Walmart questions

1. 59

   r2moo2posted 14 years ago

   I was just doing a little study on Walmart, as I was updating my Boyfriend Gift Ideas blog, and found out that many companies went bankrupt because of Walmart.
   
   As I am in a country, Singapore, which does not seem to have direct influence from Walmart, I want to ask how it has been for you, and your opinions to whether Walmart's business strategies has been great to you and the economy or not.
   
   This is just for educational purposes, as I am a greenhorn in the arena of business, and I just want to have a wider perspective of the things that are happening around the world.
   
   Let me know your opinions and thoughts about Walmart's business strategy on "everyday low prices", and whether is it beneficial for you and the economy.

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      starme77posted 14 years agoin reply to this

      my Mother and Father in law went out of business when Wal-Mart came to town , prior to that they were thriving , so I dunno , you tell me ? I don't shop at that place , hell I even read where people are stomped to death trying to get in the front door , how nuts is that ? They take your local town business out and the towns people are killing each other to get in the door ? sh**t I really don't get it at all

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   2. 70

      pylos26posted 14 years agoin reply to this

      Walmart's stratigies are remarkably simple...under sell all the mom and pop stores until they starve...stock nothing but cheap chinese schit because that is what America buys...and charge inflated prices for the rubbish...once the competition is dead. A true american dream.

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   3. 60

      Josh Wolffposted 13 years agoin reply to this

      Please read my hub on this EXACT topic! ~http://hubpages.com/hub/The-Truth-About-Walmart

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      smcopywriteposted 13 years agoin reply to this

      In our state we have instituted legislation that limits where a Walmart supercenter can be built. we were swamped with them and determined they were costing many of our local businesses to be bankrupted in competing with walmart.
      the laws surrounding where they can be built has actually been fair to walmart and to local businesses.
      competition is a good thing. if we had nothing but walmarts, they would control the prices of everything because there would be no choice in the matter.
      thank you for addressing this issue.

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2. 76

   brimancandyposted 14 years ago

   Every American company that involves retail fears Walmart. Because Walmart pretty much sells everything in it's Supercenters. The only thing walmart does not sell are luxury items like Cars, motorcycles, and major appliances. They are also the largest retail chain in the world, and the only american department store in China. (1250 stores planned for china in the coming years.)
   
   Walmart is also interested in other business ventures, like becoming a cell phone carrier, and becoming a banking institution. Which would give those instituations vast competition, as all Walmart stores would incorporate those ideas into every store they own. Of which they have thousands.
   
   The only thing that might stop the sprall of Walmart, is that other companies are rising, and following every move they make.
   I know because I worked for a major supermarket chain in
   Michigan, and if Walmart so much as took a dump, our company
   would run out and take an even bigger one..to one-up them.
   
   The problem is all these big companies are swarming around Walmart, where one is, you will find the others not very far away, and it kills the smaller businesses around them, because they can't compete.
   
   Another thing that has happened is local citizens in various
   communities fighting to keep these major chains out of their
   cities. While others are going through great lenghts to get
   them in to create jobs.
   
   Half of what Walmart sells is low quality. And, their ads saying that they have the lowest prices anywhere are misleading, because there are lot of things at Walmart that cost twice as much as their competitors, especially when it comes to food. Their prices for soda vary depending on wether
   it is diet or flavored, while other chains have a set price for all pop. Their soups are also price according to ingrediant, which I find absolutely insane, as the difference from a can of Chicken noodle, and a can of chicken noodle with vegetables can be as much as a dollar, even though it is the same brand and oz.
   
   I could go on about Walmart. But, that would take a whole Hub to explain it. But, just to be fair, the other companies that
   follow Walmart are usually just a few cents cheaper, or a few cents more than what they have on sale. But, where there is a really good discount, you can find a better deal elsewhere.
   
   Being an informed shopper is one the keys to saving money, believing that any one retailer is the king, is going to have them raking in your money and laughing all the way to the bank.

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3. 64

   Ivorwenposted 14 years ago

   As far as I know, Walmart operates under very different conditions than other retailers.  On difference, they do not own the merchandise on their shelves, the manufacturers do.  If it does not sell, Walmart is not hurt by it, the company that made it is.  Also, Walmart dictates what the manufacture makes, in many instances.  An example of this is the size of Heinz ketchup bottles they sell, which are designed to look a few ounces bigger than they really are.  You won't find these bottles anywhere else (at least that was the case a few years ago).
   
   Another thing Walmart is know for is running similar business out of business, when they move into an area.  Where I grew up, the Walmart fired three managers for not running all similar business out within a years time.

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      Justine76posted 14 years agoin reply to this

      Where I live, we had all knids of different stores, markets, specialty clothing stores, hobby and craft stores, department stores, grocery stores with quality food, hardware stores, on and on...
      
      Walmart arrived, and they had more for less!!
      Everybody wanted to save a buck, all the good jobs where about gone then, as all but a handfull of the mills had been shut down by now. We all went to Walmart, (made in the USA...was a big thing once upon a time)the little guys all shut down. They couldn't compete with the prices.
      
      Years later, we have 2 large grocery stores, besides Walmart. A Kmart, a JCPenny, and some random thrift stores. Of course, with walmart comes home depot, staples, ruby tuesday, payless.
      
      The quality of the merchandise is appalling, and at Walmart in particular, they are always out of several items I need.
      
      Often there are things I want, that I simply cant purchase, due to how many of the small specialty type shops have closed. If walmart doesnt have it, its not available. And they do a piss poor job of keeping what little inventory they have, in stock.
      
      There is no such thing as customer service at wally world. Its an awful place to work, its an awful place to shop at, but I have no other option. NOT becuase the "mom and pop" stores had bad marketing strategies. Its because they simply could not afford to offer their hard earned merchandise at lower prices then Walmart. And once walmart got a good grip on things, they quit stocking shelves, fired tons of peopel, quit selling made in the usa, it really stinks.

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      Barbara Kayposted 13 years agoin reply to this

      When my son worked at Walmart, part of his job was to compare the prices at K-Mart. He hated going into K-Mart to do it.

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4. 79

   manlypoetrymanposted 14 years ago

   I worked for Wal-Mart back in the early 80's...I wish i had entered their management program back in the day when it was offered...as I would be retired now...with a huge stock portfolio.
   
   Back then Sam was still alive...I believe he was very skilled in many ideas that allowed Wal-Mart to take over...in a sense...Wal-mart has always entered the market to take over it. It is just geared that way. Sam had a few principles...well actually alot...that are fascinating to anyone who studies management principles...just off the top of my head and in general:
   
   1. Reduction in Staff costs to operate a large store.
   2. Taking care of the employees you do have...at all levels...
   with stock benefits...slightly better than minimum wages...and a "team" atmosphere.
   3. Hub warehouse system...begin  moving your key base warehouses to an area (even turning them into a store: Sam's warehouse) it allowed you to bring stores into the entire surrounding area...thus he could put a Wal-Mart essentially anywhere close to one of his warehouses...that he brought to an area.
   4. End cap...presentation and presenting a loss leader. He was a master at presenting an item either in advertising or at the store end cap...or in the center of the aisle that was a "Low Price"...thus giving you the mental image that all the prices were lower at Wal-mart.
   5. Sam was a Good ol' boy...I remember that he went fishing regularly with our "greeter" that worked the front door at a Wal-mart in small town Oklahoma. Even though he reduced staff across the entire store front...he still made sure that each store had a nice person there to welcome ya' to the store.
   6. Effective use of every square inch of the store. back in the day...no one loaded a parking lot with merchandise...like Sam did. Some might have had a sale out in the parking lot...but with Wal-Mart...whole rows out in the parking lot were dedicated to sales..and kept stocked outside all the time. Same goes for high shelves. He was one of the first to go straight-up the shelves with his inventory...increasing his "on-hand" merchandise...and making it plain to see that store was packed full...even in a small town (which gave him more room in the stockroom) (which allowed him to do the high volume of business that generated his profits at EVERY Store!).
   
   Getting the picture here...he had gotten alot of things down to a science and became a leader in his particular industry...which ultimately...lead to winning over the competition! Basically...(these where not all of his strategies either...there were more!) he came, saw, and kicked major booty with Wal-mart...A trend that still persists...and will as long as they can be innovators on the global merchandising frontier...as they have been! [I'm copying this for a Hub someday...of my own ]

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      Karina S.posted 14 years agoin reply to this

      Interesing!

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5. 61

   Ron Montgomeryposted 14 years ago

   Manly, it's interesting to hear the perspective of someone with  so much actual Walmart experience.  Walmart and its business practices generate so much debate, I think we could start an entire forum to it that would rival politics and religion for heated conversations.

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      manlypoetrymanposted 14 years agoin reply to this

      I know your right about that...Seriously...Wal-Mart is a strong company built on a very good foundation...only wish I'd had enough sense to stay with them!...However...their methods can crush the competition...if they aren't as streamlined in efficiency as Wal-Mart is. They are going after Target next...this year! And...K-Mart has pretty much fallen due to them. Ultimately...they will monopolize...and the new boy on the block will arise...just 'cause folks want a choice of where to shop...just like they did back in the day...when Wal-mart came on the scene...the cycle will continue!

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6. 62

   Daniel Carterposted 14 years ago

   Walmart seems to have an endless stream of shoppers because their prices are very competitive. However, a lot of middle and upper class households are against Walmart in principle because of the reasons already cited.
   
   I am immovably against Walmart for all the reasons listed previously, and for several more. They take out a "peasant" life insurance policy on some employees, which can pay up to a million dollars for the company in events of death, and leave the family bereft. That's also well documented. Other US companies are also guilty of such heinous acts. I believe they are to be avoided.
   
   Walmart is a nightmare to shop, regardless of any other reasons. Checkout lines are always long--often more than 20 minutes waiting, with many lanes closed. I also find that the mentality and caliber of people who shop there often pretty low. Rudeness abounds over practically nothing. People on the whole seem harsh and angry. Staff might be a bit above it all that, but I'm not entirely convinced. Every time I go there, I regret it. Not worth it.

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      rebekahELLEposted 14 years agoin reply to this

      I won't shop there anymore. it is, for the most part, an unpleasant shopping experience.  I know many shop there to save money, but I don't think the few dollars that may be saved is worth the trip. when I do shop, I like to enjoy it. one time there was a rather obese man riding around in one of those scooters and I watched him throw a half eaten bag of grapes back into the produce section. I told the customer service person that stands behind the check out counters and she said, unfortunately, there wasn't anything they could do about it.
      I said, well, you just lost one of your customers. that's disgusting.
      
      walmart was founded by a very smart man. I read his book and was fascinated by his business smarts, but greed took over, it has put many small stores out of business.

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      brimancandyposted 14 years agoin reply to this

      I worked for a large supermarket chain in Michigan, and one of the biggest complaints from customers was how we had over 30 checkout lanes, yet only 6 or 7 of them would be open during the week, and only 20 of them would be open on a busy Saturday. We would normally get 5,000 people through the doors on any given week day, and 8 to 10,000 on a Saturday.
      
      In the last few years that I worked there, they brought in self-serve checkouts, which eliminated 16 cashier positions, as the company believed that their customers would want to use these lanes, and therefore they could cut the cost of their cashier labor in half. Well, they were wrong! The costumers hate the self serve checkouts!
      
      The company knows that the customers don't like the new checkouts, but they cut the cashier labor anyways. Another thing they did, in their do everything that Walmart does attitude, is eliminate 6,000 bagger positions by putting those retarded turning bag stands, forcing the cashiers to scan and bag everything. So, you basically have one person doing the job that used to be done by 2. Needless to say, on a busy day, you might wait 45 minutes or longer to check out.
      
      The company will tell you that you are a valued customer, yet at any meeting they would tell us how much they could care less if their customers shopped elsewhere, especially the ones who constantly complain about the crappy service they are getting. It's all about numbers, and, nothing else. But, it wasn't like that until Walmart came along.
      
      It was when they heard that Walmart was building 1250 stores in China, that they decided not to try to compete with them, and go after other rival companies such as k-mart and Target. And, the company only continues to grow. I was in one of the new stores the other day....and I swear it is so Identical to a Walmart Super Center, It was very sad.

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7. 61

   Ron Montgomeryposted 14 years ago

   It's nothing in the grand scheme of things, but I've noticed dramatic improvements in our town's Walmart.  They have eliminated the mid-aisle displays that caused congestion and made stores difficult to navigate.  Customer service and product quality have improved to the point that it does seem they are challenging Target's niche.
   
   There is much to question of Walmart's effect on local communities and how it treats its own employees, but the retail changes do seem to indicate that they are one of the few retailers who listens to customers and responds accordingly.

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      Justine76posted 14 years agoin reply to this

      change hasnt reached my neck of the woods yet. the store is frequently filthy, and out of things. the fruit is usally rotten..Ive seen clouds of fruit flies hanging out by the grapes...and the employees are down right mean, if you can find one...I try my best to avoid going to wlamart. But I can not afford to do all my shopping at teh local shure fine. And there is only one other department store even remotely close to my osue. Wich is Kmart, has even less inventory....someitmes I need socks.

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   wychicposted 14 years ago

   I worked for Wal-Mart for four years, three of them spent in the days when the Walton family was still in charge, the last bit after it'd finally gone out-of-family. Unless they fix something, they won't remain the kind of giant they are now. One of the main changes I noticed in the last year of my time there were the new, decidedly anti-family employee policies. I had "exceeds expectations" on every evaluation up to that point, but soon after they implemented their new policies I was coached for having to stay home with my infant son when he was sick. He was on two prescription medications, had a fever of 104 for several days, and had a doctor's statement to let work know what was going on. None of that mattered, I still got coached because there is no acceptable excuse for missing scheduled days.
   
   Other than that, Wal-Mart has been getting lower and lower in quality accompanied by a more and more limited selection. In addition, hiring freezes, the refusal in many areas to give full-time positions, and some extremely short-handed stores have all contributed to a severe drop in the quality of customer service as well.
   
   Yes, Wal-Mart generally has lower prices, though in many cases they're not much lower than their competition anymore. However, one wonders just what the lower price is worth. There are plenty of ways that businesses can compete with Wal-Mart if they choose to fill in the gaps where Wal-Mart falls short.

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   Carilayaposted 14 years ago

   I currently work at Wal-mart and have decidedly mixed feelings about the company. On the one hand, my store is managed fairly well and I enjoy the people I work with. I believe that for the most part management does care about the customers and I've been told several times that we do a better job than some other stores.
   
   However, I've heard from several old-timers that things were much better back when Sam was still around. Morale right now is at an all time low - the sales floor is so understaffed that many people are covering 3 or 4 departments but up front we have so many cashiers that no one gets hours. The only full-timers have been working there for 10 years or more so I don't see a spot opening up soon. It's also hard to trust that the home office is acting in our best interests when they decide to stay open later on Christmas eve or get cashiers to work overnight on Thanksgiving..no matter what they say.
   
   There's no incentive to work hard for the company right now. If you get a 'meets expectations' you get a $.40 raise once a year, or you can get $.50 for an 'exceeds expectations.' They used to give $.60 raises apparently but now that is reserved for Role Model employees and our store has decided that no one is worth being deemed a role model. It's disheartening to talk to my co-workers who have been cashiers for 10 years or more and are still making under $12/hour..
   
   I don't mind the actual work itself (most of the time, holidays excepted!) but I have so many issues with the corporate culture that I probably won't stick around for more than a year or two. I am happy to have a job right now though, so I'll keep working hard there.
   
   Edit: Wanted to add, many of my coworkers are on Food Stamps. Sure, Wal-mart has low prices for many things but the community does pay a price.

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      wychicposted 14 years agoin reply to this

      And let's not forget the wage caps they have now on each pay grade...people who were there for 10 years or so suddenly stopped getting raises when they threw that out there.

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10. 60

    moanalisaposted 14 years ago

    Very insightful comments here from all. My ex, too, worked for Wal-Mart for a couple of years as part of their remodeling crew. Ironically, in the 4-plex apartment I live in, 3 of them work for one of our local Wal-marts.
    
    I seem to recall, and correct me if I'm wrong, that a few years ago, Wal-Mart had a class action suit filed against them for not paying/promoting female employees (I think it originated in California?).
    
    Part of what makes Wal-Mart a success is the "one-stop-shopping" concept. You can buy groceries, but still buy shoes for your kid, a filter for your furnace, a tent to go camping in, furniture, DvD's, etc. The "mom & pop" shops just can't compete against that, nor can many other larger chains. For example, within a mile of where I live, I have a grocery store, a K-mart and a Wal-Mart supercenter. K-mart offers a few staples, like bread, milk, a can of soup or sodas, but not a full grocery department. Other than that, their inventory is relatively comparable. The grocery store caries just what you'd expect from a grocery store, and by far a better quality in many areas, but doesn't have that same convenience Wal-Mart does and many items at Wal-Mart (identical items) are cheaper than K-mart's prices.
    
    Overall, I think you get what you pay for. At Wal-Mart, I find few employees that are helpful (if you can even locate them) and their produce and meat is horrendous. If you buy a basket of strawberries, better turn it over to make sure that the bottom half aren't covered with mold. If you buy a cut of pork, rub your fingers through it very carefully to be sure there are no chips of bone fragments in the cuts.

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       Karina S.posted 14 years agoin reply to this

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       wychicposted 14 years agoin reply to this

       I'm not sure on this one, but I do know that when I was working there (I think it was in 2004 or 2005) they did have a class-action suit for incorrectly paying overtime to associates. Some of my co-workers were laughing that they got checks for only a couple of bucks (some got checks along the lines of $50 each) to make up for what they were paid incorrectly. Personally, I looked at my $1.71 check and wondered not only how many of these little checks went out to Wal-Marts associates corporation-wide, but also how many people had quit before they corrected the error, how long the error had gone on, and just how many thousands Wal-Mart skimmed overall at the expense of their associates.

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    r2moo2posted 14 years ago

    Wow thanks for all your sharing and input! May not be able to respond to you all, but its an eye-opener to see so many perspective from everyone.
    
    @brimancandy and Ivorwen: Thanks for your insight! If I ever start a business I will take note of it.
    
    @manlypoetryman, wychic, Carilaya: Your great experiences with Walmart really opens up the horizons. Rare to see someone sharing at this intimate level. Thanks!
    
    @Daniel Carter, Ron Montgomery, Justine76, moanalisa: Thanks for your sharing, and I will really take note if I were to ever shop at Walmart. I should pop by and take a look if I am travelling overseas.
    
    And to everyone, happy holidays!
    
    Of course, do keep your insights coming; would love to hear more experiences and opinions.

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       Karina S.posted 14 years agoin reply to this

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    megs78posted 14 years ago

    This is my take on Walmart.  People think they are getting a deal when they go there, but really, we have all been fooled by the marketing strategists.  They (strategists) bet on the fact that we will buy things we don't need when we go there because prices are so low.  SO instead of getting only what we need, we end up leaving with a couple of purchases that we didn't need, but that our consumer-crazy minds told us we must have at such a low cost.
    
    There are no deals at walmart.  we have been taken for fools, and fools we are.  Sorry to be so down on walmart but this is just how i see it.

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    Rosa Bergerposted 14 years ago

    I think marketing in general makes us buy stuff we do not need, and - even worse - stuff that makes us sick. I agree with you that most of us are fools who think we get a bargain when we buy something that we do not need, only because it is cheap. But the modern marketing strategies are unbelievably persuasive.

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14. 69

    wyanjenposted 14 years ago

    The ONLY time I shop at Walmart is when I'm in my hometown. It is a small town. There is only one store left there: Walmart.

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    MikeNVposted 14 years ago

    Walmart Stong arms suppliers forcing outsourcing.
    
    80% of Walmart Products are manufactured in Red China.  You know the Communist Regime?
    
    In the United States Walmart asks for and nearly always gets special tax concessions that other businesses do not get. This puts the other businesses at an unfair tax advantage.
    
    http://wakeupwalmart.com/facts/
    
    Read it for yourself.

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    Jane@CMposted 14 years ago

    There seems to be a Walmart every where you turn.  One opened up in our area several years ago.  They have maintained it well, kept it clean, isle ways are open, but they built it in a fairly high end suburban area.  The Walmart south of us, is horrible.  It smells, its dirty and I don't know any one who will step foot in the place.
    
    We also have a Super Target which is always busier and prices are are either comparable to Walmart of lower.  Our Walmart is not a super Walmart, so they do not have much for groceries.
    
    I was in their once during the Christmas season and there were no lines.

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    creativeone59posted 14 years ago

    I was an employee for seven years with Wal mart, and Wal Mart do run mom and pop stores out of business, because they can afford cheaper prices to give to the public. Wal mart also give the same prices of other competator from other stores to the customer.   creativeone59

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    Ghost32posted 14 years ago

    I've not worked for Wal-Mart but do have a few experience-based observations:
    
    1.  It's easy to find something to grumble about.  In my case it's Immodium A-D (anti=diarrheal).  I used to buy the largest size they offered (in their Equate generic version) which was a box containing 2 bottles, each bottle containing 96 pills (2 mg each).  In 2009, after years of making this available, they simply killed it...because (I believe) nobody else  sold  anything larger than a 48-pill bottle (at Safeway).  They were leaving money on the table, noticed it, and changed it...still having their 72 pill size as a dominant player in that niche.  Upped my A-D cost by 60% in one swell foop. 
    
    2.  Other than that, we do a LOT of our shopping at Wal-Mart.  Groceries are competitive, though you do need to watch the prices here and there and the offerings are limited (until we get a Super Center, which I've heard is on the way).  As for soda, we buy their generic Dr. Pepper (Dr. Thunder) at 78 cents per 2 liter  bottle.
    
    3. For the most part, their "cheap stuff" appears (to us) to be no shoddier than anyone else's.  I'm wearing their $8 jeans that seem to wear as well as Levis or Wranglers, and we got some $10 blankets last fall that are so comfy and warm I was able to shelve my sleeping bag.  (Until the house I'm building is ready, I sleep on a pallet in an unheated metal storage shed.)
    
    4.  They wouldn't hire me locally when I applied last summer.  But then, neither Ace Hardware nor MacDonald's did any better in that regard.  I suspect that despite age and a tough overall market for job seekers, the key factor was my refusal to work evenings.  (We live a mile from the Mexican border, and leaving my disabled, five-foot wife alone on the homestead after dark seemed like asking for trouble.)

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    laswiposted 14 years ago

    What are the secrets behind their spectacular success? Mostly, day in and day out, Wal-Mart lives up to its promise: Always Low Prices, Always. Its mission is to “lower the world’s cost of living”. To deliver on this promise, they listen to their customers and take care of them, treat employees as partners and keep tight rein on costs. The company stays close to the customers, talks directly with them and delivers what customers want: a broad selection of carefully selected goods at unbeatable prices.
    
    Please read my hub on Wal-Mart
    http://hubpages.com/hub/laswi-Wal-Mart

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       brimancandyposted 14 years agoin reply to this

       Their always lower prices is a bunch of bull. It's great advertising for them but it is not true. If you go into a Super Center, chances are that their grocery items can be as much as a dollar more than their competitor.
       
       Their regular price on a 2 liter bottle of Pepsi is $1.79, but, if it is Diet or Cherry it is $1.89. That is 30 to 40 cents higher than every other grocery chain in my area. Also, if their Pepsi products are advertised on Sale for 99 cents, you have to make sure that you are buying the right flavor, because not all Pepsi products are on sale, even though every other supermarket allows you to buy what ever flavor you want at their advertised price.
       
       Another thing they will do is put Peanut butter on sale, but, if it crunchy or fat free Peanut butter, it's not on sale, even if it is the same brand. Their Peanut butter is also more expensive than other stores.
       
       To test this, take a competitor grocery ad into your local Walmart Super Center, and compare prices. You will find some really good deals, while you are getting the shaft on others. I also know that Mens grooming supplies are way more expensive at Walmart then at other stores.
       The razors I usually buy are like $5.00 more at Walmart.
       
       I would also never buy anything electronic there. My brother purchased a DVD player there, and it quit working after 3 days. They told him that they would only exchange his player for the same model, and he had to get a manager to get a cash refund. I also purchased a cell phone there, and it quit working after just a few days.
       
       Their customer service counter is insane, usually only one person there, with a line a mile long. And, it usually takes management a half hour to 45 minutes to respond to customers, and do over-rides. Another place were there seem to be 4 registers, but nobody is ever working them. Their customer service is the worst I have ever seen, not matter what store I go to, it's always bad...always!!

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    i_am_Legendposted 14 years ago

    I do not shop at Walmart. in support of mom and pop shops. i know a few owners who lost everything because of Walmart.

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    StormRyderposted 14 years ago

    I try to avoid Wal-mart if I can but do stop they from time to time only because its close to home and I just need one or two things.
    Have any of you seen Wal-Mart: The High Cost of Low Price documentary. It gave a very good insight to the way they do buisness and how they remain the goliath of retail. And the Walton family...lets just say they are not the most generous.
    5 members of the Walton family rank in the top 10 richest in America yet give little back to the employees. A WAL-MART Worker may donate money from their paycheck to the CRITICAL NEED FUND, a program to aid other employees in times of crisis, like a hurricane,fire or tornado.
    In 2004, WAL-MART Employees gave OVER $5 MILLION to help fellow workers. The Walton Family contributed $6,000, thats just pathetic! The interveiws with some of the suppliers was interesting also..If you get a chance watch this documetary.

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    khood1357posted 14 years ago

    In my opinion, there are pros and cons to Wal-Mart. Yes, Wal-Mart's wide selection of products, ability to buy in bulk, and one stop shopping has made their marketing strategy well worth while for their customers; while in return, putting some mom and pop stores out of business. But, that is just it, Wal-Mart employees are many people just like you and I so, just because the mom and pop stores did not have the marketing strategy skills that Wal-Mart does, does not mean that it is "Wal-Mart's fault" that they went out of business. I believe that what makes a business is good customer service, positive feedback, repeatedly versed marketing strategies that work, quality products, and most of all affordable prices.

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    brimancandyposted 14 years ago

    There is one more reason that Walmart is such a success, compared to the mom and pop stores. Walmart has thousands of stores in the United States, and they usually do not have to do much searching around for products to sell as the mom and pop stores do, because vendors and manufactures of products come to Walmart with ideas, and, everything they have to pitch. Knowing that Walmart is open to hundreds of millions of people. Where as the mom and pop stores only cater locally.
    
    I worked for the Meijer corporation, which is a big supermarket chain in the midwest, and they have all the same stuff that walmart has, along with exclusives, and stuff that is only available at Meijer. Just as Target and other stores do. We constantly had companies coming into our store with a new product to sell.
    
    Another thing you might not know, is that those companmies will sometimes offer their first batch of new products to the company free of charge, which means whatever the company sells of that product is 100 percent profit. They get their product noticed, and the stores go out of their way to promote it.
    
    Another thing they get a lot of freebies on, is advancements in displays, new technology, and, tons of free in store promotions.
    Stuff that is probably never offered to the mom and pop crowd.
    
    If these huge companies did not have that kind of free support from the product makers. They might not be doing as well as they are. Not, only that, but almost everything they throw away is written off as a business expense. Usually, hundreds of thousands of dollars in product every day, especially when it comes to those markets that sell groceries and produce.

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24. 61

    Writeme ASmileposted 13 years ago

    I do not shop Walmart because their products are not quality, any longer. I bought some items last year; such as underwear and t-shirts, and plastic containers from Walmart and I bought the same brand from one of their competitors, at Christmas. The quality was better with the items I purchased from Walmart's competitors. What's up with that?
    
    It, also, scares me when I pass a Walmart and their parking lot is full of cars. Americans need to wake up and smell the coffee.
    
    Something is just errie about seeing so many people falling into the Walmart trap.

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25. 66

    PaulaHenry1posted 13 years ago

    We have a brand new Walmart Superstore in our town. They shut down the regular Walmart in hopes that this store would beat out all competition including Target and the local grocery. However, Grand Opening weekend, they had 3 check out lanes open,YES 3! empty shelves and a crab at the service counter.I was told by crabby cash register girl that they only staffed 75 people for grand opening.
    No one was available to answer questions or help those who were new to the store. Also (small town) they decided to locate their store off a main Hwy but not adding a turn lane making the traffic unbearble, they also utilized roundabouts, which people here have no idea how to drive on.
    It has been open approx 2 months and shelves are still empty, staff are still crabs and it isn't worth going out of my way to save $.30 on shampoo.

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    1. 66

       PaulaHenry1posted 13 years agoin reply to this

       Oh yeah! I failed to mention the old bait n switch every Holiday season. Plus- TV 200.00 for Black Friday!!! But they forgot to mention they only have 2!!!! No wonder people die trying to get in the damn door!

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26. 62

    paradigmsearchposted 13 years ago

    Based on my own personal experience, do not buy your car battery at Walmart. In my personal opinion, you are guaranteed to be stranded somewhere within two years.
    
    Some of Wal-Mart’s other stuff isn’t that bad.

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27. 75

    American_Choicesposted 13 years ago

    First, great discussion - thank you for this opportunity.
    
    Wal-Mart is the global giant but as this discussion showcases, Wal-Mart can be held responsible - through social pressure or legal pressure.
    
    I feel strongly that we as consumers can retain jobs here in the United States, if we send a clear message to Wal-Mart to actively search for American made goods and companies who pay corporate taxes in the United States.
    
    Wal-Mart will respond to the market - that is basis of economic theory.  Wal-Mart is an oligopoly with a market strong hold that has killed Mom and Pop businesses but the consumer has the power to retain American companies and American jobs.

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28. 62

    Ben Evansposted 13 years ago

    Walmart while perceived poorly is not much different than:
    
    Ikea, Costco, Target, Sears, Kmart, Home Depot, Office Depot.......
    
    All of these stores import most of what they sell.  They are giants and are hard to compete against.  Many could be considered exploitative of their employees.
    
    The bottom line is most people are looking for something inexpensive so they support these stores.   Good, bad or otherwise.  Walmart just has a more negative reputation but that actually serves as advertisement.

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29. 83

    Rafiniposted 13 years ago

    Walmart is a predatory store that sells nothing more than low-quality junk. 
    
    Walmart also doesn't treat their employees well, at all.  They hired my son, with Aspergers, and paid him minimum wage.  Then, at his annual review told him he was doing a wonderful job - a few months later, they hired someone else who then told the managers my son wasn't doing his job properly, and he was fired without warning.
    
    I shopped at Walmart while my son was employed there, but I'll never go back.  I'm sick and tired of buying can openers that break the first time they're used, or seams coming unraveled the first time the item of clothing is washed.  I'm tired of the handles of my pots & pans needing to be tightened every week.  I'm tired of buying light bulbs that burn out within 74 hours. 
    
    And, I'm tired of their Bait & Switch practices - When my son went in to buy a TV that was on sale he ended up buying a more expensive one because they didn't have the one he wanted in stock!  They didn't even offer a raincheck!!  I was angry, but my son wanted his own TV.
    
    No, no more Walmart for me.

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30. 77

    schoolgirlforrealposted 13 years ago

    Well um here its' pretty cool for the prices
    I heard that poor countries in factories were being worked all day for very little pay for walmart?
    
    I don't know how it impacted business, I really didn't notice. It just helps me and others afford more though we have dollar stores, even cheaper.
    
    Thou Walmart sells computers and stuff not too much lower so...
    
    ANd I think alot of people prefer quality brands or stores....But it's pretty cool.

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31. 68

    creativeone59posted 13 years ago

    The answer is yes,the reason that other stores go belly up,is because Wal Mart make sure they corner the market on everything you need or want. Ther's no reason to go to any other stores because everythibng you need is right in Wal Mart. Plus Wal Mart Prices are always going to be cheaper than any other stores, so yes the Wal Mart  stores cause mom and pop stores to close their doors. Godspeed. creatvieone59

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32. 57

    foreignpressposted 13 years ago

    WalMart has its downside but consider also:
    - Every retail store has good deals and bad deals. So you have to be a savvy shopper in any store.
    - A checkout person paid $12 an hour is a very good wage for that type of job. Compare that with other retail stores and most checkout clerks would take Walmart's wage. There has to be a wage ceiling on certain types of jobs. A checkout clerk paid $20 an hour is insane.
    - Retail is a tough business. Stores open and close every year. Keeping a tight handle on overhead expenses is critical.
    - Walmart has its Walmart University. This is where employees can learn the retail business free via on-the-job training and by using Walmart's free computer facilities. So if you're into learning the retail trade Walmart is a good place to start.
    - It's true that the more intelligent employees usually quit Walmart. That's why produce is substandard, employees are always mad, and other negatives. This is because the employees are not professional and have a poor work ethic. Is this Walmart's fault? Probably, because these people aren't fired.
    - Most employees have a "me-first" attitude instead of working for the global cause. Employees who expect to be treated like royalty -- especially in the rough and tumble world of retail -- should work at home. It is this attitude that forces stores out of business.
    -Walmart is a business. It exists to make a profit. Walmart does make various contributions to the communities it's in. But, by and large, Walmart has been forced to adopt the credo: Do Unto Others Before They Do It To You. That's how this world works.
       The best way to keep Walmart in check is to shop at the friendly mom & pop shops. Sure, you pay more. But that option is always there.

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33. 60

    Josh Wolffposted 13 years ago

    Again! Please read my hub on just this at: <snipped link - do not promote your Hubs in the forums>

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34. 68

    nflagatorposted 13 years ago

    A topic my husband and I have discussed many times.
    For most of my adult life I have lived in a large densely populated metropolitan area, which had several Super Wal-Mart’s within 10 miles of my residence.  I rarely shopped there. 
    I had available to me many other shopping options, such as Winn Dixie, Publix, Kash-n-Karry, Albertsons, Sav-a-lot, Jewel Osco -those are just the grocery store options.  Imagine shopping Utopia!
    
    Five years ago, tired of the rat-race, we abandoned ship and moved to a very rural area 200 miles away and 50 miles from the closest "City".
    My new town has 1 Super Wal-Mart, 1 Winn Dixie, 1 Sav-a-lot,
    and a K-Mart, throw in a few Dollar Stores, a Pay-Less Shoes and Family Dollar store also.  A few Mom and Pop stores have survived here.
    
    I am not a wealthy person.  I am a frugal shopper, but I will choose quality over "Best Price" when quality can be found.
    Needless to say I travel 100 miles round trip monthly for my quality purchases. 
    
    With limited shopping options I do shop at Wal-Mart, though it is usually an unpleasant experience.  I do make a conscience effort to shop at Winn Dixie for meats and K-Mart and other M&P stores too.  It’s my way to help keep the local economy going, (they have employees with families too).
    
    Staff at Wal-Mart is minimal, though most are courteous.  It's pointless to request they stock a particular item, even if it is something you and others would probably buy on a regular basis.  I'm talking about Joan of Arc Kidney beans.  Really!  For four months there were none to be found at my local Wal-Mart.
    
    My husband is diabetic so I either make from scratch Apple turnovers or Chocolate Chip cookies, (yes Hershey's makes sugar free chocolate chips).   Often, I'll bake a sugar free cake, (Pillsbury has a descent mix out). Surprisingly, Wal-Mart has these items while other stores in town do not. The sugar free chocolate chips are not always in stock, so I buy several bags when they are in stock.
    
    As I understand it, many of Wal-Mart’s store labeled GREAT VALUE canned vegetables are actually brands like DelMonte or Libby's, but through a purchasing agreement with those companies they are labeled as GV.  Just Sayin'.  On the other hand HANES underwear sold at Wal-Mart is not of the same quality as HANES underwear sold at Sears of JC Penney.
    
    Most everything sold at Wal-Mart is of poor quality and/or is made in China or other countries.
    
    Oh and why does their garden center sell shrubs and trees that simply will not survive in that local growing zone? Are they not reading the labels or are they simply hoping we don't read the labels?
    
    Anyway, when shopping on-line and elsewhere I look for Made in the USA.  Do yourself and our country a favor and consider doing the same. Oh how I miss Publix!

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35. 61

    SomewayOuttaHereposted 13 years ago

    ...been there 2x...not impressed...too big...too much stuff and of course takes away biz from the independent folks...destroys them actually because people want a deal even if the quality isn't there....i get that though especially when money is tight...it's tempting for people to go there...
    
    ...went a few weeks ago for the second time...i was told that the only place i could buy what i needed was at walmart...so off i went...couldn't find my way in .... LOL......whatup with that....built the crazy store so that you can only enter if you drive there.....LOL...well i drove but of course didn't notice all the big signs pointing me to another part of the underground parking lot to the escalator to bring me into walmart heaven.....walked out onto the street and couldn't find the entrance...frustrated, i drove out only to the see the darn signs as i was leaving the parking lot!....flipped 'em my finger as i left....i felt like Lemmie for a moment...lol....don't think i'll go for a 3rd try....wallymart lost me again....

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36. 52

    Diggin4Truthposted 13 years ago

    At the risk of being flamed, and getting lots of hateful comments...
    
    The companies that went out of business when Wallmart comes to town are being mismanaged.
    
    Wallmart carries a wide selection, but not a deep selection. So say for books, they may carry the NY Times top 10 best sellers, but not much else.
    
    They carry Big Screen TV's, but only a few brands, and a limited selection of those brands.
    
    They use their buying power, and most importantly pass a lot of those savings on to consumers. They are very cautious with their advertising. You do not see them advertising in the newspapers or TV every week. Only a few weeks out of the year.
    
    The people I have interacted with from cashiers to door greeters, to shelf stockers are all extremely polite, and seem to want to be as helpful as possible... e.g. "Where is shoe polish?" They answer "Isle 13, come on I'll take you there." And they walk you over.
    
    Most other retail stores, if you can find someone, they will just grunt the isle like you are interrupting their day.
    
    So if you really want to compete and prosper when Wallmart comes to town I suggest the following:
    
    1. Do not compete on price. You will lose. Even though not everything at Wallmart is the cheapest.
    
    2. Compete on depth. Carry more products in areas that Wallmart does not.
    
    3. Improve your service. The customer is NOT an interruption to your day. They are your reason for being in business.
    
    4. Study the market. Carry product categories that are good sellers.
    
    5. Make your staff experts in the products. Not people who pick up a box and read the back of it to a customer asking about it.
    
    6. Offer extra services. Sell big screen TV's... how about adding in financing? Installation services? Classes on how to use it more effectively (like how to hook it up to a computer, etc.)
    
    7. Remember, a customer who buys on price alone is NOT a loyal customer. I buy some things at Wallmart. I buy some things at Costco, Target, and the local mom and pop stores. I also buy over the internet.

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