<p>I personally have never been in a Wal-Mart store and would have to drive about 15 minutes or so to pass other supermarkets to get to one… never been worth my time or effort to do so, although I have shopped at Target on many occasions and do have to drive those same 15 minutes or so in the same direction. I was on a business trip with my husband about two years ago for a credit union national conference and one of the speakers was an author with a book exposing how Wal-Mart manages to provide such low prices… it was not a pretty picture in terms of how they pressure companies year after year to lower their production values in order to increase their output and have put venerable U.S. manufacturers out of business, several of which where the major employer in their area. Also, if you read about their fish farming practices off the coast of South America, trust me that you would not want to be buying fish from them …or from Costco by the way. Their despicable health insurance employee practices I think have improved but only because of major bad press and lawsuits.</p>
<p>So if there was no Wal Mart market for those goods, to whom would they be sold?</p>
<p>
Are those same practices despicable when done by other employers? Because that’s what’s going on all over America. Thus the healthcare crisis.</p>
<p>Over the years, I have found that Wal-Mart’s prices are not always the lowest (esp in the last couple of years). I would never exclusively give my business to Wal-Mart as it just pays to shop around.</p>
<p>
And how does it have that power? Because people want to shop there! Walmart didn’t spring full-grown and powerful from the head of Sam Walton. It grew, just like every other business grew, from a small operation and an idea. It just happened to grow bigger than the others.</p>
<p>But the bottom line is - it serves a need and a want that others don’t. Again, if you want it not to have that power, don’t shop there. But others do want to, and they have that right. And no, they don’t shop there just “because they don’t understand.”</p>
<p>“Again, if you want it not to have that power, don’t shop there. But others do want to, and they have that right.”</p>
<p>AND I HAVE NEVER EVER SHOPPED THERE.</p>
<p>If you have ever sat across from a Walmart supply chain manager, as I have, you might understand what exactly I am getting at. Cheap has it’s own price. And as you say, plenty of folks are willing to pay that price. I am not.</p>
<p>
They shop there because they don’t have a lot of money to throw around, and stuff at Wal-Mart is cheaper than the stuff in other stores. Now it may be that if those shoppers saw the big picture, and how the success of Wal-Mart might ultimately hurt the country, or the economy, or US workers, they might not want to shop there. But today, right now, Junior needs new shoes and payday isn’t for two weeks. Short-sighted self-interest wins. </p>
<p>Surprisingly, it’s not only people at the lower end of the income spectrum who make decisions in this way.</p>
<p>
Which is commendable. But would you stand in the way of others making a different choice?</p>
<p>It’s nice to see anyone including a store thanking God. I guess we are all supposed to live our politically correct lives and forget God, the flag or any symbolism of religion. I am starting to believe that is what is causing such self centered behavior in so many people. I guess they could have included Allah, Budda, and all other religions. I honestly don’t know if Wallmart is a store that was/is owned by a Christian (easy to find out but I don’t care enough) The point is, when did it become so awful to thank God for something? Something is wrong with this world.</p>
<p>I think Annasdad’s reaction was that it was over the top, and insensitive to the potential impact on existing local stores, to make such a big hoopla about a new Wal-Mart. Maybe if this was an area where there were no stores and no jobs, it might make some sense.</p>
<p>"Which is commendable. But would you stand in the way of others making a different choice? "</p>
<p>No, but I do my darndest to open peoples eyes whenever I can.</p>
<p>How holier than thou can some posters be. </p>
<p>Let’s not shop at WalMart, look down on those who do. </p>
<p>Please walk a day in my shoes as a low income person. Then come back with your attitude.</p>
<p>Edit: Would it make you happier if I shopped and ate 1/2 less at a local small grocer?</p>
<p>Oh yes…don’t criticize Walmarts predatory practices, because poor folk shop there.</p>
<p>WHUH?</p>
<p>I hate Walmart. What do you care? Are they some sort of Sacred Cow?</p>
<p>I hate the way Walmart does business. I do my best to convey that to others.</p>
<p>I wish mom and pop stores could live side by side and both earn a living. I see this happening in my town which is comprised of lovely little shops lining our mainstreet. Over the last three years many have shut their doors because they just couldn’t survive. The people who shop in our town stores are probably not going to Walmart that often. Walmart serves a purpose and to think otherwise, is to fail to realize that not everyone could shop elsewhere. Its good to walk a mile in someones elses shoes every now and than.</p>
<p>I cross posted with GA2012MoM</p>
<p>A rubber floor mat company that I was involved with was forced to close (100 jobs lost)because walmart chose to source the mats in china. The retail price remained the same. The consumer didn’t benefit from a cheaper source. </p>
<p>This price pressure exerted by walmart is largely responsible for the export of many of our jobs to china.</p>
<p>Dont be offended GA2012MOM…Sometimes people write on the internet what they would never say in person…I am often happy about that because sometimes I shake my head and really wonder and other times I just say I am glad we dont know each other in real life.</p>
<p>Wasn’t it the Atlantic magazine that reported blind tests among chefs re: the quality of the new “local” produce at WalMart vs Whole Foods? And WM won. It’s limited stores and limited items. Interesting.</p>
<p>In protest, I didn’t visit the new WalMart in my area for about four years- instead patronizing three local chains (two with 2-3 stores in the state and one regional.) All three lost out within 5 years. In fairness, all three had non-US-mfrd goods, plenty of p/t employees and limited benefits, if any.</p>
<p>When I started to shop at WM, I was amazed that prices on some items beat sale prices at other stores. I know who is getting rich on this operation- the corporation, not me. I’m savvy to the complaints. But, reality dictates that I buy some items there. </p>
<p>The social and class problem is complex. It’s not as simple as denying goods to the poor versus “improving” their minimum lifestyles through access to goods. The issue includes that many people on tight budgets simply should not be buying a larger tv or a fancy patio set or whatever other discretionary items. But, in our society, having often trumps making-do. In that respect, WalMart fills a need- the people’s need to have all the things they want, when they want them. My flat screen tv is ages old and quite small, bought on sale at Sears- and, yeah, made in some Asian country. I could upgrade. I have not. But, I do go to WM and drool over the newer, bigger models. Then, walk away.</p>
<p>WalMart doesn’t win because it has cheaper groceries and basics like underwear and shirts. It wins because people insist on more of everything in their lives. I am not sure where the “pressure” originates: at WalMart or in the US consumer.</p>
<p>I do patronize local as much as I can. And buy US-made when possible.
Btw, what first drove mfg jobs out of New England was cheaper costs in the US south, no?</p>
<p>Again…what does walking a mile in someone elses shoes mean? My H has not worked for three years. Two years ago we were in a “negative income” situation. I still did not shop at Walmart. . I still have my opinions on Walmart. So do the folks who shop there. I am criticizing Walmart and not you.</p>
<p>I’m not offended in any way. I am just disgusted that people think that everybody can boycot Walmart. I have to shop there at times because of economical need. Great for all of you that don’t need to.</p>
<p>Momma three, do you really want me to say what I mean on the internet? Don’t think so.</p>
<p>Fascinating thread!</p>
<p>I used to be one of those that had disdain towards WalMart and their business practices. However, I have changed my tune. I shop there regularly.</p>
<p>Yes, they undercut. Yes, they have the power to set low prices. Yes, they may not offer the best health insurance. (My soapbox is why health insurance is even tied to employment. Let’s sever that tie, and create an open market for health insurance.) </p>
<p>However, they are a great source of entry level and even higher ranking jobs in a community. They don’t stop people from setting up tables in front of their store, like Target does, to be politically correct. </p>
<p>I also shop for groceries at the low-price grocery store. It is very refreshing to be in an environment where you see all types of people (immigrants, seniors, etc). I appreciate the diversity that shops at a WalMart or small grocery store.</p>