Walmart

[Teo9969]

LOL.

well, we'll see

[Just the facts]

As I said earlier - Walmart is not going to tank over night - if it ever does. What I find most interesting is that Walmart started with a base of rural small towns in southern states, and it is these very towns that finally re-investing in themselves. Couple that with places like DC which basically prevented Walmart from implementing their business strategy inside the DC city limits and we will see what happens. I think Walmart has reported 2 quarters of declining sales this year.

[BBatesokc]

Personally I don't get all the Walmart hate. They employ a lot of people, pay decent wages for the work required and give the majority of consumers what they want - variety, and acceptable quality for a low price.

These mom and pop shops everyone is so nostalgic over don't have a workshop of magic elves that crank out some far superior product. In most cases the items these tiny local stores sold were the exact same product Walmart sells - only Walmart carries a wider variety of products and sells them cheaper.

Because of the variety and low price they also attract a type of shopper I'm not real keen on bumping into while going about my day, but that's just the reality of it and why I tend to shop at 7am.

I worked for Walmart many, many years ago and they treated me fine and gave me opportunities to advance and even pay part of my school.

Did they crush a lot of small mom and pop shops? Yep, but that's capitalism and you don't get to pick and choose when its applied. The little guy has plenty of room to succeed even with the Walmarts - some recognize what it takes and other don't.

I probably shop at Walmart twice a week (at least) and I'm thankful for them.

(FYI - The video below is from a cable program and does contain foul language and some nudity. Some viewers may find this offensive, while others may find it mandatory)

[Roger S]

Personally I don't get all the Walmart hate. They employ a lot of people, pay decent wages for the work required and give the majority of consumers what they want - variety, and acceptable quality for a low price.

But it's so hip to hate Walmart.

Personally I try and support local as much as I can but it all comes down to convenience for me. If I need something and I can drive a mile to the Walmart and get it... Well I'm driving to the Walmart.

Unfortunately for Walmart I live closer to a Crest than I do the Neighborhood Market..... So the Crest wins most of the time..... Crest really only loses when I get a craving for a big container of Utz Cheese Balls.

[jerrywall]

Personally I don't get all the Walmart hate. They employ a lot of people, pay decent wages for the work required and give the majority of consumers what they want - variety, and acceptable quality for a low price.

I don't have Wal-Mart hate, but I do think they are bad for a community, and what good they provide doesn't offset the bad they contribute. When Wal-Marts were rare, having them in town (ala kingfisher many years ago) they could be a boon to the local economy, bringing in folks from many miles around to shop. Now, they're so prevalent that they don't really bring new business into a community, but they do send their profits out of the community.

Additionally, Wal-Mart workers make almost 30% less than other major retailers. Considering the amount of employees Wal-Mart has, that has a chilling effect on wage growth in the market.

As far as "capitalism", I'm all for that, but cities need to quit giving economic incentives to Wal-Mart. That's not capitalism. If Wal-Mart can't compete against the little local shops without tax incentives and rebates, then maybe THEY'RE doing something wrong.

[BBatesokc]

Additionally, Wal-Mart workers make almost 30% less than other major retailers.

Where is that number coming from? I've seen averages of 7-11% less (even higher if you just compare it to an individual store like Costco) but never as high as 30% on average. Their corporate website claims the average full time wage is $12.78.

I realize many of their employees are not full time, but if you're working part time and trying to raise a family you need a reality check.

[bchris02]

I don't have Wal-Mart hate, but I do think they are bad for a community, and what good they provide doesn't offset the bad they contribute. When Wal-Marts were rare, having them in town (ala kingfisher many years ago) they could be a boon to the local economy, bringing in folks from many miles around to shop. Now, they're so prevalent that they don't really bring new business into a community, but they do send their profits out of the community.

Additionally, Wal-Mart workers make almost 30% less than other major retailers. Considering the amount of employees Wal-Mart has, that has a chilling effect on wage growth in the market.

As far as "capitalism", I'm all for that, but cities need to quit giving economic incentives to Wal-Mart. That's not capitalism. If Wal-Mart can't compete against the little local shops without tax incentives and rebates, then maybe THEY'RE doing something wrong.

I agree. I honestly don't mind Wal-Mart in areas where it is simply one of many options. I do however despise when they completely take over and dominate the market.

[Just the facts]

If Walmart pay is so great why do they encourage their employees to go on state and federal assistance programs to supplement their income? Walmart simply uses government programs as part of their total compensation package for their employees by paying their employees just below the qualification threshold. No one in their right mind can call that free market capitalism.

[Just the facts]

I am posting this here for anyone that wants to watch it. It is not a left-wing hit piece and it is not a right-wing hit piece - even though it has been accused of being both. It basically just documents how the Walmart business model works. The video quality is kind of crappy but it is available on Netflix instant view for those wanting to watch it in HD.

Favorite quote: We start talking about quality of life and they start talking about cheap underwear.

Walmart: The High Cost of Low Prices

[Just the facts]

I realize many of their employees are not full time, but if you're working part time and trying to raise a family you need a reality check.

That is one of the problems - the local jobs that were lost were capable of raising a family on. Explain how trading a job that a person can raise a family on for 2 jobs that people can't raise a family is good for anyone.

[BBatesokc]

That is one of the problems - the local jobs that were lost were capable of raising a family on. Explain how trading a job that a person can raise a family on for 2 jobs that people can't raise a family is good for anyone.

I don't believe for one second a cashier at some mom and pop joint that went out of business was being paid substantially more money.

I worked for Walmart and managed to pay my bills just fine. I also knew being a cashier was for the young or the retired.

If you're gonna raise a family, I suggest you put forth more effort than to be a cashier or stock shelves. People can take that however they want, but to expect someone to make $30,000+ a year for a Walmart level menial position is crazy IMO.

[Stew]

I don't believe for one second a cashier at some mom and pop joint that went out of business was being paid substantially more money.

I worked for Walmart and managed to pay my bills just fine. I also knew being a cashier was for the young or the retired.

If you're gonna raise a family, I suggest you put forth more effort than to be a cashier or stock shelves. People can take that however they want, but to expect someone to make $30,000+ a year for a Walmart level menial position is crazy IMO.

Why is it crazy to expect somebody working for one of the largest companies in the history of mankind in one of the wealthiest countries in the history of mankind to make a livable wage? Cashiers working at grocery stores in Germany do, why is it not possible here? JMHO.

[ThomPaine]

Why is it crazy to expect somebody working for one of the largest companies in the history of mankind in one of the wealthiest countries in the history of mankind to make a livable wage? Cashiers working at grocery stores in Germany do, why is it not possible here? JMHO.

For the same reason we don't have a workable national healthcare plan, or high speed rail, or decent roads.

[soonerguru]

If there's one thing that irks me to no end, it is Wal-Mart apologists. Fine, if you want your crappy cheap Chinese stuff and it's convenient, go for it, but don't go bragging about Wal-Mart being a good corporate citizen. It is a vile company.

[RadicalModerate]

I'm not sure why . . . But this just popped into my frame of reference:

Who's who within the context of this discussion?

[Just the facts]

Why is it crazy to expect somebody working for one of the largest companies in the history of mankind in one of the wealthiest countries in the history of mankind to make a livable wage? Cashiers working at grocery stores in Germany do, why is it not possible here? JMHO.

Last week the City of Washington DC passed an ordinance that companies the size of Walmart have to pay $12/hour. The average Walmart store makes something like $100 million per year and they were going to open 3 in DC. Walmart said they were not going to open the stores if the ordinance passes. You would think for $300 million a year Walmart could pay $12/hr - but I guess not.

[RadicalModerate]

Well . . . that's one way to keep Walmart from running down the neighborhood.

just out of curiosity . . . is Washington D.C. a city?
like, doesn't The City of Washington District of Columbia sound a little goofy?

[soonerguru]

Last week the City of Washington DC passed an ordinance that companies the size of Walmart have to pay $12/hour. The average Walmart store makes something like $100 million per year and they were going to open 3 in DC. Walmart said they were not going to open the stores if the ordinance passes. You would think for $300 million a year Walmart could pay $12/hr - but I guess not.

Good. Wal-Mart has been desperate to enter that market -- as well as NYC -- for years. If they don't want to pay the people, tough.

[CaptDave]

I am posting this here for anyone that wants to watch it. It is not a left-wing hit piece and it is not a right-wing hit piece - even though it has been accused of being both. It basically just documents how the Walmart business model works. The video quality is kind of crappy but it is available on Netflix instant view for those wanting to watch it in HD.

Favorite quote: We start talking about quality of life and they start talking about cheap underwear.

Walmart: The High Cost of Low Prices

I thought the segment where the town officials said WalMart essentially extorted infrastructure from the town by threatening to build the Supercenter just outside the city limits was most indicative of the type of scum running Walmart today. They would still be getting the customers and avoid paying any taxes to the town. And killing the local businesses and downtown in the process. I think Sam Walton has rolled a milion miles in his grave......

[Just the facts]

I worked for Walmart and managed to pay my bills just fine. I also knew being a cashier was for the young or the retired.

If you're gonna raise a family, I suggest you put forth more effort than to be a cashier or stock shelves. People can take that however they want, but to expect someone to make $30,000+ a year for a Walmart level menial position is crazy IMO.

Big deal, 25 years ago I went to a public high school in California. I wouldn't send my kids to one today. The average Walmart employee makes $15,576 per year based on a 34 hour work week - which has since been lowered to 29 hours resulting in a full time job earning $13,285 per year.

My fellow right-wingers can't on one hand complain that the Obama recovery is all low paying part time jobs and then on the other hand laud Walmart for job creation. It's laughable. Here in Florida there are more full-time (29 hours or more per week) Walmart employees on food stamps than any other company and Walmart is the largest in employer in 33 states - anyone care to guess in how many of those states Walmart employees are also at the top of food stamp recipient list? If not for taxpayer funded social programs people couldn't afford to work at Walmart.

[RadicalModerate]

I heard somewhere that Sam's grave was opened so a stake could be driven through his heart to make sure he couldn't come back . . .

[Just the facts]

I thought the segment where the town officials said WalMart essentially extorted infrastructure from the town by threatening to build the Supercenter just outside the city limits was most indicative of the type of scum running Walmart today. They still getting the customers and avoid paying any taxes to the town. And killing the local businesses and downtown in the process. I think Sam Walton has rolled a milion miles in his grave......

Pretty freaking disgusting wasn't it. Of course, I have no love for the Ace Hardware guy at the beginning either - he did is own part to kill his little hometown city center long before Walmart showed up.

[Bunty]

Last week the City of Washington DC passed an ordinance that companies the size of Walmart have to pay $12/hour. The average Walmart store makes something like $100 million per year and they were going to open 3 in DC. Walmart said they were not going to open the stores if the ordinance passes. You would think for $300 million a year Walmart could pay $12/hr - but I guess not.

Is Target already there and paying close to $12 an hour? If so I'm sure Target is happy to be protected from new competition.

[CaptDave]

I heard somewhere that Sam's grave was opened so a stake could be driven through his heart to make sure he couldn't come back . . .

Yeah - opened by his kids and people running the company today so he wouldn't come back for them.

[RadicalModerate]

"Ed . . . Zacary" . . . =)

Did you hear or read the report that at one of the first big corporate get-togethers after the demise of St. Sam that the family and the overpaid suits actually hired a medium to attempt to channel his spirit? Bet that wouldn't happen today.