posted
I wasn't trying to ruffle feathers- only pointing out a different take on the theory that Wal-mart RUNS every other competitor out of business- IT AIN'T happening here! If anything it has helped contribute to MORE businesses and competitors in our town.
My coach that I refered to no longer works for Wal-Mart OR Lowe's- but he does talk about how different they were to work for. That was my only point with his reference. They have lots of business knowledge and are ruthless and unrelenting when it comes to using it. They are in business to make money...gobs and gobs of money.
I recall several years ago, Wal-Mart tried to get into the sign and banner business by offering those services in the stores, but I guess it fizzled. Ironically, they were more expensive than some of the sign shops around.
-------------------- Michael Clanton Clanton Graphics/ Blackberry 19 Studio 1933 Blackberry Conway AR 72034 501-505-6794 clantongraphics@yahoo.com Posts: 1736 | From: Conway Arkansas | Registered: Oct 2001
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posted
I love Wal-Mart. I bet I'm in there twice a week....
I go out of my way to NOT buy anything Chinese as I believe that revenue goes directly towards building the Chinese military - -
(which I believe we will have a major conflict with in the next 30 years over Taiwan. (We're ally's of Taiwan, and Taiwan asserts it's freedom from mainland China who believes Taiwan should be theirs. China has made several threats of war against America if we side with Taiwan, should China invade to take the island over.....China has added multiple Soviet subs and dozens of beach landing vehicles in the last year. The subs are theorized to elimate and discourage any US navy vessels should we enter the area to protect our ally. They have plenty of missles for air defense. Anyone thinks China isn't a superpower potential foe is just crazy.)
However, you're likely buying just as much Chinese crap from Target, Kmart, and even your locally owned hardware store as you are from Walmart.
Chinese crap is pervasive.....I'll pay twice as much to buy American, or other friendly country products.
But Walmart has many products including groceries made in the US at very good prices...and that's what I'm after.
You cannot just blame Walmart....a huge share of American companies are moving to or outsourcing products overseas. Levi Strauss pulled a big factory out of Missouri, Automakers have plants in Mexico....and on and on.
Malls got the same flack from some people years ago...."the malls are taking customers away from the independent small town store owner" they cried.
Well, hellllloooo! Then move your business into the mall. That's why they call it competition. If you can't sell a product or service at a competitive price, then you deserve to be out of business.
Walmart has a huge advantage because they are a big company and can negotiate low pricing. Guess what? They weren't always big....they got that way by being competitive in the first place, gave people what they wanted and could afford and grew like any good business would.
They have good service, good return policies, and I can go there day or night and get a frozen pizza.
Target, on the other hand, wouldn't take back a can opener I bought there with cash because I didn't have the receipt. They wouldn't even exchange it for something else even though they carried the can opener.
Walmart would not have treated me this way....Target will never see another dime from me...they don't understand what customer satisfaction is all about.
I don't care where you shop....you're going to find products made from exploited Chinese kids.....I simply read labels and as much as possible buy US.
-------------------- Todd Gill Outside The Lines Potterville, MI Posts: 7792 | From: Potterville, MI | Registered: Dec 2001
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posted
Walmart low prices are subsidized by the victimizing companies. Its not cutthroat good bizz practices. ITs extorion. Walmar used to insist on buying American. But since Sam passed .. walmart has ****ed off so many American Co's they must buy Chinese.
Vlassic pickles is an example. Walmart got a contract with vlassic. Vlassic geared up and invested millions in added production. WAlmart came by and said,, Oh, now we want your pickles in gallon jars. for the same price as your quart jars. Vlassic had millions tied up and HAD to comply. Walmart later came by and said we want them cheaper. Vlassic said no and walmart quit buying altogether. Left the pickle maker in a pickle. Vlassic was considered a premium product but not now because of the low price image., It will be years before vlassic recovers.
Now, winn dixie is looking in the face of closing. Whe it does in our area we expect Wallies prices to skyrocket just like they do in other towns when the competition is wiped out. All of it driven by a false economy driven by local authorites to increase sales tax revenue.
-------------------- Leaper of Tall buildings.. If you find my posts divisive or otherwise snarky please ignore them. If you do not know how then PM me about it and I will demonstrate. Posts: 5274 | From: Im a nowhere man | Registered: Jul 2001
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""Good judgment comes from experience; and a lot of that comes from bad judgment" - Will Rogers Posts: 3494 | From: Beautiful Newaygo, Michigan | Registered: Mar 2003
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I just bought Vlassic pickles in a small jar the other day....and price doesn't ruin a good pickle's reputation......taste does.
I still like the taste of Vlassic pickle's best and will continue buying them whether they cost a penny a pickle or a buck a pickle.
I find it hard to believe that major companies don't have purchase agreements or some form of contractual agreement.....if Vlassic spent millions in ramping up for Walmart's business without one, then they deserve the green weenie....er pickle that is.
-------------------- Todd Gill Outside The Lines Potterville, MI Posts: 7792 | From: Potterville, MI | Registered: Dec 2001
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posted
That's what I am saying Todd. It was their choice to sell at that price. You can't blame Wal*Mart any more than you can blame our customer if they beat us down on price.....We made the choice to sell, period!
[ June 16, 2005, 12:41 PM: Message edited by: Rick Beisiegel ]
""Good judgment comes from experience; and a lot of that comes from bad judgment" - Will Rogers Posts: 3494 | From: Beautiful Newaygo, Michigan | Registered: Mar 2003
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quote: You cannot just blame Walmart....a huge share of American companies are moving to or outsourcing products overseas. Levi Strauss pulled a big factory out of Missouri
if you look a little harder into that Levis comment, you just might find Walmart behind that too.. & there is plenty to read about the Vlassic pickles story that might get you understanding the "extortion" comment a little more. That story can be found in the links posted on this thread.
posted
I shop at walmart all the time to get the little things that are to expensive to pay for at grocery stores i.e. toothpaste, shampoo, razors, e.t.c.
Walmart is a shinning example of capitalism. It's composed of low wage ENTRY level employees to help keep the cost down. Mom and Pop shops like all else in our economy must make an ADJUSTMENT to survise in the market place. It's not the governments job to regulate or make the playing field even, that's not a free and open market place, that's a socialist market and you can get that in Europe.
The "Buggy" companies that made the adjustments for the new "Automobiles" survived and the ones that didn't didn't. Same with Airline Companyies today. There is one airline (will not name) that keeps its airfares low because they use the same type model so they don't have to wory about training (Mechanics & Pilots) & mainly parts. Others use varies airliners and that spreads cost and causes them to raise airfares.
posted
go out of my way to NOT buy anything Chinese as I believe that revenue goes directly towards building the Chinese military - -
(which I believe we will have a major conflict with in the next 30 years over Taiwan. (We're ally's of Taiwan, and Taiwan asserts it's freedom from mainland China who believes Taiwan should be theirs. China has made several threats of war against America if we side with Taiwan, should China invade to take the island over.....China has added multiple Soviet subs and dozens of beach landing vehicles in the last year. The subs are theorized to elimate and discourage any US navy vessels should we enter the area to protect our ally. They have plenty of missles for air defense. Anyone thinks China isn't a superpower potential foe is just crazy.) " toddy you finally confirmed my belive that you are on the edge(and thats not the edge of reason) a right winged conservative who is a conspiracy beliver? thats rich. i only buy HIENZ PICKLES...except when i got fresh "ice box pickles" heeni makes from our fresh garden grown cukes! i was at wally world last nite at 1:30am!!! only time i go there. i bought staple items o.j., milk, half & half. total bill was $20...as for prices...EDDEY'S slow churned ice cream at wall mart is $3.18.....ok....ALBERTSONS which is a mile a way from wallyworld there same product is $5.38. this is why i buy at wally world. COMMUNITY COFFEE new orleans blend at WALLY WORLD is $3.78 ALBERTSONS same product is $4.85!!!! the reason WINN DIXIE's are closing they are higher priced then anywhere....winn dixie is the last store i go to...i know their prices for everything is higher.
-------------------- joe pribish-A SIGN MINT 2811 longleaf Dr. pensacola, fl 32526 850-637-1519 BEWARE THE TRUTH.....YOU MAY NOT LIKE WHAT YOU FIND Posts: 11582 | From: pensacola, fl. usa | Registered: Nov 1998
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posted
I'd like to add to my post and give a perfect example of some people that I know through a friend and how it realates walmart to us...sort of.
There is these two brothers who started a business of exercise equipment. Well after a few years with Sports Authority & Sportmart along with other big exercise equipment companies came to town it hit them pretty hard. Not putting them out of business but hurt them. So they did a slow transition into jetski rentals after seeing a lack of that around town. So in their shop they had both exercise equipment and jetski's till they phased out exercise equipment and continued in rentals. Once again years later more and more business's starting getting into the rental business. So once again they took another transition by going into the sign business. Now they are a successful company with contracts with the city putting up the banners on light poles for seasonal, sporting & special events.
So simply they surfed the market for what was a need and on demand and made an "Adjustment" in business
That's the end my story telling for one day, I'm not "Teddy Ruxpen"
posted
well todd my whole point to wally world ..this is what the people get when they think that UNIONS have no VALUE in their world. what big business did before UNIONS is now happing again because people think that "big business" is gona be good to them....and WALLY WORLD IS THEIR FUTURE.
-------------------- joe pribish-A SIGN MINT 2811 longleaf Dr. pensacola, fl 32526 850-637-1519 BEWARE THE TRUTH.....YOU MAY NOT LIKE WHAT YOU FIND Posts: 11582 | From: pensacola, fl. usa | Registered: Nov 1998
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posted
I'm not on the hate-Walmart bandwagon. We have one about 40 miles from here and I'll go if I need or want to... with no shame. I take many of PBS's controversial type shows with a grain of salt, too. I've seen too much clever bias on their programs. Sure there's going to be some fire where there's smoke... but PBS and other media outlets are giving COSTCO a free ride because COSTCO pays more into their politics and WalMart had done a lot to support our troops and some conservative causes... and as such they have become a Target (accidental but appropriate pun). Our local stores have shelves stocked with China-made goods, too. I don't even have time to talk about unions.... ugh. But having worked in just about every major convention center in this country, I do have an opinion or two about them!
Now, if there's a company I'll happily boycott, it's Star Bucks.
-------------------- Sharon O'Brien-Lykins HorseDesigns.Com PO Box 1898 Penn Valley CA 95946 horsedesigns@gmail.com Posts: 43 | From: Penn Valley, California | Registered: May 2005
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quote: but PBS and other media outlets are giving COSTCO a free ride because COSTCO pays more into their politics and WalMart had done a lot to support our troops and some conservative causes...
I'm NOT posting on this thread to be argumentative but just to clarify that Costco pays it's workers a GOOD honest wage and has EXCELLENT benefits. It's been criticized in some business circles for paying their workers so much but they refuse to fall into the trap of paying them less than they can survive on and thus end up being a drain on social services.
-------------------- Kimberly Zanetti Purcell www.amethystProductivity.com Folsom, CA email: Kimberly@AmethystProductivity.com
“Organizing is what you do before you do something, so that when you do it, it is not all mixed up.” AA Milne Posts: 3722 | From: Folsom, CA | Registered: Dec 2001
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posted
Okay, I won't take you as argumentative... wasn't going to...until you said "NOT" LOL... just kidding. Comes from that old warning of never believe someone who says they're not doing what you didn't accuse them of doing...
Besides, how do we argue without arguing?
Okay, okay...I submit that I understand what you meant.
I just think that a lot of what people are upset about is what we are fed to be upset about.... and much truth is often left out of the story. Anytime I wanted to learn something new, I begged to be started at the bottom to get in the door... because I hate school and love learning my work from the bottom up... never had benefits... never took public aid, always found a creative way to get by and loved ambition and making pennies count... when I had to. Maybe sounds too "pull yourself up by the bootstraps" or isolationist or whatever other jargon is out there. But even when I had my first job and people around me were complaining about the wage, I always thought... why not quit then? I never complained... not once... only bettered myself and moved on. But I was surrounded by those who considered themselves and others to be victims. Maybe I just don't get it. If so, I'm lucky. Sounds depressing to be stuck and have the rest of the world to blame.
-------------------- Sharon O'Brien-Lykins HorseDesigns.Com PO Box 1898 Penn Valley CA 95946 horsedesigns@gmail.com Posts: 43 | From: Penn Valley, California | Registered: May 2005
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posted
I beg to differ with Curtis. "Yes, and WalMart owns its own refinery and sells its own gasoline. Yes, Murphy oil right here in New Orleans."
Walmart, does not own Murphy Oil USA. Murphy Oil USA,headquartered here in El Dorado, Arkansas is a publicly owned company with the majority stockholders being the Murphy family themselves. The selling of Murphy gasoline by Walmart is a partnership agreement between Walmart and Murphy Oil USA.
I don't shop at Wally world either.
-------------------- Frisby Signs, Inc. El Dorado, Arkansas Posts: 902 | From: El Dorado, Arkansas, USA | Registered: Apr 1999
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posted
well. it may just be semantics my friend. Partnership as in part owner..But, the entire output of that refinery is all walmart bound.
IT is well known here as we (local residents) all know at lest one or two ppl who work there. The employees all talk as though walmart owns them. Walmart consistantly sells gas at 5 cents less than the lowest. That is their stated goal.
-------------------- Leaper of Tall buildings.. If you find my posts divisive or otherwise snarky please ignore them. If you do not know how then PM me about it and I will demonstrate. Posts: 5274 | From: Im a nowhere man | Registered: Jul 2001
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posted
With regards to those who made comments about 'boycotting' anything 'made in China' . . .
I'm just wondering, ok?
This is an open-discussion question.
It is not a judgement or accusation of any belief.
I'm telling you I am not trying to 'pick a fight, start a political debate, or be argumentative.
I have no cut-&-dried notions about this.
I'm just putting this out there because I honestly want to understand your ideas, Because I'd like to hear other ideas to base a possible final opinion on . . .
I think the facts are: You have a communist-controlled country , that employs low-wage factory-laborers, who live packed like sardines in less-than-substantial housing, who are working mabey the only jobs they can hope to get . . .
So, my question is: Who are you trying to hurt, teach, or what is your goal or point, or, what is your reason/statement with your disdain for, and refusal to buy, stuff made in China??
Again, I'm just askin' objectively is all.
-------------------- Signs Sweet Home Alabama
oneshot on chat
"Look like a girl, act like a lady, think like a man, work like a dog" Posts: 5758 | From: "Sweet Home" Alabama | Registered: Mar 2003
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posted
My goal is to do my part in not supporting the war machine that will be waged against us in the future.
I feel sorry for the "poor" Chinese that work for almost nothing and are repressed by the commies...but buying cheap Chinese products only encourages the cheap labor....hopefully, but doubtfully....boycotts could initiate change.
That's my feeling....
-------------------- Todd Gill Outside The Lines Potterville, MI Posts: 7792 | From: Potterville, MI | Registered: Dec 2001
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The other day a new vinyl maunfact called me up about their new company telling me there product is made in Europe. I asked what country, she said "France", I said sorry that's one of the countries I'm boycotting
posted
Thanx for the replies guys. I understand the point perfectly, just ain't entirely knowledgable about it....
Don't you think there's going to be a war/stuff for war regardless??
It makes me wonder if I'd rather be on the side of a stronger nation of free people?
Or be on the side of a nation who's abused people buck in revolt to help the other side, or cower in useless fear of their own side?
Or become like a junk-yard-dog. An extremist unable to recognize good & bad and trusting no one, hates & kills everyone??
My general idea is, THAT particular war (communism) IS going to be fought.
No sense in abusing the innocent weak 'prisoners' of it prior . . .
(way too) many of them will understandabley, regretabley die during.
But it's what's after who wins that's important.
Mabey the question should really be, if we were those factory workers what would we like the economics to do?
Again...I'm totally just thinkin' iz'all . . .
No doubt I will be asked...er' commanded... to take it to a more apt forum since it has zilch to do with signs . . . or will it? . . . someday? . . .Like if we ever lose the freedom ask such questions . . .
If it makes ANYONE feel better, yes, I DO realize this entire board is not a political science class. . . .just this one little handful of deviated replies, like a thousand other OT's on here. No biggie.
-------------------- Signs Sweet Home Alabama
oneshot on chat
"Look like a girl, act like a lady, think like a man, work like a dog" Posts: 5758 | From: "Sweet Home" Alabama | Registered: Mar 2003
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posted
"My goal is to do my part in not supporting the war machine that will be waged against us in the future." THEN DONT PAY ANYMORE FEDERAL TAXES!!!!! like the old 60's songs says.....WAR..WHATS IT GOOD FOR ...AB-SOL-LUT-LY NOTHIN!!!!!
-------------------- joe pribish-A SIGN MINT 2811 longleaf Dr. pensacola, fl 32526 850-637-1519 BEWARE THE TRUTH.....YOU MAY NOT LIKE WHAT YOU FIND Posts: 11582 | From: pensacola, fl. usa | Registered: Nov 1998
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posted
...an abundance of nifty CHEAP electronics gadgets are like: an addictive drug
...an abundance of blind sheeple lining up at wally world are like: impressionable youth lined up in the schoolyard down the street
...when almost everyones keeping up with the jones' & collecting mega quantities of various media required to run their vast array of gizmo's, it's like: the body's chemical dependancy on the drug has almost reached the point of no return
...when the vast majority of all the computers & other componants of assorted high-tech industries that our hospitals, schools, civil infrastructures & government agencies depend on suddenly become innaccessible, or triple in price it's like: the clean scrubbed innocent looking "candyman" up the street, whips off his price-slashing smiley face & the true pusher-man drug lord persona sets the hook & controls the supply & demand of your livelyhood while setting his price for your happiness
btw I respectfully disagree that I always quote people... but just this once...
quote:Mabey the question should really be, if we were those factory workers what would we like the economics to do?
posted
it seems to me that when Wal-Mart enters a small town, like the one we have here, they gradually try and offer everything that local stores have, but at a cheaper price. Thus gradually putting the smaller merchants out of business. I just remarked to a friend yesterday that our local walmart was now going to offer grocery items along with their other stuff. Since most people are lazy , and not very loyal, they will be glad to get everything in one store. In my eyes, they are small town killers. They build a store, make it a super walmart, take all the business and then at one point, leave. Since they buy in huge quantities, the smallers stores cant keep up with their pricing, and they have to rely on people buying from them out of loyalty to a local merchant. I wont tell you that I too occasionally buy things from them, but not things I can get from a local merchant. Nope.
-------------------- Maker of fine signs and other creative stuff. Located at 109 N. Cumberland ave. Harlan, Ky. 40831 606-837-0242 Posts: 4172 | From: Ages-Brookside, Ky. Up the Holler... | Registered: Jul 1999
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Does Wal*Mart buy signs from any of you? Will they ever? Support your local merchants whenever possible. It's in your own best interest. Worth alot more than the money you think you're saving.
[ June 17, 2005, 05:08 PM: Message edited by: Jon Aston ]
-------------------- Jon Aston MARKETING PARTNERS "Strategy, Marketing and Business Development" Tel 705-719-9209 Posts: 1724 | From: Barrie, ON, CANADA | Registered: Sep 2000
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posted
Not to change the subject but, it ain't only Wal-mart, US companies have been buying junk from China for many years now. Ever been to one of those travelling tool sales? What about Harbor Freight Tools? Flea markets, K-Mart, Target, seems everybody is selling junk made in China. It's everywhere. Go to a furniture store like Rhodes or Home Place.
Remember when everything was "made in Japan", then it was "made in Hong Kong", then "made in Taiwan" and finally you started seeing more junk appearing from China. Only now, it's not all junk anymore. In addition to the junk, they're making more and more sophisticated stuff...ever more decent quality stuff, at prices cheaper than we can. How can they do it other than paying their workers 25 cents an hour?
This is an excerpt from the US Emabassy in Japan webpage:
China Exchange Rate Policies
Based on our examination of this issue, it appears clear that China continues to follow a policy of one-way market interventions by the government to maintain its currency at a level that economists estimate is between 15-40 percent undervalued. In this regard, China is purchasing U.S. dollars at an estimated rate of $120 billion per year to prevent appreciation of its currency against the dollar. In assessing causes of the worsening U.S. trade deficit and loss of U.S. manufacturing jobs, a broad range of factors are clearly at work; the lack of net new savings in the U.S. economy, the global mobility of factors of production and low labor costs in China are among the principal factors. However, we believe that the artificially undervalued Chinese yuan is negatively impacting the competitiveness of U.S. manufactured goods and is contributing to a migration of world manufacturing capacity to China and to an erosion of the U.S. manufacturing base.
Section 3004 of the Omnibus Trade and Competitiveness Act of 1988 (22 U.S.C. Sec. 5304) requires annual reports from the Department of Treasury on foreign countries' exchange rate policies and requires the Secretary to enter into negotiations on an expedited basis with countries found to be manipulating their currencies to gain an unfair competitive trade advantage. Past reports from the Treasury on China have sidestepped this conclusion, which appears now to be inescapable. The Commission believes it is clear that China, in violation of both its IMF and WTO obligations, is in fact manipulating its currency for trade advantage and therefore finds it imperative that the Treasury immediately and forcefully enter into negotiations with the Chinese Government to resolve this matter. China's continued maintenance of an undervalued exchange rate with the U.S. dollar will continue to promote major distortions in the flow of trade and investment, to the detriment of American companies and workers, and therefore requires decisive action by Washington. http://japan.usembassy.gov/e/p/tp-20031031a4.html
-------------------- Wayne Webb Webb Signworks Chipley, FL 850.638.9329 wayne@webbsignworks.com Posts: 7404 | From: Chipley,Florida,United States | Registered: Oct 1999
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posted
I don't wanna get off onna rant here . . BUT . . . . Lessee . .
"Cheap Chinese junk sold at Wal Mart" . . try buying a Makita Drill at Home depot or Lowes . . that isn't made in China! Fact is, try buying damned near anything in the tool department of any of the hardware store/lumber yards in the Country . . Almost all Chinese made!
"Chinese Slave Labor wages" C'mon now, hell yes, those Chinese, for the most part are paid a whole lot less than their American counterparts, why the hell would we be buying that stuff so cheap if they didn't? On the other hand, the Chinaman who's working for a buck an hour wasn't working for even a nickle an hour until he started making the widget or whatever that you're gonna buy somewhere in this country!
"We're paying for the Chinese Military" . . So? They have the biggest Army in the world, but are they gonna march it across the Pacific? Probably not . . they have several ICBMs, so are they gonna shoot them at us? Probably not . . First, we still have four Boomers lurking around out in the Pacific someplace, and we have four more just parked and idling . . Hmmm, lessee, 24 missiles per boat, 3 weapons per missle . . that's enough to turn the entire Eastern part of China into Glass that you can't use for 75,000 years . . plus, currently the good ol US of A represents 40% of China's Exports, and over 50% of it's raw materials . . . and wait'll they start exporting Automobiles to the US in another year or so . . . Hyundai's and KIA's won't seem so cheap!
And if Wal Mart's trade practices P*** you off, then don't look too hard at the Four Oil companies that rule the world, you'll have a coronary!
posted
What else would you expect from a communist governemnt but dishonest business practices? and what do you call payin $200 a peice for toilet seat?
-------------------- joe pribish-A SIGN MINT 2811 longleaf Dr. pensacola, fl 32526 850-637-1519 BEWARE THE TRUTH.....YOU MAY NOT LIKE WHAT YOU FIND Posts: 11582 | From: pensacola, fl. usa | Registered: Nov 1998
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um, gee it DOES make one a complete hippocrite, or at least, kind'a ethically challenged, to 'say' they boycott certain goods, if they still purchase some of them . . . . . . .
I mean if a person wants to 'selectively boycott' Chinese goods...I suppose thwey can simply draw their own lines about the degree to which they are willing to sacrifice certain things . . . .
Or, mabey one wants to wholly & sacrificially boycott by buying other-made more expensive items and not driving gas operated vehicles, etc. etc . . . . . . .
or mabey you wanna be a tru-blu, really committed, gung-ho boycotter and go through every single item in your possession, purging you entire home of ANY & ALL items made in China . . . .which may or may not include items constructed with some parts made in China . . .
And to do all THAT with a truly committed heart, you should NOT sell it in a yard sale, or give it to freinds unconcerned about the 'cause'. . . . You really should destroy/burn the items. I mean WHY would anyone so committed to a cause want ANYONE eles to be defiled with those things anyway!
I mean....look. This could get 'pritty nitty-gritty'.
Mabey you want to be so gung-ho that you become an inclusionary boycotter . . . so find out what other nations, or nationalities of peoples are producing goods from the dirt-cheap wages (which, interestingly enough, they're so humbley, grovelingly, thankful for) and boycott those items too . . .
Well, thanx for the honest and interesting replies. I think I have a complete conviction about the notion now, rather then a simple 'opinion'.
Nuff sed.
-------------------- Signs Sweet Home Alabama
oneshot on chat
"Look like a girl, act like a lady, think like a man, work like a dog" Posts: 5758 | From: "Sweet Home" Alabama | Registered: Mar 2003
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posted
"Since most people are lazy , and not very loyal, they will be glad to get everything in one store. In my eyes, they are small town killers." -------------------- Right on, John Deaton. WallyWorlds exist because so many people choose to give them money. Most people don't work at Wally, so they don't care about employment conditions there. Most people aren't in the hardware business, so they care if their old neighbor can't keep his store anymore. They don't make the things sold at Wally, so they don't care if Wally pays foreign labor instead of American.
I believe these Consumers are going to consume themselves out of house and home. It's an economic principle that money spent near home goes further, because money sent away doesn't all come back. And of course, when your neighbors don't have money or jobs or anything to do, life starts to get dull and worrisome.
We may see some subtle changes in the next few years, after oil has cost @55/barrel for a while. Demand is rising largely because a Middle Class is emerging in foreign countries where the Wallies invest. In the US, Wally and the other Big Boxes, and the whole fact of suburban sprawl and malls, was made possible by cheap oil. For 50 years, most Americans have believed it was cheaper to drive 5 miles for lower prices, than to walk to the neighborhood Mom & Pop. Eventually, this will not be the case, but unfortunately, Mom & Pop will be long gone.
-------------------- Bruce Williams Lexington KY Posts: 945 | From: Lexington, KY, USA | Registered: Mar 1999
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posted
The malls *took business away* from the mom and pops and the downtown business strips - because people liked the notion of going to one location, under one roof, to get whatever they wanted.
The same principle applies to Walmart except they positioned themselves even closer to rural communities so people wouldn't have to drive as far to the malls or even farther to downtown strip businesses that often charged for parking.
Mom and Pop business has never paid premium wages to their employees - only in rare circumstances.
So what's the beef? Some of you people act like Walmart is the devil...
You're losing sight that even the poorest among us in America is considered Wealthy beyond imagination by 2/3 of the rest of the world.
If the employees of Walmart were treated so shabbily, I'm sure they could simply leave and find minimum wage work elsewhere such as McDonalds.
Sorry to say, but if you blink a few times really hard you'll discover that the "general store" of yesteryear only exists in "The Walton's" re-runs.
I'm glad for Walmart because they keep all the other stores competitive. If you don't like the thought that money spent on Chinese stuff doesn't stay in the states...then do like I do and don't buy the Chinese stuff.
I buy as much US stuff as I can...and get a lot of it from Walmart at competitive prices....the stuff I can't get from Walmart that is US made, I try to get at other retailers and sometimes even, the very expensive mom and pops.
Edit: Happy fathers day....and make sure you check the label on that tie.
posted
As far as the Chinese are concerned...personally I believe the principle reason for military aggression on their part would ultimately be because of over-population. THere are a BILLION people in Red China, a number that is growing exponentially, whereas the U.S> has what? 250 million?
Worldwide, overpopulation is going to become a problem, and it doesn't matter how much they are benefiting economically. Ultimately it will be a Land Grab, just for sheer living space.
Imagine a future not to far away where technology allows for the creation of WMD's not weapons of mass destruction, but of mass DEATH that can eliminate populations while leaving structures and facilities intact. Some idiot will figure that out, and when they do, America and every other fertile industrial nation will be in their sights.
And if the above scenario does not prove to be true, certainly SOMETHING on a global scale WILL take place to curb the rise in population.
here is a report, taken from overpopulation.com:
Latest UN Projections: World Population Will Reach 9.1 Billion By 2050
By Brian Carnell
Saturday, April 23, 2005
In February the United Nations Population Division released the 2004 revisions to its World Population Prospects publication, projecting how much further world population is likely to grow.
Under the UN's medium variant scenario, world population will reach 9.1 billion in 2050. This represents a slight upward revision from more recent estimates that had world population reaching just 8.9 billion in 2050.
Almost all of that growth will occur in the developing world. Ninety-five percent of all population growth today is occurring in the developing world compared to just 5 percent in the developed world according to the UN Population Division. Of that estimated 9.1 billion, only slightly over 1.2 billion will live in countries that are currently designated as developed -- about what the population of the developed world is today.
The medium variant assumes that the total fertility for women worldwide is going to drop from its current level of 2.6 to just slightly over 2 by 2050. If the worldwide TFR average were to only decline slightly to just over 2.5 -- the high variant scenario -- world population would reach 10.6 billion by 2050. If it were to decline faster, however, and fall to about 1.5 -- the low variant -- world population would reach just 7.6 billion in 2050.
Global life expectancy continues to rise. The Population Division reports that global life expectancy rose from an estimated 47 years in 1950-1955 to 65 years in 2000-2005. By 2045-50, global life expectancy is expected to rise to 75 years. In developed countries, where life expectancy averages 76 years today, it is expected to reach 82 years by 2045-50.
Where will the world put another 3-4 BILLION people? There are only 2 conclusions: 1. Spacefaring technology MUST advance to such a degree that offworld colonization becomes a possibility. 2. Some World gov't(s) will take it upon themselves to alleviate the stress by war.
It will be far worse in other nations than it will be here in the good ol us of a, and the green eyed monster, jealousy is likely gonna take a bite outta us.
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