markd_nscr986 0 #1 May 2, 2005 I never patronize Wal-Mart because of my belief they are doing more harm to the economy than good.Plus the fact that they purchase 18 billion USD in goods from the PRC every year,and 5000 of their 6000 suppliers are in the PRC.....they should call it China-Mart Long,but interesting read............ www.msnbc.msn.com/id/7693580/site/newsweek/Marc SCR 6046 SCS 3004 Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
JohnRich 4 #2 May 2, 2005 QuoteI never patronize Wal-Mart because of my belief they are doing more harm to the economy than good.Plus the fact that they purchase 18 billion USD in goods from the PRC every year,and 5000 of their 6000 suppliers are in the PRC.....they should call it China-Mart What have you got against buying goods from China? Is this a trade deficit issue with you? Of is it about the loss of American jobs? Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Lindsey 0 #3 May 3, 2005 ...or is it because Chinese children have lower unemployment rates than American workers.... linz Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
AggieDave 6 #4 May 3, 2005 ***.or is it because Chinese children have lower unemployment rates than American workers.. Yeah, stupid child labor laws.--"When I die, may I be surrounded by scattered chrome and burning gasoline." Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
JohnnyD 0 #5 May 3, 2005 QuoteI never patronize Wal-Mart because of my belief they are doing more harm to the economy than good.Plus the fact that they purchase 18 billion USD in goods from the PRC every year,and 5000 of their 6000 suppliers are in the PRC.....they should call it China-Mart Long,but interesting read............ www.msnbc.msn.com/id/7693580/site/newsweek/ Wal-Mart is the largest employer in our state. A serious boycott would be very interesting. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
sinker 0 #6 May 3, 2005 I've never liked wally word b/c although they promote a "family friendly," consumer-first image, in business they are worse than ruthless. They've put countless small mom-and-pop stores under simply b/c they are so big they can afford to loose $$ until the competition dies. This article just makes me like them even less... ...and besides, alot of their stuff is shite.... -the artist formerly known as sinker Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
markd_nscr986 0 #7 May 3, 2005 QuoteWhat have you got against buying goods from China? Is this a trade deficit issue with you? Of is it about the loss of American jobs? Yes to both Loss of US jobs in the manufacturing sector and a monumental trade deficit........ Add that to the fact most of their workforce is paid a low wage and Wal-Marts' attempts not to let them unionize Plus they run numerous small businessmen out of business when they do set up shop in small to medium sized towns....... I feel that people that patronize Wal-Mart are putting their neighbors out of work.......Marc SCR 6046 SCS 3004 Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites Ron 10 #8 May 3, 2005 How about this...They gave 170 million to charity in FY2004...More than any other American company. They take an active role in conservation. They Are the WORLDS largest employeer. Yes, they get goods from China....Guess what? Other companies do also. You just have a problem since they are so large, and do it so well. But they are also the largest seller of many DOMESTIC products as well. Heres a tidbit for ya....Some economists think that Wal-Mart is responsible for the reduction of inflation by as much as 1% BY THEMSELVES. 90% of the food stuffs sold in Wal-Mart is American...Almost 40 BILLION dollars worth. Wal-Mart has 1.2 MILLION workers. would you rather they be unemployed? 20,000 are IT jobs...Wal-Mart does not outsource its IT departments unlike Dell ect. Plus they are a GREAT ROI. Remember when Teresa Heinz Kerry was slamming Wal-Mart? Seems she owned about a MILLON dollars worth of stock. Over 850 Mutual funds are invested in Wal-Mart. Some of the largest mutual funds. Some more info : QuoteThe other thing to look at in terms of company values is philanthropic work. Last year, Wal-Mart gave $140 million to local nonprofit organizations in its philanthropic work. In addition, to being named to the Fortune list, Wal-Mart has been presented with the Ron Brown Award for Corporate Leadership that recognizes companies with outstanding achievement in employee and community relations. These awards obviously fly in the face of the evil Wal-Mart. In 2002, Forbes magazine recognized Wal-Mart as being one of the most philanthropic companies in America. In 1999-2000, Americans named Wal-Mart as the company they think is first in supporting local causes and issues. According to the Foundation Center, Wal-Mart ranked among the top five corporate foundations in giving in 1999 and 2000. From How Cities Work by Alex Marshall: QuoteBefore World War II, the country made some effort to stop discount and chain stores and to protect smaller merchants. The fair-trade laws of the 1920s allowed manufacturers to set minimum prices for goods, thereby prohibiting deep discounts by stores in attempts to gain customers. The Wal-Mart, Target, Super K-Mart, and other big box stores are the current stage of this evolutionary process toward fewer and bigger. Wal-Mart has come to symbolize the destruction of traditional downtowns and community. From its start thirty-five years ago, Wal-Mart now has stores in all fifty states (with the larger ones being over 200,000 square feet). In 1997, it had a U.S. workforce of more than 700,000 people and $118 billion sales. The landing of these big boxes has become a symbol and sometimes an example of big, car-centered retail sucking the life out of Main Street businesses. There's some truth in this, but this storyline ignores the last century of retailing. It's as if we went from the general store to Wal-Marts with nothing in between. Before Wal-Mart, there was the shopping mall, the strip center, and the fast-food restaurant on the out-parcel, all designed around the car…. How much are you willing to pay? There is ample evidence that warehouse-style supermarkets and stores deliver goods at lower prices. They also do so more impersonally, and with perhaps greater environmental and social and collateral damage. One of the often-unasked questions at the heart of the debate over urbanism is how much Americans are willing to see prices rise on homes and the basic goods they buy in order to have a saner, more livable lifestyle 1. Several studies show that a Family that makes 20k a year will save 50.00-75.00 bucks a mth by shopping at Wal-Mart. 50.00-75.00 bucks a mth is a good chunk of change if all you make is 1666.00 a mth. So you still hate Wal-Mart?....OK how much more are you willing to pay to be rid of it? Think of the rise of inflation, higher unemployment, and the increase in costs of goods. Oh, and check to make sure you don't own a part of the company you hate so much. 1. From "No Place Like Home/Community and the Marketplace" (p. 191 - 193) How Cities Work by Alex Marshall, University of Texas Press Austin, 2000."No free man shall ever be debarred the use of arms." -- Thomas Jefferson, Thomas Jefferson Papers, 334 Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites Ian84 0 #9 May 3, 2005 Ever since working a job in sales I realize that the 'customer is always right' is a load of bollox. At the place I worked in the Cayman Islands we could always tell who the Wal-Mart shoppers were. The ones that left crap all over the place, dropped clothing on the floor and walked away etc..... Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites Alias 0 #10 May 3, 2005 Also don't forget that in order to do biz with Wall Mart. YOU have to front the goods. The will not purchase until the items are sold. Sweet deal Yep, they put small biz out of biz (90 % of biz in US are "small biz"). Just think, the small jeweler you father bought his wedding ring at is no longer there because WM now is in town. But don't worry, you can still go see Mr and Mrs Jones who ran the store - she is a greeter at WM and he works the watch counter - both can't get full time or good benifits. But hey, they can get all the xmas shopping done and some groceries for under 50.00 lucky them! Carpe Diem Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites PhreeZone 20 #11 May 3, 2005 Quote20,000 are IT jobs...Wal-Mart does not outsource its IT departments unlike Dell ect. They've outsourced a portion of them... because my company is doing the work You could'nt get me to be a Walmart employee. Employees are not allowed to have outside relationships with Vendors, contractors or management. They have a program in which all IT employees have to spend a day working in a store to keep "in touch" with the average store employee. What ends up happening is they hand out a work schedule for all the area stores and tell you where you are going to be working. Some times it might be 30-45 minutes away and the only way to get your milage covered is if you arrange a carpool of 4 people and have the carpool pre-approved by all thier managers. Yes, they employee lots of IT people, but a lot of them are stuck working there also since unless they are willing to uproot their families and move out of state they are the only employeer in the area. Lots more horror stories, but its enough that I avoid Walmart if at all possible.Yesterday is history And tomorrow is a mystery Parachutemanuals.com Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites EricTheRed 0 #12 May 3, 2005 QuoteWal-Mart has 1.2 MILLION workers. would you rather they be unemployed? This argument always cracks me up. You assume that all the goods sold by XX will no longer be sold at all if XX goes away. In reality, a BIG part of Wal-Marts success comes from efficiency in use of labor, which means they employ fewer people per widget sold, whether it comes from China or not.illegible usually Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites Ron 10 #13 May 3, 2005 QuoteAlso don't forget that in order to do biz with Wall Mart. YOU have to front the goods. The will not purchase until the items are sold. Sweet deal Yeah it is a sweat deal. You get to move lots of product, and they don't pay to store it till it sells. If I had a product and Wal-Mart would store it, promote it and sell it for me than pay me when it sells I'd be glad to do that. OH BTW some skydiving equipment sells this EXACT same way. QuoteYep, they put small biz out of biz (90 % of biz in US are "small biz"). The sky was supposed to be falling when Sears started....It was still supposed to be falling when strip malls opened....It was STILL supposed to be falling when super malls opened. ALL were said to be destroying the economy. Yet I bet you shopped at each one of them. QuoteJust think, the small jeweler you father bought his wedding ring at is no longer there because WM now is in town Bollocks. Specialty stores will always exist. I can't buy a Rolex at Wal-Mart. I did see this at a Sam's club...http://www.samsclub.com/eclub/main_shopping.jsp?BV_UseBVCookie=yes&n=0&mt=a&coe=0&oidPath=0:-23542:-30402:-30450:-38295:892562&fid=1S12 But I can get it even cheaper than that. QuoteBut don't worry, you can still go see Mr and Mrs Jones who ran the store - she is a greeter at WM and he works the watch counter - both can't get full time or good benifits. If the Jones's did a better job of running the store they would not go under. Simple fact bigger stores can have lower prices. I fly RC planes and the places the hobby shops get the planes are THE SAME places I can order direct from. I ALWAYS get a better deal from the big store AND I don't have to pay tax or shipping. But I still shop at the local hobby shops...They give me service and help. So if the small store wants to compete, they need to focus on service, and personal touches. People like to target the big guys...I bet this same shit was said of Sears, strip malls, and I can remember this crap being said about super malls."No free man shall ever be debarred the use of arms." -- Thomas Jefferson, Thomas Jefferson Papers, 334 Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites Ron 10 #14 May 3, 2005 QuoteThey've outsourced a portion of them Sorry you missed the "like Dell" part...I meant out of the country. QuoteYes, they employee lots of IT people, but a lot of them are stuck working there also since unless they are willing to uproot their families and move out of state they are the only employeer in the area. How is that Wal-Marts fault?"No free man shall ever be debarred the use of arms." -- Thomas Jefferson, Thomas Jefferson Papers, 334 Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites Ron 10 #15 May 3, 2005 QuoteThis argument always cracks me up. You assume that all the goods sold by XX will no longer be sold at all if XX goes away And the part about China can me said the same....If Wal-Mart didn't buy from China...Others would. QuoteIn reality, a BIG part of Wal-Marts success comes from efficiency in use of labor, which means they employ fewer people per widget sold, whether it comes from China or not. So how much more are you willing to pay for the products? See thats the great thing...you hate Wal-Mart...You don't have to shop there. I like and invest in Wal-Mart. If you don't like Wal-Mart...I suggest you check your 401k....I almost bet you own a part of it."No free man shall ever be debarred the use of arms." -- Thomas Jefferson, Thomas Jefferson Papers, 334 Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites DrunkMonkey 0 #16 May 3, 2005 Having just downloaded the Doom 3 Demo, it occurs to me that Wal Mart resembles the evil UAC company in the storyline... Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites AndyMan 7 #17 May 3, 2005 QuotePlus they are a GREAT ROI. Not so much anymore. Craichead and I love Walmart. A few hundred shares of their stock purchased 20 years ago paid for most of our new condo. We're glad we unloaded, though. It's trading near it's 5 year low, and most analysts don't see any reason for it to recover. If Teresa Heinz Kerry is really holding a Million in Walmart, she needs a better investment advisor. _Am__ You put the fun in "funnel" - craichead. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites rehmwa 2 #18 May 3, 2005 I rarely go to WalMart anymore. Not because of some idiotic 'save the world' complex, but simply because they used to be fairly nice, but now the stores are trashy - (their customer base trashes the stores and are completely unrespectful). They used to differentiate from the Targets and K-Marts of the world, now they are the same. supply and demand ... Driving is a one dimensional activity - a monkey can do it - being proud of your driving abilities is like being proud of being able to put on pants Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites craichead 0 #19 May 3, 2005 QuoteNot because of some idiotic 'save the world' complex, but simply because they used to be fairly nice, but now the stores are trashy - (their customer base trashes the stores and are completely unrespectful). They used to differentiate from the Targets and K-Marts of the world, now they are the same. Target is slightly better, but it depends on which "kind" of Target you go to and where in town it's located. There are three kinds of Target I know of: Target, the Famous French Boutique and pronounced "Tarzhay," usually located in the nicer parts of the city or in affluent suburbs. Targhetto. 'Nuff said. And the all around Targantua, which is the giant "Target Greatland" with grocery store and fast food court. _Pm__ "Scared of love, love and aeroplanes...falling out, I said takes no brains." -- Andy Partridge (XTC) Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites rehmwa 2 #20 May 3, 2005 Funny - And you are right, it clearly depends what neighborhoods you are in. Or more correctly, the demographics of those who travel to my WalMart, or my Target, etc..... But I wouldn't want to say that and be accused of politically incorrect insensitivity..... ... Driving is a one dimensional activity - a monkey can do it - being proud of your driving abilities is like being proud of being able to put on pants Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites Ron 10 #21 May 3, 2005 QuoteNot so much anymore. Craichead and I love Walmart. A few hundred shares of their stock purchased 20 years ago paid for most of our new condo. We're glad we unloaded, though. It's trading near it's 5 year low, and most analysts don't see any reason for it to recover. Yep...you are right...Damn. Time to sell. QuoteIf Teresa Heinz Kerry is really holding a Million in Walmart, she needs a better investment advisor. Well if you bought it in 98 when it was like 25.00 a share even todays 57.00 is still over double."No free man shall ever be debarred the use of arms." -- Thomas Jefferson, Thomas Jefferson Papers, 334 Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites billvon 3,092 #22 May 3, 2005 >Yes, they get goods from China....Guess what? Other companies do also. Other companies get a lot less of their goods from China. It's up to you - if you'd prefer that 70% of every dollar you spend goes to China instead of the US, then Wal-Mart is a fine choice. And there's always that 30% that might be employing someone here. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites Ron 10 #23 May 3, 2005 QuoteOther companies get a lot less of their goods from China. It's up to you - if you'd prefer that 70% of every dollar you spend goes to China instead of the US, then Wal-Mart is a fine choice. And there's always that 30% that might be employing someone here. See how great America is? I can buy the same stuff you do for less, and you can buy the same thing for more. This I found interesting an true: QuoteMore broadly, countries that have tried to wall themselves off from the rest of the world in the past—to maintain their economy or culture—have stagnated. Those that have embraced change have flourished. China is simply the biggest part of a new world. You cannot switch it off. I also find it funny that you claim Wal-Mart is bad since they buy from China, but you drive a Honda and a Toyota. I find it funny that you bitch about Wal-Mart and the trade imbalance, but you drive to the Mom and Pop store in your Import. In your case I don't blame you...you bought what you wanted, and I bet you bought it at the best price you could fine. But even you must admit that claiming to be against Wal-Mart for buying 70% of its goods in China while you drive a Honda quite funny."No free man shall ever be debarred the use of arms." -- Thomas Jefferson, Thomas Jefferson Papers, 334 Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites DrunkMonkey 0 #24 May 3, 2005 All this nationalism is great, but what if you can only afford to go to Wal-Mart? Shit's a lot more expensive elsewhere. It seems that these Limousine Liberals ought to put their money where their mouth is. Idealism is expensive. Once you've cornered some niche in the capitalist system, perhaps then you can be idealistic. It's hard to do so beforehand. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites Ron 10 #25 May 3, 2005 QuoteAll this nationalism is great, but what if you can only afford to go to Wal-Mart? Shit's a lot more expensive elsewhere. It seems that these Limousine Liberals ought to put their money where their mouth is. Idealism is expensive. Once you've cornered some niche in the capitalist system, perhaps then you can be idealistic. It's hard to do so beforehand. Simple, we can just raise the minumum wage to cause inflation, and increase welfare payments."No free man shall ever be debarred the use of arms." -- Thomas Jefferson, Thomas Jefferson Papers, 334 Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites Prev 1 2 3 Next Page 1 of 3 Join the conversation You can post now and register later. If you have an account, sign in now to post with your account. 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Ron 10 #8 May 3, 2005 How about this...They gave 170 million to charity in FY2004...More than any other American company. They take an active role in conservation. They Are the WORLDS largest employeer. Yes, they get goods from China....Guess what? Other companies do also. You just have a problem since they are so large, and do it so well. But they are also the largest seller of many DOMESTIC products as well. Heres a tidbit for ya....Some economists think that Wal-Mart is responsible for the reduction of inflation by as much as 1% BY THEMSELVES. 90% of the food stuffs sold in Wal-Mart is American...Almost 40 BILLION dollars worth. Wal-Mart has 1.2 MILLION workers. would you rather they be unemployed? 20,000 are IT jobs...Wal-Mart does not outsource its IT departments unlike Dell ect. Plus they are a GREAT ROI. Remember when Teresa Heinz Kerry was slamming Wal-Mart? Seems she owned about a MILLON dollars worth of stock. Over 850 Mutual funds are invested in Wal-Mart. Some of the largest mutual funds. Some more info : QuoteThe other thing to look at in terms of company values is philanthropic work. Last year, Wal-Mart gave $140 million to local nonprofit organizations in its philanthropic work. In addition, to being named to the Fortune list, Wal-Mart has been presented with the Ron Brown Award for Corporate Leadership that recognizes companies with outstanding achievement in employee and community relations. These awards obviously fly in the face of the evil Wal-Mart. In 2002, Forbes magazine recognized Wal-Mart as being one of the most philanthropic companies in America. In 1999-2000, Americans named Wal-Mart as the company they think is first in supporting local causes and issues. According to the Foundation Center, Wal-Mart ranked among the top five corporate foundations in giving in 1999 and 2000. From How Cities Work by Alex Marshall: QuoteBefore World War II, the country made some effort to stop discount and chain stores and to protect smaller merchants. The fair-trade laws of the 1920s allowed manufacturers to set minimum prices for goods, thereby prohibiting deep discounts by stores in attempts to gain customers. The Wal-Mart, Target, Super K-Mart, and other big box stores are the current stage of this evolutionary process toward fewer and bigger. Wal-Mart has come to symbolize the destruction of traditional downtowns and community. From its start thirty-five years ago, Wal-Mart now has stores in all fifty states (with the larger ones being over 200,000 square feet). In 1997, it had a U.S. workforce of more than 700,000 people and $118 billion sales. The landing of these big boxes has become a symbol and sometimes an example of big, car-centered retail sucking the life out of Main Street businesses. There's some truth in this, but this storyline ignores the last century of retailing. It's as if we went from the general store to Wal-Marts with nothing in between. Before Wal-Mart, there was the shopping mall, the strip center, and the fast-food restaurant on the out-parcel, all designed around the car…. How much are you willing to pay? There is ample evidence that warehouse-style supermarkets and stores deliver goods at lower prices. They also do so more impersonally, and with perhaps greater environmental and social and collateral damage. One of the often-unasked questions at the heart of the debate over urbanism is how much Americans are willing to see prices rise on homes and the basic goods they buy in order to have a saner, more livable lifestyle 1. Several studies show that a Family that makes 20k a year will save 50.00-75.00 bucks a mth by shopping at Wal-Mart. 50.00-75.00 bucks a mth is a good chunk of change if all you make is 1666.00 a mth. So you still hate Wal-Mart?....OK how much more are you willing to pay to be rid of it? Think of the rise of inflation, higher unemployment, and the increase in costs of goods. Oh, and check to make sure you don't own a part of the company you hate so much. 1. From "No Place Like Home/Community and the Marketplace" (p. 191 - 193) How Cities Work by Alex Marshall, University of Texas Press Austin, 2000."No free man shall ever be debarred the use of arms." -- Thomas Jefferson, Thomas Jefferson Papers, 334 Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Ian84 0 #9 May 3, 2005 Ever since working a job in sales I realize that the 'customer is always right' is a load of bollox. At the place I worked in the Cayman Islands we could always tell who the Wal-Mart shoppers were. The ones that left crap all over the place, dropped clothing on the floor and walked away etc..... Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Alias 0 #10 May 3, 2005 Also don't forget that in order to do biz with Wall Mart. YOU have to front the goods. The will not purchase until the items are sold. Sweet deal Yep, they put small biz out of biz (90 % of biz in US are "small biz"). Just think, the small jeweler you father bought his wedding ring at is no longer there because WM now is in town. But don't worry, you can still go see Mr and Mrs Jones who ran the store - she is a greeter at WM and he works the watch counter - both can't get full time or good benifits. But hey, they can get all the xmas shopping done and some groceries for under 50.00 lucky them! Carpe Diem Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
PhreeZone 20 #11 May 3, 2005 Quote20,000 are IT jobs...Wal-Mart does not outsource its IT departments unlike Dell ect. They've outsourced a portion of them... because my company is doing the work You could'nt get me to be a Walmart employee. Employees are not allowed to have outside relationships with Vendors, contractors or management. They have a program in which all IT employees have to spend a day working in a store to keep "in touch" with the average store employee. What ends up happening is they hand out a work schedule for all the area stores and tell you where you are going to be working. Some times it might be 30-45 minutes away and the only way to get your milage covered is if you arrange a carpool of 4 people and have the carpool pre-approved by all thier managers. Yes, they employee lots of IT people, but a lot of them are stuck working there also since unless they are willing to uproot their families and move out of state they are the only employeer in the area. Lots more horror stories, but its enough that I avoid Walmart if at all possible.Yesterday is history And tomorrow is a mystery Parachutemanuals.com Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
EricTheRed 0 #12 May 3, 2005 QuoteWal-Mart has 1.2 MILLION workers. would you rather they be unemployed? This argument always cracks me up. You assume that all the goods sold by XX will no longer be sold at all if XX goes away. In reality, a BIG part of Wal-Marts success comes from efficiency in use of labor, which means they employ fewer people per widget sold, whether it comes from China or not.illegible usually Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Ron 10 #13 May 3, 2005 QuoteAlso don't forget that in order to do biz with Wall Mart. YOU have to front the goods. The will not purchase until the items are sold. Sweet deal Yeah it is a sweat deal. You get to move lots of product, and they don't pay to store it till it sells. If I had a product and Wal-Mart would store it, promote it and sell it for me than pay me when it sells I'd be glad to do that. OH BTW some skydiving equipment sells this EXACT same way. QuoteYep, they put small biz out of biz (90 % of biz in US are "small biz"). The sky was supposed to be falling when Sears started....It was still supposed to be falling when strip malls opened....It was STILL supposed to be falling when super malls opened. ALL were said to be destroying the economy. Yet I bet you shopped at each one of them. QuoteJust think, the small jeweler you father bought his wedding ring at is no longer there because WM now is in town Bollocks. Specialty stores will always exist. I can't buy a Rolex at Wal-Mart. I did see this at a Sam's club...http://www.samsclub.com/eclub/main_shopping.jsp?BV_UseBVCookie=yes&n=0&mt=a&coe=0&oidPath=0:-23542:-30402:-30450:-38295:892562&fid=1S12 But I can get it even cheaper than that. QuoteBut don't worry, you can still go see Mr and Mrs Jones who ran the store - she is a greeter at WM and he works the watch counter - both can't get full time or good benifits. If the Jones's did a better job of running the store they would not go under. Simple fact bigger stores can have lower prices. I fly RC planes and the places the hobby shops get the planes are THE SAME places I can order direct from. I ALWAYS get a better deal from the big store AND I don't have to pay tax or shipping. But I still shop at the local hobby shops...They give me service and help. So if the small store wants to compete, they need to focus on service, and personal touches. People like to target the big guys...I bet this same shit was said of Sears, strip malls, and I can remember this crap being said about super malls."No free man shall ever be debarred the use of arms." -- Thomas Jefferson, Thomas Jefferson Papers, 334 Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Ron 10 #14 May 3, 2005 QuoteThey've outsourced a portion of them Sorry you missed the "like Dell" part...I meant out of the country. QuoteYes, they employee lots of IT people, but a lot of them are stuck working there also since unless they are willing to uproot their families and move out of state they are the only employeer in the area. How is that Wal-Marts fault?"No free man shall ever be debarred the use of arms." -- Thomas Jefferson, Thomas Jefferson Papers, 334 Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Ron 10 #15 May 3, 2005 QuoteThis argument always cracks me up. You assume that all the goods sold by XX will no longer be sold at all if XX goes away And the part about China can me said the same....If Wal-Mart didn't buy from China...Others would. QuoteIn reality, a BIG part of Wal-Marts success comes from efficiency in use of labor, which means they employ fewer people per widget sold, whether it comes from China or not. So how much more are you willing to pay for the products? See thats the great thing...you hate Wal-Mart...You don't have to shop there. I like and invest in Wal-Mart. If you don't like Wal-Mart...I suggest you check your 401k....I almost bet you own a part of it."No free man shall ever be debarred the use of arms." -- Thomas Jefferson, Thomas Jefferson Papers, 334 Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
DrunkMonkey 0 #16 May 3, 2005 Having just downloaded the Doom 3 Demo, it occurs to me that Wal Mart resembles the evil UAC company in the storyline... Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
AndyMan 7 #17 May 3, 2005 QuotePlus they are a GREAT ROI. Not so much anymore. Craichead and I love Walmart. A few hundred shares of their stock purchased 20 years ago paid for most of our new condo. We're glad we unloaded, though. It's trading near it's 5 year low, and most analysts don't see any reason for it to recover. If Teresa Heinz Kerry is really holding a Million in Walmart, she needs a better investment advisor. _Am__ You put the fun in "funnel" - craichead. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
rehmwa 2 #18 May 3, 2005 I rarely go to WalMart anymore. Not because of some idiotic 'save the world' complex, but simply because they used to be fairly nice, but now the stores are trashy - (their customer base trashes the stores and are completely unrespectful). They used to differentiate from the Targets and K-Marts of the world, now they are the same. supply and demand ... Driving is a one dimensional activity - a monkey can do it - being proud of your driving abilities is like being proud of being able to put on pants Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
craichead 0 #19 May 3, 2005 QuoteNot because of some idiotic 'save the world' complex, but simply because they used to be fairly nice, but now the stores are trashy - (their customer base trashes the stores and are completely unrespectful). They used to differentiate from the Targets and K-Marts of the world, now they are the same. Target is slightly better, but it depends on which "kind" of Target you go to and where in town it's located. There are three kinds of Target I know of: Target, the Famous French Boutique and pronounced "Tarzhay," usually located in the nicer parts of the city or in affluent suburbs. Targhetto. 'Nuff said. And the all around Targantua, which is the giant "Target Greatland" with grocery store and fast food court. _Pm__ "Scared of love, love and aeroplanes...falling out, I said takes no brains." -- Andy Partridge (XTC) Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
rehmwa 2 #20 May 3, 2005 Funny - And you are right, it clearly depends what neighborhoods you are in. Or more correctly, the demographics of those who travel to my WalMart, or my Target, etc..... But I wouldn't want to say that and be accused of politically incorrect insensitivity..... ... Driving is a one dimensional activity - a monkey can do it - being proud of your driving abilities is like being proud of being able to put on pants Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Ron 10 #21 May 3, 2005 QuoteNot so much anymore. Craichead and I love Walmart. A few hundred shares of their stock purchased 20 years ago paid for most of our new condo. We're glad we unloaded, though. It's trading near it's 5 year low, and most analysts don't see any reason for it to recover. Yep...you are right...Damn. Time to sell. QuoteIf Teresa Heinz Kerry is really holding a Million in Walmart, she needs a better investment advisor. Well if you bought it in 98 when it was like 25.00 a share even todays 57.00 is still over double."No free man shall ever be debarred the use of arms." -- Thomas Jefferson, Thomas Jefferson Papers, 334 Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
billvon 3,092 #22 May 3, 2005 >Yes, they get goods from China....Guess what? Other companies do also. Other companies get a lot less of their goods from China. It's up to you - if you'd prefer that 70% of every dollar you spend goes to China instead of the US, then Wal-Mart is a fine choice. And there's always that 30% that might be employing someone here. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Ron 10 #23 May 3, 2005 QuoteOther companies get a lot less of their goods from China. It's up to you - if you'd prefer that 70% of every dollar you spend goes to China instead of the US, then Wal-Mart is a fine choice. And there's always that 30% that might be employing someone here. See how great America is? I can buy the same stuff you do for less, and you can buy the same thing for more. This I found interesting an true: QuoteMore broadly, countries that have tried to wall themselves off from the rest of the world in the past—to maintain their economy or culture—have stagnated. Those that have embraced change have flourished. China is simply the biggest part of a new world. You cannot switch it off. I also find it funny that you claim Wal-Mart is bad since they buy from China, but you drive a Honda and a Toyota. I find it funny that you bitch about Wal-Mart and the trade imbalance, but you drive to the Mom and Pop store in your Import. In your case I don't blame you...you bought what you wanted, and I bet you bought it at the best price you could fine. But even you must admit that claiming to be against Wal-Mart for buying 70% of its goods in China while you drive a Honda quite funny."No free man shall ever be debarred the use of arms." -- Thomas Jefferson, Thomas Jefferson Papers, 334 Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
DrunkMonkey 0 #24 May 3, 2005 All this nationalism is great, but what if you can only afford to go to Wal-Mart? Shit's a lot more expensive elsewhere. It seems that these Limousine Liberals ought to put their money where their mouth is. Idealism is expensive. Once you've cornered some niche in the capitalist system, perhaps then you can be idealistic. It's hard to do so beforehand. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Ron 10 #25 May 3, 2005 QuoteAll this nationalism is great, but what if you can only afford to go to Wal-Mart? Shit's a lot more expensive elsewhere. It seems that these Limousine Liberals ought to put their money where their mouth is. Idealism is expensive. Once you've cornered some niche in the capitalist system, perhaps then you can be idealistic. It's hard to do so beforehand. Simple, we can just raise the minumum wage to cause inflation, and increase welfare payments."No free man shall ever be debarred the use of arms." -- Thomas Jefferson, Thomas Jefferson Papers, 334 Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
