The Wal-Mart. Has. An Escalator.
One place you'd rather not see Wal-Mart rollback something.
We hadn't been in the Crossgates Commons Wal-Mart for awhile, so it was a surprise when we happened upon the escalators that now sit in the middle of the store. They're like waterfalls in the middle of a jungle clearing -- you see a big whole in the floor and hear the sound before you realize what they are. The Washington Ave Extension store is currently in the middle of a re-model that includes expansion into the space left over from the Sam's Club -- you know, the one to which no one seemed to want to join.
But, wait, there's more! After you get over the shock that there's an escalator in the middle of the Wal-Mart, you notice that not only can it transport people, but carts, too (which makes sense). As one guy standing by the escalator exclaimed while we were there this afternoon: "Hey, look at that! It's an escalator for the carts!" We had just about the same reaction. But it prompted a question: what do you call such a device?
We're pulling for "cartscalator."
Say Something!
We'd really like you to take part in the conversation here at All Over Albany. But we do have a few rules here. Don't worry, they're easy. The first: be kind. The second: treat everyone else with the same respect you'd like to see in return. Cool? Great, post away. Comments are moderated so it might take a little while for your comment to show up. Thanks for being patient.
Comments
Why would you go to....... Walmart?
... said H R Green on Feb 19, 2008 at 5:22 PM | link
Good question. We'll have the answer on Thursday.
... said Greg on Feb 19, 2008 at 7:52 PM | link
The Target in Seattle has one of these "cartscalators" - very cool.......
... said Tina on Feb 20, 2008 at 8:45 AM | link
It seems obvious to me that this escalator alone is a reason to go to Wal-mart. I came upon this island of escalation completely unexpectedly last week. It was as if I was Henry discovering the Hudson and the cart was my Half Moon.
... said Elizabeth on Feb 20, 2008 at 7:53 PM | link
These escalator/cartscalators are not a new item for Wal-Mart. There is a Wal-Mart in Mississauga, Ontario that has had one of these people/cart movers for quite some time. From your picture it does look like they have been redesigned. The above mentioned store in Ontario has a large "grocery checkout belt" that both you and your cart ride together. Quite the experience!
... said Cathy on May 16, 2008 at 12:54 AM | link