Wal-Mart and the U.S. Economy
In the past, when someone needed groceries they would make a trip to the local grocery store. Now, a popular alternative to the grocer is Wal-Mart, the largest retailer in the nation, selling all things from squash to skateboards to shirts. Wal-Mart’s slogan boasts “Always Low Prices, Always Wal-Mart,” and it’s undoubtedly true. Over the course of a year, a family of four could cut their monthly grocery bill by 15% (Arndt), which really adds up over time. Initially, it seems shopping at Wal-Mart is a favorable decision for a family, but not for the economy. As Michael Arndt, a reviewer from a variety of publications shows, in the last ten years, thirty-one grocery chains went out of business, twenty-seven of them blamed Wal-Mart (Arndt). Since Sam Walton first opened Wal-Mart’s doors in 1962, the business has been relentless about saving a small amount here and there in order to make low prices available to customers. This goal will be achieved by any means necessary such as; paying horrible wages and providing inadequate conditions for employees. Commonly, the suppliers of Wal-Mart’s goods face difficulties trying to stay on the same price level as them. Sellers are forced to take extreme measures to vend their product to Wal-Mart for a low price. Wal-Mart is harming the economy because they hurt local communities, make employees suffer, and pressure the companies with which they do business.
Wal-Mart stores arrive in new communities and offer job opportunities for locals, but they also bring problems. Like the grocery stores mentioned, that have gone bankrupt because of Wal-Mart superstores, many small businesses can not handle the pressure from the giant’s low prices. Since the sma ...