Wal-Mart Sucks!

[Skip Towne]

I think they do far more damage to a community than they do good. For example, they built Wal-marts in Pawhuska, OK, Bartlesville, OK, and Nowata, OK. Ran them for a few years during which they ran off many of the local merchants. Then they built a Super Center in Bartlesville and shut down the other two forcing the people to drive to Bartlesville to get what they could have gotten locally before Wal-Mart showed up. They have done this all over the nation. And the "jobs" they create are shitty minimum wage jobs that don't help anybody...........except Wal-Mart. What do you think?

[Simplex3]

What, they wouldn't hire you as a greeter because you're too old?

[ChiefsCountry]

Blame David Glass.

[jspchief]

It's beyond me why anyone shops in those shitholes.

[Simplex3]

It's beyond me why anyone shops in those shitholes.
I stopped going there because the stores suck and are generally dirty but the people employees and customers really make for the complete trailer-park experience.

[Skip Towne]

What, they wouldn't hire you as a greeter because you're too old?
You just go around looking for trouble don't you? :p

[big nasty kcnut]

Well it not too bad but i agreeand they never have what you need.

['Hamas' Jenkins]

People shop there b/c they have no concept of long-term economics. They see things in the immediate: paying less money for shit paper, than they do the long term ramifications--elimination of competition, fewer good paying jobs, or jobs with benefits, for that matter...it's a stupid, short sighted decision.

[SLAG]

I think I go back to the small town and Open up a new Corner Store

[MGRS13]

Have not been in a wal-mart in over 7 years.....crappy company, crappy products, crappy policy!

[|Zach|]

Kind of weird. I actually went to a Wal Mart last night with my neighbors who are from Bartlesville, OK.

http://static.flickr.com/56/131193294_d0fda8d93c.jpg

[Frazod]

They're like a company store in a mining town. Except now the town is America, and we're the ones being mined.

[BWillie]

And the "jobs" they create are shitty minimum wage jobs that don't help anybody

Alright, I'm sick and tired of this crap. Everybody whining about Wal-Mart. Everybody hates them because they are efficient and meet the consumer needs. Nobody at Wal-Mart makes minimum wage. Nobody at Wal-Mart makes less than 7.50 an hour. They now offer PART-TIME workers health insurance. Who else in the retail industry does that? What these individuals do is not worth 20 bucks an hour, they provide a reasonable service to retailer for a reasonable wage. How come people don't complain about the thousands of quickie marts, k-marts, other retailers, aldis, etc that actually pay their workers a measly six bucks an hour??? If Wal-Mart is so bad for the community, then the community would stop ****ing going there.

crappy company, crappy products, crappy policy
So if you buy a Sony 50'' LCD there it's going to be worse than the same one bought at another store?

[Skip Towne]

It's beyond me why anyone shops in those shitholes.
They shop there because they have to. And they have to drive 20 miles to do it. Wal-Mart ran off the local merchants and then closed the local store forcing the drive to the Super Center. Why they aren't bumping up against the Justice Department is beyond me.

[banyon]

People shop there b/c they have no concept of long-term economics. They see things in the immediate: paying less money for shit paper, than they do the long term ramifications--elimination of competition, fewer good paying jobs, or jobs with benefits, for that matter...it's a stupid, short sighted decision.

exactly.

It's the whole dissonance between viewing ones' self as a consumer and as a citizen. Too few people see how their decisions in one area affect the other.

[Simplex3]

You just go around looking for trouble don't you? :p
Mostly. :)

[banyon]

They shop there because they have to. And they have to drive 20 miles to do it. Wal-Mart ran off the local merchants and then closed the local store forcing the drive to the Super Center. Why they aren't bumping up against the Justice Department is beyond me.

What law would they be in violation of?

Sherman Antitrust?

There are plenty of other mega stores that they compete with, so I wouldn't think that they occupy enough of that market to warrant an action in antitrust.

[banyon]

Alright, I'm sick and tired of this crap. Everybody whining about Wal-Mart. Everybody hates them because they are efficient and meet the consumer needs. Nobody at Wal-Mart makes minimum wage. Nobody at Wal-Mart makes less than 7.50 an hour. They now offer PART-TIME workers health insurance. Who else in the retail industry does that? What these individuals do is not worth 20 bucks an hour, they provide a reasonable service to retailer for a reasonable wage. How come people don't complain about the thousands of quickie marts, k-marts, other retailers, aldis, etc that actually pay their workers a measly six bucks an hour??? If Wal-Mart is so bad for the community, then the community would stop ****ing going there.


So if you buy a Sony 50'' LCD there it's going to be worse than the same one bought at another store?

Own Wal-Mart stock? :p

[jspchief]

They shop there because they have to. And they have to drive 20 miles to do it. Wal-Mart ran off the local merchants and then closed the local store forcing the drive to the Super Center. Why they aren't bumping up against the Justice Department is beyond me.The local merchants went away because the customers stopped supporting them, going to Walmart instead.

[Simplex3]

If Wal-Mart is so bad for the community, then the community would stop ****ing going there.
I hope you don't actually believe this. The average American is too stupid to see past the dollar coming directly out of their wallet. They did a survey on the street several years ago and over 40% of the people actually thought their tax refund was money given to them by the govt. They didn't realize it was their money that had been over-paid in taxes.
So if you buy a Sony 50'' LCD there it's going to be worse than the same one bought at another store?
It's worse because when I buy it at Wal-Mart I support one schmo in my town and some accountants in Bentonville, AR. When I buy it at Brandsmart I support a sales guy, the clerk at the desk, the accountant, etc, all of whom buy MY products and contribute to the economy in MY city.

[|Zach|]

I do my best to avoid Wal Mart sometimes I run into some rough money situations and will go there for food. Its rare.

[Phobia]

I bought some bondo and primer at wal-mart today. I tried 2 other local stores first.

[banyon]

My roommate is from Clinton, MO.

He said that twice as they were trying to build there, despite much public protest, someone came in at night and dynamited the foundations.

They hired armed guards though and eventually Got Er' done.

Now of course, the Clinton downtown is deader than s***.

If only everybody had that kind of resolve.

[Just Another Joe]

i HAVE SHOPPED AT wALmART BECAUSE THEY OFTEN CARRY MORE THAN THE LOCAL STORES IN THE TOWN i LIVE IN. tHERE IS NO COMPETITION, THE LOCAL GROCERY'S PRICES ARE MUCH HIGHER AND TYPICALLY DIRTIER THAN ANY wALmART i'VE EVER SEEN.

tHE NEAREST wALmART IS 15 MINUTES FROM MY HOME. iF YOU CONSIDER GAS PRICES AND THE MONEY i SPEND ON GAS i SAVE MORE THAN $18.00 EACH TIME i BUY JUST BASIC GROCERIES.

wITH ME BUDGET IS EVERYTHING AND i CANNOT JUSTIFY BUYING AT THE LOCAL sAFEWAY.

[Bwana]

Wal-Mart Sucks!

The sun sets in the west.

[Just Another Joe]

The sun sets in the west.

i'VE HEARD THAT BEFORE, i THINK IT'S A RUMOR.

[chefsos]

i HAVE SHOPPED AT wALmART BECAUSE THEY OFTEN CARRY MORE THAN THE LOCAL STORES IN THE TOWN i LIVE IN. tHERE IS NO COMPETITION, THE LOCAL GROCERY'S PRICES ARE MUCH HIGHER AND TYPICALLY DIRTIER THAN ANY wALmART i'VE EVER SEEN.

tHE NEAREST wALmART IS 15 MINUTES FROM MY HOME. iF YOU CONSIDER GAS PRICES AND THE MONEY i SPEND ON GAS i SAVE MORE THAN $18.00 EACH TIME i BUY JUST BASIC GROCERIES.

wITH ME BUDGET IS EVERYTHING AND i CANNOT JUSTIFY BUYING AT THE LOCAL sAFEWAY.
I do believe that somewhere along the line your finger slipped off the Shift key, and onto the Caps Lock key.

[Eleazar]

Luckily they built a Target right across the street from my local Walmart. I like all kinds of people and everything... but the clean store and a little less dubtee crowd are worth it to me.

[Bwana]

i'VE HEARD THAT BEFORE, i THINK IT'S A RUMOR.

No sir, that's a fact. The part where Skip has a 13 inch love stick is a RUMOR. :hmmm:

[Bearcat]

I do believe that somewhere along the line your finger slipped off the Shift key, and onto the Caps Lock key.

WalMart probably has something for that.

[BWillie]

Ever wonder why there's so much crap built after a Wal-Mart supercenter is built? Restaurants, Lowes, Malls, ETC thus creating more jobs to the community.

Luckily they built a Target right across the street from my local Walmart. I like all kinds of people and everything... but the clean store and a little less dubtee crowd are worth it to me.

Target, there is a store, that on average pays their employees less than Wal-Mart.

[Phobia]

Wal-Mart does not carry a replacement capslock key?

[Bearcat]

No sir, that's a fact. The part where Skip has a 13 inch love stick is a RUMOR. :hmmm:


However, I don't believe they have those.

[Simplex3]

No sir, that's a fact. The part where Skip has a 13 inch love stick is a RUMOR. :hmmm:
That, sir, is a bald-faced LIE.

[Phobia]

WalMart probably has something for that.

CRAP. My wife distracted me momentarily.

[Eleazar]

Target, there is a store, that on average pays their employees less than Wal-Mart.

I shop at places that give me what I want. I'm not really concerned that the kid collecting shopping carts makes a nickel more at Walmart. Sorry.

[Just Another Joe]

I do believe that somewhere along the line your finger slipped off the Shift key, and onto the Caps Lock key.

iT TAKES EFFORT, BUT THIS IS THE WAY i TYPE.

[Bwana]

That, sir, is a bald-faced LIE.

I figure that was the case indeed, but I didn't want to be the one to call bullshit. :)

[laser1972]

When you are on top, you always catch sh**...

Cheap prices, enough said.. We are always looking for a bargain...Simple as that..

[chefsos]

Ever wonder why there's so much crap built after a Wal-Mart supercenter is built? Restaurants, Lowes, Malls, ETC thus creating more jobs to the community.
I'm unsure if it's good or bad, but that's exactly what's going on around the one closest to me. Three restaurants, Lowe's, a proposed strip mall, and two housing developments, all on the land that used to be a drive-in theater.

[BWillie]

What about Abercrombie & Fitch, Hollisters, etc. They drive local tweens, teens, and adults from local merchants BIG TIME and they pay their store managers tops of 30K with part timers making next to nothing.

I'm unsure if it's good or bad, but that's exactly what's going on around the one closest to me. Three restaurants, Lowe's, a proposed strip mall, and two housing developments, all on the land that used to be a drive-in theater.

That sounds pretty positive on a community to me..I bet a drive-in-theater employs a few kids, one manager who makes didly squat.

[Eleazar]

iT TAKES EFFORT, BUT THIS IS THE WAY i TYPE.

i FIGURED YOU JUST TYPED STARING AT TEH KEYBOARD THE WHOLE TIME>

[Skip Towne]

Luckily they built a Target right across the street from my local Walmart. I like all kinds of people and everything... but the clean store and a little less dubtee crowd are worth it to me.
Do you have to dress up to go to Target?

[Bearcat]

CRAP. My wife distracted me momentarily.
I'd say something about the joy of being single, but with knowing your other half, you might have me beat.

[ChiefsCountry]

Sam Walton's brother, Bud, lived in my hometown. They owned the Ben Franklin store before Sam started Wal-Mart, so they have lived in my community for over 40 years now. His widow still lives there. His daughters married Stan Kroenke and Bill Laurie. Well for years they have wanted to put a Supercenter in but the Walton family said no, until this year. But they have been very nice to the community, gave our high school a 2.5 million dollar college style football facility.

[Just Another Joe]

Ever wonder why there's so much crap built after a Wal-Mart supercenter is built? Restaurants, Lowes, Malls, ETC thus creating more jobs to the community.



Target, there is a store, that on average pays their employees less than Wal-Mart.

oNE OF TARGET'S EMPLOYEES WAS RECALLED TO ACTIVE DUTY AND WAS BASICALLY TOLD THAT HIS JOB WOULD NOT BE THERE WHEN HE RETURNED. tHEIR POLICIES FOR MILITARY PERSONNEL IS SOMETHING LESS THAN ACCEPTABLE. sEARS ON THE OTHER HAND HAS DONE ADMIRABLY DURING THIS TIME OF MASSIVE RECALLS OF OUR nATIONAL gUARDSMEN. i WILL GO OUT OF MY WAY TO SHOP AT sEARS.

[Eleazar]

Do you have to dress up to go to Target?

I am generally not wearing sweatpants with holes in the knees anyway, or else I'd still be shopping at the other place.

[Just Another Joe]

i FIGURED YOU JUST TYPED STARING AT TEH KEYBOARD THE WHOLE TIME>

iT DOESN'T SEEM GOOD FOR YOU TO 'FIGURE' WHAT OTHERS DO, ERRORS COME QUICKLY FOR THOSE WHO THINK.

[Phobia]

iT TAKES EFFORT, BUT THIS IS THE WAY i TYPE.

I don't know if I'm revealing anything eye opening, but the way you are typing is highly unusual. You may think that it is clever and amusing but you would be mistaken. You may think that you are highly unique and you would be correct. But you aren't unique because you're on the cutting edge of creativity. You're unique because everybody else thinks that typing style is frick'n retarded. They would be correct.

[Just Another Joe]

Sam Walton's brother, Bud, lived in my hometown. They owned the Ben Franklin store before Sam started Wal-Mart, so they have lived in my community for over 40 years now. His widow still lives there. His daughters married Stan Kroenke and Bill Laurie. Well for years they have wanted to put a Supercenter in but the Walton family said no, until this year. But they have been very nice to the community, gave our high school a 2.5 million dollar college style football facility.

i HEARD THAT sAM wALTON OPENED HIS FIRST STORE IN kANSAS SOMEWHERE. i THINK sAM MIGHT BE SPINNING IN HIS GRAVE WITH ALL THAT HAS HAPPENED SINCE HE PASSED.

[Eleazar]

iT DOESN'T SEEM GOOD FOR YOU TO 'FIGURE' WHAT OTHERS DO, ERRORS COME QUICKLY FOR THOSE WHO THINK.

You're a poet.

[Bearcat]

ERRORS COME QUICKLY FOR THOSE WHO THINK.

Only for those who shop at WalMart.

[Eleazar]

Only for those who shop at WalMart.

It's ok, WalMart sells white-out.

[Skip Towne]

iT TAKES EFFORT, BUT THIS IS THE WAY i TYPE.
THAT FORCES ME TO SHOW YOU HOW I NEG REP. gET READY. hERE IT COMES!

[SPchief]

WHY IS EVERYONE YELLING AT ME???

[chefsos]

WHY IS EVERYONE YELLING AT ME???
Lotta background noise at Wal-Mart.

[Bearcat]

It's ok, WalMart sells white-out.

You have to be 18, and I'm not positive everyone in this thread qualifies.

[Skip Towne]

Sam Walton's brother, Bud, lived in my hometown. They owned the Ben Franklin store before Sam started Wal-Mart, so they have lived in my community for over 40 years now. His widow still lives there. His daughters married Stan Kroenke and Bill Laurie. Well for years they have wanted to put a Supercenter in but the Walton family said no, until this year. But they have been very nice to the community, gave our high school a 2.5 million dollar college style football facility.
Glad to see they helped one community. That makes up for the thousands they have destroyed.

[Logical]

I think they do far more damage to a community than they do good. For example, they built Wal-marts in Pawhuska, OK, Bartlesville, OK, and Nowata, OK. Ran them for a few years during which they ran off many of the local merchants. Then they built a Super Center in Bartlesville and shut down the other two forcing the people to drive to Bartlesville to get what they could have gotten locally before Wal-Mart showed up. They have done this all over the nation. And the "jobs" they create are shitty minimum wage jobs that don't help anybody...........except Wal-Mart. What do you think?I don't think they can do harm in the bigger communities but yes in the small ones they can wreak havoc with some of their practices.

[wutamess]

I bought some bondo and primer at wal-mart today. I tried 2 other local stores first.


Exactly, Walmart has everything you need in one convenient place.
I can get a lot of hardware items there when I do some home improvement stuff in the middle of the night (which is when I usually do them because I'm a bored imsomniac).

I live 2 blocks away from (expensive) Ace Hardware store and nine times out of ten have to drive all the way to Lowes to get what I need. Not Walmart, but it's an example of how mom & pop stores compare when it comes to big chain retailers.

Not to mention the gas it takes going to one store only to find out that they don't have what you need when you can make one trip that one store that has everything you need.

I agree with some of you guys with Walmart but since I love shopping there just for the occassional get away and for some me time from the 3 chilren. I'd be a hypocrite to join in on the bagging.

Phil that reminds me... I paid your $36 for the league. Hit me up.

[Skip Towne]

Exactly, Walmart has everything you need in one convenient place.
I can get a lot of hardware items there when I do some home improvement stuff in the middle of the night (which is when I usually do them because I'm a bored imsomniac).

I live 2 blocks away from (expensive) Ace Hardware store and nine times out of ten have to drive all the way to Lowes to get what I need. Not Walmart, but it's an example of how mom & pop stores compare when it comes to big chain retailers.

Not to mention the gas it takes going to one store only to find out that they don't have what you need when you can make one trip that one store that has everything you need.

I agree with some of you guys with Walmart but since I love shopping there just for the occassional get away and for some me time from the 3 chilren. I'd be a hypocrite to join in on the bagging.

Phil that reminds me... I paid your $36 for the league. Hit me up.
I'll bet you drive a Jap car too. The US be damned, I want my convenience.

[wutamess]

I'll bet you drive a Jap car too. The US be damned, I want my convenience.

You old stereotyping fart...
Wife drives a '05 Ford Freestar minivan.
I drive '02 GMC/Chevy Yukon.
Dad works at Ford.

Bunghole!

[Skip Towne]

You old stereotyping fart...
Wife drives a '05 Ford Freestar minivan.
I drive '02 GMC/Chevy Yukon.
Dad works at Ford.

Bunghole!
Dicksucker! The Wal-Mart blight isn't so evident in the cities as it is in the small towns. Sam built Wal-Mart in the small towns before he ever went to the cities. Enjoy your neg rep faggot.

[milkman]

Exactly, Walmart has everything you need in one convenient place.
I can get a lot of hardware items there when I do some home improvement stuff in the middle of the night (which is when I usually do them because I'm a bored imsomniac).

I live 2 blocks away from (expensive) Ace Hardware store and nine times out of ten have to drive all the way to Lowes to get what I need. Not Walmart, but it's an example of how mom & pop stores compare when it comes to big chain retailers.

Not to mention the gas it takes going to one store only to find out that they don't have what you need when you can make one trip that one store that has everything you need.

I agree with some of you guys with Walmart but since I love shopping there just for the occassional get away and for some me time from the 3 chilren. I'd be a hypocrite to join in on the bagging.

Phil that reminds me... I paid your $36 for the league. Hit me up.

I don't know, I never took the family on an outing to WalMart, and I sure as hell couldn't get any "me" time there.

[wutamess]

Dicksucker! The Wal-Mart blight isn't so evident in the cities as it is in the small towns. Sam built Wal-Mart in the small towns before he ever went to the cities. Enjoy your neg rep pillowbiter.

I love you too Skip.
Now you can gfy! ROFL

[Chiefs Pantalones]

<a href="http://www.lol-pages.com">

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[wutamess]

I don't know, I never took the family on an outing to WalMart, and I sure as hell couldn't get any "me" time there.

I think you missed it. I go by myself.

[DJJasonp]

I bet you're a dixie chicks fan too, eh????

[wutamess]

<a href="http://www.lol-pages.com">

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That has to be Skip.
I've never seen your pic Skip. Is that you?

[Rausch]

Supporting the Chinese war machine one plastic cup at a time...

[wutamess]

I actually got neg repped from the feable, wise, Direct Tv installer dude.
Hilarious.

[milkman]

I think you missed it. I go by myself.

With all the idiots that shop there, I didn't get any "me" time, all I got was pissed off.

[wutamess]

With all the idiots that shop there, I didn't get any "me" time, all I got was pissed off.

Well me being a night person I usually go in the middle of the night. Sometimes (since I work from home) I'll go with me & my youngest daughter over lunch). Both times are usually relaxing.

[Rausch]

I'll bet you drive a Jap car too. The US be damned, I want my convenience.

I do drive a Jap car, but it's a damned fine car, and the Japs aren't our enemies.

Now, the Chinese, guys Wally world buys a tit-load of their product from, those guys are counting the days until D-day...

[Skip Towne]

I actually got neg repped from the feable, wise, Direct Tv installer dude.
Hilarious.
I'm still trying to decide whether to destroy your rep. Since you are too feeble minded to spell feeble correctly maybe I should let you slide. I'll have to think about it.

[Rausch]

oNE OF TARGET'S EMPLOYEES WAS RECALLED TO ACTIVE DUTY AND WAS BASICALLY TOLD THAT HIS JOB WOULD NOT BE THERE WHEN HE RETURNED. tHEIR POLICIES FOR MILITARY PERSONNEL IS SOMETHING LESS THAN ACCEPTABLE. sEARS ON THE OTHER HAND HAS DONE ADMIRABLY DURING THIS TIME OF MASSIVE RECALLS OF OUR nATIONAL gUARDSMEN. i WILL GO OUT OF MY WAY TO SHOP AT sEARS.

Target is owned by the frogs.

I'd sooner cram one of their artsy dishware showpieces up my ass as shop there...

[Chiefs Pantalones]

Some wal-mart employees are real rude.

[Skip Towne]

With all the idiots that shop there, I didn't get any "me" time, all I got was pissed off.
I get pissed off every time I go in a Wal-Mart. They do a good job and they have wide aisles but some of those women's asses take up most of it. You can't pass them. They should be required to have a beeper to notify me if they start backing up.

[Nzoner]

I don't think they can do harm in the bigger communities but yes in the small ones they can wreak havoc with some of their practices.

In a city of around 65,000 we've got two Wal-Mart Supercenters on the same highway about 8 miles apart and both are usually packed.Being in the ad business I've seen first hand what their doing to the mom and pop retail stores(in fact I just lost a longtime local client because they can't compete anymore) and it pisses me off.

Welcome to the machine.

[Skip Towne]

In a city of around 65,000 we've got two Wal-Mart Supercenters on the same highway about 8 miles apart and both are usually packed.Being in the ad business I've seen first hand what their doing to the mom and pop retail stores(in fact I just lost a longtime local client because they can't compete anymore) and it pisses me off.

Welcome to the machine.
You're next. Wal-Mart has absolutely no need for your services like your present clients do.

[Rausch]

You're next. Wal-Mart has absolutely no need for your services like your present clients do.

I was just about to post that.

[Nzoner]

You're next. Wal-Mart has absolutely no need for your services like your present clients do.

Thankfully direct mail advertising still works great for pizza,if it weren't for the likes of Dominos,Little Caesars,Godfathers,Breadeaux etc. I very well could be looking for a new buisness.


Have to add HY-Vee grocers as well,landed the account about a year and a half ago and direct mail is working great for them.

[Skip Towne]

I do drive a Jap car, but it's a damned fine car, and the Japs aren't our enemies.

Now, the Chinese, guys Wally world buys a tit-load of their product from, those guys are counting the days until D-day...
Sorry Rausch I don't trust the Japs. Or the Germans either. We had to kick their asses twice within a 30 year period. When you have your boot on the throat of your enemy, you don't let them up. And, my grandmother was born and raised in Berlin making me 1/4 German.

[ferrarispider95]

Not to mention how they jerk around their suppliers. They pay when they want to pay, you pack it exactly how they want it or it will get % taken off or returned, and walmart will send the sh*t back to you if it doesnt sell fast enough.

[Rausch]

Sorry Rausch I don't trust the Japs. Or the Germans either.


I do trust the Japs, and I don't trust the Germans.

And I'm German.

What's that tell you?

We had to kick their asses twice within a 30 year period. When you have your boot on the throat of your enemy, you don't let them up.

Oh how I miss that philosophy...

And, my grandmother was born and raised in Berlin making me 1/4 German.

My Grandfather's brother had to sit there fighting his own 1st cousins and watch the French resistance walk into Paris and take credit for his sacrifice despite his multiple wounds after fighting a better equipped and better placed German military.

The Germans are willing to fight for what they want, even if it's wrong, making them predictable.

The frogs aren't. Ever.

And they have yet to meet an ally they haven't turned on...

[Skip Towne]

Not to mention how they jerk around their suppliers. They pay when they want to pay, you pack it exactly how they want it or it will get % taken off or returned, and walmart will send the sh*t back to you if it doesnt sell fast enough.
I don't know how you know all that but I have some real horror stories about what they have done to small suppliers. I was offered the opportunity to put amusement machines in 10 of their stores in SE Kansas and I respectfully declined to their surprise. It would have required me to spend $100,000 ($10,000 per store which was normal) but I knew from other small business owners what rat bastards Wal-Mart are to their suppliers. I did just fine without them.

[greg63]

Wal-Mart Sucks!

I am in total agreement; that's why I buy from an online supplier as much as possible who actually pays me to shop with them.

[Pitt Gorilla]

I stopped going there because the stores suck and are generally dirty but the people employees and customers really make for the complete trailer-park experience.Couldn't have said it better.

[greg63]

I don't know how you know all that but I have some real horror stories about what they have done to small suppliers. I was offered the opportunity to put amusement machines in 10 of their stores in SE Kansas and I respectfully declined to their surprise. It would have required me to spend $100,000 ($10,000 per store which was normal) but I knew from other small business owners what rat bastards Wal-Mart are to their suppliers. I did just fine without them.

The online supplier I shop with has a return policy that is, IMO, second to none.

[Nzoner]

Not to mention how they jerk around their suppliers. They pay when they want to pay, you pack it exactly how they want it or it will get % taken off or returned, and walmart will send the sh*t back to you if it doesnt sell fast enough.

Yep,in the early years of our business they ran an ad for the auto department and when I called about a past due bill I basically got told that they were Wal-Mart and I'd get paid when I got paid.I cancelled the contract as it wasn't fair to my other auto repair advertisers who were paying me on time.

[luv]

I'm a chick, and I've stopped shopping there as much. I used to do my grocery shopping there as well, when there is a huge Price Cutter Plus right down the street from me. :doh!:

They're customer service has gone way downhill.

[Rausch]

Couldn't have said it better.

I'll be sure to tell my g/f.


"You don't know me, but I know where you liiiiiive!"

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v492/haplo1998/kohdale.jpg

[007]

I'm a chick, and I've stopped shopping there as much. I used to do my grocery shopping there as well, when there is a huge Price Cutter Plus right down the street from me. :doh!:

They're customer service has gone way downhill.


Customer service? What the hell is that? :shake:

[Pitt Gorilla]

Exactly, Walmart has everything you need in one convenient place.
I can get a lot of hardware items there when I do some home improvement stuff in the middle of the night (which is when I usually do them because I'm a bored imsomniac).

I live 2 blocks away from (expensive) Ace Hardware store and nine times out of ten have to drive all the way to Lowes to get what I need. Not Walmart, but it's an example of how mom & pop stores compare when it comes to big chain retailers.

Not to mention the gas it takes going to one store only to find out that they don't have what you need when you can make one trip that one store that has everything you need.

I agree with some of you guys with Walmart but since I love shopping there just for the occassional get away and for some me time from the 3 chilren. I'd be a hypocrite to join in on the bagging.

Phil that reminds me... I paid your $36 for the league. Hit me up.Interesting. I buy most of my hardware stuff at Ace. That don't seem that expensive to me.

[Nzoner]

The only positive thing I have to say about Wal-Mart is that being married to a NASCAR fan I know I can always find something for a gift there.

[chefsos]

The only positive thing I have to say about Wal-Mart is that being married to a NASCAR fan I know I can always find something for a gift there.
I KNEW you were gonna equate Wal-Mart with NASCAR. I just had to wait a few posts for it. Wish there was someone else here right now; I coulda won a bet. :)

[Pitt Gorilla]

I used to do my grocery shopping there as well, when there is a huge Price Cutter Plus right down the street from me. :doh!:

They're customer service has gone way downhill.Why would you get groceries at WalMart? Their produce and meats are terrible.

[greg63]

Customer service? What the hell is that? :shake:


Wal-Mart: They don’t need any stinking customer service!

[Skip Towne]

The only positive thing I have to say about Wal-Mart is that being married to a NASCAR fan I know I can always find something for a gift there.
:LOL: But you have to dress up to go to Wal-Mart.

[greg63]

:LOL: But you have to dress up to go to Wal-Mart.
ROFL
Yep. :thumb:

[Phobia]

When does the league start, Wutamess? Thursday?

Can I pay you in ChiefsPlanet merchandise?

[greg63]

When does the league start, Wutamess? Thursday?

Can I pay you in ChiefsPlanet merchandise?


???

[luv]

When does the league start, Wutamess? Thursday?

Can I pay you in ChiefsPlanet merchandise?
I'm thinking you might as well just write it off and give it to charity.

[007]

???


You really are in a state of perfect nothingness. ROFL

[Skip Towne]

Why would you get groceries at WalMart? Their produce and meats are terrible.
Exactly. Do you know why? Because they refuse to use union workers and they have to farm it out to non union shops. I hate unions but not in this case. And you're right their meat is all individually wrapped in plastic and if you want something custom, forget it. Since I live alone, I often need a roast cut in half to prevent wasting half of it. I NEVER buy meat from Wal-Mart.

[greg63]

I'm thinking you might as well just write it off and give it to charity.

Who's Charity?? :p

[007]

Who's Charity?? :p


Sweet Charity of course.

[greg63]

Sweet Charity of course.


ROFL :doh!:

[Rausch]

Exactly. Do you know why? Because they refuse to use union workers and they have to farm it out to non union shops.

No, that isn't why.

You ever see a titload of traliers parked behind the store?

Guess what's in it (and if it isn't hooked up, there ain't no refrigeration, now is there?)

[luv]

Why would you get groceries at WalMart? Their produce and meats are terrible.
Basically because I bought everything else there.

Their clothes are cheap, and anything in my size looks like it was made for an old lady. I now just wait until Cato's or Kohl's has a good sale. I go to payless for my shoes, unless my one pair of Nike's has worn out. And I now do my grocery shopping elsewhere. About the only time I go there is to go through their 2 for $11 movies, or toiletries (toothpaste, shampoo, conditioner, TP, make-up, etc).

[Rausch]

Who's Charity?? :p

According to Webster's, me.

I need another lid.

[luv]

According to Webster's, me.

I need another lid.
I think you'd have to provide him with a receipt and proof that you are a charitable organization.

[greg63]

According to Webster's, me.

I need another lid.


ROFL

[Rausch]

I think you'd have to provide him with a receipt and proof that you are a charitable organization.

Or a charity case.

Now that I can come up with...

[luv]

Or a charity case.

Now that I can come up with...
No way.

You pay taxes.

[Skip Towne]

I don't know the name of it but there is a company that travels all over the US educating local merchants on how to fight an incoming Wal-Mart store. One thing they tell you is that Wal-Mart has 30XXX products on the shelf but only 400 of them are at a bargain price. The remaining items are at average or above price. I wanted a router so I went to a Sam's in Wichita only to find my local Ace Hardware in Chanute, KS had a better one cheaper. That "Lowest price All the Time" is a totally bullshit phrase. Not to mention Wal-Mart goods are basically plastic junk. You get what you pay for.

[Rausch]

No way.

You pay taxes.

Not the last 4 years I haven't.


My lid.

NOW....

[luv]

I don't know the name of it but there is a company that travels all over the US educating local merchants on how to fight an incoming Wal-Mart store. One thing they tell you is that Wal-Mart has 30XXX products on the shelf but only 400 of them are at a bargain price. The remaining items are at average or above price. I wanted a router so I went to a Sam's in Wichita only to find my local Ace Hardware in Chanute, KS had a better one cheaper. That "Lowest price All the Time" is a totally bullshit phrase. Not to mention Wal-Mart goods are basically plastic junk. You get what you pay for.
Exactly. And, even if you pay twice as much for something at a specialty store, it's gonna last ten times longer. You save money in the long run on major purchases like that.

[Rausch]

I don't know the name of it but there is a company that travels all over the US educating local merchants on how to fight an incoming Wal-Mart store.

The Pink Flamingos. (http://www.pbs.org/itvs/storewars/sprawl2.html)

[wutamess]

When does the league start, Wutamess? Thursday?

Can I pay you in ChiefsPlanet merchandise?

I think it starts in May something.

Chiefsplanet merch? Uh... No sir... didn't like it (old Ren & Stimpy humor).
Actually I do still want one of those khaki colored hats.

[wutamess]

I'm still trying to decide whether to destroy your rep. Since you are too feeble minded to spell feeble correctly maybe I should let you slide. I'll have to think about it.

Skip,
What ever floats your boat.
I'm just happy you've made it this long without depends.

Neg rep on me :toast:

[greg63]

I don't know the name of it but there is a company that travels all over the US educating local merchants on how to fight an incoming Wal-Mart store. One thing they tell you is that Wal-Mart has 30XXX products on the shelf but only 400 of them are at a bargain price. The remaining items are at average or above price. I wanted a router so I went to a Sam's in Wichita only to find my local Ace Hardware in Chanute, KS had a better one cheaper. That "Lowest price All the Time" is a totally bullshit phrase. Not to mention Wal-Mart goods are basically plastic junk. You get what you pay for.

Yep; and if you think about it you're paying for S/H X 3. There was the cost of gas to get you there, the S/H that is figured into the price of the item and the gas it took to get it back home.

[Phobia]

I think it starts in May something.

Chiefsplanet merch? Uh... No sir... didn't like it (old Ren & Stimpy humor).
Actually I do still want one of those khaki colored hats.

What a coincidence, the khaki hats are $36. Heh. I'll call you in the AM and drop some coin by.

[Pitt Gorilla]

I don't know the name of it but there is a company that travels all over the US educating local merchants on how to fight an incoming Wal-Mart store. One thing they tell you is that Wal-Mart has 30XXX products on the shelf but only 400 of them are at a bargain price. The remaining items are at average or above price. I wanted a router so I went to a Sam's in Wichita only to find my local Ace Hardware in Chanute, KS had a better one cheaper. That "Lowest price All the Time" is a totally bullshit phrase. Not to mention Wal-Mart goods are basically plastic junk. You get what you pay for.Yup. We've noticed that toys (for our son) and hardware stuff is cheaper elsewhere. Hy-Vee and Ace get most of our money, with Farm and Fleet, Target, and Kohls getting a lot of the rest.

[Phobia]

Ace is more expensive on everything in their store with one exception. Their sales are usually competitive and the smoker I bought was very, very well priced there.

[Deberg_1990]

That "Lowest price All the Time" is a totally bullshit phrase.

Their Ads are very misleading. They dont have "Sales" like other retailers, they have the "Everyday Low Price" That could mean whatever.....

[listopencil]

I hope you don't actually believe this. The average American is too stupid to see past the dollar coming directly out of their wallet. They did a survey on the street several years ago and over 40% of the people actually thought their tax refund was money given to them by the govt. They didn't realize it was their money that had been over-paid in taxes.

Right. Wal-Mart is successful because people are too stupid to know better. They are successful because they have the best logistics department in the world.

It's worse because when I buy it at Wal-Mart I support one schmo in my town and some accountants in Bentonville, AR. When I buy it at Brandsmart I support a sales guy, the clerk at the desk, the accountant, etc, all of whom buy MY products and contribute to the economy in MY city.

Wen you buy stuff at a Wal-Mart you are supporting all of the people that work in the stores, all of the people that work in the warehouses, all of the drivers that deliver products between the two, all of the people that work in the Arkansas office that run the place and all of the people in various service industries who soak up the Wal-Mart paychecks. As opposed to supporting Mr. Johnson's right to fall asleep at the counter of the local drug store while charging you $10 for four rolls of toilet paper.

[listopencil]

Oh, by the way. I've seen some of the media hype about low pay. How much do people think a cashier should be paid an hour? As much as a doctor? How about the guy that stocks the shelves? Should he be pulling down $100K a year?

...and the complaint about Wal-Mart stuff breaking easily while only about 400 of the items are actually priced less? Guess what dumbasses...the 400 items of cheaper shit is what breaks easily. You get what you pay for. If you want higher quality then pay more for the stuff. Wal-Mart generally stocks at least three brands of many of the items. Dirt Cheap, Medium and High End. Some items have more than three price points. Again, you get what you pay for and the company has a liberal return policy if you do happen to get defective merchandise. But that's OK. Keep paying $10 for four rolls of toilet paper if you feel you need to.

[BWillie]

Oh, by the way. I've seen some of the media hype about low pay. How much do people think a cashier should be paid an hour? As much as a doctor? How about the guy that stocks the shelves? Should he be pulling down $100K a year?

Great post, I was waiting until somebody said someting intelligent. Some of the stereotypical comments and thoughts are very very amusing and hilarious. I'm not a complete Wal-Mart proponent, I do feel there are times where it can cause problems in VERY SMALL communities but for the life of me, I can't understand why Wal-Mart is Sh*t on so much by the media and different groups. I think it's kind of like in baseball with Barry Bonds, they pick the leader and the most successful and bash them into the ground.

[|Zach|]

<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/zachishere/131193288/" title="Photo Sharing"><img src="http://static.flickr.com/1/131193288_69eb6e4e07.jpg" width="500" height="375" alt="IMG_2645" /></a>

[listopencil]

I think a lot of it is that they are so successful. Some people are dying to find a way to show that Wal-Mart got where it is by cheating rather than admitting that the company just does something better than anyone else can.

[Hammock Parties]

Shopping online is the only way to go.

[listopencil]

Shopping online is the only way to go.


As gas prices increase that is making a lot more sense.

[Rausch]

<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/zachishere/131193288/" title="Photo Sharing"><img src="http://static.flickr.com/1/131193288_69eb6e4e07.jpg" width="500" height="375" alt="IMG_2645" /></a>

And I titled this one "Corrosion of the Amercian Soul."

[BigMeatballDave]

I shop there because I'm not made of money.

[Rausch]

I shop there because I'm not made of money.

Save a penny, feed a chinaman...

[BigMeatballDave]

Supporting the Chinese war machine one plastic cup at a time...I don't buy plastic cups...

[luv]

good night, and good luck

[BigMeatballDave]

Why would you get groceries at WalMart? Their produce and meats are terrible.Yeah, meat at Wal-Mart isn't very good. I live in Ohio, meat ANYWHERE around here SUCKS. Another thing I miss about living in Mo. and Ks.

[BigMeatballDave]

good night, and good luckThat movie sucked...

[Chief Henry]

Yeah, meat at Wal-Mart isn't very good. I live in Ohio, meat ANYWHERE around here SUCKS. Another thing I miss about living in Mo. and Ks.



I just bought a half of beef. Its in my freezer. I will be enjoying these steaks and burgers all summer and fall. Take a drive out into the country
and find a farmer with cows out in the field. Approach the farmer about buying one of his cows and if he says yes. Ask him about a
meat locker to process the beef. The half of beef for us was about
600 dollars. It dam near filled our new 10 cubic foot freezer.

[Herzig]

Walmart is good for Northwest Arkansas...

[greg63]

Save a penny, feed a chinaman...



ROFLROFLROFL

[greg63]

Walmart is good for Northwest Arkansas...



Thank you Sam Walton. ;)

[Just Another Joe]

I don't know if I'm revealing anything eye opening, but the way you are typing is highly unusual. You may think that it is clever and amusing but you would be mistaken. You may think that you are highly unique and you would be correct. But you aren't unique because you're on the cutting edge of creativity. You're unique because everybody else thinks that typing style is frick'n retarded. They would be correct.

fROM SOMEONE THAT IS AFRAID OF, JUST WHAT IS IT THAT YOU ARE AFRAID OF?

i DON'T BELIEVE THAT ANYONE IS LOOKING TO BE ON THE CUTTING EDGE OF CREATIVITY, THIS IS JUST THE WAY i WANT TO TYPE. iF YOU THINK THAT BECAUSE OF THE WAY i TYPE MAKES ME UNIQUE OR RETARDED IT JUST SHOWS YOUR LOOKING FOR WAYS TO BE A JERK, i'D SAY THAT YOU FOUND A WAY.

[greg63]

Quote: <HR SIZE=1>Originally Posted by Phobia
I don't know if I'm revealing anything eye opening, but the way you are typing is highly unusual. You may think that it is clever and amusing but you would be mistaken. You may think that you are highly unique and you would be correct. But you aren't unique because you're on the cutting edge of creativity. You're unique because everybody else thinks that typing style is frick'n retarded. They would be correct. <HR SIZE=1>
fROM SOMEONE THAT IS AFRAID OF, JUST WHAT IS IT THAT YOU ARE AFRAID OF?

i DON'T BELIEVE THAT ANYONE IS LOOKING TO BE ON THE CUTTING EDGE OF CREATIVITY, THIS IS JUST THE WAY i WANT TO TYPE. iF YOU THINK THAT BECAUSE OF THE WAY i TYPE MAKES ME UNIQUE OR RETARDED IT JUST SHOWS YOUR LOOKING FOR WAYS TO BE A JERK, i'D SAY THAT YOU FOUND A WAY.


ROFLROFLROFL


This exchange is hilarious!



I love this place!

[Dunit35]

I have no problems with Wal-Mart. I always shop there when I need something.

[greg63]

I have no problems with Wal-Mart. I always shop there when I need something.


[Wal-Mart] sucks; it really, really sucks. :D

[1adam1238]

I live 185 miles from the nearest walmart!!!

[greg63]

I live 185 miles from the nearest walmart!!!


Do ya get out often?

[Saulbadguy]

I no longer shop at Wal-Mart for various reasons. Their products are often inferior to what you can get elsewhere for a similar price, be it food or clothing. The stores are generally dirty, and not well laid out. The biggest reason is they are always crowded with the scum of the earth, and generally hard to get around, and get out of.

[greg63]

I no longer shop at Wal-Mart for various reasons. Their products are often inferior to what you can get elsewhere for a similar price, be it food or clothing. The stores are generally dirty, and not well laid out. The biggest reason is they are always crowded with the scum of the earth, and generally hard to get around, and get out of.


:clap::clap::clap:


exactly!

[JBucc]

Wal-Marts around here rock, but I guess that's because they like us better.

[Simplex3]

fROM SOMEONE THAT IS AFRAID OF, JUST WHAT IS IT THAT YOU ARE AFRAID OF?

i DON'T BELIEVE THAT ANYONE IS LOOKING TO BE ON THE CUTTING EDGE OF CREATIVITY, THIS IS JUST THE WAY i WANT TO TYPE. iF YOU THINK THAT BECAUSE OF THE WAY i TYPE MAKES ME UNIQUE OR RETARDED IT JUST SHOWS YOUR LOOKING FOR WAYS TO BE A JERK, i'D SAY THAT YOU FOUND A WAY.
Your and idiot.

gO THE F**K AWAY.

[MahiMike]

People shop there b/c they have no concept of long-term economics. They see things in the immediate: paying less money for shit paper, than they do the long term ramifications--elimination of competition, fewer good paying jobs, or jobs with benefits, for that matter...it's a stupid, short sighted decision.

Well put. Not only are they putting themselves into a hole, the entire chain funds the chinese red army. One day, there'll be little asian dudes in full red army gear there as their greeters. They'll all be thanking us for making their army even more stronger...

Wake up people!

[Baby Lee]

I do trust the Japs, and I don't trust the Germans.

And I'm German.

What's that tell you?
That you're actually Bill Braskie?

And he HATED irony!!!


To Bill Braskie!!!

[Baby Lee]

You know who loves Wal-Mart? Whole Foods.
Tons of yuppies feeling guilty about the very existence of Wal-Mart, clamoring to pay $6.00 for a gallon of organic, union approved, cruelty free, free-range skim milk.

[Rain Man]

I don't go to Wal-Mart because I hate having to get all dressed up.

[jidar]

Wal-Mart isn't bad.
They're a model of efficiency, it's why they're #1.
If nothing else, they're useful for showing the rest of the business world how it's done.

[Phobia]

fROM SOMEONE THAT IS AFRAID OF, JUST WHAT IS IT THAT YOU ARE AFRAID OF?

i DON'T BELIEVE THAT ANYONE IS LOOKING TO BE ON THE CUTTING EDGE OF CREATIVITY, THIS IS JUST THE WAY i WANT TO TYPE. iF YOU THINK THAT BECAUSE OF THE WAY i TYPE MAKES ME UNIQUE OR RETARDED IT JUST SHOWS YOUR LOOKING FOR WAYS TO BE A JERK, i'D SAY THAT YOU FOUND A WAY.

I'm certainly capable of being a jerk. I have been a jerk in the past and I will probably be a jerk again. FWIW, I'm a big fan of nonconformists but you really need to pick your battles. Surely there is some other method of expression you could select that would set you apart from other people that does not included GIVING EVERY SINGLE PERSON WHO READS YOUR POSTS A FRICK'N HEADACHE. I don't care to strain my eyes to read your tripe. I'm sure it is quality tripe and I'm certain you are a decent person, but I'm not going to be subjected to your method of self expression. Whatever happened to body piercings and self mutilation? What happened to avatars and sigs?

Your typing method sucks. It's not amusing. It's not helpful. You are not sticking it to the man. You are not rebeling against society. You are hurting our eyes. When you choose to change your typing style to a more legible method, find some way to let me know because I'm forced to drop you onto my ignore list the moment I submit this reply.

[Sully]

I'm certainly capable of being a jerk. I have been a jerk in the past and I will probably be a jerk again. FWIW, I'm a big fan of nonconformists but you really need to pick your battles. Surely there is some other method of expression you could select that would set you apart from other people that does not included GIVING EVERY SINGLE PERSON WHO READS YOUR POSTS A FRICK'N HEADACHE. I don't care to strain my eyes to read your tripe. I'm sure it is quality tripe and I'm certain you are a decent person, but I'm not going to be subjected to your method of self expression. Whatever happened to body piercings and self mutilation? What happened to avatars and sigs?

Your typing method sucks. It's not amusing. It's not helpful. You are not sticking it to the man. You are not rebeling against society. You are hurting our eyes. When you choose to change your typing style to a more legible method, find some way to let me know because I'm forced to drop you onto my ignore list the moment I submit this reply.

You spelled rebelling wrong. ROFL

[BigMeatballDave]

People shop there b/c they have no concept of long-term economics. They see things in the immediate: paying less money for shit paper, than they do the long term ramifications--elimination of competition, fewer good paying jobs, or jobs with benefits, for that matter...it's a stupid, short sighted decision.ROFL
:rolleyes:

[Phobia]

You spelled rebelling wrong. ROFL

Just my way of sticking it to the man.

[BigMeatballDave]

I no longer shop at Wal-Mart for various reasons. Their products are often inferior to what you can get elsewhere for a similar price, be it food or clothing. The stores are generally dirty, and not well laid out. The biggest reason is they are always crowded with the scum of the earth, and generally hard to get around, and get out of.I have fond memories of that old Wal-mart in Manhatten. My grandmother used to take me there when I was a child and buy me HotWheels cars.

[BigMeatballDave]

Well put. Not only are they putting themselves into a hole, the entire chain funds the chinese red army. One day, there'll be little asian dudes in full red army gear there as their greeters. They'll all be thanking us for making their army even more stronger...

Wake up people!
:rolleyes: ROFL

[J Diddy]

Just my way of sticking it to the man.


I'm certainly capable of being a jerk. I have been a jerk in the past and I will probably be a jerk again. FWIW, I'm a big fan of nonconformists but you really need to pick your battles. Surely there is some other method of expression you could select that would set you apart from other people that does not included malking evrysingle person who reads this get a dictionary. I don't care to strain my eyes to read your tripe. I'm sure it is quality tripe and I'm certain you are a decent person, but I'm not going to be subjected to your method of self expression. Whatever happened to body piercings and self mutilation? What happened to avatars and sigs?

Your spelling sucks. It's not amusing. It's not helpful. You are not sticking it to the man. You are not rebelling against society. You are hurting our minds. When you choose to change your spelling to a more legible method, find some way to let me know because I'm forced to drop you onto my ignore list the moment I submit this reply

[Baby Lee]

Just my way of sticking it to the man.
But, aren't you the man?

[J Diddy]

But, aren't you the man?


every now and then she lets him be

[teedubya]

Phobia is the man, who used to be the man.

[NewChief]

You know who loves Wal-Mart? Whole Foods.
Tons of yuppies feeling guilty about the very existence of Wal-Mart, clamoring to pay $6.00 for a gallon of organic, union approved, cruelty free, free-range skim milk.

Yup. Wally World is aggressively moving into organics, though.

http://www.businessweek.com/bwdaily/dnflash/mar2006/nf20060329_6971.htm

Wal-Mart's Organic Offensive
Not everyone is pleased by the giant retailer's push into natural foods, starting with some very anxious U.S. farmers


Richard DeWilde has a long history with organic farming. His grandfather, Nick Hoogshagen, adopted the organic approach five decades ago on his farm in South Dakota, well before it became popular with consumers and fueled the popularity of retailers like Whole Foods Market (WFMI ).

Now, DeWilde, 57, is a working farmer himself, carrying on the family tradition of avoiding pesticides and other chemicals that can contaminate food in favor of a more natural approach. He's co-owner of Harmony Valley Farm, which grows Swiss chard, parsnips, turnips, and kale on 100 acres in the southwestern corner of Wisconsin.

So you might think that DeWilde would be overjoyed at the news that Wal-Mart (WMT ) has finally come around to his grandfather's philosophy. The juggernaut retailer said recently that it plans to double its offerings of organic products, including produce, dairy, and dry goods.

But DeWilde isn't thrilled. Instead, he's dismayed at the prospect of Wal-Mart becoming a player in the organic market. He fears that the company will use its market strength to drive down prices and hurt U.S. farmers. "Wal-Mart has the reputation of beating up on its suppliers," says DeWilde. "I certainly don't see 'selling at a lower price' as an opportunity."

CHINESE FOOD. He's hardly the only one. Many farmers who have benefited from the strong demand and healthy margins for organic goods are fretting that the market's newfound success also brings with it newfound risks. As large companies enter the market, from Kraft (KFT ) and Dean Foods (DF ) to Wal-Mart, farmers worry that the corporatization of organic foods could have negative consequences.

Large corporations have taken sizeable steps into the organic market, even if it isn't always obvious from the brands on store shelves. Silk, the best-selling branded soy milk, is a product from Dean Foods, the $10 billion behemoth that sells the most milk in the country. Cascadian Farms, which makes organic cereal, frozen fruits, and other products, is a brand of cereal giant General Mills (GIS ). And Kraft owns Boca Burgers.

The farmers' concerns go beyond simply pushing down prices. DeWilde and others fear that companies like Wal-Mart could try to lower the standards for what is classified as organic food and begin to import more supplies from China and other overseas markets. "Wal-Mart already sources a majority of its products from China, because it's so cheap to produce anything there. Why not foods?" asks Ronnie Cummins, director of the Organic Consumers Assn., a nonprofit organization that promotes natural and organic food.

SHIFTING STANDARDS. The worries that the corporatization of organics could lead to more imports aren't unfounded. Cummins estimates that already 10% of organic foods like meat and citrus are imported into the U.S. Silk soy milk, for instance, is made from organic soybeans that are bought in China and Brazil, where prices tend to be substantially lower than in the U. S. Cascadian Farms buys its organic fruits and vegetables from China and Mexico, among other countries (see BW Online, 3/27/06, "Imports From China Aren't Pricier -- Yet").

And large companies have tried to use their muscle in Washington to their advantage. Last fall, the Organic Trade Assn., which represents corporations like Kraft, Dole, and Dean Foods, lobbied to attach a rider to the 2006 Agricultural Appropriations Bill that would weaken the nation's organic food standards by allowing certain synthetic food substances in the preparation, processing, and packaging of organic foods. That sparked outrage from organic activists. Nevertheless, the bill passed into law in November, and the new standards will go into effect later this year.

Organic farmers are straining to meet rising demand, one of the reasons that legislators have been willing to drop certain requirements for organic foods. In the past year, the demand for organic milk outstripped the supply by 10% and created acute shortages. That even prompted organic dairy company Stonyfield Farms to stop producing its fat-free 32-ounce cups of yogurt. Now Stonyfield has resumed its production, but organic milk consumption nationwide is growing 30% annually.

Wal-Mart is making its aggressive move into organics at the same time it's trying to improve its environmental image. Last year, it embarked on a new green policy and has several initiatives to demonstrate how serious it is. The company recently said that it will require that all its wild-caught fresh and frozen fish meet the Marine Stewardship Council's standard for sustainable and well-managed fisheries. Fish accounts for a third of all the chain's seafood sales.

AFFORDABLE ORGANICS. While Wal-Mart didn't return phone calls seeking comment, CEO Lee Scott has been clear about his company's goals. "We know that customers at all ends of the income spectrum want organic and natural foods," he said at the company's last annual general meeting.

"But, frankly, most of them just can't afford the high prices the specialty stores charge.Well, we don't think you should have to have a lot of money to feed your family organic foods" (see BW Online, 11/29/05, "Selling Luxury to the Masses").

CEO Scott recently bragged about stocking organic cotton yoga outfits at its Sam's Club division. "We sold out in just 10 weeks...by using organic cotton instead of regular cotton, we saved the equivalent of two jumbo jets of pesticides," says Scott.

Scott is also determined to get affluent customers to spend more when they come in to buy basics like detergent at Wal-Mart. And what better way to lure them than with a range of organic produce. After all, organic foods purveyor Whole Foods typically attracts shoppers who have incomes over $50,000, while Wal-Mart's customers typically earn around $35,000 (see BW, 10/24/05, "Eating Too Fast at Whole Foods").

"CREATING MARKETS." While some farmers are concerned that Wal-Mart may try to squeeze them financially, there could be a more benign impact. Farmers who now use pesticides and other chemicals could turn to organic farming, as they see increased demand. Consider what's happening in California.

Last year, the state showed an increase of 40,000 acres, or 27%, in organic livestock production. The number of acres dedicated to organic vegetable production increased by 5,000 acres, or 12%, according to the California Certified Organic Farmers, an organics trade association. "Strong demand is creating markets here," says Jake Lewin, director of marketing at the organization.

Meanwhile, back in Wisconsin, DeWilde is preparing for warmer weather and the spring planting season. He is worried about how the increasing attention from Wal-Mart and other large companies may change the business of organic foods. Yet he's more convinced than ever of the benefits of the approach his grandfather helped champion. "It's the future of farming," he says.

[Skip Towne]

Phobia is the man, who used to be the man.
Phobia rulz. He has minions!

[|Zach|]

Shopping online is the only way to go.
Whatever you can do to not get out of your little box right?

[ROYC75]

Exactly. And, even if you pay twice as much for something at a specialty store, it's gonna last ten times longer. You save money in the long run on major purchases like that.

Good Grief, I've been getting screwed. So if I buy from ma and pops down the street I can get more value at a higher price.

My batteries will last longer if I buy them from IGA or Rite Aid ?
My cereal will last longer ? With kids and G/k's, this is a plus.
My meats, can goods, the produce I buy ?
The motor oil in my car ?
Will the charcoal last 10 times longer when I cook out ?

OK, this was a stupid statement, right, 10 times longer ? Will my medication last 10 times longer somewhere else too ?

FTR, most of you folks theory is wrong about Wal-Mart . They do make it harder for the ma and pop shops, it has killed the local merchants. But Wal-Marts goal is to make it convience to the shopper to get it all in a 1 stop /shop atmosphere.

I hate to run out multiple times per week to several shops, stores, etc. to get what I/we need. The expense running around, wear and tear on the car and the old body is brutal for me.

The $ 380.00( plus car gas ) I save a month by making 4 stops at Wal-Mart is money in my pocket that helps me pay other bills to the local merchants and utilities. It's only about 5 mile away so once a week is convience to me.

Face it folks, the days of unions in the country are gone, there are very few unions left.

In 1977, Congress regulated the trucking industry. They destroyed the trucking unions, creating an open market for free enterprise, free lance trucking without tariffs and set rates. It killed the transportation industry as we know it. KILLED IT, companies that were profitable were not going to be. It placed more attention on price instead of service.

To the best of my knowledge, the food and consumer products have never been regulated. It has always been an open market where service and price is a priority. Your bigger food chains, department stores, retailers are doing this. Why isn't K-mart, Target,and a few others criticized for this as Wal-Mart is. Hell, why not blame the old Venture stores for starting the trend back in the late 60's and 70's. Walmart supplies convience and a resonable price to there shoppers.

To the people who want to spend several hours and more money driving around to do there shopping...... Good for You. If you have a spur of the moment need, do as you wish, I do. But to save money that I need to survive with at home.... It would be plain stupid of me to throw $ 360.00 per month away to someone else when we have a hard enough time making ends meet.

[Lzen]

I do drive a Jap car, but it's a damned fine car, and the Japs aren't our enemies.

Now, the Chinese, guys Wally world buys a tit-load of their product from, those guys are counting the days until D-day...

Walmart is hardly the only US retailer that gets supplied by Chinese companies.

[htismaqe]

After calling 4 Target stores, 5 Game Stops, and all 3 Best Buy's in the Des Moines area, I finally got my XBox 360 at my local Wal-Mart.

[Lzen]

I stopped going there because the stores suck and are generally dirty but the people employees and customers really make for the complete trailer-park experience.

Wow, talk about sterotyping. :shake:

[Lzen]

Why would you get groceries at WalMart? Their produce and meats are terrible.

Their produce is terrible. I wouldn't say their meats are terrible. Not superfantastic by any means but, not terrible. Of course, I've been in that one in Columbia, MO and it is a shithole. I can see why you'd have a low opinion of them based on that store.

[Skip Towne]

Go to walmartsucks.com to read some funny shit. They even have a message board.

[Saulbadguy]

Good Grief, I've been getting screwed. So if I buy from ma and pops down the street I can get more value at a higher price.

My batteries will last longer if I buy them from IGA or Rite Aid ?
My cereal will last longer ? With kids and G/k's, this is a plus.
My meats, can goods, the produce I buy ?
The motor oil in my car ?
Will the charcoal last 10 times longer when I cook out ?

OK, this was a stupid statement, right, 10 times longer ? Will my medication last 10 times longer somewhere else too ?

FTR, most of you folks theory is wrong about Wal-Mart . They do make it harder for the ma and pop shops, it has killed the local merchants. But Wal-Marts goal is to make it convience to the shopper to get it all in a 1 stop /shop atmosphere.

I hate to run out multiple times per week to several shops, stores, etc. to get what I/we need. The expense running around, wear and tear on the car and the old body is brutal for me.

The $ 380.00( plus car gas ) I save a month by making 4 stops at Wal-Mart is money in my pocket that helps me pay other bills to the local merchants and utilities. It's only about 5 mile away so once a week is convience to me.

Face it folks, the days of unions in the country are gone, there are very few unions left.

In 1977, Congress regulated the trucking industry. They destroyed the trucking unions, creating an open market for free enterprise, free lance trucking without tariffs and set rates. It killed the transportation industry as we know it. KILLED IT, companies that were profitable were not going to be. It placed more attention on price instead of service.

To the best of my knowledge, the food and consumer products have never been regulated. It has always been an open market where service and price is a priority. Your bigger food chains, department stores, retailers are doing this. Why isn't K-mart, Target,and a few others criticized for this as Wal-Mart is. Hell, why not blame the old Venture stores for starting the trend back in the late 60's and 70's. Walmart supplies convience and a resonable price to there shoppers.

To the people who want to spend several hours and more money driving around to do there shopping...... Good for You. If you have a spur of the moment need, do as you wish, I do. But to save money that I need to survive with at home.... It would be plain stupid of me to throw $ 360.00 per month away to someone else when we have a hard enough time making ends meet.
I thinks what she means is products like clothing, and other bigger ticket items.

Cereal, canned goods, and other things will be the same pretty much anywhere you go.

However, the quality of meats, cheeses, and produce is terrible at Wal-Mart. I'd much rather go to a local grocer where I will get a higher quality fresh product.

[ROYC75]

I thinks what she means is products like clothing, and other bigger ticket items.

Cereal, canned goods, and other things will be the same pretty much anywhere you go.

However, the quality of meats, cheeses, and produce is terrible at Wal-Mart. I'd much rather go to a local grocer where I will get a higher quality fresh product.


The clothing at our Wal-Mart is the same clothing at the local retail stores, same stuff.

The cheese is the same brand, but rather a bigger selection .

The Sony TV's, DVD's stereo's are the same make and model as the local merchants.......

Where one could bitch is the products that Wal-Mart does carry that the local merchant doesn't because of invetory cost. Some of these products might be a lesser grade due to the inability of the local merchant to keep stocked.

The biggest beef I have with Wal-Mart is sometimes there are not enough check out lines open due to the over whelming response this community gives them.

[Skip Towne]

The clothing at our Wal-Mart is the same clothing at the local retail stores, same stuff.

The cheese is the same brand, but rather a bigger selection .

The Sony TV's, DVD's stereo's are the same make and model as the local merchants.......

Where one could bitch is the products that Wal-Mart does carry that the local merchant doesn't because of invetory cost. Some of these products might be a lesser grade due to the inability of the local merchant to keep stocked.

The biggest beef I have with Wal-Mart is sometimes there are not enough check out lines open due to the over whelming response this community gives them.
I think they figure out how many check stands they need to open then open one fewer than that.

[ROYC75]

Walmart is hardly the only US retailer that gets supplied by Chinese companies.

But the one that gets hammered the hardest because of their size.

You want to talk about Chinese products...... Check out the small entrepreneur that runs a mail - in order business. That is a booming business that the US economy is eating up by buying the Chinese products at a very low cost, making a hefty profit. I know all to well.......

This crap comes overseas in containers by boat, which is shipped to warehouses allover the USA. I see it daily in my business, as much as how much import compaired to export. You want to talk trade deficit..... believe me it's rather large.

[ROYC75]

I think they figure out how many check stands they need to open then open one fewer than that.


Cost cutting basturds, screw the consumer in the isles. All the time my eveready batteries are deteriorating, my Campbells soup is going bad and the motor oil is breaking down.

Damn Wal-Mart.

[Nzoner]

The clothing at our Wal-Mart is the same clothing at the local retail stores, same stuff.

Wow,so if you buy a XXL Chiefs t-shirt at Wal-Mart it's still a XXL after you wash it?If so then your Wal-Mart is far superior to ours.

[htismaqe]

The clothing at our Wal-Mart is the same clothing at the local retail stores, same stuff.

The cheese is the same brand, but rather a bigger selection .

The Sony TV's, DVD's stereo's are the same make and model as the local merchants.......

Where one could bitch is the products that Wal-Mart does carry that the local merchant doesn't because of invetory cost. Some of these products might be a lesser grade due to the inability of the local merchant to keep stocked.

The biggest beef I have with Wal-Mart is sometimes there are not enough check out lines open due to the over whelming response this community gives them.

That's actually not entirely true.

The clothing at Wal-Mart is the same.

However, several electronics and hardware manufacturers actually make SEPARATE products for sale at Wal-Mart. I know this for an absolute fact when it comes to HP, because the PSC1210 printer I bought for my wife at Wal-Mart is identical to the one I bought for my MiL at Office Depot, but they have different model numbers. When the one I bought at Wal-Mart had issues, I found out from HP support that the PSC1210v is manufactured exclusively for Wal-Mart.

Several TV and DVD manufacturers make special units for Wal-Mart and Wal-Mart even has some exclusive brands.

And don't even get me started on the censored CD's.

I buy BBQ meat at Wal-Mart because it's all pre-packaged even at the local butcher and it's much cheaper at Wal-Mart. They're the only place in town that carries brisket. But I don't buy fresh meat, steaks, or chicken there.

I mostly buy pre-packaged foods or small convenience items at Wal-Mart. At least in my town, they're significantly cheaper than Hy-Vee.

[Lzen]

I stopped buying Walmart apples and oranges. But their bananas are okay. And we've never had problems with their veggies.

[ChiefsfaninPA]

Walmart is hardly the only US retailer that gets supplied by Chinese companies.

This is the truth. My father runs a wood manufactoring plant and a few years ago he used to stock Lowes and the Depot with mostly American cut lumber. Now, it is ALL from CHINA or SOUTH AMERICA. Every business that is making money is using cheap labor no matter what country it is coming from. WalMart isn't the only offender just the largest. I could care less what country my dollars flow into as long as I save some in the process. Making ends meet is hard enough, so I can't justify shopping at the local stores just so they stay in business, because my most important business (my family) would be poorer because of those choices.

[Baby Lee]

The clothing at our Wal-Mart is the same clothing at the local retail stores, same stuff.

The cheese is the same brand, but rather a bigger selection .

The Sony TV's, DVD's stereo's are the same make and model as the local merchants.......

Where one could bitch is the products that Wal-Mart does carry that the local merchant doesn't because of invetory cost. Some of these products might be a lesser grade due to the inability of the local merchant to keep stocked.

The biggest beef I have with Wal-Mart is sometimes there are not enough check out lines open due to the over whelming response this community gives them.
Quick, run over to Walmart and pick me up something made by Cuisinart. Or Sony ES. Find me some tools by Dewalt or Milwaukee. Find a Sub that is flat to 20 Hz.
I agree that the staples are the same as anywhere. Kraft M&C is Kraft M&C. Minute Maid Fruit Punch is Minute Made Fruit Punch.
The point is, big ticket items, you're better off getting quality and keeping it, rather than buying entry level and replacing it when it either wears out or proves not sturdy enough to do the job.

[NewChief]

The clothing at our Wal-Mart is the same clothing at the local retail stores, same stuff.


So your local retailers carry No Boundaries, Faded Glory, George, and Athletic Works? My wife was a clothing designer for Wal-Mart for a few years and has an MA in Textile Design, and there's some pretty significant differences between Wally World's clothing and what you find at say Dillards, the Gap, or J. Crew. Of course, there's a significant price difference as well.

[ChiefsfaninPA]

Quick, run over to Walmart and pick me up something made by Cuisinart. Or Sony ES. Find me some tools by Dewalt or Milwaukee. Find a Sub that is flat to 20 Hz.
I agree that the staples are the same as anywhere. Kraft M&C is Kraft M&C. Minute Maid Fruit Punch is Minute Made Fruit Punch.
The point is, big ticket items, you're better off getting quality and keeping it, rather than buying entry level and replacing it when it either wears out or proves not sturdy enough to do the job.


This is it in a nutshell. When I go to Walmart to shop, I know what I purchase isn't going to be of the best quality. That is why when I buy "big ticket items" I usually shop elsewhere. But that is the common sense of it all. Walmart does more good than harm. Competition is always good. One day there will be a retailer that will challenge Walmart. No one ever thought anyone would be able to compete with Sears and then came along Kmart. This is all cyclical.

[htismaqe]

The idea that Wal-Mart kills small business is a myth.

Wal-Mart kills businesses that aren't competitive.

My town still has many retailers that are thriving, despite the presence of the SuperCenter. No, the local hardware store doesn't sell many nails or hammers anymore, but he still sells alot of 120/24V transformers...

Wal-Mart forces small businesses to innovate and specialize, or die.

That's not necessarily a bad thing. In fact, in my town it's great. I don't have to drive anywhere to get what I want. The basic stuff I can buy at Wal-Mart for cheap. And just about anything else I need, I can buy at any number of local specialty stores.

[Nzoner]

And don't even get me started on the censored CD's.

Just an observation but speaking of cd's I was there browsing a couple of weeks ago looking for some 70's compilations for an upcoming reunion.They had quite a few for $5.99 however upon closer inspection I noticed that most of them had at least 2 songs or more from a different decade.I noticed the cd's had come from Indonesia and places like that so I wrote it off as that.Probably not a big deal to some but personally I'd rather not buy a 70's compilation cd with music from the 80's on it.

[Lzen]

Just an observation but speaking of cd's I was there browsing a couple of weeks ago looking for some 70's compilations for an upcoming reunion.They had quite a few for $5.99 however upon closer inspection I noticed that most of them had at least 2 songs or more from a different decade.I noticed the cd's had come from Indonesia and places like that so I wrote it off as that.Probably not a big deal to some but personally I'd rather not buy a 70's compilation cd with music from the 80's on it.


Well, you see, that's because those particular 70s tunes didn't reach Indonesia until the 80s. ;)

[Nzoner]

The idea that Wal-Mart kills small business is a myth.

Wal-Mart kills businesses that aren't competitive.

I just lost a longtime advertising client who still owns a music store,his main reasoning that he cannot compete was he cannot buy his product for what Wal-Mart sells it for.How does the small business man compete with that?

[luv]

I thinks what she means is products like clothing, and other bigger ticket items.

Cereal, canned goods, and other things will be the same pretty much anywhere you go.

However, the quality of meats, cheeses, and produce is terrible at Wal-Mart. I'd much rather go to a local grocer where I will get a higher quality fresh product.
That's exactly what I meant. Toilet paper is toilet paper, no matter where you get it from. I guess he missed my post where I said I still went there for items such as that. If I need a cheap t-shirt, I migh tgo there as well. Their plus size clothing department ( I wear a size 18) is made for fashion rejects or old ladies. I make my major purchases (furniture, electronics, groceries, etc) elsewhere. And also, like I sais before, their customer service SUCKS. My dad has gone there at least twice where he asked someone to page an associate to come help him in a certain department, and no one ever showed up. He even had them paged more then once each time. The cashiers are more into telling you about their horrible day,too busy talking to the cashier next to them, or still talking to their friends/significant other who just went through the line in front of you to pay attention to you.

[Saulbadguy]

.

However, several electronics and hardware manufacturers actually make SEPARATE products for sale at Wal-Mart. I know this for an absolute fact when it comes to HP, because the PSC1210 printer I bought for my wife at Wal-Mart is identical to the one I bought for my MiL at Office Depot, but they have different model numbers. When the one I bought at Wal-Mart had issues, I found out from HP support that the PSC1210v is manufactured exclusively for Wal-Mart.


That is true, however the only difference is the software and crap packaged with the printer itself.

[Saulbadguy]

The clothing at our Wal-Mart is the same clothing at the local retail stores, same stuff.

The cheese is the same brand, but rather a bigger selection .

The Sony TV's, DVD's stereo's are the same make and model as the local merchants.......

Where one could bitch is the products that Wal-Mart does carry that the local merchant doesn't because of invetory cost. Some of these products might be a lesser grade due to the inability of the local merchant to keep stocked.

The biggest beef I have with Wal-Mart is sometimes there are not enough check out lines open due to the over whelming response this community gives them.
The clothing is NOT the same. They only sell certain brands, most of which are inferior to other brands.

The food is not the same.

Actually, the only thing I do like about Wal-Mart is the availability of "self check-out" lines. I love having the ability to check it out myself rather than wait in a long line.

[ROYC75]

IMHO, I think most consumers are not all to hip on where Wal-Mart actually buys their supplies.

Sure there are some variances ........ but the general conception is that Wal-Mart has cheap products.

[Dartgod]

The food is not the same.Surely you're not saying that the Peanut Butter Cap'n Crunch at Walmart is inferior to the stuff I can buy at Hy*Vee or Price Chopper?

[BigMeatballDave]

Good Grief, I've been getting screwed. So if I buy from ma and pops down the street I can get more value at a higher price.

My batteries will last longer if I buy them from IGA or Rite Aid ?
My cereal will last longer ? With kids and G/k's, this is a plus.
My meats, can goods, the produce I buy ?
The motor oil in my car ?
Will the charcoal last 10 times longer when I cook out ?

OK, this was a stupid statement, right, 10 times longer ? Will my medication last 10 times longer somewhere else too ?

FTR, most of you folks theory is wrong about Wal-Mart . They do make it harder for the ma and pop shops, it has killed the local merchants. But Wal-Marts goal is to make it convience to the shopper to get it all in a 1 stop /shop atmosphere.

I hate to run out multiple times per week to several shops, stores, etc. to get what I/we need. The expense running around, wear and tear on the car and the old body is brutal for me.

The $ 380.00( plus car gas ) I save a month by making 4 stops at Wal-Mart is money in my pocket that helps me pay other bills to the local merchants and utilities. It's only about 5 mile away so once a week is convience to me.

Face it folks, the days of unions in the country are gone, there are very few unions left.

In 1977, Congress regulated the trucking industry. They destroyed the trucking unions, creating an open market for free enterprise, free lance trucking without tariffs and set rates. It killed the transportation industry as we know it. KILLED IT, companies that were profitable were not going to be. It placed more attention on price instead of service.

To the best of my knowledge, the food and consumer products have never been regulated. It has always been an open market where service and price is a priority. Your bigger food chains, department stores, retailers are doing this. Why isn't K-mart, Target,and a few others criticized for this as Wal-Mart is. Hell, why not blame the old Venture stores for starting the trend back in the late 60's and 70's. Walmart supplies convience and a resonable price to there shoppers.

To the people who want to spend several hours and more money driving around to do there shopping...... Good for You. If you have a spur of the moment need, do as you wish, I do. But to save money that I need to survive with at home.... It would be plain stupid of me to throw $ 360.00 per month away to someone else when we have a hard enough time making ends meet.Well said!
:clap:

[banyon]

Walmart is hardly the only US retailer that gets supplied by Chinese companies.

But they are one of the few that grew as a corporation on a marketing slogan of promoting small town values and buying American. Course that's not so important now that they have all of those small town folks' money.

[ROYC75]

Quick, run over to Walmart and pick me up something made by Cuisinart. Or Sony ES. Find me some tools by Dewalt or Milwaukee. Find a Sub that is flat to 20 Hz.
I agree that the staples are the same as anywhere. Kraft M&C is Kraft M&C. Minute Maid Fruit Punch is Minute Made Fruit Punch.
The point is, big ticket items, you're better off getting quality and keeping it, rather than buying entry level and replacing it when it either wears out or proves not sturdy enough to do the job.

So your point is they choose not to stock these items. Last I checked, these items are not what the normal consumer purchases, right .

Apples , oranges .....

Convience, 1 stop/shop theme........

[BigMeatballDave]

However, the quality of meats, cheeses, and produce is terrible at Wal-Mart. I'd much rather go to a local grocer where I will get a higher quality fresh product.This I agree with completely. Local stores have a much higher quality of fresh foods.

[ROYC75]

So your local retailers carry No Boundaries, Faded Glory, George, and Athletic Works? My wife was a clothing designer for Wal-Mart for a few years and has an MA in Textile Design, and there's some pretty significant differences between Wally World's clothing and what you find at say Dillards, the Gap, or J. Crew. Of course, there's a significant price difference as well.

Being selective is your option. To the normal consumer who hasn't coins to pay for these items, it makes no difference.

BTW, we have no stores here for those designs of clothes, one must drive 45 miles away.

Again, selective is the consumers option.

[NewChief]

So your point is they choose not to stock these items.


Actually, I think these companies probably choose not to deal with Wal-Mart, a choice that many companies concerned about maintaining their image of a high quality brand are making.

[Saulbadguy]

Being selective is your option. To the normal consumer who hasn't coins to pay for these items, it makes no difference.

BTW, we have no stores here for those designs of clothes, one must drive 45 miles away.

Again, selective is the consumers option.
I agree, but to say "they have the same clothes" is not true. The brands they carry are cheap, and they are very poorly made.

[Skip Towne]

Being selective is your option. To the normal consumer who hasn't coins to pay for these items, it makes no difference.

BTW, we have no stores here for those designs of clothes, one must drive 45 miles away.

Again, selective is the consumers option.
You hill people don't need those fancy clothes anyway. Well, except to go to Wal-Mart.

[ROYC75]

The clothing is NOT the same. They only sell certain brands, most of which are inferior to other brands.

The food is not the same.

Actually, the only thing I do like about Wal-Mart is the availability of "self check-out" lines. I love having the ability to check it out myself rather than wait in a long line.


Is in my town .... we are smalltown USA. Basically most of the supplies are the same line.

You big city folks get the name brand clothing and fancy foods.

[Saulbadguy]

This I agree with completely. Local stores have a much higher quality of fresh foods.
Yep.

What is funny is I bet these same arguments were made when Grocery stores started becoming popular. I bet if I went to my local butcher, fruit/veggie stand, cheese shop, and bakery, I would find much better products than available at my local Price Chopper. It would be a PITA though. Plus we don't even have a cheese shop. :)

[Saulbadguy]

Is in my town .... we are smalltown USA. Basically most of the supplies are the same line.

You big city folks get the name brand clothing and fancy foods.
I'm not about name brand clothing or fancy foods. I buy many of my clothes from Target. They have their own "brands" (Makers Mark, Cherokee, etc..), and they are of a higher quality than Wal-Mart brands, and similarly priced.

Food, I go to Price Chopper or Dillons (Kroger spin-off). The produce is much better and fresher, the beef is much better, and the fish is actually edible.

[ROYC75]

I agree, but to say "they have the same clothes" is not true. The brands they carry are cheap, and they are very poorly made.


You make a trip here, if the clothes you find at the local ma and pa clothing store isn't what the local Wal-mart ( 5 miles away )is selling I'll pay for youe expenses.

There isn't a large demand for the name brand clothing here. Anybody that has stocked them here had more invetory cost than profits. I know, my neighbor 3 doors down ran a department store for 40 years here.

Most folks drove 45 miles away to the mall to do there fancy clothes shopping...... a bigger variety and a trip out of town.

[BigMeatballDave]

So your local retailers carry No Boundaries, Faded Glory, George, and Athletic Works? My wife was a clothing designer for Wal-Mart for a few years and has an MA in Textile Design, and there's some pretty significant differences between Wally World's clothing and what you find at say Dillards, the Gap, or J. Crew. Of course, there's a significant price difference as well.If I could afford to shop at thoes places, I'd have no need for Wal-Mart.
:rolleyes:

[NewChief]

You make a trip here, if the clothes you find at the local ma and pa clothing store isn't what the local Wal-mart ( 5 miles away )is selling I'll pay for youe expenses.


I don't see how they could carry the same thing, since almost all of Wally World's clothing lines are made by and for them exclusively. Faded Glory, No Boundaries, Athletic Works, and George are all Wal-Mart "brands" that are carried only there. They have a few outside lines (Levi's, Starter) but not many.

Like I said, though, I wouldn't doubt if your mom and pop's clothes are of the same quality, I just can't imagine them being of the same brand, since Wal-Mart's brands are mainly proprietary.

[ROYC75]

I'm not about name brand clothing or fancy foods. I buy many of my clothes from Target. They have their own "brands" (Makers Mark, Cherokee, etc..), and they are of a higher quality than Wal-Mart brands, and similarly priced.

Food, I go to Price Chopper or Dillons (Kroger spin-off). The produce is much better and fresher, the beef is much better, and the fish is actually edible.


Walmart saves us over $ 120.00 a month on prescriptions. We buy most of our needs there, the local produce store is on the way, we get what we don't like at Wal-mart. We buy about 50% meats at Wal-mart and IGA.

Now for conience, IGA is only 8 blocks away. It serve's well for quick trips.

[BigMeatballDave]

FTR, I buy my toiletries at a Family Dollar or Dollar General store. Only a half mile away...

[Skip Towne]

I don't see how they could carry the same thing, since almost all of Wally World's clothing lines are made by and for them exclusively. Faded Glory, No Boundaries, Athletic Works, and George are all Wal-Mart "brands" that are carried only there. They have a few outside lines (Levi's, Starter) but not many.

Like I said, though, I wouldn't doubt if your mom and pop's clothes are of the same quality, I just can't imagine them being of the same brand, since Wal-Mart's brands are mainly proprietary.
Are you sure Wal-Mart has Levis? I've never seen them. I go to Penneys for them.

[greg63]

I don't go to Wal-Mart because I hate having to get all dressed up.


ROFLROFLROFLROFL

[luv]

Are you sure Wal-Mart has Levis? I've never seen them. I go to Penneys for them.
I actually found a pair of Levi Strauss jeans there one time.

[Saulbadguy]

Walmart saves us over $ 120.00 a month on prescriptions. We buy most of our needs there, the local produce store is on the way, we get what we don't like at Wal-mart. We buy about 50% meats at Wal-mart and IGA.

Now for conience, IGA is only 8 blocks away. It serve's well for quick trips.
Prescriptions aren't an issue for me - yet.

"Quick trips" are very important to me. I don't want to spend half an hour in a god damned store. Just to pull in and park at our Wal-Mart is a ****ing ordeal. I bet Lzen can verify this. Coupled with the fact that it is hard to find anything you want without traversing the entire length of the store (which is HUGE) while dodging Bobby Jo Fatass on her electric shopping cart and her litter of kool-aid stained teethless children running around in diapers, it does not result in a "Quick trip".

I have no doubt though you can save money when shopping for a large family.

[Frosty]

Are you sure Wal-Mart has Levis? I've never seen them. I go to Penneys for them.

Ours has Levis, but they are a separate line - Sinature Series, or something like that. They aren't even close to the same quality as 501s or jeans like that.

Ours also has Wranglers, which are a lot nicer than the fakey Levis.

[Saulbadguy]

FTR, I buy my toiletries at a Family Dollar or Dollar General store. Only a half mile away...
Charmin Ultra with Aloe and Vitamin E. It is like wiping your ass with silk.

[NewChief]

Are you sure Wal-Mart has Levis? I've never seen them. I go to Penneys for them.

It's actually an lower cost line called "Signature" by Levi Strauss. Quite a few companies do that. Orvis did "Green Mountain by Orvis" for Wal-Mart.

[NewChief]

I don't want to spend half an hour in a god damned store. Just to pull in and park at our Wal-Mart is a ****ing ordeal.

Enter Walgreens.;)

Totally unaffiliated, but it's a match made in heaven. They're like Wal-Marts evil little sister.

[Skip Towne]

Prescriptions aren't an issue for me - yet.

"Quick trips" are very important to me. I don't want to spend half an hour in a god damned store. Just to pull in and park at our Wal-Mart is a ****ing ordeal. I bet Lzen can verify this. Coupled with the fact that it is hard to find anything you want without traversing the entire length of the store (which is HUGE) while dodging Bobby Jo Fatass on her electric shopping cart and her litter of kool-aid stained teethless children running around in diapers, it does not result in a "Quick trip".

I have no doubt though you can save money when shopping for a large family.
I use QT's a lot too. Are you on their list where they send you short surveys to complete and then they give you free food? I got a free sandwich last time and this month it was a free "energy drink."

[Saulbadguy]

Enter Walgreens.;)

Totally unaffiliated, but it's a match made in heaven. They're like Wal-Marts evil little sister.
I've never had a problem with Walgreens. The Walgreens here are fairly nice. I like the drive-thru window, too. :)

[Dartgod]

"Quick trips" are very important to me. I don't want to spend half an hour in a god damned store. Just to pull in and park at our Wal-Mart is a ****ing ordeal. I bet Lzen can verify this. Coupled with the fact that it is hard to find anything you want without traversing the entire length of the store (which is HUGE) while dodging Bobby Jo Fatass on her electric shopping cart and her litter of kool-aid stained teethless children running around in diapers, it does not result in a "Quick trip".
This is my biggest issue with Wal*Mart. I refuse to go there on a weekend.

This nonsense about Wal*Mart customers funding "The Red Army" of China is just that...nonsense.

[Saulbadguy]

I use QT's a lot too. Are you on their list where they send you short surveys to complete and then they give you free food? I got a free sandwich last time and this month it was a free "energy drink."
There are no QT's in Topeka.

[Saulbadguy]

This is my biggest issue with Wal*Mart. I refuse to go there on a weekend.

This nonsense about Wal*Mart customers funding "The Red Army" of China is just that...nonsense.
Don't go on a Friday night, either. Friday is "pay day" for alot of people.

[BigMeatballDave]

Charmin Ultra with Aloe and Vitamin E. It is like wiping your ass with silk.
ROFL

[luv]

This is my biggest issue with Wal*Mart. I refuse to go there on a weekend.
I either go on Sunday evening while everyone is at church or at 1AM when I get off of work.

[NewChief]

I've never had a problem with Walgreens. The Walgreens here are fairly nice. I like the drive-thru window, too. :)

My wife has become a total Walgreens addict. Now I find out that I can have my photos from snapfish printed out at my local Walgreens as well. I actually like the place, because I can drop my wife off and wait in the car and it doesn't take her 30 minutes like any other store. Our town, though, is nuts with Walgreens. There are 3 in a five mile stretch of our main road.

[BigMeatballDave]

There are no QT's in Topeka.Do they still have 'Town & Countrys'?

[Saulbadguy]

My wife has become a total Walgreens addict. Now I find out that I can have my photos from snapfish printed out at my local Walgreens as well. I actually like the place, because I can drop my wife off and wait in the car and it doesn't take her 30 minutes like any other store. Our town, though, is nuts with Walgreens. There are 3 in a five mile stretch of our main road.
The "staples" are usually priced similar to grocery stores too. I've found I can buy a gallon of milk and a loaf of bread at Walgreens for the same price i'd pay at a grocery store...and guess, what? Blue skies!

[Saulbadguy]

Do they still have 'Town & Countrys'?
ROFL

The strip club? Yes, it's still in business. I don't go to strip clubs, but if I had to, I think that place would be on the bottom of my list.

[luv]

Do they still have 'Town & Countrys'?
We have a Town & Country. It's a clothing shop.

My bad. It's Town & County.

[ChiefsOne]

I buy food, laundry and bathroom items at WalMart because it saves us about $20-$30 a week. Local grocery stores are over priced.

[Lzen]

Prescriptions aren't an issue for me - yet.

"Quick trips" are very important to me. I don't want to spend half an hour in a god damned store. Just to pull in and park at our Wal-Mart is a ****ing ordeal. I bet Lzen can verify this. Coupled with the fact that it is hard to find anything you want without traversing the entire length of the store (which is HUGE) while dodging Bobby Jo Fatass on her electric shopping cart and her litter of kool-aid stained teethless children running around in diapers, it does not result in a "Quick trip".

I have no doubt though you can save money when shopping for a large family.

Ha ha ha ha ha!!
ROFL

I hate going to Walmart here in Topeka on the weekends. There are too many people there and a lot of them are just plain rude. They stand in the freakin' way when you're trying to get through and don't even make an effort to get out of your way half the time. :banghead:

[BigMeatballDave]

ROFL

The strip club? Yes, it's still in business. I don't go to strip clubs, but if I had to, I think that place would be on the bottom of my list.
ROFL A strip club? I recall it being a convienent store. Maybe I'm mistaken, This was like 25 years ago...

[Skip Towne]

There are no QT's in Topeka.
Heh. I'll bet they're smart enough not to go to Manhattan as well.

[Saulbadguy]

Heh. I'll bet they're smart enough not to go to Manhattan as well.
Gas station loyalties always confuse me.

[Nzoner]

I agree, but to say "they have the same clothes" is not true. The brands they carry are cheap, and they are very poorly made.

Never buy a Chiefs t-shirt there,if you do get 1 size larger than you really need and expect to wear it maybe 1 season before it goes into your box of rags.

[Lzen]

ROFL

The strip club? Yes, it's still in business. I don't go to strip clubs, but if I had to, I think that place would be on the bottom of my list.

I think he was talking about the convenience stores. And no, we don't have any in Topeka anymore. The last time I remember having those was about the early to mid 90s. There is an old gas station that is boarded up at about 12th and Kansas. That was a Town and Country once upon a time. That place used to get robbed all the time. The gas station at 5th and Topeka used to be a Town and Country. My friends and I used to go up there all the time when we were teenagers. Played standup arcade games like Roadblasters and Double Dragon and buy smokes.......ahhhhhh, the memories.

[Saulbadguy]

I'm actually a big fan of Circle K and 7-11. We don't have either of those.

[ChiefsOne]

Never buy a Chiefs t-shirt there,if you do get 1 size larger than you really need and expect to wear it maybe 1 season before it goes into your box of rags.

Yeah, but they are only $8.00.

[Phobia]

The people who are strongly defending Walmart are the people we're talking about. They're wearing a greasy t-shirt that doesn't quit cover their gut so anybody happening by gets a view of the lower half of their fat. They're buying 30 cases of Sam's Choice Diet Cola and 40 cases of Pringles. Their posse of kids are terrorizing the isles and picking out new shoes for school. It will take 3 hours for the employees to clean up after the little heithens upon their departure. The whole family (including grandma in her housecoat) piles into the 1974 Torino after getting a courtesy jump start from the store manager. Look in the mirror people. You're the reason snooty people don't go into Walmart.

[Skip Towne]

The people who are strongly defending Walmart are the people we're talking about. They're wearing a greasy t-shirt that doesn't quit cover their gut so anybody happening by gets a view of the lower half of their fat. They're buying 30 cases of Sam's Choice Diet Cola and 40 cases of Pringles. Their posse of kids are terrorizing the isles and picking out new shoes for school. It will take 3 hours for the employees to clean up after the little heithens upon their departure. The whole family (including grandma in her housecoat) piles into the 1974 Torino after getting a courtesy jump start from the store manager. Look in the mirror people. You're the reason snooty people don't go into Walmart.
You been hangin' around Iowanian?

[Baby Lee]

Their posse of kids are terrorizing the isles
Wait? They're Pirates?

[ChiefaRoo]

I'll bet you drive a Jap car too. The US be damned, I want my convenience.

I drive a Jap car that was probably made in Canada or the USA (could be made in Japan). It's a 2005 Infiniti G35 and it rocks. I also drive a '98 Dodge Intrepid made in Canada and owned by the Krauts so what's your point? Most vehicles are made all over the world now and with vendored items from all over the world. Boeing airplanes, cars, TV's clothing etc. It's a Global Economy boys and girls and that's the fact and ultimately it's a good thing as trading partners generallly don't go to war with each other.

Whining about Wally world won't change anything. If the market perceives that they are not serving a certain demographic then other businesses will pop up eventually to fill the niche.

The good news about Wal-Mart is it's an American Company and the money stays here.

I for one have faith in the ingenuity of the American businessman to come up with new and value added ideas that launch new companies that don't even exist yet. Just like we've done with Microsoft, Airplanes, The Integrated circuit etc.


PS - Just for you conspiracy types. I don't think aliens built the pyramids and the microchip did not come from reversed alien engineering from a downed UFO.

[Nzoner]

The people who are strongly defending Walmart are the people we're talking about. They're wearing a greasy NASCAR t-shirt that doesn't quit cover their gut so anybody happening by gets a view of the lower half of their fat. They're buying 30 cases of Sam's Choice Diet Cola and 40 cases of Pringles. Their posse of kids are terrorizing the isles and picking out new shoes for school. It will take 3 hours for the employees to clean up after the little heithens upon their departure. The whole family (including grandma in her housecoat) piles into the 1974 Torino after getting a courtesy jump start from the store manager. Look in the mirror people. You're the reason snooty people don't go into Walmart.

Had to.

[Phobia]

Wait? They're Pirates?

I don't know what has happened to my spelling since I "left" the Planet. I really do know how to spell aisles and also quite.