There are many options in the Palouse when it comes to shopping for gifts. But out of every store, Wal-Mart was selected as the best by students.

Wal-Mart prefers to set themselves apart from the competition by offering a wide variety of products, from essential foods to home decor and pharmaceuticals.

Wal-Mart’s product availability and brand recognition have given it an edge when compared to other local establishments, store manager Niels Hansen said.

“We have a lot of options,” Hansen said. “The students always seem very happy to come in here.”

Pullman’s Wal-Mart has become a very important part of the community especially for students, Hansen said.

“Without the students, we probably wouldn’t be here,” he said.

The store views the award as a prestigious honor because of the impact students have on Pullman, Hansen said.

“Cougar students make up a lot of our business and it’s always great to see them coming and going from the store,” he said.

WSU junior Kyle Hotman said a surprise gift he purchased from Wal-Mart once had a huge impact on a relationship with his girlfriend.

“It was perfect,” Hotman said. “There was plenty of selections and options and I was able to go straight to where the product was and find it.”