a higher ratio of omega3s, nitrate free cured meats, food for special diets like gluten-free, and all variety of things which are in a certain sense practical. Also generally the food of equal nutritional value tends to taste better, which makes it easier to stomach your conscientious diet.

If your wealth is such that food cost is a fairly negligible part of your expenses, USUALLY the Walmart will be further away located on less expensive real estate, roaming around the Walmart supercenter can literally take more time (both of these points are, to be fair eliminated by curbside pickup/delivery), the variety might be good but it's of foods that might not necessarily be worth the cost savings, the meat & produce might be alright but it's rarely going to be exceptional. It's not that any cook worth their salt can't go to Walmart and cook some fantastic food, it's that the real fancy store can be the path of least resistance.

I patronize both stores, tending to make runs to Walmart type stores for mostly non-perishables sold at superior prices. Honestly I feel more uncomfortable among wealthy patrons can poor ones. I can feel a miasma of snootiness around me in an upscale enough shop.

[pm90]

What I've noticed with "upscale" stores like Whole Foods is that their "experience" is just totally different from WalMart (others have pointed this out in other threads).

For people beyond a certain income level, a few dollars in savings aren't as attractive as shopping in a place where people seem to be more "happy". Many of these stores also tend to have an attached gourmet cafe where you can grab a "healthy" bite post/pre shopping. The whole foods in Downtown Austin even has yoga classes (an other fitness activities) on its terrace.

[crowman]

Almost correct- they get the curbside dropoff and never leave their car. At least, this is what the high (~5MM) net worth family I know does.

[nemothekid]

The "wealthy people only shop frugally" is about as truthful as "millenials are poor because they only eat avocado toast."