For many, a special occasion is not complete without a delicious dessert. When decorated cakes cost immensely, not everyone can justify paying the price. Walmart’s affordable vintage heart cakes are the latest controversy, igniting a feud with small business owners claiming the retail giant is undermining them. Videos of Walmart’s affordable cakes, priced between $7-$25, have circulated on TikTok, drawing attention to custom cakes that can cost more than $100.
“I ordered a heart-shaped cake very similar to this one, and I paid $20. A baker was going to charge me $120,” one user commented.
While custom cakes are, without a doubt, beautiful, not everyone can afford them or should have to spend so much on one.
The idea that Walmart is hurting small businesses by offering people affordable cakes is absurd. Those on tight budgets should be able to celebrate without having to spend half, if not more, of their grocery budget, and they should not feel ashamed for choosing what works for them.
Custom cakes take time, effort and creativity;nothing can take away from that. Of course, independent bakers deserve to be paid for their hard work, and they have the right to slap on any price they believe is right for their product. Anyone who can afford to pay a great deal of money for a cake will go to local bakers, but for most people, Walmart serves an affordable alternative.
A parent should not have to feel guilty for buying an affordable cake to make their child’s birthday special. A couple celebrating an anniversary should be allowed to enjoy a sweet treat without breaking the bank; no one should have to sacrifice celebrating life’s moments just because a cake is too expensive.
The beauty of being an artist is to create something that brings joy to others and oneself. Understandably, cake decorators need to make a living, but it does not have to come at the cost of belittling others, including the Walmart cake decorators.
As one TikTok user put it, “Can we acknowledge that people who decorate cakes no matter where they do it are professionals?” Walmart bakers are real decorators; where they work does not diminish their skills.
A cake may not be needed, but anyone should be able to get one. The conversation should be focused on appreciating all bakers. Because of their creativity, people can enjoy the small and big moments in life. At the end of the day, everyone deserves a slice of joy, regardless of their budget.
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