Wal-Mart confirms its worst decline in 10 years [Archive]

KD6NIG

11-30-2006, 09:37 PM

I doubt it. #People seem to think WalMart is a barometer.

I thought sales were down across the board. #I know that this year our christmas spending is going to be lower, simply because of a few expenses that came up this year that we didn't expect.

Could it just be that the higher gas prices from earlier in the year are now causing higher payments on gas cards also?

I don't think its all "undoing" of Wally World. #Some of it is, but I'm sure other factors are at it too. #With higher interest rates, and higher mandatory minimum credit card payments also, I have a feeling that lower cash flow is at least PART of this downturn.

Hate WalMart all you want, but I'm sure there is more to it http://www.qrz.com/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/smile.gif

Remember, we have a higher foreclosure rate because ARM's are coming due now also. Higher house payments means less money to blow also. I know my available cash after payments is down-heck, even filling my little pickup truck cost $10 more a fillup for a while, and thats $10 less that I can spend anywhere, much less Walmart http://www.qrz.com/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/smile.gif

I have a feeling in a few weeks that, overall, sales will be down. Slightly. Enough to match the less cash everyone has due to all of the factors I mentioned.

Sure I could spend what I don't have by maxing out credit cards, but then I'd just have LESS cash to spend http://www.qrz.com/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/smile.gif

K0RGR

11-30-2006, 09:46 PM

I stopped going there completely when they were doing the big reorganization of their stores. It looked like they were deliberately making it harder to find familiar things so people would be forced to spend more time searching their aisles. I guess I'm not the only one!

WF7A

11-30-2006, 09:48 PM

That's a standard sales tactic: the longer people are in a store the more they'll spend. Supermarkets have been doing that for many years; ever wonder why popular items like milk and eggs are in the back of the store? http://www.qrz.com/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/smile.gif

k4kyv

11-30-2006, 09:58 PM

Quote[/b] (K0RGR @ Nov. 30 2006,21:46)]I stopped going there completely when they were doing the big reorganization of their stores. It looked like they were deliberately making it harder to find familiar things so people would be forced to spend more time searching their aisles.
I think that is standard procedure for all supermarkets and dep't stores. The place where I do my grocery shopping rearranges everything in the store periodically. Just as I finally become familiar with where things are to the point that I can just walk in, go right to the correct aisle and pick up what I need without having to search, they re-arrange everything again. GRRR@%$#!!!

Wal-Mart's sales have dropped off. I doubt if the evil LIBs or DEMs had anything to do with it. It's plain and simple: fewer customers shopped there. Maybe the people voted with their feet and pocketbooks. Or maybe they just don't have the money to buy as much useless junk as they used to.

G0GQK

11-30-2006, 10:00 PM

Apart from the usual boring comments about Democrats and Republicans, which are always dragged into every #discussion about everything on these pages, why is Wal mart losing business ?

Is it because people don't like their attitude towards their workforce. from what I read about them they appear to be the sort of company who don't wish to pay decent wages and make working life miserable for their employees.

A happy workforce is make or break for any business.

G0GQK

n2ize

11-30-2006, 10:02 PM

Quote[/b] (K2WH @ Nov. 30 2006,13:52)]Should we be surprised at this? No. The democrats have demonized Wal-Mart as evil and discriminatory towards minority or low wage earners.

Now the chickens have come home to roost. Wal-Mart employs many, many minorities and now that it has been thoroughly slammed, this is the result. Now here come the layoffs of those very same minorities.

Thank you dems.

K2WH
No, the democrats didn't demonize Walmart. Walmart demonized itself through it's own actions and through the way it treats it's low wage work force. The demonized themselves just like the garment sweatshops of the early 1900's demonized themselves, by treating their work force like expendable trash.

Walmart made their own bed. If treatment of their workforce is what is responsible for it's decline then Walmart has nobody to blame but themselves.

K7JEM

11-30-2006, 10:07 PM

Quote[/b] (G0GQK @ Nov. 30 2006,15:00)]Apart from the usual boring comments about Democrats and Republicans, which are always dragged into every #discussion about everything on these pages, why is Wal mart losing business ?

Is it because people don't like their attitude towards their workforce. from what I read about them they appear to be the sort of company who don't wish to pay decent wages and make working life miserable for their employees.

A happy workforce is make or break for any business.

G0GQK
I don't think that is it. But the decline seems to be .1% based on "same store" sales of the previous year.

I agree with a previous poster that due to higher energy costs this year, and other factors, this decline is not unusual. Wal-mart has reached the peak of it's success, and it will be hard to stay on top, and have ever increasing sales. To a certain extent, they are competing with themselves in this catagory when they open a new store. Some of the shoppers of the old location will migrate to a newer one closer to home.

There is also more competition from Target and K-mart, who seems to be getting through its decade of problems.

I think most people don't really care about Wal-mart employment practices, unless they are a Wal-mart employee.

Joe

K8MHZ

11-30-2006, 10:36 PM

Quote[/b] ]ever wonder why popular items like milk and eggs are in the back of the store? #

I worked at a supermarket and asked the owner why the milk and the eggs were at the back of the store. #He looked at me and said "Because that's where the coolers are."

Some stores have them on the sides. #At Aldi's the milk cooler is one of the first things you pass.

It's though to have a walk in cooler just anywhere.

K9STH

12-01-2006, 12:20 AM

Supermarkets, department stores, discount stores, etc., all periodically move the inventory around. This has been going on for many years. They most certainly want you to "look" for things because this often results in higher sales.

It was pointed out on one of the popular radio shows earlier this week that WalMart has total sales of more than Target, Sears, Macy's, and the next twelve largest retailers combined! They also outsell any of the American automobile manufacturers.

Also, it has been pointed out that WalMart's average hourly wage is actually more than the majority of other retail outlets. Frankly, in general, retail outlets have never been among the higher paying companies and a lot of them, like WalMart, are very poor (many even worse than WalMart) in the area of employee benefits. This has been true for decades, even before Sam Walton even thought of entering the retail trade. I am not defending (nor am I criticizing) WalMart's employee policies, but am just pointing out that they are definitely not "alone" in their treatment of employees.

I agree that the corporate attitude towards the employees is not as good as it was when Sam Walton was alive. However, those companies in the retail business are not that much different from WalMart. Of course there are exceptions, but, in general, working in the retail trade definitely has its drawbacks.

Glen, K9STH

ai4ep

12-01-2006, 12:45 AM

LOcally any one can find better pricing on ( almost ) the same brand name items at DOLLAR GENERAL or FAMILY DOLLAR stores, usually not THAT far away from Wal - Mart stores. You just have to get used to stopping at another place ( less convenient...but convenient enough to save you some hard earned money ) to spend your money.

You still get to bargain hunt for the lowest prices in northern Alabama...

house hold items, detergents / toilet paper / paper towels / shaving stuff / bath and ordinary household cleaning items are a LOT less than buying at wal - mart. ....

plus at the local wal - mart, they have about 18 check out lanes... one SELF SERVE land is always open, the lane where you buy your cigarettes is always open, and one or two more...you NEVER see more than 6 lanes open at one time, but plenty of employees standing around nearby with nothing to do.

But the average person aint smart enough to notice trivial things like that. ...or are they ? http://www.qrz.com/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/biggrin.gif

W2ILP

12-01-2006, 01:39 AM

Commerce is a complicated subject. #I have seen large department stores come and go as well as merge in my area. #I have seen Home Depot replace other hardware chains. #The fact is that there is only so much money for consumers to spend buying necessities as well as luxuries. #When chain stores compete using price war techniques the public may initially benefit...but eventually only a few may survive and control the marketplace. #That is the tactic of Wal-Mart, which strives to kill competitioin from other large box stores and discount clubs, as well as the small mom and pop stores. #The stratagy of the largest victor is not based on the needs of consumers, workers or communities...It is dog eat dog competition. #My particular area is in my opinion already over saturated with stores and outlets. #There is no logoical need for more stores. # Most people can now travel fewer miles to a store than to their work places. #I believe in fair competitive privately owned and managed business ...but the largest importers of anything will be able to sell it cheaper than the smaller guys can. # I dunno if this is what we need...because IF there is ever another Great Depression all of the smaller stores will go out of business and add to the rolls of the unemployed. #Thus buying all of our purchases in one store, however a bargain, does not tend to stabilize the markertplace for the future extremely good or extremely bad economic times. # A turn over in employees often leads to a loss of pensions and company paid medical benefits (if any). Also low paid employees having to again start at the mininum wage in a new store or a store with a different name. # There are pro and con to every change and no simple solutions that can fit all communities.
...and then ...What about all the new competition from Internet stores?http://www.qrz.com/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/rock.gif

w2ilp (Instable Lower Prices?http://www.qrz.com/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/rock.gif)

n4sva

12-01-2006, 02:11 AM

I believe it is a little of dissatisfaction from both sides. Northern Democrats do not like them because of their Non-Union stance. Pro-family groups are avoiding them due to their financial support of gay as lesbo groups.

Of course, it could be the fact they sell cheap foreign made junk that will tear up within weeks, not to mention you are open to mugging with their brand of clientele you see lurking in the parking lots every Saturday evening.

kf6rdn

12-01-2006, 04:06 AM

Quote[/b] (K7JEM @ Nov. 30 2006,14:07)]Quote[/b] (G0GQK @ Nov. 30 2006,15:00)]Apart from the usual boring comments about Democrats and Republicans, which are always dragged into every discussion about everything on these pages, why is Wal mart losing business ?

Is it because people don't like their attitude towards their workforce. from what I read about them they appear to be the sort of company who don't wish to pay decent wages and make working life miserable for their employees.

A happy workforce is make or break for any business.

G0GQK
I don't think that is it. But the decline seems to be .1% based on "same store" sales of the previous year.

I agree with a previous poster that due to higher energy costs this year, and other factors, this decline is not unusual. Wal-mart has reached the peak of it's success, and it will be hard to stay on top, and have ever increasing sales. To a certain extent, they are competing with themselves in this catagory when they open a new store. Some of the shoppers of the old location will migrate to a newer one closer to home.

There is also more competition from Target and K-mart, who seems to be getting through its decade of problems.

I think most people don't really care about Wal-mart employment practices, unless they are a Wal-mart employee.

Joe
All else being unequal I would agree. 'Nother words if most can save a nickel, they'll say screw the WM employee. But now that things ARE more equal - Target and Kmart have improved their stores, and to me they've always had equivalent, if not better prices, with better quality, if a little "dinghy" looking inside.
The k-mart near me, now looks VERY nice and pleasant.

al2i

12-01-2006, 04:25 AM

Quote[/b] (G0GQK @ Nov. 30 2006,14:00)]Apart from the usual boring comments about Democrats and Republicans, which are always dragged into every discussion about everything on these pages...
Partisan madness is killing my country.

k4kyv

12-01-2006, 04:26 AM

A few years ago some of the stores around here were hassling customers who happened to be observed by security, jotting down notes on the prices of merchandise in stock as they were shopping. Reportedly managers were concerned about competitors sending spies around, posing as shoppers, to collect pricing data.

One customer reported being told it was illegal to make a "price list" and threatened to have her arrested.

I was never confronted, but to me, that's only being a wise shopper to check out several stores and note their prices before making your purchase, especially for expensive items. I do that all the time, especially with electronic, automotive and computer stuff.

If they had ever harassed me, I would have made it clear to the manager that they would never get a penny from me for anything.

K6UEY

12-01-2006, 05:59 AM

Well it was generally accepted that a few well placed millions by Geo. Soros could generate a bushbashing campaign that would bring down the government and get their Socialist contender named President.

Last Election made it plain as did the second term of Clinton that the American voter is not smart enough to not be conned, if the right approach is used.

Now the other arm of the Socialist party ,the Organized Labor Unions,is putting their Millions to use to bash Walmart. This would explain why the average Union Member is paid several times their worth, it helps to pay for these campaigns to influence the American Voter.

Have you ever noticed in talking to the employees directly they are well satisfied with the conditions at the store. It is only outside with NON employees that you hear all the horrible conditions. I wonder why the employees who are directly affected never noticed how bad things are ??

Yes Black Friday this year did have bad news for Walmart, their share of the market was down,in spite of the 19 % gain in spending of the average consumer.

Of cousre to some that was no surprise, the increase was estimated at 17 % but when the dust settled it was 19 %.
With the stock market raging out of control hitting all time highs, it would appear that President Bush has finaly put a stop to the Clinton Recession, and I might add before it hit the Depression stage as feared by many who follow the market.

Makes you wonder, with all the money paid to Cindy Sheehan and all the demostrators, even though President Bush is not running for a third term he still was able to check the run away recession and stabilize the economy. Now the voters are spending their tax reduction for the holidays to bolster the economy even more!!

I'm for starting a pool, to see who can guess how long it will take for Nancy Pelosi and her band of law breakers and renegades to bring the country down to it's knees again !! #Do you think she can be successful before 2008 ?? http://www.qrz.com/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/rock.gif

http://www.qrz.com/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/wow.gif #http://www.qrz.com/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/biggrin.gif

w2amr

12-01-2006, 10:21 AM

We should all weep tonight because Wal mart's sales are down. Boo Hoo.

n2ize

12-01-2006, 10:26 AM

Quote[/b] (K6UEY @ Nov. 30 2006,22:59)]Well it was generally accepted that a few well placed millions by Geo. Soros could generate a bushbashing campaign that would bring down the government and get their Socialist contender named President.

Last Election made it plain as did the second term of Clinton that the American voter is not smart enough to not be conned, if the right approach is used.

Now the other arm of the Socialist party ,the Organized Labor Unions,is putting their Millions to use to bash Walmart. This would explain why the average Union Member is paid several times their worth, it helps to pay for these campaigns to influence the American Voter.

Have you ever noticed in talking to the employees directly they are well satisfied with the conditions at the store. It is only outside with NON employees that you hear all the horrible conditions. I wonder why the employees who are directly affected never noticed how bad things are ??

Yes Black Friday this year did have bad news for Walmart, their share of the market was down,in spite of the 19 % gain in spending of the average consumer.

Of cousre to some that was no surprise, the increase was estimated at 17 % but when the dust settled it was 19 %.
With the stock market raging out of control hitting all time highs, it would appear that President Bush has finaly put a stop to the Clinton Recession, and I might add before it hit the Depression stage as feared by many who follow the market.

Makes you wonder, with all the money paid to Cindy Sheehan and all the demostrators, even though President Bush is not running for a third term he still was able to check the run away recession and stabilize the economy. Now the voters are spending their tax reduction for the holidays to bolster the economy even more!!

I'm for starting a pool, to see who can guess how long it will take for Nancy Pelosi and her band of law breakers and renegades to bring the country down to it's knees again !! Do you think she can be successful before 2008 ?? http://www.qrz.com/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/rock.gif

http://www.qrz.com/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/wow.gif http://www.qrz.com/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/biggrin.gif
What country are you living in ?? Certainly not the United States. I have to admit, this is one of the funniest posts I've read in a while.

w2amr

12-01-2006, 10:33 AM

Quote[/b] (n2ize @ Dec. 01 2006,03:26)]Quote[/b] (K6UEY @ Nov. 30 2006,22:59)]Well it was generally accepted that a few well placed millions by Geo. Soros could generate a bushbashing campaign that would bring down the government and get their Socialist contender named President.

Last Election made it plain as did the second term of Clinton that the American voter is not smart enough to not be conned, if the right approach is used.

Now the other arm of the Socialist party ,the Organized Labor Unions,is putting their Millions to use to bash Walmart. This would explain why the average Union Member is paid several times their worth, it helps to pay for these campaigns to influence the American Voter.

Have you ever noticed in talking to the employees directly they are well satisfied with the conditions at the store. It is only outside with NON employees that you hear all the horrible conditions. I wonder why the employees who are directly affected never noticed how bad things are ??

Yes Black Friday this year did have bad news for Walmart, their share of the market was down,in spite of the 19 % gain in spending of the average consumer.

Of cousre to some that was no surprise, the increase was estimated at 17 % but when the dust settled it was 19 %.
With the stock market raging out of control hitting all time highs, it would appear that President Bush has finaly put a stop to the Clinton Recession, and I might add before it hit the Depression stage as feared by many who follow the market.

Makes you wonder, with all the money paid to Cindy Sheehan and all the demostrators, even though President Bush is not running for a third term he still was able to check the run away recession and stabilize the economy. Now the voters are spending their tax reduction for the holidays to bolster the economy even more!!

I'm for starting a pool, to see who can guess how long it will take for Nancy Pelosi and her band of law breakers and renegades to bring the country down to it's knees again !! #Do you think she can be successful before 2008 ?? http://www.qrz.com/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/rock.gif

http://www.qrz.com/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/wow.gif #http://www.qrz.com/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/biggrin.gif
What country are you living in ?? Certainly not the United States. I have to admit, this is one of the funniest posts I've read in a while.
Somebody had to take Rodney Dangerfield's place. http://www.qrz.com/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/biggrin.gif

KF0RT

12-01-2006, 10:45 AM

Quote[/b] (K6UEY @ Nov. 30 2006,22:59)]With the stock market raging out of control hitting all time highs, it would appear that President Bush has finaly put a stop to the Clinton Recession, and I might add before it hit the Depression stage as feared by many who follow the market.
What specifically did Bush do to accomplish this?

(I agree with the "raging out of control" part -- the market is WAY overdue a correction.)

73, Rob

w5lda

12-01-2006, 10:48 AM

Orv

You should be the top writer for Leno. That is the funniest mumbo-jumbo I have ever heard out of you.
But the funniest part is you are actually serious. http://www.qrz.com/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/biggrin.gif

K1OU

12-01-2006, 02:54 PM

Quote[/b] (K2WH @ Nov. 30 2006,13:52)]Now the chickens have come home to roost. #Wal-Mart employs many, many minorities and now that it has been thoroughly slammed, this is the result. #Now here come the layoffs of those very same minorities.

Thank you dems.

K2WH
Thanks for all the credit you have given us to hold that much sway over the American people.

Seriously, the last couple of times I was in a Walmart, the place was dirty, and the stocks were low. #

But that couldn't have anything to do with it, could it?

KA9VQF

12-01-2006, 03:31 PM

Seriously guys, if it is this bad now can you imagine what it will be like once the evil democrats actually get sworn in??

Oh the shame, and grief to come, we’re doomed I tell ya.

KF0RT

12-01-2006, 04:03 PM

Quote[/b] (KA9VQF @ Dec. 01 2006,08:31)]Seriously guys, if it is this bad now can you imagine what it will be like once the evil democrats actually get sworn in??

Oh the shame, and grief to come, we’re doomed I tell ya.
That depends... Are you talking about WalMart, or are you talking about the whining here in Rag Chew Central? http://www.qrz.com/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/rock.gif

73, Rob

WB2WIK

12-01-2006, 04:29 PM

Quote[/b] (k8mhz @ Nov. 30 2006,15:36)]I worked at a supermarket and asked the owner why the milk and the eggs were at the back of the store. He looked at me and said "Because that's where the coolers are."
.
When asked why he robbed banks, Willy Sutton said, "Because that's where the money is." http://www.qrz.com/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/tounge.gif

WB2WIK

12-01-2006, 04:41 PM

Quote[/b] (K9STH @ Nov. 30 2006,17:20)]Also, it has been pointed out that WalMart's average hourly wage is actually more than the majority of other retail outlets. Frankly, in general, retail outlets have never been among the higher paying companies and a lot of them, like WalMart, are very poor (many even worse than WalMart) in the area of employee benefits. This has been true for decades, even before Sam Walton even thought of entering the retail trade.
Really? I'd like to see that data.

Here where I live, they are the lowest paying retail outlet, period.

My experience: My XYL and I took P/T jobs at Saks Fifth Avenue (retail store, big one) years ago, before we had kids, mostly so my wife could get the 40% "employee discount" on everything. This was in 1988, when Wal-Mart paid $5.75 an hour. We were paid $15 an hour starting five minutes after we filled out applications. P/T work there even included benefits, although since we both had "real" jobs, we didn't need those (medical/dental/401(k)). When the Xmas holiday season was over and we went to quit, the manager begged us both to stay, and offered substantial raises. No, we didn't stay. But it was an enlightening experience. Upside was the after-Xmas sales, when they marked almost everything down 50%, and employes got a 40% discount off of that, so we could buy stuff for about 30% of what it was originally marked. Downside was we had to "dress up" for it (suit and tie for me, evening dresswear for her).

My 20 year-old daughter is a full-time college student and works 30 hours a week in a retail clothing boutique (part of a small chain) in Santa Barbara. They pay her $14/hour plus benefits including paid vacation accrual, even though she's P/T. As I understand it, this is nearly double what Wal-Mart is paying.

Locally, Costco pays about double what Wal-Mart pays, which explains why they're never looking for people.

If Wal-Mart is paying slightly above the competiton for similar work in retail stores, I don't think that's the case here.

WB2WIK/6

n4sva

12-01-2006, 05:07 PM

But isn't $15 hour in the NE or California the equivalant of $8 hour in most areas of the SE due to the astronomical higher cost-of-living?

n2ize

12-01-2006, 05:07 PM

Quote[/b] (w2amr @ Dec. 01 2006,03:33)]Quote[/b] (n2ize @ Dec. 01 2006,03:26)]Quote[/b] (K6UEY @ Nov. 30 2006,22:59)]Well it was generally accepted that a few well placed millions by Geo. Soros could generate a bushbashing campaign that would bring down the government and get their Socialist contender named President.

Last Election made it plain as did the second term of Clinton that the American voter is not smart enough to not be conned, if the right approach is used.

Now the other arm of the Socialist party ,the Organized Labor Unions,is putting their Millions to use to bash Walmart. This would explain why the average Union Member is paid several times their worth, it helps to pay for these campaigns to influence the American Voter.

Have you ever noticed in talking to the employees directly they are well satisfied with the conditions at the store. It is only outside with NON employees that you hear all the horrible conditions. I wonder why the employees who are directly affected never noticed how bad things are ??

Yes Black Friday this year did have bad news for Walmart, their share of the market was down,in spite of the 19 % gain in spending of the average consumer.

Of cousre to some that was no surprise, the increase was estimated at 17 % but when the dust settled it was 19 %.
With the stock market raging out of control hitting all time highs, it would appear that President Bush has finaly put a stop to the Clinton Recession, and I might add before it hit the Depression stage as feared by many who follow the market.

Makes you wonder, with all the money paid to Cindy Sheehan and all the demostrators, even though President Bush is not running for a third term he still was able to check the run away recession and stabilize the economy. Now the voters are spending their tax reduction for the holidays to bolster the economy even more!!

I'm for starting a pool, to see who can guess how long it will take for Nancy Pelosi and her band of law breakers and renegades to bring the country down to it's knees again !! Do you think she can be successful before 2008 ?? http://www.qrz.com/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/rock.gif

http://www.qrz.com/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/wow.gif http://www.qrz.com/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/biggrin.gif
What country are you living in ?? Certainly not the United States. I have to admit, this is one of the funniest posts I've read in a while.
Somebody had to take Rodney Dangerfield's place. http://www.qrz.com/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/biggrin.gif
http://www.qrz.com/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/biggrin.gif http://www.qrz.com/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/biggrin.gif http://www.qrz.com/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/biggrin.gif

WB2WIK

12-01-2006, 05:15 PM

Quote[/b] (n4sva @ Dec. 01 2006,10:07)]But isn't $15 hour in the NE or California the equivalant of $8 hour in most areas of the SE due to the astronomical higher cost-of-living?
Might be. However, Wal-Mart "here" (in Los Angeles area) is still paying the $8/hour...

Most retail outlets pay much more, including Costco, which is a discount warehouse chain.

ka5piu

12-01-2006, 05:19 PM

Hello.

Wal-Mart is one of the lowest paying retailers.
Some mom and pop operations are at the same level.
A really good employer to employer comparison would have to be Wal-Mart vs Target vs K-Mart.
Saks Fifth Avenue is an excellent employer, but not in the same league.
That is like saying McDonalds and RuthChris steak house are the same thing, both serve beef and seafood.
http://www.ruthschris.com/
Saks is a place where the help is just that, help, well educated, well dressed, and know what is important, the customer.
Wal-Mart droids are people.
That is the connection.
Would "I" pay Saks wages to a Wal-Mart person?
Would you pay Saks wages to a Wal-Mart employee?

WB2WIK

12-01-2006, 05:25 PM

Quote[/b] (ka5piu @ Dec. 01 2006,10:19)]Hello.

Wal-Mart is one of the lowest paying retailers.
Some mom and pop operations are at the same level.
A really good employer to employer comparison would have to be Wal-Mart vs Target vs K-Mart.
Saks Fifth Avenue is an excellent employer, but not in the same league.
That is like saying McDonalds and RuthChris steak house are the same thing, both serve beef and seafood.
http://www.ruthschris.com/
Saks is a place where the help is just that, help, well educated, well dressed, and know what is important, the customer.
Wal-Mart droids are people.
That is the connection.
Would "I" pay Saks wages to a Wal-Mart person?
Would you pay Saks wages to a Wal-Mart employee?
Yummy. Ruth's Chris.

We have two of them locally, they're both always packed.

Home of the $39 steak -- just for the meat part.

But it's really good.

I found out what makes it special, by asking the chef. They sear broil it at 1700 degrees to char the outside and seal the juices inside as one step of the process.

I don't have a broiler that goes to 1700 degrees.

That's why we go to Ruth's Chris! http://www.qrz.com/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/laugh.gif

WB2WIK/6

n4sva

12-01-2006, 05:31 PM

Ahhhhh, Ruth's Chris. The home of the $6- (4) wedges of steak fries.

K2WH

12-01-2006, 05:36 PM

Quote[/b] (WB2WIK @ Dec. 01 2006,06:15)]Quote[/b] (n4sva @ Dec. 01 2006,10:07)]But isn't $15 hour in the NE or California the equivalant of $8 hour in most areas of the SE due to the astronomical higher cost-of-living?
Might be. #However, Wal-Mart "here" (in Los Angeles area) is still paying the $8/hour...

Most retail outlets pay much more, including Costco, which is a discount warehouse chain.
Of course they only pay $ 8.00 an hour in LA. #99% of the help is Mexican or some other 3rd world country citizen (of THAT country, not this one). #$8.00 ph is big money to aliens but it is just the tip of their cash flow iceberg. #Multiply that by an estimated average of (8) related persons living in one or two apartments, = $ 2,560.00 Per Week or $ 133,000 per year! #Add to that financial assistance from the government, part time drug sales and other nefarious activities. Well, the skies the #limit and don't tell me I don't know what I'm talking about. #It is rampant here on the east coast and they know how to manipulate the public money trough very effectively.

Is this a great country or what. #http://www.qrz.com/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/tounge.gif

K2WH

WB2WIK

12-01-2006, 05:53 PM

Quote[/b] (K2WH @ Dec. 01 2006,10:36)]Quote[/b] (WB2WIK @ Dec. 01 2006,06:15)]Quote[/b] (n4sva @ Dec. 01 2006,10:07)]But isn't $15 hour in the NE or California the equivalant of $8 hour in most areas of the SE due to the astronomical higher cost-of-living?
Might be. However, Wal-Mart "here" (in Los Angeles area) is still paying the $8/hour...

Most retail outlets pay much more, including Costco, which is a discount warehouse chain.
Of course they only pay $ 8.00 an hour in LA. 99% of the help is Mexican or some other 3rd world country. $8.00 ph is a big money. Multiply that by an estimated average of (8) related persons living in one or two apartments, = $ 2,560.00 Per Week. Add to that financial assistance from the government, part time drug sales and other nefarious activities. Well, the skies the limit and don't tell me I don't know what I'm talking about. It is rampant here on the east coast.

Is this a great country or what. http://www.qrz.com/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/tounge.gif

K2WH
I agree with you.

Here, there have been many "crackdowns" on people living 8 to a 1-bedroom apartment and such, because we have health laws limiting these things and they are pretty actively exercised. The cops know where to look. But it will always go on, someplace. They close one place, move to another...

America really is a great country. Aliens understand the moment they arrive here they are eligible for Social Security benefits the average citizen can't even get.

K0RGR

12-01-2006, 06:11 PM

Quote[/b] (n4sva @ Nov. 30 2006,19:11)]I believe it is a little of dissatisfaction from both sides. Northern Democrats do not like them because of their Non-Union stance. Pro-family groups are avoiding them due to their financial support of gay as lesbo groups.

Of course, it could be the fact they sell cheap foreign made junk that will tear up within weeks, not to mention you are open to mugging with their brand of clientele you see lurking in the parking lots every Saturday evening.
That's just a part of the package.

I'm more concerned about the overall impact Wal Marts and other big-box retailers have on their community.

There's no doubt that in some cases, they're a good thing.

But, once again, I can point to an area of Iowa that has pretty much been devastated by Great Wal of China Mart.

The big towns with Wal Marts are flourishing, but since Wal Mart arrived, the smaller retailers have disappeared completely, with disastrous results for their towns.

Wal Mart's unusual business plan - focusing on smaller, more rural markets has been great for Wal Mart, and great for rural and suburban shoppers who don't depend on retail business for their income. But it has generally not been good for smaller towns.

Austin, MN, recently got their own Wal Mart. Now, all the hundreds (or thousands?) of people who drove over here on Friday payday to go to our Wal Marts aren't coming anymore. That's had an obvious impact on the local store. It could be that Wal Mart has overbuilt in this region. It hasn't hurt the restaurants, however. The people drivng over here didn't eat at the restaurants anyway. And now, more of the locals are going out to eat because there isn't as much traffic.

Yes, I'm well aware of the retail tactic of moving the merchandise around. That's part of why I stopped going to Wal Mart when they did it. I don't like my time being wasted, let alone my money. Target, ShopKo, KMart, and other local stores picked up the slack very well.