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RE: Wal-Mart is taking over - 11/13/2008 8:14:34 PM
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iluvatar
Posts: 2031
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quote:
ORIGINAL: kernsfamily
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There would be no Wal-Mart though if Americans didn't want to pay less for cheap junk as opposed to paying a little more for quality.
cheap junk? that "made in china" label is at ALL the stores.
All the same brands as any other store are there.....exactly the same thing.....
Actually, no. Wal-Mart has a history of working with a variety of brands to develop products specific to Wal-Mart stores. IIRC, Levi's introduced a line of jeans sold only at WM. I've also heard of things like portable Sony cd players and the like being slightly modified versions of the ones sold elsewhere.
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From kid toys, to vacuum cleaners to kitchen containers everything we buy has gotten incredibly shoddy
My wife bought a new vacuum cleaner a few years ago. It's a top quality Riccar. Cost her $600. Are YOU willing to shell out $600 for a vacuum cleaner? Are most people able to?
$600, no. But more than $75? If I used it regularly, probably. But then, I never vacuum, so that doesn't matter to me.
For things that matter to me - clothes, computers, audio & electronic equipment, appliances, kitchen utensils, furniture, yard equipment (if I had a yard), yes I would and do spend more than what WM charges, because I want quality, dependability, and longevity over cheapness. I generally avoid WM for even prepackaged stuff like video games and cd's, because their prices are roughly the same, the selection is much more sparse, and the overall shopping experience (lines, crowds, etc) is abysmal.
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Plus, Wal-Mart sells Dyson's....those "glamorous" vacuums (that, in reality, don't really work well), but are sold for "top dollar" every where else. Again, EXACTLY the same items...
Again, no, they're not necessarily the same, though this isn't exclusive to Wal-Mart. Many of the big box stores (I'm thinking of Lowe's & Home Depot specifically, though there are likely more) have worked with well-known, upper-mid-level brands like Cub Cadet, John Deere, and Toro to develop discount lines for their stores. These models may have that badge, but they're they're designed and built for a price point, not necessarily the quality that the brand has been known for.
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It's pure hypocrisy when these towns fight to keep a Wal-Mart away...but, welcome a Target with open arms....
It's not pure hypocrisy (though it may be partial hypocrisy). How much differently does Target treat its employees than Wal-Mart? How aggressively does Target compete with existing local businesses to drive down prices? What sort of tax and regulatory concessions does Target expect from the local politicians? What sort of publicly-subsidized infrastructure development do Target & WM expect when they come to town? It's not simply a matter of one box store vs another.
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ORIGINAL: P31W
We have made a ton of money off our walmart stores. The more Walmart stores we open up here the more money my area makes. I only know of two mom-pop stores that closed but they were simply way too expensive. People didn't want to spend that much money when they could save alot by shopping walmart.
While I don't know the specifics of those particular mom & pop stores, I think our perspective of what's "expensive" and what's "reasonable" have been colored by this Wal-Martization of society. Though as a business owner, I imagine you're an exception, most people don't understand what it really costs to make and sell products, employ help, keep the lights on, etc. Wal-Mart has skewed our perceptions by farming out most of the heavy lifting to low paid foreigners and through an economy of scale, been able to operate on razor thin profit margins. Small companies don't have the leverage to force suppliers to ship manufacturing overseas or the reserves to operate on such thin margins.
-Dan.
_____________________________
Well, I've been to one world fair, a picnic, and a rodeo, and that's the stupidest thing I ever heard come over a set of earphones.
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RE: Wal-Mart is taking over - 11/13/2008 9:43:51 PM
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colliefan
Posts: 3002
Joined: 4/12/2005
From: Raleigh, NC
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It will have no effect on me either way.
The truth has no effect as you will continue to drink the liberal kool-aide.
And why is there no hate for Starbucks clsoing down the mom-pop stores? Could it be they are more in tune with the liberal agenda?
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when God does bless me to start raking in the millions it will be with the understanding that He has blessed me to be a blessing.
Sorry, stats have proved that when one doesn't give away when one has little he will not give away when he has much. Look how little Biden/Obama gave away when compared to their income. But the expect the government to take away much from the rich. Blasted hypocricts!
< Message edited by colliefan -- 11/13/2008 9:51:52 PM >
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RE: Wal-Mart is taking over - 11/13/2008 10:24:10 PM
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iluvatar
Posts: 2031
Joined: 4/12/2005
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quote:
ORIGINAL: colliefan
quote:
It will have no effect on me either way.
The truth has no effect as you will continue to drink the liberal kool-aide.
And why is there no hate for Starbucks clsoing down the mom-pop stores? Could it be they are more in tune with the liberal agenda?
Starbucks doesn't drive prices and wages artificially low - if anything, they've opened up the market to other boutique coffee shops and made it more acceptable to charge $4 for a cup of coffee. Also, their corporate culture has a strong focus on environmental, economic, and social responsibility. They've become popular in spite of their high prices, because they serve a better quality product. That's the exact opposite of Wal-Mart, which has become popular due to its low prices, in spite of its poor quality products.
-Dan.
< Message edited by iluvatar -- 11/13/2008 10:35:42 PM >
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Well, I've been to one world fair, a picnic, and a rodeo, and that's the stupidest thing I ever heard come over a set of earphones.
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RE: Wal-Mart is taking over - 11/14/2008 1:40:02 AM
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zamdad
Posts: 1756
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I'm not dodging anything. I just have other things to do today on my way to making millions of dollars. But since you asked again...my opinions are based on what I've seen and investigative reports that have come to light regarding the corporation. Still, that's all it is. An opinion. Feel free to agree or disagree. It will have no effect on me either way.
Investigative reports? You mean from the media that makes money by creating controversy and playing on our emotions? The media who reports the earnings of the oil comapnies but fails to report the taxes those earnings pay to the government?
You are entitled to your opinions. They seem like some pretty strong opinions. Yet it appears that you are getting your information from the mainstream media. Do you ever question them?
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To answer your other question...when God does bless me to start raking in the millions it will be with the understanding that He has blessed me to be a blessing. He's put some things in my heart that I'm not going to go into here, other than to say that the millions won't be staying with me only. And that's why it would not make me greedy. As our Bishop always says, we're supposed to be channels of blessings and that's what I intend to be.
Very well. But, look outside yourself for a moment. Is it possible that others who don't have your millions might look at you as some greedy person in spite of the fact you are trying to be a blessing to others?
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The two hardest things to handle: failure and success.
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RE: Wal-Mart is taking over - 11/14/2008 7:55:57 AM
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rlj
Posts: 2350
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and, how is that? If you paid taxes...you were "targeted" for a a tax cut. Simple as that. I know I got mine. My tax returns show it. And, still do....(at least for now...check back with me in a year or two)
I just love the Dubya tax cuts because I pay about $25 a year and get back several thousand. :D You absolutely gotta love it when a CoNsErVaTiVe President gives you that much money. I made over $5,400 this year from those Dubya tax cuts and tax breaks and such. My vote for Baldwin was also a protest against stimulus checks, bailout checks, permanent tax welfare and incredibly poor fiscal policy. I notice that there are many McCain supporters on this thread so really none of you have any business complaining about welfare and handouts after what the Republicans have done in the last decade. Since you're obviously unaware you pots are just as black as the kettles.
Having said that please get back to work so you can continue to pay for my tax cuts. : )
_____________________________
-Roger
I could wile away the hours
Conferrin' with the flowers
Consultin' with the rain
And my head I'd be scratchin'
While my thoughts were busy hatchin'
If I only had a brain
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RE: Wal-Mart is taking over - 11/14/2008 9:09:54 AM
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kernsfamily
Posts: 1428
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From: Dallas (originally Detroit)
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What sort of tax and regulatory concessions does Target expect from the local politicians? What sort of publicly-subsidized infrastructure development do Target & WM expect when they come to town?
When a Bass Pro Shop is built....or even a Cabela's.....they "expect" tax abatements, infrastructure improvements, etc..etc...
We have 2 bass pros and one Cabela's in the area....all built with the help of "local politicians".
BUT, since they are NOT Wal-Mart....no one gives a darn.
_____________________________
Proud dad of 3 great girls....Erin, Emilie and Elise
Blessed to have all of them in a "totally awesome" public elementary school!
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RE: Wal-Mart is taking over - 11/14/2008 9:22:01 AM
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P31W
Posts: 2942
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Involvement in the "homosexual movement"? (whatever that is).....
What exactly does that mean? Acknowledging their existence? Advertising directly to that fairly affluent demographic?
Look at most major companies out there....they all have SOME "involvement" in the "homosexual movement". (of course, it all depends on what one defines as "involvement")
I think we have discussed this is the past. It involved their "perferred status" to supplier who offer the same produce at the same price. If a company is part of the homosexual group? (sorry been working alot and have brain fog) Anyway if they are majority owned by minority (and Walmart consideres being homosexual a minority) then they will buy from them over me who is not homosexual. You can find out more by looking at their website. Pretend that want to sell your service or good to them. See if you are going to be treated "equal" if you are straight as opposed to gay.
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RE: Wal-Mart is taking over - 11/14/2008 9:30:16 AM
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kernsfamily
Posts: 1428
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From: Dallas (originally Detroit)
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And why is there no hate for Starbucks clsoing down the mom-pop stores? Could it be they are more in tune with the liberal agenda?
Home Depot/Lowes is likely to have caused the closure of MANY independently owned hardware stores.
PetSmart/PetCo has run smaller pet supply stores out of business (I know...Iam in that industry....animal health/vet pharmaceuticals)
Office Max/Office Depot/Staples has run locally owned office supply stores out of business.
ALL sell predominantly "Made in China" goods.
ALL probably don't pay that great.
ALL have their "issues".
MANY of their stores get built with "assistance" from local politicians
Starbucks has had, from time to time, been found to be "predatory" in their store locations...not to mention "underhanded" in making sure a competitor doesn't get a store nearby. But, they DO provide "top notch" pay (for being in the "service industry)....as well as some good benefits (again, some of the best in the service industry)....which, is WHY you pay $4+ for a cup of coffee.....(not that I mind that....it's quite "labor intensive/expensive" to make each of those frappaccinos...it's not like they just pull a lever on the machine to serve those things)
So, why don't you hear about any of those OTHER stores? Because the union isn't trying to confiscate a portion of each workers paycheck at these places (at least not yet).....as the union has been unsuccessful at getting to the worker's wallets, we've seen retalitation against the Wal-Mart....because that is their target.....the paychecks of millions of hardworking employees who CHOOSE to work there.
_____________________________
Proud dad of 3 great girls....Erin, Emilie and Elise
Blessed to have all of them in a "totally awesome" public elementary school!
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RE: Wal-Mart is taking over - 11/14/2008 9:34:53 AM
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P31W
Posts: 2942
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You raise a good question, and I certainly don't know how we would set up a criteria to determine who is greedy, but I don't think we should throw our hands up in the air and not even wrestle with the question either.
For example, if Sam Walton was a church goer (I don't know if he was), someone he trusted should have probably counseled him not to spend so much time on work at the expense of his family. He probably would have had fewer regrets if someone gave him that warning and he heeded it.
Marty,
My father was not a greedy man. In fact he had the spiritural gift of giving. He gave away in his lifetime hundreds of thousands of dollars, provided hundreds of jobs to people, helped educate an untold number of people and even more was able to help people live a better life through his connections and self sacrifice.
He was not doubt about it a workacholoic (sp) for many years of his life. He worked 7 days per week, 16 hours per day. I remember him being hospitalized twice for exhaustion. But hundreds if not thousands of people "benefited" for his labor and our families lack of getting to spend time with him. However when he turned 55 he sold most of his businesses and hired others to run the ones he kept. He was from that point on able to spend ALL his time with his children, wife, inlaws and grand children.
If we had it to do all over again I am not sure I would ask him not to help all those people. Sometimes a family suffering a loss of some sort is in the long run worth it.
What I find lacking is not that people are "overworked" rather they are lazy in their ability to think ahead, use their resources wisely and in God's glory and to be content with what they have. I see people thinking they are suffering if they work over 40 hours per week. I see them using their "family" as an excuse not to work but then they spend a large portion of their free time on the computer, in the yard, in sports and etc.
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What I think is sad, is that modern Christians have ignored the problem of greed. It is certainly not an easy question, but what is worth doing is worth doing poorly. We could really benefit as a church if we had a better understanding of greed.
I agree with you. First we need to teach that greed involves wanting someone else to provide for your own family. Greed involved getting married without caring is you can provide for a family and expecting someone elses labor, purdence and sacrifice to provide for it.
Greed does not equal a man/woman who is successful in their labor. In fact God's word tells us that if we see a man who is skillful in their labor they will stand before kings. A man who is lazy or lax will have poverty creep upon them suddenly.
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Honestly, if some greedy socialist steals my money, it won't be the end of the world. Much of what I have I don't need anyway. I do think others will be harmed worse from socialism, mostly the working class. If someone steals my money, I just need to remember that it was never mine in the first place.
My husband and I live off about $35K per year. The rest of our money goes to the government, to our church and various Christian organizations and to hire more people so they can produce money for their own familes and give to their chruches and the gov. If someone steals from me my employees, church and the missionaries we support will suffer the most.
< Message edited by P31W -- 11/14/2008 9:44:34 AM >
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RE: Wal-Mart is taking over - 11/14/2008 9:36:17 AM
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Consecrated2God
Posts: 5151
Joined: 4/4/2005
From: Formerly Jesus Land
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My husband worked at Walmart for about a year, and it was one of the best jobs he's ever had. It was the first job he worked at that actually had benefits and paid holidays.
The best thing about working for Walmart was their health insurance plan--our family of eight could get good health insurance for less than $30 a month! We also enjoyed our employee discount.
We shop at Walmart all the time. I've never had any problem with them.
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Bonky
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RE: Wal-Mart is taking over - 11/14/2008 9:38:59 AM
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Consecrated2God
Posts: 5151
Joined: 4/4/2005
From: Formerly Jesus Land
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For example, if Sam Walton was a church goer (I don't know if he was), someone he trusted should have probably counseled him not to spend so much time on work at the expense of his family. He probably would have had fewer regrets if someone gave him that warning and he heeded it.
Our old pastor used to go to the same church as Sam Walton. He said that Sam Walton would donate dishes from his store for the church ice cream socials.
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Bonky
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RE: Wal-Mart is taking over - 11/14/2008 9:42:04 AM
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kernsfamily
Posts: 1428
Joined: 4/26/2006
From: Dallas (originally Detroit)
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You can find out more by looking at their website. Pretend that want to sell your service or good to them. See if you are going to be treated "equal" if you are straight as opposed to gay.
I'd already have a hard time, then....as Iam not a racial-minority...and Iam NOT a woman.
I believe that this "preferred" status, and picking a supplier JUST BECAUSE of being gay is WAY OVERSTATED.....it's clear, as it has been from Wal-Mart's inception.....being able to provide the LOWEST PRICE to their customers is #1.
That program simply provides access to suppliers/vendors who, may otherwise, be overlooked....just the same as our local Hispanic Chamber of Commerce operates....or, Local Women's Chamber does....
Irregardless....Wal-Mart, LESS THAN A YEAR after doing so, DID announce a decision to curb it's support of such organizations.....and do NOT provide corporate-level contributions to such groups...
BUT, you didn't hear that from World News Daily...or the AFA, did you? nope....cause that doesn't create news for THEM.....(they only take NEGATIVE news, and "spin it" to create publicity for THEM)
Wal-Mart simply made a business decision...and likely found that being associated with that particular group had no business benefit to them.
Again...go and look hard....and you'll find almost ALL MAJOR corporations do EXACTLY the same thing (provide some sort of funding towards organizations....do whatever that is "gay friendly".....)...but, they somehow get away with it....and no one cares.....BECAUSE, they are NOT Wal-Mart....
_____________________________
Proud dad of 3 great girls....Erin, Emilie and Elise
Blessed to have all of them in a "totally awesome" public elementary school!
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RE: Wal-Mart is taking over - 11/14/2008 9:45:00 AM
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iluvatar
Posts: 2031
Joined: 4/12/2005
Status: online
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quote:
ORIGINAL: kernsfamily
quote:
What sort of tax and regulatory concessions does Target expect from the local politicians? What sort of publicly-subsidized infrastructure development do Target & WM expect when they come to town?
When a Bass Pro Shop is built....or even a Cabela's.....they "expect" tax abatements, infrastructure improvements, etc..etc...
We have 2 bass pros and one Cabela's in the area....all built with the help of "local politicians".
BUT, since they are NOT Wal-Mart....no one gives a darn.
Yeah, I'm well aware of Bass Pro & Cabella's. And I agree completely that Wal-Mart gets targeted because of its size (though I won't say they're targeted because of their success), but being the biggest kid in town (by far), it's to be expected. I wish more people were aware of and mad about Bass Pro & Cabellas (who are likely worse than WM in terms of their required concessions), but seeing as how they're nowhere near as pervasive as WM, it's understandable why they haven't gotten as much attention.
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ORIGINAL: kernsfamily
Again...go and look hard....and you'll find almost ALL MAJOR corporations do EXACTLY the same thing (provide some sort of funding towards organizations....do whatever that is "gay friendly".....)...but, they somehow get away with it....and no one cares.....BECAUSE, they are NOT Wal-Mart....
Eh... I don't think the AFA et al. pick on WM's gay policy because they're "Wal-Mart." They just pick a big corporation and go after them whenever the winds are favorable. In the past, it's been Levi's, Johnson & Johnson, Disney, and a host of others.
-Dan.
_____________________________
Well, I've been to one world fair, a picnic, and a rodeo, and that's the stupidest thing I ever heard come over a set of earphones.
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RE: Wal-Mart is taking over - 11/14/2008 9:48:29 AM
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P31W
Posts: 2942
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quote:
Again...go and look hard....and you'll find almost ALL MAJOR corporations do EXACTLY the same thing (provide some sort of funding towards organizations....do whatever that is "gay friendly".....)...but, they somehow get away with it....and no one cares.....BECAUSE, they are NOT Wal-Mart....
We supply certain goods to walmart. I know what I am talking about. If some lebsian or gay company goes to them with the exact same goods that I now supply them with at the same price they will tell me "good bye".
They have this right to do as they please. I as well have the right to do as I please and not give them my money. That's part of the free market enterprise.
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RE: Wal-Mart is taking over - 11/14/2008 9:50:32 AM
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P31W
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quote:
Actually, no. Wal-Mart has a history of working with a variety of brands to develop products specific to Wal-Mart stores. IIRC, Levi's introduced a line of jeans sold only at WM. I've also heard of things like portable Sony cd players and the like being slightly modified versions of the ones sold elsewhere.
I have a cousin who is a top executive with Levi. I will ask him about what you said. If Walmart says they sell Levi 505 jeans then by law I do not believe they can be an inferror jean to the 505's sold at other stores. If however they say they sell 500 and no other store sells a 500 then I would agree. But the consumer is not being "dooped" in that case.
I also supply walmart with some items they resale as does one of our good friends. I know for a FACT that the items both of us supply walmart with is the exact same we supply to the high dollar stores. ROFL So yes some items are exactly the same.
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RE: Wal-Mart is taking over - 11/14/2008 9:55:52 AM
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P31W
Posts: 2942
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quote:
Wal-Mart has skewed our perceptions by farming out most of the heavy lifting to low paid foreigners and through an economy of scale, been able to operate on razor thin profit margins. Small companies don't have the leverage to force suppliers to ship manufacturing overseas or the reserves to operate on such thin margins.
Yes they do. They just have to cut the fat and co-operate with one another. Co-op buying among small people has been going on long before walmart came to town. For example when winn-dixie came to town the mom-pop stores began to pool their resources and make huge orders. That helped them stay afloat.
One thing EVERYONE must learn to do is change with the times. That means THINKING in new and more creative ways.
Walmart and Home Depot or Lowes could have wiped us off the map....if....we didn't decide to make changes and captolize on thier "pit falls" and they do have "pit falls". They have many pitfalls.
Now we can sit around and try to "get their money" or we can use our brains and figure out a way to earn our own money and if you don't like the jobs they provide - figure out a way YOU can provide people with jobs that are better.
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RE: Wal-Mart is taking over - 11/14/2008 10:00:13 AM
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P31W
Posts: 2942
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Regulating a company that's out of control is not digging a hole. But while we're on the subject, what about the holes Wal-Mart has dug by bankrupting small communities all across the country. And last I checked, they were starting in on England.
That is "your opinion" and you honestly have done nothing to do anything to prevent what you believe to be true. You have provided NO jobs to anyone. You have not benefits ANYONE.
Now if you honestly "care" about these people you claim walmart has harmed then get busy and creat a way to provide for them better jobs.
You believe you can do a better job providing for hundreds of people then they can. If you believe this then what is stopping you? Being poor?
Sam Walton grew up very poor during the great depression in a rural farm community.
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RE: Wal-Mart is taking over - 11/14/2008 10:02:01 AM
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kernsfamily
Posts: 1428
Joined: 4/26/2006
From: Dallas (originally Detroit)
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quote:
I think Wal-Mart is getting an unfair treatment by these Union Supporters. Walmart is doing well and will continue to dominate the retail industry for decades to come because they are extremely good at what they do. They sell their products at low prices which benefits the American People.
Another thing Wal-Mart does, which they are EXTREMELY good at.....they know exactly what merchandise will sell well in each, individual store. In their low-margin business, "product turnover" is essential.
That was one of the major factors in Kmart's demise...I know, I worked at Kmart for a few summers.
One time, in their weekly circular, they were to have this particular shovel (made in china, of course), ON SALE...and it was sometime in July. I knew the products that were in the garden shop where I worked, and we hadn't had those shovels in stock ALL SEASON LONG!...so much for being able to sell those tools, as the "season" for selling those was almost over....and, we didn't have them anyway (much to the dismay of the MANY customers who came in to get their shovels "on sale", only to find they weren't in stock....)
Wal-Mart, though, has it down to a science. Getting the RIGHT merchandise, in the RIGHT store...at the RIGHT time....for optimal sales.
THAT is how they have led, and beat, the competition.....no one does it better.
_____________________________
Proud dad of 3 great girls....Erin, Emilie and Elise
Blessed to have all of them in a "totally awesome" public elementary school!
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RE: Wal-Mart is taking over - 11/14/2008 10:14:14 AM
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uncabeeil
Posts: 5554
Joined: 4/11/2005
From: Joisey. Got a problem wit dat?
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Why is it that every thread in this folder eventually degenerates into a political debate? What does shopping at Walmart have to do with politics? I'm not a "liberal", I didn't vote for a homosexual agenda, nor for a man with one. Nor did I vote for or against unionization. So not shopping at Wally World makes me a liberal, homosexual supporting socialist? Get real!
I've worked for companies that have been "vendors" for Walmart and have seen what their "business model" does to small companies that can't meet their cost cutting demands. Both are out of business because they couldn't afford to continue to operate any longer after cutting all the "excess" to try to meet the big W's demands.
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I don't recall all of the details
But I know life is better when shared. -Jon Troast
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RE: Wal-Mart is taking over - 11/14/2008 10:28:36 AM
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rlj
Posts: 2350
Joined: 4/14/2005
Status: online
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quote:
Another thing Wal-Mart does, which they are EXTREMELY good at.....they know exactly what merchandise will sell well in each, individual store. In their low-margin business, "product turnover" is essential.
That was one of the major factors in Kmart's demise...I know, I worked at Kmart for a few summers.
So true. The Wal-Mart inventory system is amazing because they don't have much room for inventory. Everything is taken care of as you buy it. When you buy a product many times that product will be re-ordered right on the spot. This pressures the suppliers to have what Wal-Mart needs ready to go and that pressures us who supplies those suppliers to have that stuff ready. There is no guesswork in this it is all computerized.
One disadvantage that KMart had over Wal-Mart was the older stores and ineffecient inventory system which I believe is what you are saying. All of that space being used to store stuff you think customers want to buy costs money to heat, clean, keep pipes and electric running through etc. but it isn't making the store any money. The newer Wal-Mart buildings were much more effecient in this respect and many older Wal-Marts that I have seen remodeled are getting some space out of what once would have been warehouse space.
_____________________________
-Roger
I could wile away the hours
Conferrin' with the flowers
Consultin' with the rain
And my head I'd be scratchin'
While my thoughts were busy hatchin'
If I only had a brain
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RE: Wal-Mart is taking over - 11/14/2008 11:54:40 AM
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zamdad
Posts: 1756
Joined: 4/8/2005
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P31W
Now we can sit around and try to "get their money" or we can use our brains and figure out a way to earn our own money and if you don't like the jobs they provide - figure out a way YOU can provide people with jobs that are better.
This is what it all comes down to. We can whine and complain that someone has more than we do and that they owe us, or we can get creative and find ways to generate our own plan to earn our way out of the mire.
I live 10 miles from the nearest town. 30 miles from the nearest Wal-Mart. There is a major intersate highway that goes through the nearst town and takes one to either Wal-Mart to the east or the west. This interstate was recently rerouted. The DOT worked with the city and business owners to try and come up with the most effective route. The business owners would have nothing to do with any of the proposed changes because it meant they were going to have to change how they did business. Over the years as the highway has been rerouted, some of the other communities on the route have made changes and adapted. These towns have grown in economic terms. The local town is now paying for their inaction as the highway has been rerouted. Now, all the gas stations are off the main route and there is no room for them to move to the new route. Same with restaurants and other services. Now, people driving through the area are going to pass right by the community and get serveices in a neighboring town.
Another thing that I mentioned before was the union mentality. I have been a government employee for the past 18 years. I have belonged a to couple of labor unions. I also was in a uinion as a grocery store clerk many years ago. The union can be a good thing if an employee finds themselves in trouble for some reason. However, the brotherhood of the union tends to stifle productivity and put in their place any employee who demostrates ability and/or willingness to get ahead. Kind of like crabs in a pot, as one climbs out, the others pull him back down.
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The two hardest things to handle: failure and success.
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RE: Wal-Mart is taking over - 11/14/2008 12:06:19 PM
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P31W
Posts: 2942
Joined: 6/13/2005
Status: offline
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I've worked for companies that have been "vendors" for Walmart and have seen what their "business model" does to small companies that can't meet their cost cutting demands. Both are out of business because they couldn't afford to continue to operate any longer after cutting all the "excess" to try to meet the big W's demands.
Both companies applied to be vendors probably. If they didn't apply they certainly didn't have to be their supplier. No one forced me to be one. If I don't believe the business I am doing them is going to turn for me a profit then I don't do business with them. This is a "free country" and no one must enter into a contract with Walmart if they don't want to.
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RE: Wal-Mart is taking over - 11/14/2008 12:53:03 PM
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kernsfamily
Posts: 1428
Joined: 4/26/2006
From: Dallas (originally Detroit)
Status: offline
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ORIGINAL: P31W
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I've worked for companies that have been "vendors" for Walmart and have seen what their "business model" does to small companies that can't meet their cost cutting demands. Both are out of business because they couldn't afford to continue to operate any longer after cutting all the "excess" to try to meet the big W's demands.
Both companies applied to be vendors probably. If they didn't apply they certainly didn't have to be their supplier. No one forced me to be one. If I don't believe the business I am doing them is going to turn for me a profit then I don't do business with them. This is a "free country" and no one must enter into a contract with Walmart if they don't want to.
true...the company i work for had a "retail brand" division (it's what I worked on my first 3 1/2 years here)....but, that unit was sold off so the company could concentrate on the overall, global focus: selling products directly to vet professionals and clinics. NOT "over the counter" products. When selling these "over the counter products", we COULD have gotten into Wal-Mart, but, opted not to. It's VERY hard to become a "vendor" with Wal-Mart. Though, of the big, retail accounts we did have, had VERY stringent policies. If they went on a "backorder" for a product that we were supposed to supply for them, and they weren't there when promised, we would get "FINED" (part of the contract).....and, ultimately, put on a "watch list", and ultimately dropped as a supplier. (Thankfully that never happened)....but, they were always coming to us....looking for ways to drop the prices on goods....as, the retail business is SO 'cut throat'....
it's really nothing new. If we got dropped as a supplier, there were 10 other companies banging on their door....ready to take over the business we "lost".....
_____________________________
Proud dad of 3 great girls....Erin, Emilie and Elise
Blessed to have all of them in a "totally awesome" public elementary school!
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RE: Wal-Mart is taking over - 11/14/2008 2:02:13 PM
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writerchick
Posts: 224
Joined: 10/3/2008
Status: offline
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ORIGINAL: zamdad
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I'm not dodging anything. I just have other things to do today on my way to making millions of dollars. But since you asked again...my opinions are based on what I've seen and investigative reports that have come to light regarding the corporation. Still, that's all it is. An opinion. Feel free to agree or disagree. It will have no effect on me either way.
Investigative reports? You mean from the media that makes money by creating controversy and playing on our emotions? The media who reports the earnings of the oil comapnies but fails to report the taxes those earnings pay to the government?
You are entitled to your opinions. They seem like some pretty strong opinions. Yet it appears that you are getting your information from the mainstream media. Do you ever question them?
I've never relied completely on the media. In fact, despite working at CBS News in college, I never really watched the news until after the DNC this year. And I don't understand what's wrong with the media anyway. Just because they report things you don't like doesn't make them inherently evil.
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To answer your other question...when God does bless me to start raking in the millions it will be with the understanding that He has blessed me to be a blessing. He's put some things in my heart that I'm not going to go into here, other than to say that the millions won't be staying with me only. And that's why it would not make me greedy. As our Bishop always says, we're supposed to be channels of blessings and that's what I intend to be.
Very well. But, look outside yourself for a moment. Is it possible that others who don't have your millions might look at you as some greedy person in spite of the fact you are trying to be a blessing to others?
To be quite honest, I don't have time to worry if others think I'm greedy or not. That's focusing on the trivial many when I need to focus on the vital few.
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RE: Wal-Mart is taking over - 11/14/2008 2:07:12 PM
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