• Whole Foods and Sprouts are popular grocery giants that market healthy, fresh foods.
• I visited Whole Foods and Sprouts in Oakland, California, to compare prices and quality to see which store came out on top.
• Although both had good deals, Whole Foods had cheaper prices on more items, and Amazon Prime members can benefit from additional discounts.

I recently visited the Whole Foods on Bay Place in Oakland, California, and the Sprouts on Broadway, just a few blocks away. I did a (completely unscientific) price comparison between 14 products from each store. To my surprise, Whole Foods came out the winner, with lower prices on eight of the items.

Amazon bought the Whole Foods chain in 2017, and it seems to be trying to shake the store's "Whole Paycheck" image. Signs throughout the store advertised special lower prices for Amazon Prime members.

Sprouts has a genuine Oakland vibe: mellow, friendly, and laid back. The reusable bags at the Sprouts counter said Turnip For What. (If you don't get it, continue your musical education here.)

The Oakland Whole Foods is larger than Sprouts, but not by much. Whole Foods has a better selection and more stock on the shelves, but the aisles at Sprouts felt more spacious. Even though this Sprouts is the newer of the two stores, it had the look and feel of an older grocery store.

Here's a breakdown of pricing and availability of 14 products at the two stores:

SEE ALSO: We visited the grocery store chain that's an alternative to Whole Foods — here's why it's better

DON'T MISS: 9 items you should always buy from Costco's Kirkland Signature brand

1. MaraNatha peanut butter

Sprouts: $6.99

Whole Foods: $5.99

Whole Foods wins on peanut butter price and selection —and jelly, too.

2. Prosecco

Sprouts (Lamarca): $14.99

Whole Foods (Presto Prosecco Brut): $12.99

This isn’t an exact apples-to-apples comparison because the brands are different, but I have to declare Whole Foods the winner in the cheap prosecco category.

I like prosecco better than champagne, and I love that both Sprouts and Whole Foods had it on sale at the same time. Prosecco is the right drink for summer dinners at outdoor tables in an Italian vineyard — or in your backyard in Oakland.

3. Organic watermelon

Sprouts: $4.99 per melon

Whole Foods: $4.99 per melon

This one’s a tie on the price. Sprouts only had a few melons in stock, while Whole Foods had a large display, so more melons to thump to find one that’s perfectly ripe.

• The 2018 Audi Q7 is one of the finest luxury crossover SUVs in the world.
• Business Insider had the chance to spend a week with a 2018 Audi Q7 3.0T Quattro Tiptronic Prestige SUV.
• We were impressed by Audi's combination of luxury, refinement, tech, and sporty driving dynamics.
• The base 2018 Audi Q7 Premium starts at $49,900, but our top-of-the-line Prestige test car cost $75,700.

The Audi Q7 is one of the most successful luxury crossover SUVs to hit the market in recent memory. The original Q7 debuted in 2007 and quickly developed into a fan favorite. The current second-generation model arrived in 2016 with positive reviews.

Business Insider recently had the chance to spend a week with the 2018 Q7. Audi's flagship luxury SUV impressed us with its fine combination of luxury, refinement, and tech.

We were also impressed by the Q7's poise and performance when pushed by the driver.

With the Audi Drive Select toggle set to "dynamic" mode, the Q7 can legitimately be called sporty. Engine power is easily accessible, and acceleration feels brisk. According to Audi, our test car is capable of hitting 60 mph from a standstill in just 5.7 seconds and can reach a top speed of 130 mph.

It certainly feels a lot lighter than its 4,916-pound curb weight would indicate. The steering, though a bit on the numb side, proved communicative enough to make spirited driving fun, while the chassis felt well-balanced for a big SUV.

The Q7 even won a head-to-head comparison with the world-beating Volvo XC90, Business Insider's 2015 Car of the Year.

The 2018 Audi Q7 starts at $49,900 for the base, four-cylinder Premium model, while our top-of-the-line Prestige test car starts at $65,400. With fees and optional extras included, our test car cost $75,700. But that hefty price tag comes with Audi's full arsenal of tech and luxuries goodies.

Here's a closer look at the coolest features in the 2018 Audi Q7.

SEE ALSO: We drove a $65,000 Audi Q7 and a $60,000 Volvo XC90 to see which is a better luxury SUV — here's the verdict

FOLLOW US: on Facebook for more car and transportation content!

1. Smart interior design: The Audi Q7's interior is stylish yet businesslike. Its cabin also boasts nearly flawless ergonomics. Everything you need is pretty much where you expect it to be.

Our only gripe with respect to cabin ergonomics is the location of the adaptive-cruise-control stalk on the lower left-hand side of the steering column.

Even though the adaptive cruise control works great, the location of the controls forced us to take our eyes off the road when adjusting the system.

2. Audi MMI: In our opinion, MMI is the finest infotainment system around. There really isn't anything wrong with it — it's responsive, easy to use, and packed with feature content.

MMI is controlled using this rotary-dial/touchpad combo.

Nearly 21 million Americans struggle with a substance use disorder (SUD) — the medical illness caused by recurring misuse of alcohol or drugs. In their most severe form, SUDs are known by a much more familiar name: Addiction.

But only about 10% of people with these disorders will get any kind of specialized treatment for them, according to a 2016 report released by the US Surgeon General.

There are many reasons for this gap, according to the report. Some people can't access or afford care. Some fear shame or discrimination that may come with speaking out. Others may not believe they have a problem at all.

Stats like these may make SUDs seem hopeless and unsolvable.

But the truth is that these disorders — even long-lasting, life-unraveling addictions — can be effectively treated.

INSIDER spoke with 16 individuals who've learned this by living through it. These stories and photos show their journeys from addiction to treatment to hard-fought recovery.

Editor's Note: A warning that this article contains language describing a suicide attempt and descriptive language that could be triggering for anyone struggling with or recovering from substance abuse.

Morgan Stroberg found her "savior" in Alcoholics Anonymous.

Morgan Stroberg's alcohol misuse began with her very first drink at age 15.  

"As soon as I had that first drink, my life before was completely over," she told INSIDER. "I was in a frenzy; I had to have more. There was no defense."

At 19, Stroberg found her way to Alcoholics Anonymous (AA), an organization she characterized as her "savior." Since her introduction to AA meetings, she has logged significant periods of sober time and is currently celebrating six straight months without a drink.

"I had so much doubt and insecurity my entire life. Alcohol and drugs allowed me to have a new identity, one where I felt empowered for a long time," she said. "The reality is that the drugs and alcohol start to not work anymore. Our solution to the sickness inside of us fails. That's when we have to turn to other solutions. The good news is that there are many ways to get sober."

Now, Stroberg is 18 weeks pregnant — a life change that's further fueled her drive to remain sober.

"I need to be that amazing mom that I've always dreamed of being," she said.

Pablo's life changed after one night of drinking.

On the night of April 28, 2014, Pablo went to a bar and blacked out. When he woke up the next morning in bed, his blue button down shirt had turned red with blood.

"My jaw was broken. Two teeth were knocked out and one of them was chipped. I don't even know what happened," Pablo, 38, told INSIDER. "And I looked in the mirror that morning and I was like, I need help."

Pablo, who asked to be identified by first name only to protect his privacy, started drinking and smoking weed in junior high. Over the next 20 years, as his addiction intensified, he lost jobs, a relationship, his license, and his car. He went to rehab once and resumed drinking almost as soon as he'd finished.

But the morning he woke up with blood on his shirt, something changed.

A few days after the incident he went to an AA meeting. He'd been to plenty before, as part of punishment for prior DUI arrests, but he'd never really listened when he was present.

This time was different.

"That night I found my sponsor," Pablo said. (In AA parlance, a sponsor is a fellow alcoholic who provides guidance to newer members.) "I went up to him and I was like, 'Hey, I'm Pablo and I need help ... I'm either going to work this program or I'm going back to jail or I'm going to die.'"

Pablo threw himself into AA and reconnected with his Christian faith. Those combined forces helped him reach four years of sobriety this spring.

"It's different dealing with emotions raw, without a crutch of weed or alcohol. That is one of the difficult parts for me," he said. "[But] the main thing is realizing that I'm not a bad person, I've just made some bad decisions. And that there's a beautiful life there for everybody if you want it."

Austin Cooper says social media saved him.

When Austin Cooper was in his 20s, gripped by alcohol addiction and contemplating suicide, he happened across an old acquaintance's social media profile.

"I saw someone on social media that I was friends with back in high school and who I knew had a drug problem," he told INSIDER. "I saw this person become open about going through rehab. I saw their journey of completely flipping everything around — they completely changed for the better. And it gave me this glimmer of hope."

Six months later, after an intervention, he entered a 22-day treatment program, then began attending AA meetings. This April, he celebrated five years of sobriety.

And in a way, he's come full circle. Today, Cooper, 30, runs a business called Sober Evolution, through which he offers one-on-one personal development coaching, plans alcohol-free social events, and runs a recovery-themed Instagram account with more than 40,000 followers.

"I wanted to use [Instagram] as a way of really getting my story out," he said. "To see if it can help someone in the same way that that one person years ago was able to help me."

The Insider Picks team writes about stuff we think you'll like. Business Insider has affiliate partnerships, so we get a share of the revenue from your purchase.

Finding a Broadway show to see can feel like an overwhelming proposition with so many fantastic options to choose from.

I’ve worked in theater for the past five years, and I’ve seen plenty of plays both on and off Broadway. Some shows I’ve liked, some shows I’d rather forget, and some shows have changed my life. They’ve stayed with me forever, instilling within me a love of theater that has led me to choose to make my living amongst it.

Maybe none of these recommendations will cause you to fall head over heels in love with theater, but I hope I can at least steer you towards a memorable evening. See you at the show!

Before it’s too late, check out “Angels in America”

Find tickets to part one "Angels in America: Millennium Approaches" from $75

Find tickets to part two "Angels in America: Perestroika" from $80

"Angels in America" is toward its end of a limited Broadway run featuring tour-de-force (and newly Tony Award-winning) performances from Andrew Garfield and Nathan Lane. Written by Tony Kushner during the AIDS Crisis in the early 90s, this two-part, 7.5-hour marathon theatrical event places audiences inside the uncertainties of life as a gay man amidst the terrifying unknown that was the early days of HIV/AIDS.

This production commemorates the 25-year anniversary since "Angels in America" first ran on Broadway in its entirety, and it’s a triumphant celebration of how far we’ve come in both the destigmatization of HIV and acceptance of the LGBTQ community. It provides a sobering reminder of who we’ve lost along the way and how far we still have to go. Plus, if you see the show in June, you’ll get a special rainbow Playbill to celebrate Pride Month.

Note: You'll need to purchase tickets for both parts of the show.

If you want your faith in humanity restored, check out “Come From Away”

Find tickets for "Come From Away" from $69

On September 11, 2001, 38 planes containing 7,000 passengers were ordered to land in the tiny town of Gander, Newfoundland. “Come From Away” tells the true story of strangers coming together to make sense of tragedy. It’s a story of hope, compassion, generosity, and the strength of the human spirit in a time of confusion, desperation, and loss.

If it sounds like heavy subject matter, in a way, it is, but “Come From Away” will leave you feeling the most hopeful and joyous you’ve felt in a long time. It’s a cliche to say “I laughed, I cried!” but this remarkable ensemble cast of 18 performers — most of whom have been with the show since its debut at La Jolla Playhouse in 2015 — will take you through the emotional gamut in 100 riveting minutes.

If you’re a nostalgic millennial, check out “SpongeBob SquarePants”

Find tickets for "SpongeBob SquarePants" from $49

"Are ya ready kids?" If you instinctively answered, "Aye aye, captain!" then this show is for you. Every '90s kid’s favorite cartoon has been adapted for the stage where all your Bikini Bottom pals must save the city from being swallowed up by a volcanic eruption.

With music by the likes of David Bowie, Panic! At the Disco, and rapper T.I., to name only a few off the star-studded list of composers, there’s plenty of artistic credibility to keep "SpongeBob" afloat. Plus, you won’t want to miss Squidward’s four-legged, show-stopping tap number. Just don’t be too disappointed that a certain character’s titular pants aren’t exactly right-angled.

• FIFA on Wednesday awarded the 2026 World Cup to the United States, Canada, and Mexico.
• Of the 80 matches, 60 are scheduled to be played in the US, with Canada and Mexico each set to host 10.
• Canada and Mexico have already cemented their three host cities, while the US has revealed a list of 17 cities that will be cut down to 10.

North America on Wednesday won a joint bid to host the 2026 World Cup.

The soccer tournament will be hosted by the US, Canada, and Mexico, with the US scheduled to host 60 of the 80 matches. FIFA plans to expand the number of teams to 48 from 32 for that tournament.

Canada and Mexico have already named three host cities each. Matches in Mexico are set to be played in Mexico City, Monterrey, and Guadalajara, while games in Canada are scheduled for play in Toronto, Montreal, and Edmonton, according to Pro Soccer Talk.

The US has submitted 17 cities to host matches, but that list is to be narrowed down to 10 by 2021. Each US city would host at least five matches.

Some big-name cities also opted out of hosting, citing uncertainty over cost. They included Chicago, Minneapolis, and Tampa in the US and Vancouver in Canada.

Here are the cities that have been proposed to host matches:

New York (East Rutherford, NJ) — MetLife Stadium

Capacity: 82,500

Year opened: 2010

Past World Cup experience: None

Los Angeles, CA (Pasadena) — Rose Bowl

Capacity: 90,888

Year opened: 1922

Past World Cup experience: Hosted 1994 World Cup Final

Atlanta, GA — Mercedes-Benz Stadium

Capacity: 71,000

Year opened: 2017

Past World Cup experience: none

World Cup season is upon us.

As 32 countries head to Russia to compete for the biggest prize in international football, the world waits to watch the show unfold.

If you're looking for a team to cheer for or are attempting to scout out potential opponents of your favorite squad, below we go group by group to give you the odds to win, the players to watch, and the best and worst case scenario for every team competing.

SEE ALSO: The 2018 World Cup is only 2 weeks away — here's who has won every tournament since 1930

Group A: Russia, Uruguay, Egypt, Saudi Arabia

Russia

World rank: No. 66

Odds to win group: 2/1

Odds to win World Cup: 50/1

Key players: Fyodor Smolov, Anton Miranchuk, Aleksei Miranchuk

Best case scenario: The host country upsets Uruguay to win the group and make a surprising run to the quarterfinals. The Miranchuk twins become the feel-good story of the tournament after an impressive performance in the group stage.

Worst case scenario: Saudi Arabia spoils the party to upset Russia in the opening game of the tournament, leaving the team scrambling to escape the group.

Uruguay

World rank: No. 14

Odds to win group: 2/3

Odds to win World Cup: 30/1

Key players: Luis Suarez, Diego Godin

Best case scenario: Uruguay runs through Russia and the rest of its group to snag a cushy spot in the elimination bracket, then pulls an upset or two to reach the semifinal.

Worst case scenario: After falling to Russia's home field advantage and a Ballon d'Or worthy performance from Mohamed Salah for Egypt, Uruguay fails to escape the surprisingly winnable group.

Watch out, Venmo — there's another payments app on the rise. 

Zelle is a year-old service that lets you digitally transfer money to someone else, no cash, checks, or wire transfers required. It sounds a lot like Venmo, but there's one key difference: Zelle was created by the five largest banks in the US. 

Last summer, JPMorgan, Bank of America, Wells Fargo, US Bancorp, Capital One, BB&T, and PNC joined together to launch Zelle. Both Venmo and Zelle let you send money to friends instantly. The difference with Zelle is that you don’t have to wait to receive the money in your bank account.

This feature may have contributed to why Zelle is becoming so popular. According to eMarketer data, Zelle is now the most-used peer-to-peer payment app in the US, and is expected to grow more than 73% in 2018. By the end of the year, eMarketer predicts Zelle will have 27.4 million users, compared to Venmo's 22.9 million users. 

So what makes Zelle different from Venmo, and how can you start using it? Here's everything you need to know. 

SEE ALSO: What it's like to use Wyze Cam, the $20 home security camera trying to take on Amazon and Nest

The easiest way to get started with Zelle is to download the mobile app. Zelle will ask to use your location, but you're allowed to skip that step.

Next, the app will ask you to enter your phone number.

From there, you'll be able to see a list of the top banks that use Zelle. You can select your bank from the list, or view the full list available banks.

You can also search for your bank on Zelle's website. 

"Fragrance is the substance of memories," Colette Ellis, founder of InStep Consulting and creator of Start Within, told INSIDER. 

The way essential oils are diffused, however, is up to the individual.

Ellis suggests using essential oils for diffusion, soothing baths, massages, and topical application through a variety of different methods. We rounded up some interesting ways that you can diffuse essential oils. 

You can simply pop them into a diffuser.

A good diffuser will not only make a room smell nice, but also it will add to the ambiance of the room.

However, there are differences between diffusers, according to Louis Verspreeuwen, co-founder of Pilgrim Collection.

“A humidifier only adds moisture to the ambient air,” Verspreeuwen told INSIDER. “Aromatherapy diffusers that work with water (ultrasonic ones) act both as an essential oil diffuser and as a humidifier – so two devices in one! That being said, humidifiers often have bigger water capacity and are better suited for big spaces.”

For small apartments like those in New York or Hong Kong, cities Verspreeuwen often travels to, a diffuser is the best option and adds an interesting architectural element to a room.

Pilgrim recently launched five lines of essential oils to combat everything from jet lag to stress.

“I have a preference for the 'Disconnect' collection, as ylang ylang really allows me to relax after a hectic day in Hong Kong,” Verspreeuwen said. “I use it in my Zoe diffuser and with the mediation light on.”

Often, companies like Saje Natural Wellness claim that customers should buy essential oils and diffusers in the same place for safety precautions.

Saje’s diffuser manuals warn users to stick with Saje diffuser blends, as other oils may contain fragrances, base oils or synthetics that could result in malfunction.

“Some single note essential oils are also too thick or heavy for use in the ultrasonic diffuser,” according to the company.

Regardless of how someone chooses to diffuse essential oils, it’s crucial to understand how pure the scents are.

You can create a scented pouch.

A sachet is a great way to use aromatherapy to improve the mood of a room.

While they’re easy to DIY -- sew two pieces of fabric together and add a bit of stuffing for a small pouch before dabbing essential oils on it — some consumers may prefer it be delivered through Amazon Prime.

One brand, Alio, sells small pouches that can fit in shoes and purses, and comes in six scents such as Soft Blanket and Dreamy Gelato. The set of two pouches ($15) each lasts up to 90 days.

Use them to create hand wipes.

Another DIY approach to dispensing essential oils, hand wipes are easy to make and needed relief on a crowded subway or during a cold.

Karen Trenk, the founder of Handzies towelettes, told INSIDER that she began making her own wipes (which she sells but has a DIY recipe here) to get a better use out of essential oils.

“We use tea tree oil as it's amazing for your skin and is also naturally antibacterial and anti-fungal, and a tangerine oil for a nice fresh scent,” she said.

• MONEY partnered with Yelp to find the best-loved burger places in the US. 
• The Yelp algorithm factors in both the number of positive reviews and an eatery’s star rating.
• The top 10 spots can be found in states across the country, including Nevada, Hawaii, Oregon, and Florida. 

Nothing rings in the summer better than the smell of burgers on the grill.

Getting a ground beef patty between two sesame buns is easy enough, but some folks have mastered the art in ways the rest haven’t — winning awards or becoming local legends for their juicy burger meat, or for sauce and condiment combinations.

MONEY partnered with Yelp to find the best-loved burger joints in the country. Their menu offerings range from sloppy barbecue burgers to fried bologna burgers and diner-style standards — there’s even a burger with peanut butter and jelly in the middle. (The Yelp algorithm factors in both the number of positive reviews and an eatery’s star rating; to ensure that we had winning burgers from around the country, we limited the picks to one per state.)

Here are the 10 best places to get a burger this summer:

SEE ALSO: The 11 most expensive cities to eat in around the world

1. Manny’s Restaurant, Victorville, California

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Manny’s Restaurant offers customers the best of two worlds. Fans of simple, no-nonsense burgers can enjoy beef patties flavored with carne asada and traditional fixings, while Instagrammers in search of their next quirky food post can dig into one of the wilder burger creations — including the, ahem, Peanut Butter Jelly and Creamy Burger.

Yep, Manny’s Restaurant dared to go there. They stuffed a whole wheat bun with two quarter-pound beef patties, cream cheese, bacon, peanut butter, and strawberry jelly. The burger sounds insane, but at $9.25, one of the shop’s best-selling items.

If peanut butter and beef isn’t your cup of tea, try the equally perplexing $9.75 Lasagna Burger, which stacks lasagna on beef patties inside of garlic-coated sesame buns.

2. Dino’s Gourmet On-The-Go, Kahului, Hawaii

Head over to this food truck next time you’re vacationing in Maui. Dinos Gourmet On-The-Go blends flavors from the Mediterranean, Polynesia, France, and the U.S. to get its burger combinations, Dino’s partner Kellina Zagouras tells MONEY.

Try the Big Hawaiian Big Blue Cheese Burger, topped with sautéed onions, peppers and habanero chipotle mayo for $13. You can get a basket of Solo Comfort Fries on the side for just $6, with Dino’s special dipping sauce.

3. Bros Sandwich Shack, Avon, North Carolina

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Bros Sandwich Shop takes its name from the two brothers who teamed up to open their own small restaurant on North Carolina’s Outer Banks. After hitting the beach, head over to Bros for one of the shop’s signature creations, such as the Carolina Bro (with chili, coleslaw and American cheese) for $11.25, or the Cowboy Bro (with Sriracha barbecue sauce, gouda, and peppered bacon) for $10.25.

Vegetarians also have a place at the table: Try the Quinoa Bro, a patty made with red quinoa with all the burger fixings, for $9.65, or the $2.55 Sweet Potato Waffle Fries with any 10 of the BroMade custom dipping sauces.

Fans have a lot of influence over their favorite shows. 

On more than one occasion, fandoms have united in efforts to save a series from cancellation, find it a new home on another network, or even raise money for a movie spin-off.

Recently, Netflix released a two-hour finale for "Sense8" fans after canceling the beloved series and in the span of 24 hours, "Brooklyn Nine-Nine" was canceled by Fox and then picked up by NBC — both the results of vocal fans.

Here are 16 series that were saved or brought back thanks to fans.

"Sense8" was brought back for a two-and-a-half hour finale.

Netflix canceled the beloved series after two seasons and a Christmas special. But after a month of online fan protests and petitions, the streaming service announced that they'd bring the show back for a special finale. 

Show creator Lana Wachowski wrote a letter thanking the fans for their passion and efforts. 

"The passionate letters, the petitions, the collective voice that rose up like the fist of Sun to fight for this show was beyond what anyone was expecting," she wrote. "In this world it is easy to believe that you cannot make a difference; that when a government or an institution or corporation makes a decision, there is something irrevocable about the decision; that love is always less important than the bottom line."

"Timeless" was renewed three days after being canceled.

NBC canceled the time travel show but its return to the network was swift. Co-creator Eric Kripke took to his Twitter following the show's renewal to thank fans for their social media efforts to revive the series.

"So huge thanks to @nbc for supporting us," he tweeted. "And THANKS for the fan support. It's a MAJOR reason we're back. It worked, guys!"

A third season is up in the air for now.

From cancellation to being picked up by a new network, "Brooklyn Nine-Nine" endured a wild 24-hours

Nine-Nine! After news hit the internet that Fox had canceled "Brooklyn Nine-Nine" May 10, grieving fans expressed their dismay online. Even celebrities including Lin-Manuel Miranda, Mark Hamill, Guillermo del Toro, and Sean Astin rallied their support and even started a group text about it. Then on Friday night, news broke that NBC had saved the show by picking it up from Fox. 

"The Twitter response was like, 'Oh, wow, people are really responding to this,'"co-creator and showrunner Dan Goor told Vulture. "And every time I refreshed it, I was getting tens of thousands of likes, which was crazy to me...People really responded to the fact that it's a very diverse cast, that it feels very inclusive, that the jokes aren't at the expense of characters."

• Walmart store employees aren't always able to speak their minds when dealing with customers.
• Business Insider spoke with a number of associates to find out what they'd like to tell shoppers, but can't.
• For one thing, an employee said, check the website before going to the store: If the price is lower on Walmart.com, the store will price-match.

Walmart store employees have something to say to shoppers.

But they can't always share those thoughts with customers — not if they want to keep their jobs. Business Insider spoke with a number of Walmart associates, and scoured the net for posts from employees, to find out what they'd like to tell customers.

Some shared thoughts on habits and behaviors they'd like shoppers to drop. Others gave explanations on why certain things are the way they are at the store.

Here's what Walmart employees would like to share with shoppers, but can't:

SEE ALSO: Walmart employees share 8 insider facts about shopping at the big box store

DON'T MISS: Employees from Costco, Walmart, and Target share their worst horror stories — and they'll make you rethink how you act when you shop

SEE ALSO: 31 Target employees shared the most useful thing they've learned at work, and 5 lessons kept coming up

Look out for store associates who are being 'aggressively' nice

Keep an eye out for intensely friendly associates in areas of the store where valuables are sold, like the electronics department.

In a 2018 Reddit AMA, a Walmart department manager described how associates in the electronics section of the store take steps to prevent shop-lifting.

"They're instructed to use 'aggressive hospitality' and ensure every customer is asked if they need anything — so they know they're being watched," the manager wrote. "This is just based on my experiences in my store, other stores may differ."

Don't expect associates to know where everything is

One employee from Jacksonville told Business Insider that they wished they could tell shoppers, "I don't know where everything is in the store."

Clean up after yourself

If you encounter a particularly messy Walmart, one employee said not to blame associates.

"It's really their fellow customers who refuse to clean up after themselves," an employee with 12 years of experience told Business Insider.

"No, people aren't really hired to clean up after you — it's just another hiccup added to our workload because people won't sort their own mess," the associate added. "Do you really think associates make that mess and leave it there?"

The Insider Picks team writes about stuff we think you'll like. Business Insider has affiliate partnerships, so we get a share of the revenue from your purchase.

When it comes to the new restaurants we eat at, the music we listen to, and the events we attend, we're often most influenced by the people closest to us: our friends and family.

This is no less true about the products we buy and where we shop. I can recall many conversations with friends that sound like cheesy brand commercials, but the enthusiasm I hold for the products I love is real and organic. 

Since we're talking about our favorite brands and companies to other people anyway, why not get rewarded for doing so? Many sites have referral programs that basically give both you and your friend free money when they shop with your special tracking link. It's a quick way to make money, requiring very little effort on your part. 

Share your love for these 16 brands to put an extra $10 to $50 in your pocket. 

ThirdLove: Get $30 when they make a purchase

Refer a friend to ThirdLove and get $30 here | Shop bras and underwear at ThirdLove here

ThirdLove makes bras in band sizes up to 48 and cup sizes up to H and also has a unique half-cup system. We've named it the best bra overall as well as the best strapless bra out there, so it's not an exaggeration to say ThirdLove has mastered the long-elusive intersection of lingerie comfort, style, and affordability. 

Snowe: Give $25, get $25

Refer a friend to Snowe and get $25 here | Shop home essentials at Snowe here

To fashion the home interior of your dreams, Snowe can be your one-stop shop. Simple but high-quality dinnerware, bedding, and bath products (we highly recommend its fluffy towels and bathrobes) will instantly transform your rooms into beautiful spaces you'll love to live in. 

Away: Give $20, get $20

Refer a friend to Away and get $20 here | Shop suitcases and travel bags at Away here

Everyone wants an Away carry-on, and now that Away also sells accessories like duffel bags and packing cubes, it's harder than ever to decide which one of its well-designed travel products you should get. It regularly releases limited-edition colors and collaborations, so be on the lookout before they sell out. 

• Meghan Markle doesn't appear to be having any problems fitting in with the royal family. 
• Queen Elizabeth II has made sure the Duchess of Sussex's introduction into royal life is an easy one. 
• Here are 12 signs Meghan Markle is quickly becoming the queen's favorite royal family member. 

From the looks of things, Meghan Markle's transformation from Hollywood B-lister to Her Royal Highness is coming along nicely. She's wearing very interesting hats and pantyhose now and has seemingly mastered the art of making small talk with people wearing even stranger hats at garden parties and other official royal functions. Perhaps that's because she's got a very powerful secret weapon: Queen Elizabeth II herself is overseeing all the critical aspects of the Duchess of Sussex's indoctrination into royal life by making sure her new granddaughter-in-law is given the best counsel from her most trusted staffers as well as a wide berth when it comes to previously unbreakable royal rules.

All of this queenly attention, the granting of special favors, and the bestowing of some pretty amazing gifts have got us thinking: Is Meghan the queen's new favorite royal wife? Here are the 12 important signs that tell us the former star is on the rise with the top lady at Buckingham Palace. And for how her counterpart has evolved since the recent nuptials, check out thee 15 reasons Prince Harry will be a great dad.

The queen and the duchess have a really important date coming up.

According to the royals' official website, Meghan will join the queen later this week for her first official solo engagement on a visit to Chester, a town about 200 miles northwest of Kensington Palace. The newly minted duchess and the Queen will unveil the Mersey Gateway Bridge at Catalyst Science Discovery Centre in Widnes, Chesire, and open Storyhouse Theatre. (Clever, given Meghan’s former profession, no?)

To give you an idea about just how big a deal this is, consider this: Catherine, Duchess of Cambridge was in the family for a year before the Queen invited her to accompany her without Prince William on an official appearance. "They are fast-tracking Meghan, there is no doubt about it," said my royal source. "The Queen has seen how well Meghan has been doing connecting with people on walkabouts and is quite confident about her being an asset to the family."

She’s speaking her mind — with the queen's blessing.

We never thought we'd see the day when a member of the royal family would unequivocally state (on their official website no less) "I am a proud to be a woman and a feminist." But that's exactly what Meghan did. It's the pull-quote on the "About the Duchess of Sussex" page, which also chronicles Her Royal Highness' Hollywood career and pre-royal activism. Nothing about Meghan's introduction to the public as an official member of "The Firm" is an accident or afterthought. Everything is carefully vetted and nothing has been done without the Queen's approval. In that context, this declaration is huge. And for more on the new duchess's impact on "The Firm," don't miss the 10 quotes that prove Meghan Markle will be running the show after the wedding.

The queen broke with a major royal tradition for Meghan.

We knew the queen must have really liked Prince Harry's fiancée when she broke with decades of tradition and invited Meghan to join the family at Sandringham for their annual Christmas celebration. She was the first non-spouse ever invited to spend the holiday on the estate with the royal family. Not exactly a relaxed affair, Meghan reportedly came through multiple wardrobe changes and a somewhat fraught Christmas luncheon with the entire family where Princess Michael wore what many considered to be a racist brooch with flying colors. The duchess-to-be charmed the notoriously crusty Prince Philip with her knowledge of his family’s history which she reportedly learned from Ancestry.com which clearly impressed the Queen. And for more on the duchess, check out the surprising royal duties Meghan Markle won't have to perform.

The Insider Picks team writes about stuff we think you'll like. Business Insider has affiliate partnerships, so we get a share of the revenue from your purchase.

• Ralph Lauren is best described as American-inspired clothing that's both sporty and classic.
• Its latest release, the CP-93 Collection, encompasses each element with clothing inspired by yacht racing.
• The collection includes highly collectible re-issues from the original 1993 collection as well as newly-reimagined designs.
• With bright colors and nautical themes, the CP-93 Collection is perfect for summer.

Going far beyond the classic Polo shirt, Ralph Lauren's clothing is the pinnacle of sport, fashion, and Americana. Outfitting Team USA in the 2018 Winter Olympics might be the latest example of their influence and hold over the American imagination, but one of the brand's most iconic collections is actually inspired by a lesser known sport — yacht sailing.

In 1992, the brand was the official sponsor for the San Diego Yacht Club's America₃ boat (pronounced America cubed) in the America's Cup yacht racing competition. The following year, Ralph Lauren celebrated their win with the CP-93 Collection, which drew inspiration from the team's uniforms and other nautical elements like sailboats, regatta flags, anchors, and bold color blocking.

Now, 25 years since the original release, the brand is bringing back the CP-93 Collection just in time for summer. The collection includes re-issues of classic pieces from the original 1993 collection as well as re-imagined designs inspired by the originals.

The collection includes polos, t-shirts, windbreakers, sweaters, sweatshirts, shorts, swimsuits, and more — and with pieces for men, women, and children, the entire family can get fitted.

Whether you're a die-hard Polo collector or someone simply searching for fashionable, timeless pieces to wear on the boat or beach this summer, you'll find exactly what you're looking for in the Ralph Lauren CP-93 Collection. 

Shop the entire Ralph Lauren CP-93 Collection here.

Also available on Macy's >>

Check out some of the best pieces from the collection, below:

Men's CP-93 Cross Flags Regatta Rugby

CP-93 Cross Flags Regatta Rugby, $145, available on Ralph Lauren

Men's CP-93 Cotton Windbreaker

CP-93 Cotton Windbreaker, $298, available at Ralph Lauren

Men's CP-93 Classic Fit Polo Shirt

CP-93 Classic Fit Polo Shirt, $98.50, available on Ralph Lauren

There is no shortage of TV to choose from these days, whether it's catching up on the best shows of all time or the newest Netflix originals you might have missed.

To learn what shows have the most hype from fans, INSIDER worked with Parrot Analytics, which compiles available global data on social media, blogging, pirating, and other factors to figure out the viewer demand for shows.

Parrot assigned each series an "expressions" total that reflects average daily audience demand from all countries from April 8 to June 6, 2018 (adjusted for each country's population).

Keep scrolling to see the 20 most popular TV shows right now.

20. "America's Funniest Home Videos" (ABC)

Average Demand Expressions: 2.56 million

The 28th season of "America's Funniest Home Videos" concluded on May 20, helping mark it as the longest-running primetime entertainment show on ABC. The network renewed "AFV" for a 28th season, which will begin this October.

19. "SpongeBob SquarePants" (Nickelodeon)

Average Demand Expressions: 2.59 million

Though SpongeBob and his Bikini Bottom pals are definitely still popular among TV watchers, the spike in demand expressions for "SpongeBob SquarePants" might be due to its current rise in the meme world.

18. "Gotham" (Fox)

Average Demand Expressions: 2.69 million

The fourth season of "Gotham" concluded in May, and Fox announced the show was going to have a fifth and final season that will likely begin this coming fall.

A home in San Francisco's ritzy Pacific Heights neighborhood has been privately listed off the market for $30 million, according to SF Curbed.

That's more than twice what it sold for just three years ago.

The home at 2900 Vallejo St. once belonged to Vanessa Getty and husband William Getty, the grandson of oil tycoon Jean Paul Getty, who shelled out $11.5 million in 2002 for the space and sold it within a decade of making the purchase. In 2015 the mansion sold for $12.5 million, $3.5 million below asking price according to Redfin.

The mansion has since undergone substantial renovation, which includes new stucco to the exterior of the house, an extravagant winding staircase and some earthquake-fighting fixings: every level of the five-story home is connected by steel reinforcements to the bedrock underneath the house.

Realtor Ludovico Mazzola told Business Insider that the seller's renovation was "comprehensive:" every aspect of the home was touched.

Whether it's the extensive renovation or the Bay Area's notoriously competitive housing market, the manor's $30 million price tag makes the property one of the most expensive currently for sale in San Francisco.

Inside, the home is as dreamy and fairy-tale worthy as it sounds. Take a look.

SEE ALSO: San Francisco housing is so out-of-control, this gorgeous home sold for $9.6 million — $1.6 million over the asking price

The grey mansion at 2900 Vallejo sits on a corner in San Francisco's Pacific Heights neighborhood and weighs in at 9,700 square feet.

Source: SF Curbed

The home has six bedrooms, eight and a half baths and an elevator.

Source: SF Curbed

The inside is decked out with marble and crisp, white touches.

The 2018 FIFA World Cup in Russia kicks off in a matter of hours and will likely be one of the most-watched sports competition on the planet.

France, Brazil, and Argentina are among the favourites to win the tournament with players like Antoine Griezmann, Neymar, and Lionel Messi expected to excel.

But those nations are far from reliant on just one player and it takes a team effort for a single country to lift the World Cup trophy when the competition finishes on July 15.

For that reason, we've collected a list of one player you really need to know from every nation in the tournament.

SEE ALSO: The 24 best footballers on the planet right now

DON'T MISS: The 15 richest billionaire football club owners in England — and how they made their fortunes

Argentina — Nicolás Otamendi.

Position: Defender.

International appearances: 54 (4 goals).

We're well aware one of the best players on the planet, Lionel Messi, plays for Argentina. As does Paulo Dybala, Sergio Agüero, and Gonzalo Higuaín. Argentina has an embarrassment of riches up front — that's obvious.

But, in Nicolás Otamendi, Argentina has an outstanding defender to go with its unstoppable attack. Manchester City boss Pep Guardiola said Otamendi is a true fighter, according to Goal.com, and that is a quality that will stand out this summer.

Australia — Aaron Mooy.

Position: Midfielder.

International appearances: 34 (5 goals).

Aaron Mooy is one of the first names on the team-sheet at Huddersfield Town, an over-achieving club in England's Premier League.

He does not yet have the kudos of veteran attacker Tim Cahill, who has been ever-present in Australia's squads for almost 15 years, but Mooy is a player the Socceroos can build a team around for the 2018 World Cup and beyond.

Belgium — Kevin de Bruyne.

Position: Midfielder.

International appearances: 62 (14 goals).

Manchester City midfielder Kevin de Bruyne has scored or created a goal for every 128 minutes he has played this season and there are few players who can take that kind of form with them to Russia.

• Some zodiac signs are more presidential than others.
• Aquarius and Scorpio were the two most popular among the 44 US presidents.
• Virgo and Aries were the rarest signs.
• But, all in all, the presidents were spread out across the board when it comes to their horoscopes.

The United States is currently being run by a Gemini.

That's right. US President Donald Trump was born on June 14, 1946, toward the tail end of Gemini's horoscope range.

To recap, twelve astrological signs make up the classic Western zodiac, which dates back to ancient times. Sun sign astrology, which focuses on the position of the Sun on your birthday, took hold in the 20th century. It seeks to link each astrological sign with vaguely-worded personality profiles.

So can these astrological symbols tell us anything about the tenures of individual US presidents?

No. Of course not.

But, whether you think horoscopes are fluff and nonsense or you religiously check if Mercury is about to retrograde, it's fun to look back on what constellation each president was born under.

Here's a look at the zodiac signs of each US president:

SEE ALSO: 14 US presidents who were members of one of the most mysterious and powerful secret societies in history

DON'T MISS: The 17 weirdest jobs of US presidents

SEE ALSO: What every president's signature looks like

Each zodiac sign boasts at least two presidents

When it comes to the frequency of presidential zodiac signs, Aquarius and Scorpio are tied for first.

Five presidents were born between January 20 and February 18, and five presidents were born between October 23 and November 21.

Meanwhile, Aries and Virgo proved to be the rarest zodiac signs among the 44 presidents.

Some of the most famous — and unlucky — presidents were born under the sign of Aquarius

What about the sign of the water-carrier is so seemingly presidential?

Well, those born under Aquarius are characterized as smart, stubborn, and brutally honest, according to INSIDER.

But, strangely enough, four of the five Aquarius presidents died in office.

William Henry Harrison succumbed to a pneumonia a month into his tenure. Franklin D. Roosevelt died 11 weeks into his fourth term, just months before the end of World War II.

Assassins' bullets cut down both Abraham Lincoln and William McKinley.

Ronald Reagan was the lone survivor of the bunch, although he was shot in the chest in a 1981 assassination attempt.

There hasn't been a Pisces president since 1897

Pisces presidents had a good run for a while.

George Washington, the first US president, was born under the sign of the fish. This zodiac is linked with dreaminess, good judgment, and impracticality.

James Madison and Andrew Jackson followed Washington. Decades later, another Pisces — Grover Cleveland — became the first and only president to ever serve two non-concurrent terms.

But, since Cleveland left the White House in 1897, it's been a dry run for Pisces. 

The summer movie season is underway, and the long-awaited "Incredibles 2" opens in theaters this weekend.

But where did it rank among the most anticipated of the summer?

Film database website IMDb provided Business Insider with a list of this summer's most anticipated movies, encompassing those released between April 27 and September 3. The list includes movies currently in theaters like "Avengers: Infinity War" and "Deadpool 2," and movies still to come like "Ant-Man and the Wasp" and "Mission: Impossible — Fallout."

These are the top 10 summer movies that had the most pageviews on the site as of April 12 (before the summer movie season began). The data is based on IMDb's "MOVIEmeter ranking," which is updated weekly.

Despite a poor box-office performance (it's expected to lose at least $50 million for Disney), "Solo: A Star Wars Story" landed toward the top of the list.

Here's the complete list of the most anticipated movies of the summer:

SEE ALSO: The best summer movie of every year since 2000

10. "The Meg"

Release date: August 10

Description:"In the film, a deep-sea submersible—part of an international undersea observation program—has been attacked by a massive creature, previously thought to be extinct, and now lies disabled at the bottom of the deepest trench in the Pacific…with its crew trapped inside. With time running out, expert deep sea rescue diver Jonas Taylor (Jason Statham) is recruited by a visionary Chinese oceanographer (Winston Chao), against the wishes of his daughter Suyin (Li Bingbing), to save the crew—and the ocean itself—from this unstoppable threat: a pre-historic 75-foot-long shark known as the Megalodon. What no one could have imagined is that, years before, Taylor had encountered this same terrifying creature. Now, teamed with Suyin, he must confront his fears and risk his own life to save everyone trapped below…bringing him face to face once more with the greatest and largest predator of all time."

9. "Mamma Mia! Here We Go Again"

Release date: July 20

Description:"Ten years after Mamma Mia! The Movie grossed more than $600 million around the world, you are invited to return to the magical Greek island of Kalokairi in an all-new original musical based on the songs of ABBA. With the film’s original cast returning and new additions including Lily James (Cinderella, Baby Driver), the musical comedy will open on July 20, 2018."

8. "Ant-Man and the Wasp"

Release date: July 6

Description:"From the Marvel Cinematic Universe comes a new chapter featuring heroes with the astonishing ability to shrink: “Ant-Man and The Wasp.” In the aftermath of “Captain America: Civil War,” Scott Lang (Paul Rudd) grapples with the consequences of his choices as both a Super Hero and a father. As he struggles to rebalance his home life with his responsibilities as Ant-Man, he’s confronted by Hope van Dyne (Evangeline Lilly) and Dr. Hank Pym (Michael Douglas) with an urgent new mission. Scott must once again put on the suit and learn to fight alongside The Wasp as the team works together to uncover secrets from their past."

If you're not one of those people who loves the idea of setting your alarm before the sun comes up, lacing up your sneakers, and heading out to the gym, trust us: you are not alone.

Plenty of people have a hard time getting motivated to work out, especially when so many of us are pressed for time as is with never-ending obligations at work, at home, and with loved ones. But these days, there are more options than ever before to squeeze in a killer workout in a matter of minutes without ever leaving your house.

Gone are the days of slogging it out on a treadmill or forcing yourself through a workout you hate. There are so many amazing workouts that people who hate exercise will even enjoy, from workout videos and fitness apps that you can do in the comfort of your own home to simple workouts that let you have fun while getting insanely fit in the process.

These are the best workouts for people who flat-out hate exercise.

Take advantage of the great outdoors.

No matter where you live, there are sure to be plenty of opportunities for you to enjoy a little fresh air and get your fitness on. Exercising outside is awesome because it can be whatever you want it to be — there are no rules, so whether you live in a bustling metropolis or a sleepy suburb, you can enjoy the benefits of an outdoor workout any time of the year.

If you have walking trails or paths nearby, you can make hiking or biking part of your routine — both are killer cardio workouts with amazing strengthening benefits for your lower body and your core because your body needs to adapt quickly to stabilize itself on rough terrain.

Hiking, in particular, requires little equipment, so all you need is a playlist you love and supportive workout gear, and you’re good to go.

Research has shown that there are many benefits of outdoor exercise beyond keeping your body in tip-top shape. Spending time outdoors helps reduce anger and depression while improving your mood, thanks to a hefty dose of vitamin D from the sun.

As long as you wear sunscreen, insect repellent, and protective gear, you’ll likely find that working out amongst the quiet of mother nature is a great way to disconnect from the frenetic pace of day-to-day life. You can bring a friend or go solo, but either way, you’ll likely find that spending time outdoors can brighten your mood, without costing a single penny.

It doesn’t have to be a rigorous workout.

If the idea of going for a hike or a bike ride still sounds too intense for you, plenty of people forget that walking is one of the best workouts you can do.

Simply lacing up your sneakers and going for a walk, whether it’s around the block or on a dedicated walking path, can be a great full-body workout.

Taking a 10-minute walk daily has been proven to reduce stress and anxiety, and it’s even better when that walk happens outside. But if you’ve only got time to do a few laps around your office building, that works too.

Plenty of chores count as a killer workout, too.

No one likes doing chores, but the truth of the matter is that you can totally turn routine chores into exercise, totally crushing the productivity game.

Cleaning the house, carrying laundry up and down stairs, and hauling heavy grocery bags inside all count, and since you’ve gotta do it anyway, you may as well reap the body benefits while you’re at it.

Staying active at home or while you’re running errands might feel like torture, but it’s so much better for you than spending all that time on the couch. Tackling a half hour’s worth of chores, whether it’s doing some spring cleaning or sprucing up your garden, is a sneaky yet effective way to get your fitness on without leaving the house.