If you’ve ever walked into Walmart for bread and milk and left with a pallet of deer corn and a jar of pickled bologna, you’re not alone. Southern Ohio Walmarts have their own quirks. It’s a mix of rural tradition, seasonal oddities, and outright head-scratchers. Here are the weird things people buy at Walmart in Ohio, confirmed by national sales data and local reports.
5-Gallon Jugs of Deer Feed
Walmart isn’t just a grocery stop — it’s a hunting hub. Deer corn sells so fast some stores stock it year-round in Scioto County.
Grape Drink Concentrate
According to Business Insider, grape drink mix is a top Walmart seller in Ohio. It ranks higher than many mainstream grocery items.
Pickled Bologna in a Jar
A regional delicacy, pickled meats in jars line the shelves in Portsmouth and Jackson. Customers swear by it as a nostalgic snack.
“Holiday Scent” Throw Blankets
Walmart has stocked pine-scented blankets out of season, sparking migraines according to The Sun. Southern Ohio shoppers still clear the shelves.
LED Grow Lights in March
Before frost is gone, indoor grow lights sell out. Officially for tomato seedlings — locals call it “experimental gardening.”
Bug Zappers That Look Like Drones
Southern Ohio summers bring mosquitoes by the swarm. Walmart sells zappers shaped like tennis rackets — and futuristic drone models.
Camo Wedding Decor
Realtree cake toppers and camo archways line the wedding aisle. In rural Ohio, vows often come with camouflage.
Halloween Masks in July
Halloween stock arrives months early. In Ironton and Gallipolis, shoppers try on Freddy Krueger masks while buying sunscreen.
Giant Jars of Cheese Balls
Three-pound tubs of cheese balls dominate aisle 7. They appear at reunions, bonfires, and dugouts across Southern Ohio.
Cucumbers That Made the Recall List
In early 2025, Walmart recalled cucumbers tied to Salmonella cases. Southern Ohio shoppers didn’t forget that headline.
Why This Matters
The weird things people buy at Walmart in Ohio tell a story about culture, tradition, and how rural communities shop. For Walmart, it’s about catering to local customers. For the rest of us, it’s proof that shopping in Southern Ohio will always deliver a surprise.