Probably because Wal-Mart has done more in destroying local businesses than other places. I could be wrong though. I am just speculating based on my observances.
I remember when the one opened where I live(d). In the early 90s. Within 2 years, the K-mart closed. When they supersized, the Food Lions and a Harris Teeter had to close within another 2 years. The only thing holding on is a lone Kroger's.
Well, it was interesting. But also, for how massive McDonald's is, they don't stay above water that well with profit margins to pose any more danger to the fast food industry, and they've been at least tepidly responsive to consumers over the years.
All these guys interfere in politics, but Wal-Mart does it the worst, as a matter of anti-competitiveness, policy, and size. They've set unions back massively (and hurt many people in the process), bought off loads of politicians (and really helped put the Republicans in power), and institute real regressive trade policies. Thanks for bringing in those lead toys/toothpaste/diapers while gutting trade enforcement, Wal-Mart.
Also, we have like 1 Wal-Mart in New Jersey, that's BS.
Strangely enough, having a Wal-Mart around here has done very little to the local businesses, even the locally-owned ones. There's still a Big K-Mart, there are a lot of Ingles' (the Kroger of this part of the country) and all the little stores downtown are doing as fine as ever. If anything, they're choking Wal-Mart out of business.
For anyone who wonders why people hate Wal-Mart so much and if the criticism is valid, I recommend two documentaries--"Is Wal-Mart Good for America" by Frontline, and "Wal-Mart: The High Cost of Low Price."
Amanda, do you know for certain that it was Wal-Mart that stole all their business? In my old neighborhood, a super Wal-Mart was relocated closer to me and an Albertsons (grocery) store went out of business a year later, but that was because Albertsons was already doing poorly. They were closing all over the Valley. No one else seemed hurt by the change.
The only businesses that suffered, as far as I could see were the ones near were the previous Wal-Mart because they lost business attracted by the original store.
No, it isn't. I'm only asking how much of the disdain for Wal-Mart is unfounded, and to clarify, I'm not defending the business. I just don't like taking information for granted.
Heh, there's no small "general store" in my area, which is probably not because of Wal-Mart being a predator and all, but because "small general store" is an oxymoron in today's economy if you ask me. If you have to go "mom 'n pops" size, at least try to be a specialist in your area. Small businesses are not threatened by Wal-mart here because they outclass it in their respective fields. Want a cheap fishing rod? Wal-Mart. Want a rod that will actually catch stuff? Steve's Fine Rods That Actually Catch Stuff And Co.
You have to admit, the use of green dots like some kind of plague is spreading is genius.
That said, I find it difficult to avoid shopping at walmart because no one else in my area is open past 10pm and I'm on an evening-based schedule.
And the only small mom and pop store I know of you have to go to the home of the owners to ask them to come up to the store to ring up your order. The town population is around 500 and there is one school that teaches grades K-12.
Walmart is convenient and cheap.. I go there a lot, sadly.. There is an added bonus of seeing the festival of freaks that frequent Wally World.. makes you feel better about your life..
And I am totally all about stores being open 24/7.. I am glad that more fast food places are extending hours or going 24/7..
Creepy, but why pick on Wal-Mart? I'm sure CVS could do close to the same. God forbid McDonalds.
Why NOT pick on Wal-Mart?
Probably because Wal-Mart has done more in destroying local businesses than other places. I could be wrong though. I am just speculating based on my observances.
I remember when the one opened where I live(d). In the early 90s. Within 2 years, the K-mart closed. When they supersized, the Food Lions and a Harris Teeter had to close within another 2 years. The only thing holding on is a lone Kroger's.
Oh, and of course all the small, family owned businesses and shops were blown out of the water.
I'll see you guys in Nevada
Well, it was interesting. But also, for how massive McDonald's is, they don't stay above water that well with profit margins to pose any more danger to the fast food industry, and they've been at least tepidly responsive to consumers over the years.
All these guys interfere in politics, but Wal-Mart does it the worst, as a matter of anti-competitiveness, policy, and size. They've set unions back massively (and hurt many people in the process), bought off loads of politicians (and really helped put the Republicans in power), and institute real regressive trade policies. Thanks for bringing in those lead toys/toothpaste/diapers while gutting trade enforcement, Wal-Mart.
Also, we have like 1 Wal-Mart in New Jersey, that's BS.
This makes me want to vomit.
It's also weird to think that there wasn't a single Wal-Mart in California until around the 90s.
So. . . don't shop there.
I try not to because I don't like how the store is run, but sometimes it's the only option.
Strangely enough, having a Wal-Mart around here has done very little to the local businesses, even the locally-owned ones. There's still a Big K-Mart, there are a lot of Ingles' (the Kroger of this part of the country) and all the little stores downtown are doing as fine as ever. If anything, they're choking Wal-Mart out of business.
Wal-Mart makes me itch, so I never shop there.
For anyone who wonders why people hate Wal-Mart so much and if the criticism is valid, I recommend two documentaries--"Is Wal-Mart Good for America" by Frontline, and "Wal-Mart: The High Cost of Low Price."
I went to Wal-mart and got some cookies and some candy.
YUM!
Amanda, do you know for certain that it was Wal-Mart that stole all their business? In my old neighborhood, a super Wal-Mart was relocated closer to me and an Albertsons (grocery) store went out of business a year later, but that was because Albertsons was already doing poorly. They were closing all over the Valley. No one else seemed hurt by the change.
The only businesses that suffered, as far as I could see were the ones near were the previous Wal-Mart because they lost business attracted by the original store.
Isn't that kind of like asking "Are you sure it was the fire that made your house collapse?"
No, it isn't. I'm only asking how much of the disdain for Wal-Mart is unfounded, and to clarify, I'm not defending the business. I just don't like taking information for granted.
Heh, there's no small "general store" in my area, which is probably not because of Wal-Mart being a predator and all, but because "small general store" is an oxymoron in today's economy if you ask me. If you have to go "mom 'n pops" size, at least try to be a specialist in your area. Small businesses are not threatened by Wal-mart here because they outclass it in their respective fields. Want a cheap fishing rod? Wal-Mart. Want a rod that will actually catch stuff? Steve's Fine Rods That Actually Catch Stuff And Co.
You have to admit, the use of green dots like some kind of plague is spreading is genius.
That said, I find it difficult to avoid shopping at walmart because no one else in my area is open past 10pm and I'm on an evening-based schedule.
And the only small mom and pop store I know of you have to go to the home of the owners to ask them to come up to the store to ring up your order. The town population is around 500 and there is one school that teaches grades K-12.
If you zoom in on the map a bit, the green dots don't seem so threatening.
<~~~~ agrees with bujold and attitude..
Walmart is convenient and cheap.. I go there a lot, sadly.. There is an added bonus of seeing the festival of freaks that frequent Wally World.. makes you feel better about your life..
And I am totally all about stores being open 24/7.. I am glad that more fast food places are extending hours or going 24/7..
I'd love to see this thing done with Starbucks and its 2 new shops a day since 1987.
oddly enough... this closely resembles the U.S.A at nighttime
http://cybercityradio.com/images/49261main_usa_nightm.jpg