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well documented destruction
Wal*Mart has a very well documented history of arriving in small towns, underpricing every mom & pop store till they fail, sucking the life from the historical retail shopping district, replacing a huge farm field with the same homogeneous offerings of outbuilding stores/restaurants, and then returning prices to a more profitable point when domination has been achieved.
Their marketing/business plan is indeed successful. They strategically breed a dependence on their goods/services within a geographical area, then frequently consolidate locations to a larger 'supercenter' around 20 miles away from two previous successes. They even have their own real estate company to handle all of the empty big boxes. There has been a book written on the subject- something like "how walmart is ruining america"?
I would like to think that americans would be wise to this, but they instead buy in to the rediculous hopping smiley face ad campaign that depicts prices falling around the store. Low prices ought not be the entirety of one's decision making factors. Even in difficult economic times, some things ARE more important.
As one who drives three cars from the 80s, and had to sell my house due to financial difficulties in the past, I can empathise with those who appreciate the low prices. I feel that the long term cost is far greater though, and am happy to patronize local businesses when I need something, even if it is a few cents more out of my pocket.
The extra payment is simply spent to preserve my choices. I'd rather not encounter the door dings and regurgitating children and screaming parents and parking lot strewn with diapers and 1/2 stocked shelves, and HORRIBLE service. I'd like the future to have the option to avoid these things as well.
So, I vote with my wallet, and budget my money for those things which I actually NEED, rather than buying a cheap plastic version of whatever for only $48.72 AND getting a color and saline and preservative injected (but good looking) steak for ONLY $2.76.
I only ever purchased anything at walmart when it was the only place in a reasonable driving distance that had the item for sale at any price. If you care to try, it is actually very nice to meet all of the small business owners/merchants who are trying to support their families in your town.
stay away from walmart
K
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