How do you feel about Wal-Mart?

iVillage Member
Registered: 07-04-2008
How do you feel about Wal-Mart?
383
Wed, 11-26-2008 - 6:23pm

I read this op/ed (it's tied in with the automotive industry issues) http://www.indystar.com/article/20081119/OPINION12/811190304/1301/ARCHIVE the other day and it got me thinking. I've always heard about the lousy way they treat their employees but...it's their prices that keep me going back. Since I've moved to the South it's been even worse. They have Super Wal-Marts here where there is a grocery store in the Wal-Mart.

Now, there was an article the other day in my local newspaper with the mayor asking people to do their Christmas shopping downtown and buy local to support our mom & pop stores. Now, I'd love to do that but I have three kids and you know where I'm going.

Part of me really doesn't like what Wal-Mart stands for but the other part of me feels like "why should I pay more when I know I can get it cheaper there?"

Any thoughts?

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iVillage Member
Registered: 11-20-2008
Sat, 11-29-2008 - 7:39am

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So earning 31% less is a good thing? Now you see how 'hope and change' could motivate people - they probably 'hope' for a living wage.

>>Small retailers. "Here the research is crystal-clear," Irwin said. "Small retailers get driven out of business when Wal-Mart moves into town." One national study showed that five years after a Wal-Mart or Kmart opening, an average of four small retailers shut their doors. Another researcher estimates that Wal-Mart's expansion in the late 1980s to late 1990s accounts for 50 percent to 70 percent of the decrease in number of small retailers across the United States.<<

So, with a 50 to 70% decrease in small retailers following Walmart where do those workers go? To Walmart, where they earn significantly less then they had prior to Walmart's opening - more jobs? NO, just lower paying jobs.

<<>>

'Possibly a significant loss of jobs' How is that a good thing?

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So, the tax increase is short lived - and then becomes a tax decrease - how very profitable for the community - NOT.

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So, for the limited tax increase there is a offsetting increase in social program drain - how is that good for the community at large????

http://www.ag.ohio-state.edu/~news/story.php?id=3515

Sorry, I don't think you have proved your case. But, in researching this I think I have decided to limit my shopping at Walmart even more. Those 'low' prices seem to come with a pretty high price tag after all. Pay less now, pay more later. I prefer to 'pay' the cost when I am buying the merchandise, not down the line.

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iVillage Member
Registered: 08-20-2008
Sat, 11-29-2008 - 8:56am
When do we start holding the PEOPLE responsible for their actions? Did Walmart advertise that they wanted people stampeding in the door?
iVillage Member
Registered: 08-13-2008
Sat, 11-29-2008 - 8:58am

Sounds like $100-250K more than the community would get if Wal-Mart weren't there. Thanks Wal-Mart.


Versus an outflow of 100 million minus wages, minus 250,000, and associated expenses... something like 90,000,000 vs 200,000.


Yeah, sounds like the fuzzy math Bush once referred to.

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iVillage Member
Registered: 08-13-2008
Sat, 11-29-2008 - 9:03am

In this case, both store and customers that stampeded are responsible in different ways. Wal-Mart will likely be sued and found negligent for ever opening the doors in that madness - they should have called authorities or hired a firm to provide some semblance of order.


The employer has a responsibility to provide a safe working environment. It did not.


Now those who pressed on in... I doubt charges will be brought, not unless they can actually figure out who, and who did what when, who was pressed from behind, etc. I imagine they feel rather ill this morning.

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iVillage Member
Registered: 11-26-2008
Sat, 11-29-2008 - 11:20am

I have highlighted where Walmart has hired undocumented immigrants, has exploited taxpayers, and has resisted cooperating with homeland security measures.


This source is not unbiased, but it references all it's sources, so it is accurate.

iVillage Member
Registered: 11-14-2008
Sat, 11-29-2008 - 11:31am

In this case, both store and customers that stampeded are responsible in different ways. Wal-Mart will likely be sued and found negligent for ever opening the doors in that madness - they should have called authorities or hired a firm to provide some semblance of order.


From the news reports it's my understanding that the customers literally busted down the doors.

iVillage Member
Registered: 02-19-2008
Sat, 11-29-2008 - 11:36am

One 200-employee Wal-Mart store may cost federal taxpayers $420,750 per year.

What proof do you have that these costs wouldn't have been incurred if the Wal-Mart wasn't there?

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iVillage Member
Registered: 11-14-2008
Sat, 11-29-2008 - 11:39am
I hear what you're saying, but Wal Mart didn't "let" these people in.
iVillage Member
Registered: 03-09-2001
Sat, 11-29-2008 - 11:47am
"When do we start holding the PEOPLE responsible for their actions? Did Walmart advertise that they wanted people stampeding in the door?"



I agree that the out of control hysterical shoppers should definitely be brought up on charges for killing the employee as well as the damage done. Hope they have enough video to identify these people! However, Walmart, while not asking for hysterical stampeding shoppers, should certainly have provided a better entry and opening strategy, had security personnel there, instead of risking an employee against the mob waiting outside. So, with poor and irresponsible lack of planning, I still think Walmart should be held accountable, also. There has been other riots like this in the past on Black Friday; Walmart should have known better, IMO.


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iVillage Member
Registered: 08-13-2008
Sat, 11-29-2008 - 12:05pm

That changes it some... though I suspect OSHA will be looking at this issue, given an employee was involved.


I hope all government entities review the parameters of these enticing sales, and set up requirements for managing crowds, admittance, etc...


another discussion on this incident:


http://messageboards.ivillage.com/n/mb/message.asp?webtag=iv-pshottopics&msg=12939.1&x=y



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