I have a difficult time understanding why people complain about Wal-Mart....

[StageLeft]

Originally posted by: KwaipieYou and people like you are slowing killing America. Why do you hate America so much?
Picture it this way:
Communist Premier of China standing on the corner selling his $1.99 jar of peanut butter
On the other corner is Grandma and grandpa Jones with their 14 employees standing behind them selling their $2.99 jar of peanut butter

It is that simple. Really.
At what cost do your precious cost savings really cost America?
Buy American

Cannot you see your own irony? You appeal to the anti-communist demagogue in your post and yet the pure capitalism you're rebuting is the antithesis of communism. Further, to add more heavy-handed regulations and government guidance into how walmart treats its employees is a far swifter path to socialism and/or communism than capitalism.

 

[blackangst1]

Originally posted by: Skoorb

Originally posted by: KwaipieYou and people like you are slowing killing America. Why do you hate America so much?
Picture it this way:
Communist Premier of China standing on the corner selling his $1.99 jar of peanut butter
On the other corner is Grandma and grandpa Jones with their 14 employees standing behind them selling their $2.99 jar of peanut butter

It is that simple. Really.
At what cost do your precious cost savings really cost America?
Buy American

Cannot you see your own irony? You appeal to the anti-communist demagogue in your post and yet the pure capitalism you're rebuting is the antithesis of communism. Further, to add more heavy-handed regulations and government guidance into how walmart treats its employees is a far swifter path to socialism and/or communism than capitalism.

You beat me to it Skoorb.

 

[Legend]

Originally posted by: Kwaipie

Originally posted by: blackangst1

Originally posted by: DrPizza
The reason I hate Walmart is because, as a result of them dictating price to their manufacturers, their manufacturers often use inferior components/manufacturing methods. In short, a lot of the products at Walmart are crappy quality. However, because the price is so good on them, many people purchase those goods instead of similar, slightly more expensive goods from local stores that specialize in that type of product.

Now, those local stores not only have the somewhat lower quality items, but they also carry several tiers of those items they specialize in, in terms of quality. Now, since the lower level quality items still constituted the majority of their sales, they're left trying to compete on level of service as well as their higher quality items. Unfortunately, many of these stores end up going out of business, and the consumer loses choices.

To try to give a more concrete example, go out and try to buy a quality badmitton set. Some of the sporting goods stores near me used to sell sets that could even be passed down a generation. Those stores are out of business. Alas, now all that's available are the crappy $9.99 sets, the like of which Walmart sells.

So, hurray, we can all purchase our goods for less money. Quite honestly, I really don't mind for a lot of types of purchases. However, Walmart impacts so many other "niches" that overall, there's a decrease in the quality of items available to purchase.

That may be true for "niche" items, but you are flase that it is somehow the rule and not the exception. The products WalMart carries are the smae EXACT products most other retailers carry. So the argument they carry nothing but crap is...well...crap. They sell what people buy.

The WalMart haters place the blame of ma and pa shops going out of business on WalMart, instead of where it belongs: on the consumer. If Billy Bob needs an oil change, why would he go to Joe's Auto shop and get a LOF for 29.99 when he can go to WalMart and get the exact same LOF, including oil of his choice, for 19.99? With all this talk of inflation, over-pricing, etc, I would think more of you would favor a store who sells the same thing for less? I guess not. In your example, a badminton set. Perhaps if consumers bought more $99 dollar sets ma and pa sporting goods would be in business yes? Is it WalMart's fault if people dont WANT to pay $99 for a badmonton set? Is it? The beauty of free market is is...if both the buyer and the seller are happy, it's a fair deal. Thus, WalMart passed Exxon as the largest company on the planet this year. They offer what people want. It's not being force fed. Sure, they dont provide high-end niche items. Thats not their market! If I want a cheap computer for the wife to surf on and chat on while Im gaming, hell yeah I'll go to WalMart and get one for $199.99. It's cheaper than building it myself WITH THE SAME PARTS! If I want a gaming rig, I dont go there. If I want a cheap stereo for the kids room (if I had kids), hell yeah I'd go to WalMart and buy a $99 setup. If I want to buy a new surround sound receiver, I go to a specialty store. Can someone explain why I would want to pay 2.99 for a jar of JIF peanut butter instead of 1.99? WTF is the difference?

Where's the problem?

You and people like you are slowing killing America. Why do you hate America so much?
Picture it this way:
Communist Premier of China standing on the corner selling his $1.99 jar of peanut butter
On the other corner is Grandma and grandpa Jones with their 14 employees standing behind them selling their $2.99 jar of peanut butter

It is that simple. Really.
At what cost do your precious cost savings really cost America?
Buy American

You can take your protectionism, emotional nationalistic nonsense elsewhere. Grandma and Grandpa Jones will stay in business if they offer something that the free market is lacking. Wal-mart doesn't appeal to everyone.

If they can't, then they need to adapt to the market.

 

[Dunbar]

I love the mom and pop shop argument too, those stores have been on the decline since long before Walmart got big. I can remember 20 years ago as a kid my parents shopping at Dominick's instead of the mom and pop grocery store. They appreciated the greater selection and lower prices. Or what about that Starbucks coffee instead of the corner convenience store? Woops, those have been taken over by the 7-11's of the world. Lets face it, it's Walmart against smaller-large corporations, the mom and pops have been on the decline since WWII.

 

[JD50]

Originally posted by: blackangst1

Originally posted by: Skoorb

Originally posted by: KwaipieYou and people like you are slowing killing America. Why do you hate America so much?
Picture it this way:
Communist Premier of China standing on the corner selling his $1.99 jar of peanut butter
On the other corner is Grandma and grandpa Jones with their 14 employees standing behind them selling their $2.99 jar of peanut butter

It is that simple. Really.
At what cost do your precious cost savings really cost America?
Buy American

Cannot you see your own irony? You appeal to the anti-communist demagogue in your post and yet the pure capitalism you're rebuting is the antithesis of communism. Further, to add more heavy-handed regulations and government guidance into how walmart treats its employees is a far swifter path to socialism and/or communism than capitalism.

You beat me to it Skoorb.

:thumbsup:

 

[ProfJohn]

1. The web site from the OP is run by a union, says so right at the bottom of the page. Wal-Mart has almost 2 million employees now; the unions see that and get a big hard-on. To them that is millions of dollars in potential union dues.

2. There have been studies done that show how much Wal-Mart has improved the standard of living for many Americans. Especially lower income families who benefit greatly from Wal-Mart?s reduced costs. Go to your local grocery store and buy 20 items and then buy the same 20 at Wal-Mart and tell me how much you save via Wal-Mart.

3. Wal-Mart has a net profit margin between 3.4 and 3.6%. Compare that to Microsoft at 22%. Target at 4.6%. Exxon-Mobile at 10%. Disney at 13%. Wal-Mart charges little, makes little and pays little. If they started to pay more then they would have to raise their costs which in the long run would hurt all consumers.

 

[fskimospy]

Originally posted by: ProfJohn
1. The web site from the OP is run by a union, says so right at the bottom of the page. Wal-Mart has almost 2 million employees now; the unions see that and get a big hard-on. To them that is millions of dollars in potential union dues.

2. There have been studies done that show how much Wal-Mart has improved the standard of living for many Americans. Especially lower income families who benefit greatly from Wal-Mart?s reduced costs. Go to your local grocery store and buy 20 items and then buy the same 20 at Wal-Mart and tell me how much you save via Wal-Mart.

3. Wal-Mart has a net profit margin between 3.4 and 3.6%. Compare that to Microsoft at 22%. Target at 4.6%. Exxon-Mobile at 10%. Disney at 13%. Wal-Mart charges little, makes little and pays little. If they started to pay more then they would have to raise their costs which in the long run would hurt all consumers.

Point #1 is just standard right wing union hating. Wal-Mart's record on suppressing union activity in its stores is legendary, and shameful.

Point #2 is not exactly correct. Wal-Mart helps you a lot if you do not work in an industry that Wal-Mart affects. Unfortunately if you are a lower income family you have a significant probability of doing this. In those cases Wal-Mart drives down your wages through its demands on the supplier you work for... and so while you might save some cash there, you are making less to begin with.

 

[imported_Shivetya]

Originally posted by: eskimospy

Originally posted by: ProfJohn
1. The web site from the OP is run by a union, says so right at the bottom of the page. Wal-Mart has almost 2 million employees now; the unions see that and get a big hard-on. To them that is millions of dollars in potential union dues..

Point #1 is just standard right wing union hating. Wal-Mart's record on suppressing union activity in its stores is legendary, and shameful.

Its only a problem for the unions. They have done nothing illegal because if they did the unions and their lackeys would be all over the press with it. They only do what the union doesn't like - which is tell the truth about the union and the fact it will not help them.

Face it, if they were unionized there would be nearly no bad press about Wal-Mart.


Unionizing wal-mart means LESS JOBS and HIGHER PRICES.

I guess you want these poor people not to have jobs. Thats very typical of the left. Punish a successful business regardless of who it affects... after all your so much smarter than those "pitiful wal-wart" employees your willing to make them sacrifice to show just how much better you are.

 

[Vette73]

Originally posted by: Shivetya

Originally posted by: eskimospy

Originally posted by: ProfJohn
1. The web site from the OP is run by a union, says so right at the bottom of the page. Wal-Mart has almost 2 million employees now; the unions see that and get a big hard-on. To them that is millions of dollars in potential union dues..

Point #1 is just standard right wing union hating. Wal-Mart's record on suppressing union activity in its stores is legendary, and shameful.

Its only a problem for the unions. They have done nothing illegal because if they did the unions and their lackeys would be all over the press with it. They only do what the union doesn't like - which is tell the truth about the union and the fact it will not help them.

Face it, if they were unionized there would be nearly no bad press about Wal-Mart.


Unionizing wal-mart means LESS JOBS and HIGHER PRICES.

I guess you want these poor people not to have jobs. Thats very typical of the left. Punish a successful business regardless of who it affects... after all your so much smarter than those "pitiful wal-wart" employees your willing to make them sacrifice to show just how much better you are.

WRONG.

In fact a court ordered a store to go union after what wal-mart did. Of course wal-mart just closed the store under some other story not related to it being union.

They have also been targeted for other activities that are unlawful. If you have not heard or seen all the cases brought against them then you are trully blind.

 

[dmcowen674]

Originally posted by: Marlin1975

Originally posted by: Shivetya

Originally posted by: eskimospy

Originally posted by: ProfJohn
1. The web site from the OP is run by a union, says so right at the bottom of the page. Wal-Mart has almost 2 million employees now; the unions see that and get a big hard-on. To them that is millions of dollars in potential union dues..

Point #1 is just standard right wing union hating. Wal-Mart's record on suppressing union activity in its stores is legendary, and shameful.

Its only a problem for the unions. They have done nothing illegal because if they did the unions and their lackeys would be all over the press with it. They only do what the union doesn't like - which is tell the truth about the union and the fact it will not help them.

Face it, if they were unionized there would be nearly no bad press about Wal-Mart.


Unionizing wal-mart means LESS JOBS and HIGHER PRICES.

I guess you want these poor people not to have jobs. Thats very typical of the left. Punish a successful business regardless of who it affects... after all your so much smarter than those "pitiful wal-wart" employees your willing to make them sacrifice to show just how much better you are.

WRONG.

In fact a court ordered a store to go union after what wal-mart did. Of course wal-mart just closed the store under some other story not related to it being union.

They have also been targeted for other activities that are unlawful. If you have not heard or seen all the cases brought against them then you are trully blind.

I had a long running Wally World thread that had all of the caes in it. I'm sure it's archived.

That was the Montreal store that unionized and they pulled the plug on it.

 

[steppinthrax]

Originally posted by: Kwaipie

Originally posted by: blackangst1

Originally posted by: DrPizza
The reason I hate Walmart is because, as a result of them dictating price to their manufacturers, their manufacturers often use inferior components/manufacturing methods. In short, a lot of the products at Walmart are crappy quality. However, because the price is so good on them, many people purchase those goods instead of similar, slightly more expensive goods from local stores that specialize in that type of product.

Now, those local stores not only have the somewhat lower quality items, but they also carry several tiers of those items they specialize in, in terms of quality. Now, since the lower level quality items still constituted the majority of their sales, they're left trying to compete on level of service as well as their higher quality items. Unfortunately, many of these stores end up going out of business, and the consumer loses choices.

To try to give a more concrete example, go out and try to buy a quality badmitton set. Some of the sporting goods stores near me used to sell sets that could even be passed down a generation. Those stores are out of business. Alas, now all that's available are the crappy $9.99 sets, the like of which Walmart sells.

So, hurray, we can all purchase our goods for less money. Quite honestly, I really don't mind for a lot of types of purchases. However, Walmart impacts so many other "niches" that overall, there's a decrease in the quality of items available to purchase.

That may be true for "niche" items, but you are flase that it is somehow the rule and not the exception. The products WalMart carries are the smae EXACT products most other retailers carry. So the argument they carry nothing but crap is...well...crap. They sell what people buy.

The WalMart haters place the blame of ma and pa shops going out of business on WalMart, instead of where it belongs: on the consumer. If Billy Bob needs an oil change, why would he go to Joe's Auto shop and get a LOF for 29.99 when he can go to WalMart and get the exact same LOF, including oil of his choice, for 19.99? With all this talk of inflation, over-pricing, etc, I would think more of you would favor a store who sells the same thing for less? I guess not. In your example, a badminton set. Perhaps if consumers bought more $99 dollar sets ma and pa sporting goods would be in business yes? Is it WalMart's fault if people dont WANT to pay $99 for a badmonton set? Is it? The beauty of free market is is...if both the buyer and the seller are happy, it's a fair deal. Thus, WalMart passed Exxon as the largest company on the planet this year. They offer what people want. It's not being force fed. Sure, they dont provide high-end niche items. Thats not their market! If I want a cheap computer for the wife to surf on and chat on while Im gaming, hell yeah I'll go to WalMart and get one for $199.99. It's cheaper than building it myself WITH THE SAME PARTS! If I want a gaming rig, I dont go there. If I want a cheap stereo for the kids room (if I had kids), hell yeah I'd go to WalMart and buy a $99 setup. If I want to buy a new surround sound receiver, I go to a specialty store. Can someone explain why I would want to pay 2.99 for a jar of JIF peanut butter instead of 1.99? WTF is the difference?

Where's the problem?

You and people like you are slowing killing America. Why do you hate America so much?
Picture it this way:
Communist Premier of China standing on the corner selling his $1.99 jar of peanut butter
On the other corner is Grandma and grandpa Jones with their 14 employees standing behind them selling their $2.99 jar of peanut butter

It is that simple. Really.
At what cost do your precious cost savings really cost America?
Buy American

That is the cost of doing business. It makes me sick to hear people complain about how Wal-mart comes and they make it sound like everything goes out of business. If you can't adapt yourself (i.e. offering special services, moving location). That is the same as saying my business is doing poor It's not fair.......

 

[1prophet]

Originally posted by: steppinthrax

Originally posted by: Kwaipie


You and people like you are slowing killing America. Why do you hate America so much?
Picture it this way:
Communist Premier of China standing on the corner selling his $1.99 jar of peanut butter
On the other corner is Grandma and grandpa Jones with their 14 employees standing behind them selling their $2.99 jar of peanut butter

It is that simple. Really.
At what cost do your precious cost savings really cost America?
Buy American

That is the cost of doing business. It makes me sick to hear people complain about how Wal-mart comes and they make it sound like everything goes out of business. If you can't adapt yourself (i.e. offering special services, moving location). That is the same as saying my business is doing poor It's not fair.......

That's right, I am tired of hearing about these college graduates with large education loans that are not cost effective enough to compete with overseas help and have their jobs outsourced. If you can't adapt yourself (i.e. offering special services, moving location). That is the same as saying my business is doing poor It's not fair.😉

 

[Pabster]

It is the cheap American consumer that has allowed Wal Mart to thrive. Cheap, Cheap, Cheaper. That's all anyone cares about these days.

With the rash of recalls and investigations in to Chinese goods, one can hope that a return to "MADE IN U.S.A." is in order.

But it'll never happen unless the consumers DEMAND it... And Wally's clientele aren't.

 

[WhipperSnapper]

Originally posted by: steppinthrax
People in this country are paid for their experience and education (specialty background). Those who are hard to find are paid more then those who are easy to find. This also goes a long with educational background v.s. job.

Are you certain that that point is not dogma? Most Americans tend to believe that in a religiously dogmatic fashion.

What happens to people who obtained education in fields with an oversupply of employed and wanna-be practitioners? What happens if you end up having 5 qualified people for every available job? Will those 4 for every available job still get paid for their experience and education?

What about people who have education and years of experience in a field where the jobs are offshored? Will they still get paid for their experience and education?

Question the dogma.

 

[WhipperSnapper]

Originally posted by: steppinthrax

If you have no degree of higher education, no special skills and no job experience. What the hell do you expect.

How about lower middle class manufacturing and construction jobs? How about the government not exposing your job market to the third world poverty of India, China, and Mexico? How about protection from global labor arbitrage?

EVERYBODY IN THIS COUNTRY WORKS THEIR WAY UP. PEOPLE DON'T GET THINGS FOR FREE. This is not Canada. You have to do something to get something. I don't understand why people feel they have to make a living wage at wal-mart. A living wage is based on how you live on it. If you expect a house a car medical insurance and a good meal on the table with Wal-mart your living in a dream world. Unless your a manager or even a district manager of the company your dreaming.

However, if the job market had not been flooded with cheap labor from other countries, then the free market might dictate higher wages.

Furthermore, it should be noted that education is not the solution to our nation's economic problems because if everyone went to college the reality would still be that only a small percentage of jobs make any real use of college education. (If we quadrupled the number of engineers, we'd end up with a huge amount of unemployed, underemployed-involuntarily-out-of-field, and underpaid engineers. A huge supply of labor will not magically create a demand for that labor and especially not at formerly prevailing higher wages.)

 

[WhipperSnapper]

Originally posted by: Marlin1975
A large number of wal-mart workers have to go to state health coverage (i.e. taxpayers are paying instead of wal-mart). So wal-mart pays less and on top of that makes its insurance so high that people can;t afford so the state has to pick up the slack.

I hate long term welfare, no matter if that is for a person or a business. The worse is the business that brings in billions while getting the state to pick up its tab.

However, without the Walmart or the Target or <insert low wage employer here> the people would, presumably, still not have health coverage and the state would still have to pick up the tab. After all, if better jobs were available to them, then they'd have worked someplace else.

The real issue is why the state of the local and national economy is such that low wage jobs without benefits--poverty wage jobs--is the best that multitudes of people can find. It suggests that the nation is transforming into a third world country.

 

[blackangst1]

Originally posted by: WhipperSnapper

Originally posted by: Marlin1975
A large number of wal-mart workers have to go to state health coverage (i.e. taxpayers are paying instead of wal-mart). So wal-mart pays less and on top of that makes its insurance so high that people can;t afford so the state has to pick up the slack.

I hate long term welfare, no matter if that is for a person or a business. The worse is the business that brings in billions while getting the state to pick up its tab.

However, without the Walmart or the Target or <insert low wage employer here> the people would, presumably, still not have health coverage and the state would still have to pick up the tab. After all, if better jobs were available to them, then they'd have worked someplace else.

The real issue is why the state of the local and national economy is such that low wage jobs without benefits--poverty wage jobs--is the best that multitudes of people can find. It suggests that the nation is transforming into a third world country.

/queue Dave with a comment of "I've been saying this for years and everyone laughed at me"

 

[Gaard]

Originally posted by: Pabster
It is the cheap American consumer that has allowed Wal Mart to thrive. Cheap, Cheap, Cheaper. That's all anyone cares about these days.

With the rash of recalls and investigations in to Chinese goods, one can hope that a return to "MADE IN U.S.A." is in order.

But it'll never happen unless the consumers DEMAND it... And Wally's clientele aren't.

If you work at Walmart, you have to buy cheap. How can consumers DEMAND more expensive shit if they can't afford to buy it?

 

[bctbct]

Originally posted by: DrPizza
The reason I hate Walmart is because, as a result of them dictating price to their manufacturers, their manufacturers often use inferior components/manufacturing methods. In short, a lot of the products at Walmart are crappy quality. However, because the price is so good on them, many people purchase those goods instead of similar, slightly more expensive goods from local stores that specialize in that type of product.

Now, those local stores not only have the somewhat lower quality items, but they also carry several tiers of those items they specialize in, in terms of quality. Now, since the lower level quality items still constituted the majority of their sales, they're left trying to compete on level of service as well as their higher quality items. Unfortunately, many of these stores end up going out of business, and the consumer loses choices.

To try to give a more concrete example, go out and try to buy a quality badmitton set. Some of the sporting goods stores near me used to sell sets that could even be passed down a generation. Those stores are out of business. Alas, now all that's available are the crappy $9.99 sets, the like of which Walmart sells.

So, hurray, we can all purchase our goods for less money. Quite honestly, I really don't mind for a lot of types of purchases. However, Walmart impacts so many other "niches" that overall, there's a decrease in the quality of items available to purchase.

I tend to agree with you. You used to be able to go to a discount store and have a choice between a cheap chineese product and a solid european or USA product. Now the shelves are stocked with chineese crap only.

I would rather pay more for something that will last much longer. Walmart is leading, everyone else is following to survive or go out of business.

 

[Dunbar]

Originally posted by: Pabster
It is the cheap American consumer that has allowed Wal Mart to thrive. Cheap, Cheap, Cheaper. That's all anyone cares about these days.

With the rash of recalls and investigations in to Chinese goods, one can hope that a return to "MADE IN U.S.A." is in order.

But it'll never happen unless the consumers DEMAND it... And Wally's clientele aren't.

Damn those poor Americans for wanting to save money by shopping at Walmart. They should be spending what little money they have subsidizing employees medical befefits. If you don't like Walmart then don't shop there. I think it's pretty arrogant to tell people where and how they should spend their money, especially poor people.

 

[yllus]

Originally posted by: steppinthrax

Originally posted by: CPA
What I find funny is that the people who rail against WalMart and the insurance thing are the same people who complain about Walmart running mom-and-pop shops into the ground. The funny thing is Mom-and-pop shops generally pay lower, have no advancement opportunities, have absolutely NO benefits (medical, 401K, paid vacation, etc.).

Most of the people who complain about wal-mart are those who feel they should get something for nothing. The Canadian type of mentality. I worked to get my status in life and my great medical benefts. I worked at Office Depot, hotels and did odd jobs to move my self up. The very things people complain about I've experienced myself. But by no means did I feel Office Depot for example was my last option or main place I would work the rest of my life!!!!!!! I also did not feel Office Depot for example would have an income to raise a family.

Haha, what the hell? You might want to talk to a real Canadian before spouting off like that, instead of working off of the odd media stereotype you've decided to rely on. If you did, you'd know that the only majority group here in Canada who want something for nothing are the French and the natives. 😛

The Wal-Mart that's near my parent's place is actually rather nice, and even recently introduced this psychotically efficient express checkout area for those of us who run in and out for a 48-pack of black socks and some Tylenol. I kind of wish they'd put in a downtown location so I'd stop getting ripped on by Sears and co. Got nothing against the company myself, just another business trying to make a buck.

 

[Pabster]

Originally posted by: Dunbar
Damn those poor Americans for wanting to save money by shopping at Walmart. They should be spending what little money they have subsidizing employees medical befefits. If you don't like Walmart then don't shop there. I think it's pretty arrogant to tell people where and how they should spend their money, especially poor people.

And where did I tell people where and how they should spend their money? 😕

I'm saying that it is all supply and demand. The demand of Wal-Mart's clientèle for cheaper and cheaper goods and services has led to the problems we're seeing. You can choose to be part of the problem or the solution; It really is up to each individual.

 

[Hacp]

Originally posted by: blackangst1

Originally posted by: DrPizza
The reason I hate Walmart is because, as a result of them dictating price to their manufacturers, their manufacturers often use inferior components/manufacturing methods. In short, a lot of the products at Walmart are crappy quality. However, because the price is so good on them, many people purchase those goods instead of similar, slightly more expensive goods from local stores that specialize in that type of product.

Now, those local stores not only have the somewhat lower quality items, but they also carry several tiers of those items they specialize in, in terms of quality. Now, since the lower level quality items still constituted the majority of their sales, they're left trying to compete on level of service as well as their higher quality items. Unfortunately, many of these stores end up going out of business, and the consumer loses choices.

To try to give a more concrete example, go out and try to buy a quality badmitton set. Some of the sporting goods stores near me used to sell sets that could even be passed down a generation. Those stores are out of business. Alas, now all that's available are the crappy $9.99 sets, the like of which Walmart sells.

So, hurray, we can all purchase our goods for less money. Quite honestly, I really don't mind for a lot of types of purchases. However, Walmart impacts so many other "niches" that overall, there's a decrease in the quality of items available to purchase.

That may be true for "niche" items, but you are flase that it is somehow the rule and not the exception. The products WalMart carries are the smae EXACT products most other retailers carry. So the argument they carry nothing but crap is...well...crap. They sell what people buy.

The WalMart haters place the blame of ma and pa shops going out of business on WalMart, instead of where it belongs: on the consumer. If Billy Bob needs an oil change, why would he go to Joe's Auto shop and get a LOF for 29.99 when he can go to WalMart and get the exact same LOF, including oil of his choice, for 19.99? With all this talk of inflation, over-pricing, etc, I would think more of you would favor a store who sells the same thing for less? I guess not. In your example, a badminton set. Perhaps if consumers bought more $99 dollar sets ma and pa sporting goods would be in business yes? Is it WalMart's fault if people dont WANT to pay $99 for a badmonton set? Is it? The beauty of free market is is...if both the buyer and the seller are happy, it's a fair deal. Thus, WalMart passed Exxon as the largest company on the planet this year. They offer what people want. It's not being force fed. Sure, they dont provide high-end niche items. Thats not their market! If I want a cheap computer for the wife to surf on and chat on while Im gaming, hell yeah I'll go to WalMart and get one for $199.99. It's cheaper than building it myself WITH THE SAME PARTS! If I want a gaming rig, I dont go there. If I want a cheap stereo for the kids room (if I had kids), hell yeah I'd go to WalMart and buy a $99 setup. If I want to buy a new surround sound receiver, I go to a specialty store. Can someone explain why I would want to pay 2.99 for a jar of JIF peanut butter instead of 1.99? WTF is the difference?

Where's the problem?

I guess you could blame the US consumers for the sweat shops, 80 hour work weeks, and grueling conditions American Labors had to face back in the early 1900s. Free market FTW?

 

[1prophet]

Americans demand high wages, cheap prices. We have sent our businesses overseas because they can provide a cheaper product. It seems we want to have our cake and eat it too. That's ok, but then they shouldn't complain when it comes back to them.

 

[1prophet]

Here are some case studies of how walmart affects its suppliers by becoming their biggest customer and then once they got them dictating the pricing and in some cases how to run their businesses.



<a target=_blank class=ftalternatingbarlinklarge href="http://www.fastcompany.com/magazine/77/walmart.html">The Wal-Mart You Don't Know

The giant retailer's low prices often come with a high cost. Wal-Mart's relentless pressure can crush the companies it does business with and force them to send jobs overseas. Are we shopping our way straight to the unemployment line?

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Of course, U.S. companies have been moving jobs offshore for decades, long before Wal-Mart was a retailing power. But there is no question that the chain is helping accelerate the loss of American jobs to low-wage countries such as China. Wal-Mart, which in the late 1980s and early 1990s trumpeted its claim to "Buy American," has doubled its imports from China in the past five years alone, buying some $12 billion in merchandise in 2002. That's nearly 10% of all Chinese exports to the United States.

One way to think of Wal-Mart is as a vast pipeline that gives non-U.S. companies direct access to the American market. "One of the things that limits or slows the growth of imports is the cost of establishing connections and networks," says Paul Krugman, the Princeton University economist. "Wal-Mart is so big and so centralized that it can all at once hook Chinese and other suppliers into its digital system. So--wham!--you have a large switch to overseas sourcing in a period quicker than under the old rules of retailing."

Steve Dobbins has been bearing the brunt of that switch. He's president and CEO of Carolina Mills, a 75-year-old North Carolina company that supplies thread, yarn, and textile finishing to apparel makers--half of which supply Wal-Mart. Carolina Mills grew steadily until 2000. But in the past three years, as its customers have gone either overseas or out of business, it has shrunk from 17 factories to 7, and from 2,600 employees to 1,200. Dobbins's customers have begun to face imported clothing sold so cheaply to Wal-Mart that they could not compete even if they paid their workers nothing.

"People ask, 'How can it be bad for things to come into the U.S. cheaply? How can it be bad to have a bargain at Wal-Mart?' Sure, it's held inflation down, and it's great to have bargains," says Dobbins. "But you can't buy anything if you're not employed. We are shopping ourselves out of jobs."

Wal-Mart has also lulled shoppers into ignoring the difference between the price of something and the cost. Its unending focus on price underscores something that Americans are only starting to realize about globalization: Ever-cheaper prices have consequences. Says Steve Dobbins, president of thread maker Carolina Mills: "We want clean air, clear water, good living conditions, the best health care in the world--yet we aren't willing to pay for anything manufactured under those restrictions."

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