Wal-Mart Circle Of Oppression

I have long been boycotting Wal-Mart, for the reasons listed above and many more. It is so great to hear someone else who thinks the same way I do!

Juan excellent thread. Stuff like this really burns me. You hear about the CEO of Home Depot getting a $116 million dollar bonus but they wont pay their employees over minimum wage and then only hire part time employees so they dont have to give benefits.

Juan,

This is why you need to read the rest of my book to see how to put a stop to such things. You have read Chapter 18 already so go back to chapter one and read on.
From the comments of others I think you will enjoy the reading and, in this case, since it is free here on Gather, no one is ripping you off.

Remember, the whole book is freely available at

http://www.unc.edu/~mason/hand.html

if you catch up to where I have published on Gather so far.

I so dislike WalMart - I hate that they are the only full-size grocery store in my entire area...I hate it!

Larry, I will.

Wal-Mart is so huge they can practically make or break a wholesaler or manufacturer over night. Their global and multi billion-dollar entity can affect the national economy of countries abroad and that includes our very own. The powers that be at Wal-Mart know this and use it their advantage when ever possible.

You know, sometimes boycotts are a personal thing, and if ENOUGH people did it, YES it would absolutely work. However, 85% of the people in this nation think Wal-Mart is some kind og magical Godsend, because it is cheap. therefore, a boycott or protest will never happen. As a general rule, people don't really care about ethics or business practices or the economy, as long as they feel like they are getting their money's worth. So let me tell you this: in the four years since the Super-WalMart was built, we have had three major grocery stores go out of business. The local mall now has only three stores open-JC Penney, Maurices, and a Dollar Store. More than one locally-owned business has also been forced to close down. This directly affects our economy in a negative way. In addition, Wal-Mart only hires Managers as full-time; the rest of their employees are part-time so that the co. doesn't have to pay benefits. I could go on and on but I won't, I will spare you all, LOL.

Kori, as businessman, I have to admirer Wal-Mart, but as an American, I cannot overlook their business practices that have created a new serf class in America. They only pay their employees just enough to exist, meanwhile their empire continues to grow without an end in sight.

Excellent comment, Kori.

I refuse to ever step foot in a Wal-Mart. I would rather go without. Most of the crap they sell is useless anyway and it just feeds into the mindless consumerism of the country. And, you are correct, Juan, in your description of how they deal with their suppliers. We have known people who have had business dealings with them, and even one of their agents who was taught to deal with suppliers the "Wal-Mart way".

Rich people just keep collecting more and more useless stuff, so poor people think that if they can amass the same quantity, they can be just as "good" as the rich, except they need to settle for cheap stuff at Wal-Mart.

I can't think of one thing that someone actually NEEDS that they could not get somewhere else for the same price, if not just a little more. And I, for one, and willing to spend a little more on something I absolutely NEED and go without something else in order to do it, than to shop at that house of crime.

Judi-I live in a rural area where to go to Target or Costco or even Winco, I have to drive 45 miles. I do as much of my shopping at the local grocery store as possible, and for the time and gas saved (Wal-Mart is in the next town over, 8 miles away), I actually spend less on higher quality food items. I also shop at Penney's, even though their prices are higher; however, over the long run I actually SAVE money because I don't have to replace the item nearly as often. I have three boys, two of whom are very hard on jeans (the other will be, but he is still a baby!), so the Penney's ones cost a little more but the knees last longer, so it is worth it. My daughter isn't as hard on her clothes, but she does outgrow things rather quickly, and the same applies. What we absolutely CANNOT get here, I go to the BIG town that is 45 miles away about once a month and stock up on things like diapers, wipes, shampoo, etc...as well as dog food and laundry soap, and STILL save money. Believe me, it can be done, as I am a single mother of four kids-if I can do it, anyone can. It just takes time and a little creativity, LOL. nobody is stuck, even if it feels that way.

We no longer shop there.

And Juan-I can't even see my way to admire them from a business standpoint; they tend to give large but ethical businesses a bad name BECAUSE of their cutthroat ways. Target is a contender, yet at least here (or in the town 45 miles away, LOL), they hire mostly full-time employees, saving part-timers for things like stocking. cart running, etc...as well as provide full benefits and partial benefits based on average hours worked. In addition, the quality of their merchandise far exceeds that of Wal-Mart. Same with Costco, even Win-co as far as strictly grocery items go. So if they can have a conscience AND make money, why can't wal-mart?

Hey, I enjoy Walmarts. Everyone complains about this and that..they use strong arm tactics? It is called sound business. Walmart knows the price its customers will pay and then finds a wholesaler who will take the order.

Walmart reguardless what anyone thinks doesnt do anything other businesses dont do. They can not manufacture goods. They however do use demmand to get the best price they can. That is not illegal or anything any other business doesnt do including Ma and Pa stores. Ma and Pa often buy from large wholesalers who in fact play the same game.

Walmart hires more fulltime employees then most even see. Walmart has its own truckdrivers, logistics system and full time employment is available..but they also hire part timers who often do not want full time work. Elderly who rather work 10 hours a week for example. Management is fulltime and many sections have fulltime.

Walmart hires people and even if they are only part time- its work. Last time I checked people choose where they shop, and where they work. Honestly, if people hate Walmart fine..but do not get upset others choose to spend money at Walmart and work there.

Hey, get back at Walmart by getting a college scholarship from them...

Target and Costco also hire plenty of part time employees. Ma and Pa stores around here have kids stocking shelves..lets boycott them for having a family business..

Al Capone's era was enforced with murder and fear- lossing a contract isnt the same.

In our local Wal-Mart, there are 145 employees; would you like to know how many are full time? 15. That's it. Had you read my post more clearly, you would see that th reason Wal-Mart specifically hires part-time is so they don't HAVE TO PAY BENEFITS. Whereas Target hires mostly full-timers AND offers benefits based on hours of employment. MEaing, of course, that part-time employees get partial benefits. Costco takes this one step further by prividing FULL benefits including vacation and sick time, life AND health insurance, and 401 K for ALL employees and their families, regardless of hours worked. In the long run, I think this is part of why both corporations are not just succeeding but growing.

Kori-I see no problem since 145 part timers have how many hours each? I know several elderly people who work at walmart because they perfer less hours and have no need for benefits. I would suggest out of the 145 disgruntal employees find another job that has benefits or be happy where they work. Maybe they should apply at Costco?

I applaud Costco but then again Costco is by far no Walmart. There is plenty of room as you just mentioned for other businesses which is why I see no reason to complain about business plans.

People blame Walmart for hiring part time employees, but McDonalds and the rest of the fast food chains across america..most ma and pa stores also hire mostly part timers. Walmart specificaly hires who wants to work for the given pay and position. CHOICE of employer and CHOICE of retailer is what America is about..way it should be.

Juan ~ Based on what I know, my husband being a door greeter at Wal Mart, the pay is very good and the benefits are exceptional. They hire through several interviews and starting pay is based on how well you do in the interviews. That is a fair rightful practice. His pay was above average for his door greeter position. We were amazed at Wal Mart's exceptional benefits! This hiring process is much fairer than other businesses I've seen and worked in. Thanks for another good article Juan, but I have to disagree with disparaging Wal Mart for their pay and benefit scale. If I have a grievance with them, it's about what I hear (though I don't know for fact) of how much they import from China. If what I hear is true, that upsets me.
PAY IT FORWARD

Sorry, no they don't. Like you say, ANY job is better than NO job, which is why these part-timers HAVE to work there. Period. McDonald's also offers benefots, by the way. And Costco generally does not hire very many people BECAUSE THEY HAVE LITTEL OR NO TURNOVER. Which mean, HEY! They are actually taking care of their employees and being responsible, ETHICAL business owners. Which Wal-Mart simply cannot manage to do no matter how you look at it. As I said in my post, Wal-Mart SPECIFICALLY ONLY HIRES PART TIME EMPLOYEES IN ORDER TO AVOID PAYING BENEFITS. I am not talking about mom and mom places who hire part time school kids or elderly people; I am talking about making a concerted effort to avoid shelling out ANY extra money for employeesm even though they make billions of dollars in a year. I am talking about the fact that the almighty dollar is far more important to this corporation than providing for families. And believe me, none of the people I know who work for Wal-Mart are happy about it; not only is the pay terrible and the hours NOT ENOUGH TO SUPPORT A FAMILY, they also treat their eomployees like crap. Why do they stay? Because Wal-Mart has closed down the two major grocery stores they used to work at, the mall, and several of those little mom and pop markets as well.

Kori-I know seven workers for McDonalds and none get benefits other then a free meal which they have to pay tax on.
Walmart hires for a position not what the employee has for baggage. Should they pay more because someone has 5 kids? No, and to expect a business to pay more then the position is worth is not smart.

Walmart never closed down the mall, the supermarket, it was the CUSTOMER who DECIDED to spend at Walmart. Little Mom and Pop stores survive if they are able to keep the customers. Basicly I find most people who protest Walmart so much buy often the same items at other stores for more.

I know workers at Augusta, Waterville, Auburn, Bangor, Brewer, and Rockland Walmarts and have also dealt with them to hire elderly and veterans. I know several assistant managers and managers. I have a different view because I have an inside view. Maybe you were negatively effected by the closing of stores in the area but I see it as progress as the low prices are well worth the loss of a few other businesses.

Walmarts job isnt social welfare and honestly I think people should think about what the business is about-selling items for profit.

What I also find funny is Walmart employs about 1.3 million employees and people complain about jobs.. Like to see Walmart close its doors and boycott the consumer, give 1.3 million pink slips and sell off its assets. Watch the displace sandle makers find new jobs, and the fallout would be huge.

Walmart employees are so low paid-okay-so low they can get state assisted medical care for free..which basicly is a benefit because of lower pay...

The taxes paid by walmart are unreal, and checkout the taxes paid to local towns and cities. When we consider issues like this lets level the playing field.

Donald ~ I have to disagree some here ... Wal Mart does drive a lot of Ma & Pa stores out of business because thay buy in large volumes thus are able to offer lower prices. I do feel sad about this. But you're correct in that WE are the ones who keep that trend going by shopping there. When it's reasonable, we try to shop local stores to support them. But many times the pricing overrides good intentions. We all have to survive.

Wal Mart als does hirs the handicapped and something I forgot to mention in my earlier comment, employees also receive a 10% discount on their purchases. For some reason, though, the Supercenters' groceries, at least in our area, are way out of line (high). But the Wal Marts of today are not the concept their founder, Walton (?), had in mind.
PAY IT FORWARD

Sam Walton : )

Kieran-Ma and Pa store are mostly small stores who never could compete with a chain supermarket. However, Ma and Pa stores also survive because they are often a family business and rely on a few local employees who honestly usualy never are provided benefits.

Sheryl O- I see no reason to pay double the price to another chain store or even a Ma and Pa for the basics like food.

Haywood, the manner in which the word or name "Wal Marts was used correctly. It was not solely to describe the company itself, more to describe the many box like and huge buildings and locations that Wal-Mart now tends to open up, as a means to closed down the many mom and pop retailers that make small time America what it is.

Perhaps instead of making snide comments, you could actual add some substance and worthwhile discussion to the debate.

Juan- Congradulations on 1 year on Gather.

Haywood- Wal-Mart Stores, Incorperated is the offical name.
As of October 31, 2007, the Company had 988 Wal-Mart discount stores, 2,419 Supercenters, 586 Sam's Clubs and 128 Neighborhood Markets in the United States, for a total of 4,121 units. Internationally, the Company operated units in Argentina (17), Brazil (299), Canada (293), China (Wal-Mart 91; Trust-Mart 101), Costa Rica (144), Guatemala (140), Honduras (45), Japan (394), Mexico (975), Nicaragua (44), Puerto Rico (54), El Salvador (66) and the United Kingdom (347).

Juan- Walmart isnt about closing other stores..although it happens. I have also seen MaPa store benefit greatly depending on location. I do think I rather have a choice to choose which includes Walmart then have no Walmart and forced to pay sky high prices. Here I have noticed Walmart, then either Lowes or Home Depot followed, now seeing Targets coming and the rest of box stores.

"What I also find funny is Walmart employs about 1.3 million employees and people complain about jobs.. Like to see Walmart close its doors and boycott the consumer, give 1.3 million pink slips and sell off its assets. Watch the displace sandle makers find new jobs, and the fallout would be huge. "

Donald, you just made my point. Their global and multi billion-dollar entity can affect the national economy of countries abroad and that includes our very own. The powers that be at Wal-Mart know this and use it their advantage when ever possible.

Thanks Donald.

Juan ~ YOU GO! I refer to your 9:33 a.m. comment of today. Excellent Response! I need you on my team, Juan : ). Haywood just needs a bit of self discipline ... I think, between the two of us, we might get him there?. Haywood, are you paying attention? We love you, Guy, we just don't like your snarky comments (go look that up again : ). Okay ... on to more reading .. that one just deserved its' own comment.

Oh Haywood, PLEASE give it a rest? Juan & Donald had some good dialogue going. You had something to contribute, where was it?

Thanks Kieran.

Juan-My point is this, Walmarts is only powerful because they have what consumers desire. You are considering it as an oligopoly which I guess it might be considered because of its size however they do not fit since they do not set market prices. There are still several other retailers to choose from with like items with different prices and most of them higher. I see Walmart lowering the overall prices better then being forced to pay outragous prices and held hostage to 1 or 2 stores which charge sometimes as much as 3-4 times higher.

I mean think of all teh supermarkets and retailers we can choose from..and most visit Walmart because the prices are better- that is just a good business plan.

Donald, Wal-Mart does set market prices to a certain extent. By strong arming their whoesalers and distributors, Wal-Mart can practically set the market retail pricing of many products. In order for any other big box or mom and pop business entity to compete, they in turn must meet those market prices set by Wal-Mart.

One more thing, what do you will happen, once Wal-Mart reaches their objective of running out of town every mom and pop and independent retailer? You think the heads of Wal-Mart will not see the opportunity of raising their prices and making a few billion of dollars more?

I live in Scotland and we dont hava a wal mart , I think ASDA is the same company , we have several large stores here but to be honest I thik they are all much the same , xx

Marget, you are correct in that most if not all of the big box retailers are pretty much the same.

((( Juan..I wouldn't doubt that Wal-Mart raises their prices without consumers knowing it...I have seen prices higher in Wal-Mart... pray that God, will correct that greedy company... )))

Juan- I can say this Walmart can not run out every other retailer in town. Never seen it done because people still want choice and as large as Walmart is they will never specialize in one area. They have low prices but they also do not set the local price because you can find the same items in other stores for a higher price and the store sells it. When I say setting a the price I mean like Exxon-Mobil who sets the price of gasoline which is more controlled by the very few distributers.

Fact, again, everywhere I see a Walmarts, I see other businesses flocking towards including smaller ma-pa shops. Ma and Pa shops still exist in the areas but might not be where they once were.

Charity-Walmart can be higher then other companies for items...because again they can not set the price on all items in the store.

Juan-Walmart provides low prices but many items are higher then some other stores. Supermarkets and other retailers use sale items like this to drawer consumers in.

Up with mom and pop! (If we can find 'em any more...)

Ma and Pa stores need a key location and or niche...with economic changes businesses need to adapt also to new challenges.