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: 04-21-2004
Mon, 12-01-2008 - 6:36pm

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martinisnsushi - the two most important food groups!

iVillage Member
Registered: 11-19-2008
Mon, 12-01-2008 - 7:28pm

((The only reason you don't know is that you didn't care to know. The information is available if you "care" enough to search it out...most "caring" people don't.))

>>> You don't know me, or my purchasing practices, from a hole in the ground.

You're right...I only know what you told me...and you said you were uninformed (concerning the origins and workers situations) about many of the products you purchase.

((Wouldn't a belief like that demand that you research the origins and conditions of every product you buy to make sure that no one "suffered" to provide it for you?))

>>> Yes, it is the reason I don't shop at Walmart. There are many, many other purchases that are impacted by my belief system.

Like I said, with all of the propaganda swirling around, Wal-Mart's an easy target, but if you don't research it, how do you know that your local dress shop or lighting store doesn't get their goods, or portions of them, from third world companies who "abuse" workers?

>>> And I guess for alot of other people, they knowingly patronize places that violate human rights. I'm not sure how any of this relates to Mercedes or French wine, neither of which I purchase, but also am unaware of human rights violations in their production.

And you think Wal-Mart violates "human rights?" Do you have some proof, or is this just the usual propaganda?

>>> I mistakenly thought we were discussing the pros and cons of supporting Walmart and it's impact on the global economy and human rights. I now realize that you are intent on flinging insults.

Sure, we're discussing Wal-Mart, and also the hypocrisy of those who hate Wal-Mart...sorry if you're perceiving that as insulting.

>>> Good day, I'm finished with this discussion.

Good day.

iVillage Member
Registered: 11-19-2008
Mon, 12-01-2008 - 8:21pm

>>> Well, my 6 year old can destroy a pair of Wal-mart running shoes in a week, and their T-shirts often shrink so much that they don't fit over his head after the second washing. I'd rather spend a few more dollars and get a quality product than have to continually re-buy the same items due to poor workmanship and materials.

Of course you're free to spend as much as you like. I haven't had the same problems you have. If I anticipate shrinkage, I usually just buy a larger size, and my kids usually outgrow shoes before destroying them. And considering the large number of repeat customers who shop at Wal-Mart, I don't think it's too much of a stretch to presume that their experiences with WM's products are more similar to mine than yours. Have you considered trying a different detergent or washing with cold water?

iVillage Member
Registered: 11-19-2008
Mon, 12-01-2008 - 8:47pm

>>> I, along with others, have already listed the unethical practices and human rights violations. You seem to disagree that those practices are unethical. Everyone has to follow his or her own conscience.

I have read stories where Wal-Mart product providers were accused of "worker abuse," for lack of a better word, and in those stories, when Wal-Mart was made aware of this, they seemed to have addressed it aggressively. If you have information of other unethical practices or human rights violations attributable to the company itself, I'd appreciate it if you'd list them.

((How can you buy a car made in Mexico? Aren't you worried about Americans who have lost their jobs so you could afford your car? And did you make sure that the auto workers in Mexico were well treated and fairly compensated before you purchased your car? These are serious concerns and should be of import to all "liberal thinkers."))

>>> Actually I'm worried about why Ford is building so many cars outside our borders. My Honda, incidentally, was built in the US.

But we were discussing your Mexican-made Ford. Why the concern with WM suppliers and not Ford? Along with working conditions, I've heard many liberal thinkers rail against American companies who export jobs to foreign countries, even calling for fining them and boycotting their products. This isn't an issue for you?...or it is only Wal-Mart you have issues with?

((Aah...if only the issue were that simple. I agree that ONE of the wrongs was the hiring of the undocumented workers, but the wrong that precipitated that wrong was allowing the undocumented workers to be here in the first place...and the failure to aggressively enforce our laws when they are discovered.))

>>> And the wrong lies with the employers who hire them, therefore providing an incentive and reward for breaking the law. Plenty of blame to go around there.

Sounds cyclical...let's build that wall, fine the companies who hire the illegals and deport the ones we discover. Let's git 'er done!

((Six million cargo containers enter the US each year...what technology exists to adequately inspect each container and every ship without bringing the economy to a standstill?))

>>> The SAFE Port Act of 2006 requires it by 2012, though it has provisions that it may be delayed in two year increments if the technology isn't available yet.

It's a two fold problem...the first part, is the technology to efficiently inspect the containers, and I believe that technology could be available. The second part is to be able to inspect every container without interrupting the flow of goods...and that technology is not available. Right now, only 2% of containers are inspected...I wouldn't expect to see that jump up to 100% in the next 3-4 years.

iVillage Member
Registered: 11-19-2008
Mon, 12-01-2008 - 9:02pm

>>> In my experience, furniture made in China and other Asian countries often uses wood that isn't kiln-dried to the same standards as North American manufacturers, resulting in more splitting, warping and cracking. Therefore, a less durable product. (in addition to PA, there are some wonderful furniture manufacturers in Quebec.)

That seems like an aspect of the manufacturing process that is easily remedied by oversight from the mother company. Obviously the Asians are capable of making high-quality, long lasting products...their own history bears this out. If pennsylvania house furniture turns out an inferior product, it's because they chose to do so.

>>> Additionally, many Asian manufacturers don't even use real wood, but chipboard and cheap veneers. Might look good for a little while, but in my experience not as durable as hand made, solid wood furniture.

This is a manufacturing decision, not a failing of Asian manufacturers in general. American manufacturers can turn out quality or crap in exactly the same way.

>>> It's the same as children's clothing - you can save a few bucks and buy an inferior product that may not last as long as you need it to, or you can spend a little more and buy a product of higher quality.

Or you can buy a cheaper product and have it last just as long as the more expensive product with a "name" on it. If paying $25 for a t-shirt gives you the impression of quality, then by all means, scoop it up...for me, I'd rather pay $5.

iVillage Member
Registered: 11-19-2008
Mon, 12-01-2008 - 9:06pm

>>> I see. And how well did that theory test out over the past 8 years? Now we are in the worst financial collapse since the Great Depression with the government frantically backpeddling to try to avoid another one.

The economic difficulties our country, and the world, is facing were NOT caused by a free market, it was caused by the government imposing regulation on the market to try to instigate social engineering.

iVillage Member
Registered: 08-20-2008
Mon, 12-01-2008 - 9:18pm
So many words and so little time. Wal-Mart plays dirty. It brings us low prices by trashing its employees and American workers. We can all save $20 dollars on our next shopping trip and lose our job because Wal-Mart sent it to China. Then, with our new found low wages, we can work for them and apply to Medicaid for health benefits as instructed. Reality bites. You may wish to continue to live in the fantasy in which Wal-Mart, Fox and the Republicans are benevolent, helpful influences on America. Just ignore everything crashing down around us after they basically ran the show for the past 8 years. It is easier that way.
iVillage Member
Registered: 08-20-2008
Mon, 12-01-2008 - 9:22pm

"The economic difficulties our country, and the world, is facing were NOT caused by a free market, it was caused by the government imposing regulation on the market to try to instigate social engineering."

LOL! That's a new one!! Let me see, our Fox Republican government imposed an unprecedented increase in regulation over the past 8 years. Uh huh. And that's what precipitated the worst financial collapse since the Great Depression. Uh huh uh huh.

Well, back in reality, let me tell you who's going to get us out of this mess. Democrats. Just like Bill Clinton pulled us out of a downturn early in his Presidency and then went on to run a budget SURPLUS. Imagine that, a fiscally responsible politician who is smart and knows how to oversee our economy. That's something new after the last 8 years.

Sheesh.

iVillage Member
Registered: 11-20-2008
Mon, 12-01-2008 - 10:14pm
Or, you could try handwashing - like in the 1920's......
iVillage Member
Registered: 11-22-2008
Tue, 12-02-2008 - 12:34am

"And this is exactly how large companies who skirt the law do business."


I agree, some do and it is undenyable, but the truth remains it is these subcontractors that are the responsible parties here.

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