I don’t know how many of them actually are getting food stamps but I expect it’d be much worse if they had no job at all.</p>
<p>Again, if they’re ‘underpaid’ then they should quit and go elsewhere where they can be paid what they’re ‘worth’ but if they can’t find a place that’ll pay them more then by definition they’re not actually ‘underpaid’. On this topic - does anyone have any objective data comparing wages/benefits at Walmart with those of equivalent positions at K-Mart, Target, JCP, Sears, and other retailers? My assumption is that the guy working in the warehouse at Sears probably isn’t getting paid much more than the guy working in the warehouse at Walmart but maybe I’m wrong (but I don’t think so since I doubt either of them are too much above minimum wage).</p>
<p>I shop at walmart sparingly, as we have Meijer here which is usually comparable in price and cleaner-- many of the walmarts I’ve been into have been filthy. On the occasions that I have shopped at walmart, though, there’s been nothing wrong with the quality of the products. I’ve purchased my television there, and furniture. Where we stay in FL the walmart is nicer (read: cleaner) and we buy groceries there, including meat and produce, and it’s fine. I bought clothes at that walmart, too, but admittedly only things like tshirts and socks-- which are still perfectly good now three or four years later.</p>
<p>I assure you, I am a snob. I wouldn’t buy it if it wasn’t good. Not all walmarts are equal.</p>
<p>Anyone who has bought a Viking range or a Sub-Zero frig knows the link between quality and price is often tenuous. Same for many expensive clothing brand. As to Costco–they carry relatively few items and sell lots of them. Employees have to work MUCH harder than at your Walmart or Target. Nobody is going to spend time helping you. They re-stock and they check–very fast as numbers are posted daily on checker speed for all to see. I do not expect those on the bottom too often stick very long. I have never seen an older overweight person working at Costco. They would not keep up long.</p>
<p>I agree with whomever said they shop at “mom & pop” stores…I really wish we had more of those around here. Places like Walmart & Target drive me crazy. Hate the lack of help, service, quality, etc.,etc.,etc. I go out of my way to find mom & pop stores where I always get excellent service. I definitely feel that way about chain restaurants too. I would rather give my money as often as I can to local owned stores & restaurants. Just wish there were more of them. Like the good 'ole days.</p>
<p>FOTL used to be made in South Carolina. I remember the difficulty faced by management as I was a shareholder of Berkshire back then and kept up with Berkshire-related companies. I think that Buffet tries to keep production in the US but I guess that was a case where he couldn’t.</p>
<p>He should by New Balance - they make a lot of shoes in the US.</p>
<p>Now I wish someone would tell me how to figure out long a product will last/look good. </p>
<p>For example, I have tried buying products from the ‘better’ clothing stores, but I have had problems with them looking nice after a few washings. I bought some blouses from Talbots and they didn’t hold up well to regular laundry (yes, I did launder them according to clothing label). So, while they may have lasted longer than a Wal-Mart shirt, they did not last longer in proportion to what I spent on it. </p>
<p>And what about a DVD player. Is it possible to buy one that lasts more than a few years? From what I can tell, the price does not correlate to longevity.</p>
<p>My point is that Wal-Mart could well afford to pay their workers a living wage, as evidenced by how enormously wealthy every member of the Walton family has become by selling “cheap” socks and underwear.</p>
<p>Bethievt - I suppose they could, but we could also all get part time jobs or send our kids to state schools and give that extra money to those who make less than us.</p>
I wouldn’t buy it if it wasn’t good. Not all walmarts are equal.</p>