Is Walmart Bad For America?

[Arik]

It's neither. It's simply a company providing a service. It's not some evil Corp out for total world domination. Like any company there will be policies that not everyone agrees with but they do provide jobs and cheaper products, which is both good and bad.

I don't shop there often but I do use them for certain things. No different than Lowe's or Home Depot or a dozen other corporations.

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[Old TexMex]

Academy's not much different....I went in for a pair of sneakers, the young lady asked could she help me? I said "yes, I'd like a pair of inexpensive running shoes made by slave labor in a small southeast asian country." She looked puzzled as I said "ah, here we go...Nike, made in Vietnam. These will do nicely, thanks."

As long as we manufacture the big stuff in USA (like cars and trains and submarines and guided missiles and bunker busters and daisy cutters and tanks and fighters and bombers and A-bombs etc) I can buy tennis shoes and baseball gloves at big boxstores, I guess.

 

[Arik]

Its not a monopoly - anything you can get at Wal Mart you can also get elsewhere.

.

Exactly. They buy from the same manufacturers as everyone else. When I was painting my house I went to a mom and pop shop where they were selling paint tray inserts for $1.50ea. Same exact inserts are sold at Hole Depot for $0.39ea. The distance in driving is about the same so why would I pay 3x more for the same exact product?

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[Faulkner]

Here in the home state of Walmart they've been a mainstay for decades. I don't believe Walmart is bad for America per se, but I do think Walmart has been bad for some local communities. In many communities that Walmart comes into they literally kill off the local family grocery store, hardware store, pharmacist, and sometimes the corner gas station.

In my small hometown we acquired a Walmart Neighborhood Market about a year ago. I've been in once to look around and not been back, preferring to shop at the locally owned stores who are my friends and neighbors.

 

[Old TexMex]

What-about-ism is not an argument, nor is it at all factual.


When I operated a retail/service business, I had complete control over my supply chain. I also had to choose from short-term profits and long-term brand building.

My customers were happy to pay more for higher-priced, domestically produced products, as there were FAR fewer issues and returns.

This was, admittedly, a very narrow and specialized retail sector, and likely not translatable to everyday-use items and grocery purchasing.

So your example is in no way comparable. But what is "What-about-ism"?

 

[chaparrito]

I went thru a period of Generalized Anxiety Disorder/ Panic syndrome a few years ago. I couldn't go into a WalMart or any other large, open, crowded area, so I had no choice but to "boycott" WM.
Having that under control now I do quite a bit of food shopping there as they are by far the cheapest. Their produce is well labeled as to country of origin. I like that. They have responded to market demand and continue to increase their offerings of organic food. My WM even has a section of 100% grass fed and finished beef from farms that I looked up. They are legit. That beef is dollars per pound cheaper than similar meat can be had anywhere. I don't buy store beef, but if I did it would be that beef.
Liquor and beer are the best prices around, although selection isn't the best.
I don't buy any durable goods at WM. Most of that kind of stuff comes from Amazon. We do bi-monthly runs to Costco for paper and other household stuff. It's an hour and half away from us.
As far as the employer-employee model is concerned, I am a huge fan of Costco. I love the way they pay and retain their employees. There are none more loyal than Costco workers.
Two things stand out to me that demonstrate the power of Walmart. First, I read an article some years ago detailing how the U.S. Army sent a team of researchers to study the way Walmart operates its supply chain. They wanted to increase efficiency in their own practice.
Second, and really the most potent example is the way, when WM decided to sell groceries, they dictated to the meat industry exactly how they wanted their meat cut and wrapped and how much they were going to buy and how much they would pay for it and if the industry wanted to sell meat to WM those were the terms, period. The meat industry bowed. It was the first time ever that any retailer held that much power over them.

 

[Walkingwolf]

What do you think?

I'm no economic expert, but I think they are.

May not help but I think I'm going to boycott them.

By all means boycott Walmart, and shop at anti-gun, pro trans bathroom Target.

Maybe you could tell us just exactly why you think Walmart is bad for the country?

 

[NYlakesider]

Exactly. They buy from the same manufacturers as everyone else. When I was painting my house I went to a mom and pop shop where they were selling paint tray inserts for $1.50ea. Same exact inserts are sold at Hole Depot for $0.39ea. The distance in driving is about the same so why would I pay 3x more for the same exact product?

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The thing is Wally buys in multiple rail car loads, while the lessor outfits buy in much smaller quantities, that there will lower the price they pay considerably. (most Mon & Pop stores buy in pickup truck loads) They are also well know to tell the vendor what price they want to pay and if the vendor does not like it no problem they will find another vendor.

They will stick to their guns and have a large staff of lawyers to handle any problem in anything that concerns Walmart.

My wife (now retired) in her position with the state used to have to deal with their lawyers frequently. She has said more than once she would rather be blindfold, hands cuffed behind her back and fight a MMA champion to the death rather than deal with their legal staff.

 

[mrmike7189]

I shop at walmart on occasion. I buy a lot of ammo there. When they stop selling guns and ammo,I may not go there again. I also shop at target . They dont sell guns or ammo...ironic with a store named Target!

 

[woodsltc]

By all means boycott Walmart, and shop at anti-gun, pro trans bathroom Target.

Maybe you could tell us just exactly why you think Walmart is bad for the country?

My thoughts also.....why Walmart and not Target!!!

Don

 

[StakeOut]

I shop at Walmart for most of my food and bought a lot of Perfecta ammo there.

No one is forced to work anyplace including Walmart.

If you are qualified for a better position or are the number 1 bread winner with a family this probably is not going to be enough and that's not Walmart's fault.

Don't have more kids than you can take care of.If you can only take care of yourself,stay single.If you can't even take care of yourself keep living with mom an dad.

 

[ChattanoogaPhil]

The reason people shop at Walmart is the cheap prices, many pay lip service to buy American, but when push comes to shove they look for the cheapest price. If it wasn't for this action there would be no Walmart, Dollar store etc.

Have to go along with the above sentiments. Lots of people talk a good game about how other people should buy American made but quickly retreat to China products in their own purchases.

Take a look at any flashlight thread here... how many post pics of their Malkoff purchases vs China made?

 

[Arik]

The thing is Wally buys in multiple rail car loads, while the lessor outfits buy in much smaller quantities, that there will lower the price they pay considerably. (most Mon & Pop stores buy in pickup truck loads) They are also well know to tell the vendor what price they want to pay and if the vendor does not like it no problem they will find another vendor.

They will stick to their guns and have a large staff of lawyers to handle any problem in anything that concerns Walmart.

My wife (now retired) in her position with the state used to have to deal with their lawyers frequently. She has said more than once she would rather be blindfold, hands cuffed behind her back and fight a MMA champion to the death rather than deal with their legal staff.

I believe it. A corporation is it's own living organism. They have bigger and better buying power and enough muscle to flex to get their way. But in turn customers get cheaper product. Thus both good and bad.

I use Wally world for certain things but in now way do I shop there constantly. Typically work clothes or clothes for around the house. Some electronics, a few odds and ends like toothpaste, razors, soaps. Occasionally I'll buy meat there but rarely, maybe once a year if it's something specific I'm looking for and it's on sale. I use every kind and style of store for shopping. I shop in local ethnic markets for things that your typical super market doesn't sell....ever. I'll use the local fish market for.... well....for fish. Fresh fish that's much cheaper than a super market. The a local farmers market for fresh fruit and vegetables that are cheaper than a super market but others things I'll head straight for the super market. It's good to have choices. Trust me I know

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[loknload]

We have a local department store chain that was started in my area. It was father / son and then son /BIL . This store has been in operation since 1911 and currently has 50 locations here in the east.
The original owner just passed after coming out of retirement to save his stores after relatives who had taken over tried to make the business what it wasn't and started buying stores right and left. It took the original owner a little over a year to bring the business back and out of bankruptcy. This time around and upon his death he had left things in better hands.
I've shopped this store since I was a kid. They always had what you wanted at a fair price. Anything that didn't suit was returned with no questions ask.
This gentleman also did a lot for the community and in fact for a city that didn't want his store on their Main Street
If you speak with any of his employees they all speak of him in high praise because he always took care of his people no matter what. You could always find him in the store on the sales floor.
He worked helping to get good deals up to he day he died!
So me ,I don't need no Wal Mart or Target when I've got the best run family store here since 1911!

 

[Walkingwolf]

We do shop at Walmart, and Food Lion. While both are large corporations the employees are mostly good. Keep in mind that the overhead for these large stores on PRIME real estate is huge. Mom, and Pop stores can do a very good business as long as they pick their market.

Problem with some Mom, and Pop stores is they forget they are Mom, and Pop stores, and try to go Hollywood. This raises their prices, and runs off us old farts.

Our Walmart treats us good when we walk in the door open carrying. We get thanked coming, and going for carrying, during Christmas they like to get their picture taken with the armed Santa.

IMO the blame for products made in China is the fault of Unions, and bogus free trade agreements. Our founders intended on revenue collected from imports. It balances out trade, and employees citizens, and would reduce the deficit.

The real problem is with politicians. Walmart is just like anyone else trying to make a buck, just on a bigger scale.

 

[df06]

I rarely shop there, not because I don't like WM, but because I do most of my shopping at the LGS and a farm store and also Cabelas.
My wife buys a lot of things there, and likes to shop at WM.
We are not caught up in the PC of paying a living wage, and have the philosophy of paying for what the jobs is worth and what value the employee bring to the business. What is a living wage anyway? Is it different of you live in California or Mississippi, if you are single or married with five kids?

 

[Grayfox]

I don't know much about national economics and even less about global economics. I don't know how or where Walmart fits into all this and really don't care.
What I do know is that Walmart has everything I need when I need it and at a reasonable price. Ain't that the real bottom line?
I will confess that I don't go there very often and I really don't like going there for one simple reason. 24 check outs, but only 2 of them are open!

 

[CajunBass]

I haven't been in a Wal-Mart in years. However I do order a lot of stuff from them online. Never had a problem with late or lost deliveries. Everything gets to me as promised.

I even buy my groceries online now. I absolutely HATE to go to the grocery store. Now, I just order what I want online, set a pickup time/date and pay online. When my order is ready, I get an email telling me. When I leave the house I click an app on my phone telling them I'm on the way. I pull into the parking lot and in about five minutes an associate brings my order to my car and loads it for me. No extra charge for this either, just a $30.00 minimum. I'm in and out in about ten minutes...tops.

 

[Arik]

We have a local department store chain that was started in my area. It was father / son and then son /BIL . This store has been in operation since 1911 and currently has 50 locations here in the east.
The original owner just passed after coming out of retirement to save his stores after relatives who had taken over tried to make the business what it wasn't and started buying stores right and left. It took the original owner a little over a year to bring the business back and out of bankruptcy. This time around and upon his death he had left things in better hands.
I've shopped this store since I was a kid. They always had what you wanted at a fair price. Anything that didn't suit was returned with no questions ask.
This gentleman also did a lot for the community and in fact for a city that didn't want his store on their Main Street
If you speak with any of his employees they all speak of him in high praise because he always took care of his people no matter what.

So me ,I don't need no Wal Mart or Target when I've got the best run family store here since 1911!

What store is this?

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[the ringo kid]

Yes, but at a much lower wage after putting others out of work at jobs where they've been for decades. Not to mention benefits.

Walmart wants you to think they are doing everyone a favor by employing people and offering lower prices. But the facts show that this is a farce.

Workers overseas working in sweat shops make less than $5.00 a week and work in deplorable conditions.

And Walmart make a HUGE profit on their sweat. Sometimes 80% profit.

Walmart is a monopoly that our government is overlooking.

I dont hate the store per se, just dont like greedy owners who also employ tens of thousands of furriners too making **** in china etc. Id like em much more if them employed more Amis making products for them.

zOther than that--only thing that slightly irritates me-is they dont have some products for sale that HEBs has-and vice versa. Oh and, their DvD selections are good-but they get series in and almost never sell the entire series-like Magnum PI-etc etc etc, then they also rehash the first couple seasons of many shows-using different box art.