I'm afraid I'm done laying into people who shop at Wal Mart.

[cboy4]

I work with someone who sacrificed so much financially this year in order to provide for a nice Christmas for her three children.

I heard her talking today to someone about how (while she sounds like she hates the evil Wal Mart empire,) she's saves so much money shopping there....she really has no choice.

I'm very blessed or fortunate (however you'd describe it) that I'm not forced to go there to save a few bucks.

All I know is I've been critical of people who shop there, amd I don't think it's fair because I can't put myself in their positions.

When you struggle to make ends meet, it's so crystal clear that very penny counts.

I hate Wal Mart for everything it stands for as a company, but I'm done criticizing people who shop there.

Desperate times call for desperate measures. :(

[Chemical Bill]

1. Good you're not a repug who can't see gray areas. n/t

[Flubadubya]

31. Just a note about their "price structure"...

I live in a small town in S.W. Arkansas and the big W-M is about the only game in town... just about have to shop there for some items. I buy adult diapers for my elderly mother and the type she uses cost $9.43 a pack here in "Smallville".

There is a large town/city (Texarkana) about 30 miles away with a Wal-Mart. My roomie was in there the other day and saw the very same diapers (same brand, size, #, etc.) there in Texarkana and they were only $8.88.

To me this is just a case of their knowing that they can get the higher price in the small town where no one has any other options (but to pay even more at the local pharmacies), but in the larger nearby town, they have to compete a bit. I also think it is just another Wal-Mart practice that really sucks. If they can sell the product for 55 cents cheaper down the road, you know they could offer it for the same price in the smaller town too... but they don't because they know they don't have to. :grr:

ON EDIT: Oops... didn't mean to post as a response to above. I meant it to be a response to the OP.

[Horse with no Name]

40. That is a typically known fact

about Walmart.
They will base their price structures on the local community.

[question everything]

76. Isn't this true about any store?

Isn't this what capitalism all about?

[Delphinus]

2. I agree with you.

I'm doing everything I can to not apply for a part time job there - but no one else has called me in for an interview!

[Warpy]

42. I doubt you'll be working full time

because they don't want to offer their really bad benefits even if you can't pay for them. You should have time to look for a better gig.

Walmart is a horror for small towns. It becomes the company store, the "where else can you go?" and "You'll take whatever we offer" store that drives out all the quirky small businesses. Here in the city, it's not quite as big a deal, although they are about three miles apart, all over this town. The union shop groceries still do a brisk business because a lot of Walmart fare is substandard.

A lot of people don't have a choice where they work or where they shop. The people aren't the problem. That corporation IS.

[Midlodemocrat]

3. I've shopped there a couple of times over the last few years and

the difference in prices is amazing. If someone is counting every penny, I don't see how they could shop anywhere else.

[minerva50]

6. You have to be careful, though.

Some items have big savings, but others may be available elsewhere for less. You can't assume that buying at Wallmart means you got the best deal going.

[Midlodemocrat]

9. Here, at least for food, the difference is staggering.

I usually spend about $300 a week on food. Going there one time a few years back, I only spent $180.

That's a lot of money.

[Skittles]

15. gee, that's the same feeling walmart has towards health care

by not providing decent healhcare for their employees they save a staggering amount

[Midlodemocrat]

23. For people with limited incomes, it makes a huge difference.

I don't shop there, but I can't fault people who can't afford to shop anywhere else.

[Skittles]

50. I don't either

but let's not forget how walmart is able to sell cheap.....besides exploiting people overseas to make a lot of crap, the poor people forced to buy there are also subsidizing the health care for walmart employees with their taxes...it is a hideous racket and there is nothing noble or decent about it whatsoever

[cboy4]

71. I don't know whether you saw it, but the L.A. Times did a 3-part

series in 2003 on Wal Mart's evil business practices. http://www.latimes.com/business/la-walmart-sg,1,1534896.storygallery

It was appalling to read. Truly horrifying. I nearly threw up.

[Skittles]

99. exactly

they are disgusting beyond belief and I don't like the idea they are gaining a reputation as a place where poor people find some kind of salvation

[sbj405]

97. And don't forget bullying their suppliers

My next mower will be a Snapper
http://www.fastcompany.com/magazine/102/open_snapper.html

[cboy4]

18. Yes, I've also heard that the savings on food is indeed,

to use your adjective, "staggering."

[hlthe2b]

10. Better deals online... but that may not be an option for some...

I try not to blame the shoppers for Walmart's policies. Besides, the few times I've been in a Walmart in the past 5 years, it was a very dismal experience. Crowded and very unfriendly atmosphere. So, the shoppers seem to be paying in one way or another. :shrug:

[HereSince1628]

29. Yes, typically the low-end, least desireable product is cheap

The advertising of those items helps create a general sense that everything is cheaper at Walmart.

But once you pass up these end of the isle smiley faced items in favor of a quality you might really want, the prices at WalMart aren't much different than any other big box or large chain.

I wouldn't go out of my way to buy WalMart's low end junk. Cheap, but crummy, is a trap for poor people. Sometimes what is cheap is really more expensive over time.

[qwlauren35]

95. It really depends on what you go for.

Here in Baltimore Co/North, I have a lot of choices of where to shop, and frequently find that K-mart has better prices on some things. But inevitably, Wal-mart seems to have more of the things I need at low prices.

It's hard to beat their prices for jeans and work pants, and feminine products. Their dog food is rock bottom, and my dogs love their Dinner Rounds. Because I have so many other choices, I don't go to Wal-Mart all that often. But I definitely remember when I was in Greensboro, and the Wal-mart had a grocery store. You couldn't beat their frozen meat prices.

I think the only way you can hurt Wal-mart is to try to bring in a Dollar Tree and a K-mart (or a Big Lots). Wal-mart cannot beat Dollar Tree on off-brand household products and close-out toiletries.

But these things only happen one someone decides to take the risk of competing head-on with a Wal-mart. And I don't deny that it's a scary proposition.

[Horse with no Name]

46. They also strongarm the larger manufacturers

into making substandard and cheaper (in all senses of the word) products for their store.
A pair of Levis that you buy in a department store are going to last longer than the Levis you buy there.
Serta also makes an extremely cheaper version of their mattress for their Sams Club.
You cannot expect to buy quality merchandise there. You just can't.

[hfojvt]

109. Except that I got 3 pairs of pants and a belt for $4.50

at the Salvation Army thrift shop. I thought 'I have been shopping at Wal-mart too much.'

[LiberalinNC]

4. I stopped jugding people who shop there a long time ago...

I just can't get that many people pissed off at me. ;) I've decided for myself and my family NOT to shop at that evil empire, but I won't judge others who do - "I haven't walked in their shoes".

[Last Stand]

74. Judge the shop, not the shoppers.

I just let people know about their practices, and let them decide themselves. Most people I know who shop there DO have other options. Most of them don't know how evil the place is, that's all.

[Gelliebeans]

111. Ding ding ding....

this is how I deal with it also. There are many that can't afford to take the stand against them but I can and will for myself and my family. Seems we both understand the gray areas.

[gratuitous]

5. Keep your eye on the ball

Wal-Mart and its rapacious corporate practices are the problem here. The folks who shop there should be given information, not criticism. Sometimes people truly don't have a choice; but more and more it's getting to the point that for the seven cents Wal-Mart can save someone on one item, they're charged an extra dime for another item.

[cboy4]

13. Really? I don't know much about the price structure, so maybe

others who shop there can weigh in?

Why is it getting to the point that more and more you save 7 cents on one item, but pay an extra 10 cents on something else?

I don't understand.

[AZBlue]

102. I would say that's true anywhere.

Which is why you have to be a particularly educated and careful shopper these days.

A perfect non-food example: a couple of weeks ago I needed to get a USB cable for work - I've bought them before so I know you can get a perfectly fine one for $10-15. But, walking into Circuit City before the holidays I couldn't find one for less than $30 (some were as high as $50!). I looked over to the computer department and realized why they were asking those prices - the computers were marked way down, so they were making money up on the peripherals. If you've already committed to purchasing a $300-$900 computer, you're not going to argue over a $40 cable that you need to hook it up - at that point they've got you, and they know it.

I have had to shop at WalMart for food over the last two years and yes, some things are incredibly cheap - and others are either the same price or higher as other stores. I guess that's why I now shop at 4 different stores regularly for my food - that way I can get the cheapest prices for everything. No one outlet will give you the best prices on everything.

[Ioo]

7. Thank you, for many of us, we have little option.

[Xenotime]

67. What did you do before Wally World moved in?

Just wondering

[rman]

8. When you struggle to make ends meet, it still matters

whether or not you know just how evil Wal-Mart is.
The fact that many people have no alternative to Wal-Mart is no reason to be silent about Wal-Mart. The problem isn't so much with the people who shop at Wal-Mart, the problem is with Wal-Mart.

[sniffa]

11. good for you

that's why i :loveya:

i try to never go there, but we went this month for househoLd items, and yes, some xmas shopping. it's tough times.

for food, we go to two LocaL pLaces every week: one for fresh produce (Lamberts - the originaL in dorcester), and one for fresh kiLLed meat (roxies of quincy). both pLaces save us a good $50+ every week on groceries.

[cboy4]

26. Oh Sniffa, you could purchase merchandise from the

damn Republican National Committee and it wouldn't bother me a fricken bit!! :loveya:

(But only you!!!!!) ;)

[Sugar Smack]

56. sniffa, I

:loveya: too. We all have to do what we have to do. This year I was lucky to not have to go there, but other years, yeah---> I had to shop at Wal-Mart.

I had to tell this girl I know yesterday "Fuck pride" cause she was a little strung out on it. I wish you'd been there for the conversation.

[cboy4]

63. Oh, I see we're going to have to compete for Sniffa's affection . . .

Darn you Sugar Smack, he's mine!

I wish we lived in the day where you could challenge someone to a duel! ;)

[Sugar Smack]

64. BWAAAHAHAHAHAHA! Nice impression!

All you need is veins popping out on yr forehead! Thanks for the laugh, my little imp! :rofl: :pals: :yourock:

[cboy4]

66. That's what I'm here for!

:pals:

[John1956PA]

12. I saw a TV documentary revealing that W-M's prices are not always the lowest.

W-M's merchandising tactics include placing inexpensive, low-quality items at the end of the aisle to lure shoppers to the department in question. (The TV documentary hight-lighted this tactic with respect to a W-M store's microwave aisle.) Often, the low-cost bait is of such low quality that no other chain will handle it. As the shopper moves down the aisle, better quality goods will be displayed, but the retail price will often be higher than that of W-M's competitors.

Also, I know a person who purchased a 32-inch TV from W-M last week, but the TV (contrary to what is suggested in the manual) does not seem to recognize HDTV signals. The TV is not a name brand, and its price was considerably cheaper than that of the name brands.

I am very suspicious of the quality of the merchandise which W-M sells at discount prices, and I am not impressed with its prices on its non-discount merchandise.

[cboy4]

30. Re-read response #9 from Midlodemocrat - - -

that's what I hear.

Again, I'm not a Wal Mart pricing expert, but it sure sounds like as a whole, they have the lowest prices in town.

You may be correct about the quality, but we're talking about some very desperate shoppers in many cases.

[SoCalDem]

75. and another "special buy".. My friend bought her daughter-in-law

a $79 camcorder at walmart...BUT to actually take decent pics there are a few "necessary accessories" that attach to it.. Those cost $35-40 each.. That cheapo camcorder got significantly more costly, and within the price range of a brand name, better camcorder.

I have never seen the allure for walmart.

Sales at Macy's for nice merchandise ..70% off sometimes..

Everyday stuff at Target is better quality, presented in a nicer store..and often the same or cheaper..

but then I am the "anti-shopper" incarnate..

Sometimes I put so much time between shopping trips, that my husband almost begs me to go :)

[AtLiberty]

14. If you live in a rural area, Wal-Mart is the only game in town...

...unless you wish to do all your shopping at a gas station or a bar.

Sometimes there's no other place to shop for 30 miles one way.

People who are pinching pennies at the store are also pinching pennies at the pump.

Traveling back roads through once thriving small towns which are now boarded up with weeds growing in the cracks of the sidewalks is heartbreaking. Taverns are usually the only small businesses in those towns alive...barely. Always, there's a Wal-Mart within several miles of these ghost towns.

I grew up in a small town where we did virtually all of our shopping. What couldn't be bought there was ordered from the Sears catalog. And hey -- I'm not THAT old...yet. We're talking the 1970s. Small business owners could make very good livings for themselves and others.

If Wal-Mart isn't the worst thing that happened to America, it's certainly in the top five.

[brer cat]

16. Wal-mart is also the only game in town

in some places. My daughter lives in a small town with no large grocery stores and no Target or K-mart, so choice is limited.

[EFerrari]

17. When I was raising my boys, my husband and I kept a notebook

with those dividing pockets -- about six of them.

Every week, I'd distribute our week's pay in each one so we could pay our monthly bills. If I was careful, we got to buy my husband a pint of beer on Saturday. :)

Toys R Us (I don't know if it still exists) was the only store where I could buy Christmas presents for my children. I'm pretty sure now that the stuff I bought wasn't made in US union shops. At the time, it was all I could do. And I had to get there at six in the morning on a week day before work to stand in line before they opened (and before my family was awake) to be able to buy there.

lol

[Clark2008]

19. While I agree people shouldn't cast stones, I dont get her

argument about saving money by shopping there. I have shopped there well in the past and have found that their merchandise doesn't last, causing me to have to replace the item, particularly clothes, in a short time period. That doesn't save me money. I'd rather spend the extra few bucks and have a sweater or pants or shirt last several years instead of a couple of washings.

I know some people don't have a choice because there's nothing else nearby, but I don't see that Wal-Mart really saves them all that much in the long run.

And I was a single Mom living off piss poor wages for five years. I know how tough it is.

[cboy4]

38. I can't speak for her obviously. But it sounds like food is cheaper - -

And how about tooth paste, razor blades, office supplies, motor oil, plants, etc.?

I don't think you have to worry about that stuff falling apart.

As for clothing, you're probably correct about the clothing.

Still, it sounds like lots of people are caught between a rock and a hard place in that regard.

[cwydro]

20. I love it when I agree with someone I usually disagree with.

There is not one where I live,so not an issue for me. Plus, I am lucky enough to not have to shop discount if I don't want to.

But that is a good post.

:thumbsup:

[cboy4]

43. And I love it when someone who is usually wrong about

everything finally comes to their senses and agrees with me!! hehehehe :pals:

[cwydro]

47. OK!

You made me laugh...but I think I disagree again!:hi:

[cboy4]

49. LOL!

[Skittles]

52. get a room you two

:7

[cboy4]

57. Do you happen to know if Wal-Mart rents rooms???

If so, I bet they're inexpensive!! ;)

[mitchtv]

93. the latest in paper sheets

freshly chopped down from the Brazilian rain forest

[On the Road]

21. People Make the Most Practical Choices for Their Situation

Shoppers should not be blamed for bad governmental trade or labor policies.

I use Wal-Mart as a third or fourth option, but for some items, it's the only local store open late. I would rather use Target or another store, but I also know that whatever I buy may come from China no matter where it's purchased. For some categories like toys, almost everything is from overseas.

Some of Walmart's advantage is from more efficient distribution and integration, which is beneficial to everyone. Some of it's from size, which is indifferent. Some of it's from hiring too many part-time jobs with no benefits, which is bad and should be addressed through legislation. Some of it's from monopolistic practices in small towns, which might be addressed either by city councils or by strengthening antitrust practices.

Knowing a lot of people in mainland China, I also see the other side of the equation -- the aspirations and hard work of people trying to lift themselves out of poverty. There's easily more upside in China than downside in the US. International trade is a very mixed bag.

The key concern is poor employment opportunities for unskilled and semi-skilled workers here is the US. Wal-Mart is exploiting a labor and business situation which should not have been allowed to continue for so many years. I agree that Blaming the customers is starting at the wrong end of the situation.

[FormerDittoHead]

101. I'm on the same page. Expecting the grassroots to EVER change things that much is too much...

It's VERY rare when boycotts work. Most of the time it's something to do with a racial or religious group, etc.

I've NEVER blamed people for shopping in Walmart, and I often shop there myself. Would I fight legislation to bring back meaningful tariffs which would increase prices while raising domestic salaries and manufacturing? No way.

But month-to-month, rationally, I will do everything I can to save a dollar, and I don't blame anyone else for doing the same.

[asjr]

22. I go with my daughter-in-law once

a week because she has a car. I found an item last week that was made in the USA. It was a box of chocolate-covered cherries. I held it up and yelled out to the other customers Hey, it is made right here in the USA in Indiana! I couldn't help myself.

[madokie]

28. you're starting to sound like me

I always make it a point to point out that there is only china made stuff in here, asking where's that American made stuff at again?? I know it doesn't get past the people on the floor but it does get to them and that is better than none. imo

[madokie]

24. Thats appreciated. We have pretty much no other choice

drive 30 miles or 4 miles :shrug: whats a person to do. I much prefer target, costco, sears but

[natrat]

25. if its the only cheap box store in your area ok-if not you suck nt

[derby378]

27. Exactly - but why stop at box stores?

The main problem many people have with Wal-Mart is that they put the local family-run shops out of business, thus reducing competition and increasing Wal-Mart's stranglehold on a community. It's happened in too many Texas towns for me to count.

[The2ndWheel]

34. Isn't that the only outcome possible though?

If you have competition, there has to be a winner and a loser.

I know, regulated capitalism, blah, blah, blah. Well, that only works if you never stop regulating, because corporations never stop consolidating.

Wal-Mart started as a local small business. America started as 13 colonies(even smaller than that, but you get the point). They exist the way they do today because of the same process. The eradication of diversity.

[Horse with no Name]

54. However

Walmart comes into communities with HUGE tax breaks and incentives that the Mom and Pop stores never get.
They undercut every business in town and drive them out of business.
But...instead of keeping their prices lower, they raise them higher to recoup the money they lost to run the other businesses out.
It is ALWAYS a no-win situation.
Walmart IS the reason there isn't anywhere else to shop.
Personally I preferred the nice little clothing store on the square.
Walmart can sell me something that LOOKS like it...however, several years later the one from the clothing store is still in my closet while the Walmart version has long been in the rag bin.

[The2ndWheel]

62. What else do you expect?

"Walmart comes into communities with HUGE tax breaks and incentives that the Mom and Pop stores never get."

That's because Wal-Mart is more successful at turning a profit. That's all we exist for in 2006, profit, production, period.

"They undercut every business in town and drive them out of business."

Competition ain't fair.

"But...instead of keeping their prices lower, they raise them higher to recoup the money they lost to run the other businesses out."

Can't be worth a few billion and be stupid.

"It is ALWAYS a no-win situation."

Except for the winners.

"Walmart IS the reason there isn't anywhere else to shop."

Best way to make the most money.

"Personally I preferred the nice little clothing store on the square.
Walmart can sell me something that LOOKS like it...however, several years later the one from the clothing store is still in my closet while the Walmart version has long been in the rag bin."

That's not the world we live in anymore. We live in the world of, by, and for the large scale.

I'm not agreeing with anything Wal-Mart does. Wal-Mart is only doing exactly what it should be doing in our current reality, which is maximize efficiency, production, and profit. From its point of view, not yours. That's all our way of life rewards. You're not going to get a shirt with something a little different each time. It's going to be the same shirt, whether you're in New York, Alabama, California, Ohio, or any other state. Sameness. Predictability. That's what a mass produced system will be like.

[Horse with no Name]

68. And that, my friend, is what is wrong with America

in a nutshell.

[renie408]

84. When we need 'cheap' clothes, we shop at Goodwill

One of the actual benefits of all the yuppies moving to this area is that the Goodwill is full of great clothes. You can get really well made stuff and great names for $3.79 an item. My kids would just CRINGE to see me writing this, BTW.

[arikara]

100. I get most of our clothes from thrift stores and garage sales

and most of our household goods too. And the stuff I get is way better quality than the disposable made in China Walmart junk.

When I heard about this group of people who decided that with a few exceptions, they wouldn't buy anything new for a whole year I was thinking I should join them... but then realized that I basically live like that anyhow.

Nearly every day is "buy nothing" day.

*********

SAN FRANCISCO -- In the living room, the group gathers to share inspirational stories about the joy of finding just the right previously owned shower curtain. To the uninitiated, these people appear almost normal, at least in a San Francisco kind of way. But upon closer inspection, you see it: Nothing in this house, nothing on their bodies, none of their products -- nothing is new. Everything is used.

For these people, recycling wasn't enough. Composting wasn't a challenge anymore. No, they wanted much more of much less.

Attention holiday shoppers! These people haven't bought anything new in 352 days -- and counting. These 10 friends vowed last year not to purchase a single new thing in 2006 -- except food, the bare necessities for health and safety (toilet paper, brake fluid) and, thankfully, underwear, and maybe socks (they're still debating whether new socks are okay).

Everything else they bought secondhand. They bartered or borrowed. Recycled. Re-gifted. Reused. Where? Thrift stores and swap meets, friends and Dumpsters, and the Internet, from Craigslist to the Freecycle Network, which includes 3,843 communities and 2.8 million members giving away stuff to one another.

****snip******
http://www.sfenvironment.com/articles_pr/2006/article/121806.htm

[renie408]

83. It's a vicious circle here

We are really tight on money right now. Walmart has run off all the smaller stores and so it is now the least expensive option readily available to us. Add to the problem the fact that our area has lately been inundated with McMansion subdivisions and what you end up with is there are several fancy gourmet stores and a Starbucks closer to me than even the WalMart.

We shop the Farmer's market as much as possible, but other than that, my best chance of being able to feed my family well and within our budget is the Super WalMart. I don't like it and I feel like a bum every time we go in there, but I feel stuck.

[Bridget Burke]

32. I don't "lay into" people about WalMart.

But I wish some of the folks I work with would open the conversation. They are not struggling to make ends meet--their combined family incomes are much larger than mine. But they shop there every week.

All prices are not lower at WalMart. www.zonaeuropa.com/20050316_1.htm

Let's hope the anti-WalMart ads on TV have changed a few minds. www.wakeupwalmart.com/

[fishwax]

86. The first link doesn't seem particularly credible

Wal-Mart got by with the slogan "Always the Lowest Price. Always" for years, until the National Advertising Review Board, which is funded by the Better Business Bureau, investigated the claim that Wal-Mart always has the low(est) price. The Board found that this just was not and is not true, and promptly ordered our pals in Bentonville to stop saying it.

Wal-Mart then had to change its motto to something that barely skipped around the law-like "Always Low Prices. Always"-so near the original slogan that the public in general still perceived that Wal-Mart had the lowest prices.

The slogan actually started out as "Always the low price. Always." The review board actually upheld the complaint against that slogan. Wal-mart changed the slogan to "Always low prices. Always." And the NARB didn't investigate the low-prices claim and find it false, they simply found that such a claim was impossible to prove.

The second link looks interesting though, and I plan on floating around that site when I have some time.

[Bridget Burke]

88. I agree that the first link isn't all that....

The real saying was "Always the low price." And it was changed, because people read it as "Always the lowest price."

Has anyone really done serious data gathering on WalMart prices?

[fishwax]

90. I wish someone would

but I've never actually seen it. I stopped shopping there about a year and a half ago, but when I recently had to buy a pair of shoes there (long story) it seemed to me that the prices on the things I saw there had gone up quite a bit from what I remembered ...

[sbj405]

98. Agree. People aren't always looking at the whole picture.

The price on the shelf may be cheap, but you're paying for it elsewhere (inferior quality, shifting costs of doing business to taxpayers, etc.).

Also, people just automatically assume wal mart is cheapest and aren't aware of the options. I must confess until recently I thought buying health and beauty items in the grocery stores was more expensive. I've discovered with sales and/or coupon, they beat most drugstores and/or target.

[Wiley50]

33. I try to use ALDI or Dollar General first

if you have them near.
ALDI is a european company that has opened quite a few stores in eastern states in the last decade.
They use several strategies to keep their prices low:
It's a bag your own, bring your own bags operation, though they will sell you huge sturdy plastic handled shopping bags for a dime.
they have a shopping cart control system that requires you to leave a quarter deposit to get a cart, so you always put the cart back and they save on labor.
They usually only have one or two store brands for each item and the quality of these are quite good.

Overall, ALDI makes even Wal-Mart seem expensive

[BuelahWitch]

36. Aldi also pays their checkers a decent wage

At least here in Lawrence they do. Over double the minimum. And their ranch dressing is to die for! ;)

[Clark2008]

41. Just a note: the Dollar General's CEO is a fundie.

PERDUE, DAVID
NASHVILLE, TN 37205
DOLLAR GENERAL CORPORATION/MANAGE

TENNESSEE REPUBLICAN PARTY FEDERAL ELECTION ACCOUNT
05/12/2004 1000.00 24971249528

PERDUE, DAVID A JR
NASHVILLE, TN 37205
DOLLAR GENERAL CORP/EXECUTIVE

CORKER, ROBERT P JR
VIA BOB CORKER FOR SENATE
08/17/2005 2100.00 26020150170
10/05/2006 2000.00 26020950692

http://query.nictusa.com/cgi-bin/qind/

There's more about him out there, which I can't find at this particular moment, but it's something I know as a Tennessean interested in politics.

[Wiley50]

48. Few CEO's Aren't these Days

But DG is everywhere in TN and sells for most items
less than WallyWorld.
And At least the Corporate profits stay in TN
where there is a chance they will help the economy

Out here in Wilson county we have few options

[Clark2008]

58. That's very true.

And the DG did donate a lot to the victims of Katrina.

[renie408]

70. The nearest Aldi's for me is a thirty minute drive.

But it is fairly near my mom's house. So when we go to see her, I swing in and see what they have. To shop their regularly wouldn't make sense becuase what I save in prices, I lose in gas money.

[eppur_se_muova]

80. That's aldi.us

http://aldi.us/

They have a store locater there. None within 47 miles of me, but thanks for posting about this alternative.

[JVS]

87. In my town we have an Aldi right next to a Walmart

Aldi is good to gather up essentials like bread, milk, eggs, pasta, snacks, and canned stuff. But for the meat and produce I find the Walmart is better because they actually have an in-store butcher and produce section.

[fishnfla]

35. America's largest retailer, largest employer and China's best customer

What else can you do? Its a sign of the times.

GM used to be the laregst employer in the US, back when there was a solid middle class and corporateCEO profits weren't out of control

[Double T]

37. The majority of the Big Box guys are the same.............

selling products made by slave wage workers. The system will eventually run itself into the ground and the USA will have a large segment of its population living in third world nation conditions.

[verse18]

39. My fundie mom told me over the holidays

that she quit shopping at Walmart. Partly due to me talking to her about how slimy they are, but it was mostly because they messed up my sister's vehicle twice in their service department.

[Horse with no Name]

44. Take my mother for instance

She hates Walmart. She hates their business practices. She hates what they stand for.
She even led a community protest about one being built in her neighborhood.
It was never built.
She has been somewhat ill this past year. She doesn't have the time and energy to shop like she used to be able to do.
She told me she needed a particular item. She lives in a large city.
She went EVERYWHERE to get this item--nobody had it.
She had to hold her nose and go into Walmart and get it. But any of the several retailers could have stocked that item and would have had her business.

[Swamp Rat]

45. Man, I totally agree

When I was left homeless after hurricane Katrina, I bought a cheap air mattress at Wal-Wart. I slept on it for 9 months until it popped. The bastards would not refund my money because they changed from a 1 year to a 90 day guarantee, so I slept on a moldy wooden floor for 4 months until someone gave me a bed. Nevertheless, I HAD to buy some cheap things at Wal-Wart just to survive, though I HATE that place. Thank goodness some of the mom-n-pop stores have re-opened in New Orleans.

[OPERATIONMINDCRIME]

51. Why Didn't You Just Patch It?

We had an aerobed that the cats would pop constantly. But it came with a vinyl patch kit that made repairing holes easy. What kind of pop was it?

[minerva50]

55. I hear you. My sister lives in Mandeville.

Her family was very lucky in the hurricane, minor damage. She sent me a gift from a New Orleans jeweler this year. She says she been following a strict "buy local" policy.

[OPERATIONMINDCRIME]

53. Good For You Cboy! I'm Proud Of You.

We all always need to be considerate and understanding of others situations prior to judging them, even if they are situations we truly don't understand at all.

And hey, maybe you'll still tear into me cause you think I'm not at that level of struggling financially that would be excusable (though we could argue bout that too), but I'm proud of you and happy to hear your new position anyway, as it is a decent and fair one and I'm always happy to see when someone shows additional tolerance for something they hadn't before.

:toast:

[cboy4]

Listen to you! Well, I appreciate the compliment. I know you're

not one to throw out insincere compliments, so thanks.

I guess I'll stop my mushy response before Skittles tells us to get a room! ;)

[William769]

59. Since I went on Social Security Disability,

I have no choice but to shop there. It's either that Sweetbay Or Publix. When I started I did comparison shopping, I save on average $50.00 a week. Thats $200.00 dollars a month that I have to spend for things like heating/cooling, car insurance and so forth.

For whatever reason Wal Mart is able to give these savings, at this point I don't care it's helping me to survive and yes every once in awhile I have to look out for me and no one else.

[Midlodemocrat]

60. My point exactly.

I don't shop there because at this point in my life, I can afford not to, but I can't fault someone for shopping someplace that makes their own situation a little easier.

Wishing you healing and a better 2007.

[William769]

61. Thank you.

:hug:

[renie408]

69. We are tight right now and I have done all the comparisons

And we save a ton by shopping at WalMart for our groceries. I feel slimy doing it, but if I use my coupons I can feed a family of four + our pets generously (meat every dinner, snacks, desserts, etc) for $125 a week. I know that sounds like a lot, but we have five cats, six dogs, a pet bird and pet fish. I have to make most of the snacks and desserts (cakes, cookies, etc), but I like doing that anyway.

[fed-up]

65. Almost everything I need I buy at garage/estate/rummage sales, thrift stores,

the farmers market, craigslist and our canned food store.

Granted I am old at 48 and have almost everything I could ever need, but many kitchen supplies I need can be found at estate sales. This would include wax paper, saran wrap, aluminun foil, plastic bags, paper bags etc bought for pennies on the dollar.

If I need any kitchen equipment such as toasters, cooking pots or pans, serving/cooking utensils these are found at garage, rummage, estate sales or thrift stores. I can also find tools and items such as motor oil, radiator fluid etc. I find clothing and other household items such as sheets, towels and comforter sets for a fraction of the new cost and find much better brands than Walmart carries. I just got a two year old double bed/box springs with a DOWN mattress pad for $70 on craigslist. My new house is older/smaller and my queen bed didn't fit. I feel like I am sleeping on a cloud and it is doing wonders for my back/neck.

When I shop for food I hit the canned foods/grocery outlet first as they sometimes get organic products at half the price of our local health food store. Then I hit the farmer's market for local, in season, mostly organic produce. After that I hit our health food store and buy my beans, rice and grains in bulk and when I get home I divide them into glass jars. I buy little to no processed foods. We also only eat chicken or beef only once or twice a week and with money we have saved elsewhere in our budget are able to buy organic and/or "natural".

edited to add that I have been a single mom for 18 years and saved up to buy my first house 20 years ago by sleeping on an egg crate mattress in the closet of a studio apartment for two years. If there is a will, there is a way.

[Javaman]

72. And finally this is what it has come to here in the U.S....

choosing between the lesser of two evils.

Either standing up for what we believe and taking the hard road, or giving in and saving money at the cost of furthering an corporate giant that screws American workers.

This are the choices we are faced with on a daily basis here in morons* amerika.

I know you don't want to come down on people who shop there because of their tight budget, etc, however, supporting such practices, such as shopping at china-mart, reinforces the types of negative practices they employ and the long term effect upon the individual shopping there is a lot more than just saving money.

This person who shops there also means they are okay with slave labor practices, the loss of american made products and businesses, the slow dead of many small towns, the confining of whole sections of the population to less than minimum wage jobs with no benefits, no voice to protest, the exploitation of immigrants and the list goes on and on.

I understand that a persons conscious plays a big roll in not lecturing a person on a tight budget on the evils of buying at china-mart and "saving" money, but the reality is, this one person represents many thousands if not millions of people, and to look casually in the other direction while china-marts practices and policies go on unchecked and supported by an ignorant public is no reason or excuse to stop enlightening people.

It is then up to the individual to make that choice after they are informed. Keeping a public willfully uninformed is no better than the same propaganda that is fed to us on a daily basis either by the WH* or by china-mart themselves.

We live in very interesting times, and when the choice has to be made to either dance with the devil or starve, then something needs to be changed and that won't happen as long as we remain quiet.

My two cents.

[The2ndWheel]

73. Maybe we all have to take that hard road

Whether you have to shop at Wal-Mart or not. Especially if you don't have to.

[Mad_Dem_X]

77. Altho' I do not shop there,

I am hesitant to criticize those who do. I'm fortunate that I have other stores nearby from which to choose, but not everyone has other options. I just hate what Wal-Mart stands for and how they exploit people.

[question everything]

78. As the old saying goes: don't judge othres until you have walked

a mile in their moccasins.

People are too quick to criticize others without really knowing what others are facing.

DUers have been criticized for not donating to DU, for not donating to the current charity drive... each has to deal with his/her own financial situations in his/her own way.

[TheFarseer]

79. I haven't set foot in one in a year

Haven't bought anything there in 2 years. My parents recently had to furnish assisted living rooms for my grandparents and they bought eveything for them at Walmart. They don't like Walmart either but it would have been alot more money and alot of trips to various places in order to get everything they needed without getting skinned on price. I can't really blame them.

[Gloria]

81. They are not cheaper on food a lot of the time. People should

be aware of that. We have grocers here who beat them hands down on produce consistently.

[DaveJ]

82. Why would anyone want to?

No point judging people who work or shop there. Go after the government who lets it happen. Business will take full advantage of what the law allows. The only thing that can stop it is the government.

[haele]

85. The difference between living in a large community and a small one -

In San Diego, we don't get the WalMart "superstores" because there are many other options, both local and regional that are there. Dollar stores, "Food For Less" (the low-end Ralph's - a major regional grocery chain), Costco, Trader Joe's. Also, we have lots of reasonably sized "mercados" run by communities such as the Chaldean, Mexican, various flavors of Asian, Somali - real grocery stores that aren't convenience stores, but usually carry ethnic products and include a local produce buyer and in-store butcher and baker, - and finally - four Commissaries for the 15% or so military and retiree members of the population here.
A Wal-Mart with a full grocery might compete with stores like Sears Essentials, Super-Target, or some the major regional grocery chains but they can't compete with any of the stores listed above.

However - 20 miles north of the outskirts of town, it's another story. The locals might have at most a produce stand, perhaps a butcher and/or a bakery, an Ace hardware, a Radio Shack, a major grocery, and perhaps a dollar/Big Lots/5 & 10 type sundries store.
A Super WalMart in those areas could (and has even further north the freeways) easily drive out all but the produce stand and set itself up to be the only place to buy food and sundries - and prescriptions, optical, clothing, hardware, housewares, etc... At the very least, it could set itself up to be the only business that will be open for the early morning or evening shoppers who are trying to run errands outside the working hours.

Those residents would have to spend an hour or so to get to any other store with any sort of equivalent pricing and hours of operation.

I have the options not to shop there, and will take that option every time I step out of the house to run errands. I will recommend to friends, family, and acquaintances not to go there when shopping, and not to give the kidlet gift cards for that place.

However, I would not chastise or sneer at people who are stuck in a location where WalMart has already killed most of the options available - like my husband's relatives who live in an county where WalMart is the largest employer there because the two major industries in the area had been sent offshore. I just can't kick people who are suffering that much.

Haele

[necso]

89. I shop at Walmart,

strictly out of the need to pinch every penny.

I don't spend that much, but for certain items (like aluminum foil; cheaper there usually than even sale-prices at other stores I shop), it has cheaper prices than the alternatives.

I know my prices, and will buy on sale elsewhere to beat Walmart prices when I can (and Walmart is not always cheaper than regular prices elsewhere -- far from it).

I buy little food there (they do have bakery markdown though; I shop outlet stores and buy sale/markdown items whenever these are a good deal -- and buy pretty-much nothing else -- I eat what's cheap), I check to see if things are made in the US (pretty-much everything I buy there is made in the US), and I generally won't buy items there just for the convenience of shopping in one place (this is where they really get you -- some of their prices are higher (especially relative to sale prices elsewhere), and you can't just assume Walmart prices will be cheaper).

I don't like shopping there (plus the superstore is huge and going to the various departments involves quite a bit of walking); and I am strongly opposed to many of their policies.

But like too many people, I have to pinch every penny.

Sometimes, one does not have the capability to do as one wishes; this can be very difficult to recognize and accept. And it's better when others accept this incapacity.

[w4rma]

91. That is the essence of the vicious cycle. Wal-Mart destroys salaries, benefits and jobs and becomes

the lowest price in town by doing so. Then folks who no longer have decent salaries can only afford to buy from the "company store".

Lay into people who still have a good income that shop at Wal-Mart.

[mitchtv]

92. about twice a year I sneak into one

It is verrrry close, and buy my TracerFX razor blades. I have tried everywhere else, no luck. Last time, I got caught by a neighbor.I was unimpressed by their groceries, but love their "winos" (canvas slippers).

[Vektor]

94. I hate Wal-Mart too, but some people can't afford to shop elsewhere.

I understand what you're saying. I know folks who live in rural areas where the only department store within a 50 mile radius is Wal-mart.

Nobody I know LIKES Wal-Mart, but some have to tolerate it out of necessity.

I try to look at things on a case by case basis before I decide how I view the situation. If someone is poor and trying to provide for children, who the hell am I to judge?

Then again, I have supplied gift cards from other retailers to some of these folks, just to throw a little money elsewhere, and give the shopper more variety.

[Vinca]

96. Not all small towns fold in the shadow of Walmart.

I rarely step foot in the place, but the one in our area seems to do their usual boom business without damaging the downtown. The reason for that is that after the initial "Oh my God, Walmart" reaction, the character of the shopping district changed. It was your run-of-the-mill small town, now it's a mini-mecca for the arts with galleries, cafes and uncommon products and services. Today, for example, I noticed a street vendor selling artisan breads next to a bank. The local museum, which is near the downtown area, has hosted a couple of exhibits by big name artists (Andy Warhol and Wolf Kahn) which brought in business. This in a town of about 12,000 (very creative) people.

[bobbolink]

103. Welcome to "Walking In The Shoes" but it won't stop the vilification on DU

May everyone here who criticises so heavily "walk in the shoes".

[illinoisprogressive]

104. I find things cheaper than Walmart

I have a JC Penney outlet that is alot cheaper and better stuff. I always find bargains and better quality as well.
You just have to know where to go. How to find them. Outlet stores are amazing.
I have not shopped at walmart in years
I am not rich. budget crunching. But, I dont' spend as much and find better.
Tell her just to price check around.

[cboy4]

107. Good info! However, you cannot purchase groceries from those

places, and apparently, you can save a tremendous amount of money on groceries at Wal Mart.

That's what I hear.

[Catherine Vincent]

105. Whoops!

I bought a digital camera from Walmart today. :hi:

[cboy4]

106. Don't stores like Best Buy match prices for electronics? I think

they even give you a little more of a discount as a "reward" for choosing to buy from them instead.

I'm not criticizing you, but I think this might be an example where you didn't necessarily have to hand over your money to Wal Mart.

Purchasing essentials at Wal Mart is cool with me, but luxury items.....I dunno.

I'm torn. :hi:

[Dastard Stepchild]

108. Wal-Mart sucks... customers don't...

I never criticize people for doing what they have to do to make their dollar go as far as it can. I criticize the folks in the Wal-Mart leadership that are driven by prickish business sensibilities.

[JCMach1]

110. They are taking advantage of that misery charging 10x

the actual cost of the items they sell...

Walmart= robbery on a grand scale.

In the UAE, we get the actual products from China not routed through Walmart. The prices are as much as 10x cheaper than Walmart. Walmart uses its influence to keep competition from bringing in the 'cheap' goods. So, Walmart keeps their illusional 'cheap' monopoly.

No Walmart for me thanks....