General Discussion

Daemonaquila

(1,712 posts)

109. However, enough people DO have choices that they could shut down Walmart.

Mon Nov 19, 2012, 07:25 PM

Nov 2012

You keep on talking about the super-poor who'd have to travel crazy distances, and the folks who don't have Internet - but this is a tiny percentage of people who shop at Walmart. Most of the shoppers are middle class or working poor who do have other options but are as habituated to Walmart as any 20-year smoker is to cigarettes. Not one person here is going to blame the SSI recipient getting $350/mo who lives in a rural community and can only walk the couple blocks he lives from the Walmart with difficulty. But that's not the normal Walmart shopper. Trying to defend an indefensible position by asserting people are attacking a tiny demographic is a false argument. If the people with other options avoided Walmart, their stores would be ghost towns and quickly shut.

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It's a rare person who has any business criticizing anyone for shopping at Walmart [View all] Orrex Nov 2012 OP

I agree. The idea that Wal-Mart is evil only applies, IMO, to what they pay their employees. randome Nov 2012 #1

It does not only apply to how they treat employees, although that is one big issue Duer 157099 Nov 2012 #177

Yes, I will not go there and am angry that others shop there Tumbulu Nov 2012 #178

Thank you. Myrina Nov 2012 #2

In my area its either Walmart or Jewel Osco Drale Nov 2012 #3

At least Jewel Osco doesn't FIRE you for talking to the union. davsand Nov 2012 #74

Excellent point. HappyMe Nov 2012 #4

Do I have to boycott pepperoni if I want to punish Papa Johns? JohnnyRingo Nov 2012 #5

and if you don't have a Target are you going to raise the pig and make your own pepperoni? Phentex Nov 2012 #6

Many people on DU assume everyone who lives in a rural area owns a full fledged farm. Jamastiene Nov 2012 #15

Target is only one example of a store that competes with WalMart. JohnnyRingo Nov 2012 #26

This: CrispyQ Nov 2012 #45

Excellent post. I used to shop regularly for some household items a Walmart and was under the Dark n Stormy Knight Nov 2012 #171

You are right. It makes MUCH more sense to drive 48.6 miles (one way) to the closest Target store Jamastiene Nov 2012 #10

I agree in principle, if not the details. bluedigger Nov 2012 #23

Target was just one example. JohnnyRingo Nov 2012 #27

Not to mention that eggs don't actually need refrigeration Atman Nov 2012 #57

'Too lazy' to shop around? HappyMe Nov 2012 #19

Why isn't there anything near your WalMart? JohnnyRingo Nov 2012 #33

I didn't go into the Walmart. HappyMe Nov 2012 #49

Then I'm Happy Me too. JohnnyRingo Nov 2012 #50

RaceTrac Gas Stations in Florida do this, and have been busted for it. Atman Nov 2012 #60

Target's selection is poor some areas in comparision to Walmart. MicaelS Nov 2012 #28

The Waltons thank you. JohnnyRingo Nov 2012 #37

Excellent post, Johnny R. 99Forever Nov 2012 #51

2 months ago Sekhmets Daughter Nov 2012 #54

Tractor Supply Warehouse beat WalMart on my lawn mower. JohnnyRingo Nov 2012 #120

I think WalMart uses its Sekhmets Daughter Nov 2012 #159

Your son should have asked about price-matching Orrex Nov 2012 #187

That would have been fun Sekhmets Daughter Nov 2012 #189

I keep hearing about how Walmart drives out the competition (which it certainly does) hughee99 Nov 2012 #65

If you buy pepperoni from the company that supplies Papa Johns... Orrex Nov 2012 #71

Each step in a supply line to the consumer is a separate transaction. JohnnyRingo Nov 2012 #121

Many of their "loss leaders" are really different versions of whatever product it is gollygee Nov 2012 #96

That's my understanding too. JohnnyRingo Nov 2012 #122

I'd like to see a citation for that Orrex Nov 2012 #188

Walmart's prices are not cheaper bettyellen Nov 2012 #7

It may depend on what area you live in. Here in St. Louis, for the most part they are. randome Nov 2012 #8

They sell cheap stuff cheap spinbaby Nov 2012 #34

That's a point many WalMart loyalists seem unaware of JohnnyRingo Nov 2012 #41

This is true for housewares and tools and things too gollygee Nov 2012 #99

And clothing, food, every type of product! bettyellen Nov 2012 #183

Noticed they mark some things down and other items are higher sometimes. glinda Nov 2012 #55

Depends on the item. I 840high Nov 2012 #58

No, they're really not Scootaloo Nov 2012 #152

yes, they exploit workers, and most don't realize- their suppliers also. many products are crappier bettyellen Nov 2012 #154

Oh, give me a break. backscatter712 Nov 2012 #9

+1 WhoIsNumberNone Nov 2012 #14

Solidarity, brother! backscatter712 Nov 2012 #17

I worked at Walmart until I had to quit and start taking anxiety medication... Comrade_McKenzie Nov 2012 #16

And every snowflake says they weren't at fault in the avalanche... n/t backscatter712 Nov 2012 #20

We can stand together, or we can fall apart. JohnnyRingo Nov 2012 #43

So you hold low-income famlies to a higher standard than multi-billion dollar corporations? Orrex Nov 2012 #66

You just made a convoluted version of the tu quoque fallacy. backscatter712 Nov 2012 #116

That's fine, as long as the other day comes Orrex Nov 2012 #118

We all do tama Nov 2012 #180

Bravo. Daemonaquila Nov 2012 #107

Bingo. 99Forever Nov 2012 #113

Thank you, Orrex. Jamastiene Nov 2012 #11

Agreed. People are always going to buy the cheapest products... Comrade_McKenzie Nov 2012 #12

But it is not cost effective to the consumer when those products are also of the cheapest quality Tom Ripley Nov 2012 #149

While I don't criticize anyone for where they shop, I do take notice. Bandit Nov 2012 #13

Who's criticizing people for shopping at WalMart? Iggo Nov 2012 #18

Quite a few people in this thread, in fact. Orrex Nov 2012 #72

Unbelievable. Iggo Nov 2012 #77

Exactly Orrex Nov 2012 #83

There's no excuse for shopping at Wal*Mart if you have any feasible options. It's just a bad habit leveymg Nov 2012 #21

You're absolutely right. JohnnyRingo Nov 2012 #46

I agree. I've moved to buying most things second-hand. Barack_America Nov 2012 #61

You're right. The poor are an easy target. Eleanors38 Nov 2012 #22

Oh fucking bullshit. Local small businesses are way better options. HopeHoops Nov 2012 #24

Disagree freemay20 Nov 2012 #29

I'm currently in the low-income department. Gas to get there factors in too. HopeHoops Nov 2012 #30

sorry. not always true. My local small business grocery sells pnwest Nov 2012 #69

$1.99 difference for 27 miles? Even at 20 mpg, the meat costs more. HopeHoops Nov 2012 #76

oh please, you think I drive 27 miles JUST for lunchmeat? DERRRR!!! No, it's a pilgrimage for pnwest Nov 2012 #88

I don't know where you live, but that isn't true around here. HopeHoops Nov 2012 #92

There is no local small business selling lingerie/underwear- that I can afford. KittyWampus Nov 2012 #79

What about K-Mart. They have some really nice "sexy" stuff. HopeHoops Nov 2012 #81

If local businesses provide the products that the person needs, then they should certainly buy there Orrex Nov 2012 #87

I think we're on the same page here. The WalMart business plan is to eliminate competition. HopeHoops Nov 2012 #90

The "local small businesses" where I live... Sen. Walter Sobchak Nov 2012 #155

Damn. That sucks. It's completely the opposite here and I look like Tommy Chong. HopeHoops Nov 2012 #160

I don't think you can criticize people who shop at Walmart unless JDPriestly Nov 2012 #25

...and THAT is the problem. bvar22 Nov 2012 #40

Yep, they manufacture customers by eliminating their options. nt Union Scribe Nov 2012 #127

Some of the working poor are just too tired after working two and three Sheldon Cooper Nov 2012 #31

actually...No. BlueMan Votes Nov 2012 #32

actually... yeah Orrex Nov 2012 #105

you're definitely entitled to your own opinion... BlueMan Votes Nov 2012 #114

Personal choices and corporate sales policies may not be the same, but... Orrex Nov 2012 #119

I don't condemn Walmart for being Walmart as much as i blame Walmart shoppers... BlueMan Votes Nov 2012 #123

I accept that this is your view; I simply find it untenable Orrex Nov 2012 #125

individuals should be held to a higher standard than corporations. BlueMan Votes Nov 2012 #133

A nice sentiment, but I disagree Orrex Nov 2012 #138

corporations aren't concerned with higher standards- their interest is higher profits. BlueMan Votes Nov 2012 #153

I've done some digging on this subject but haven't found much concrete info Orrex Nov 2012 #166

here's a piece by a businessweek columnist on the subject... BlueMan Votes Nov 2012 #167

Interesting, but problematic as you note Orrex Nov 2012 #168

here's something similar that's a little more fact-based- BlueMan Votes Nov 2012 #169

Interesting. As long as this practice is open and transparent, I'm ok with it Orrex Nov 2012 #172

You won't catch me in one 4_TN_TITANS Nov 2012 #35

Snobs - Not you, Orrex. DUFan Nov 2012 #36

Nobody's berating the poor without choices. The problem is those who choose to shop at Wal*Mart leveymg Nov 2012 #39

Actually that very thing is being done on this thread. Blaming and berating of the poor Care Acutely Nov 2012 #80

How? Who's blaming the poor and being a "moralizing high-horse ass hat" on this thread? leveymg Nov 2012 #84

Yes, they are...in this very thread. Jamastiene Nov 2012 #106

The Goodwill, Salvation Army, and thrift stores often have better quality clothing at lower prices Dark n Stormy Knight Nov 2012 #170

I'd rather do with less stuff at a higher price Lionessa Nov 2012 #38

I do not shop at Walmart, but I agree with your post. CrispyQ Nov 2012 #42

I'd imagine one may even extrapolate LanternWaste Nov 2012 #44

I agree...but AldoLeopold Nov 2012 #47

Thank you. I've been that poor and I've hated it Warpy Nov 2012 #48

Wal Mart is great for bathroom breaks. rrneck Nov 2012 #52

Two thoughts. First, Walmart does NOT always have the lowest prices. Doremus Nov 2012 #53

Speaking to your first point, Walmart has made it impossible for a Target to be here. glinda Nov 2012 #56

We had a Walmart on the south side of town for years. CrispyQ Nov 2012 #85

That is horrible! Similar thing happened here but no mega-church, thank goodness. glinda Nov 2012 #100

Yes, we've seen that here as well. Doremus Nov 2012 #104

It's a rare person who has any business criticizing anyone for shopping at Walmart The CCC Nov 2012 #59

That's a pipe dream Orrex Nov 2012 #67

I have said in my posts that I have options and lalalu Nov 2012 #62

yep-- cheap goods justify supporting anti-worker, anti-community corporations! mike_c Nov 2012 #63

Who suggested that? Certainly not me. Orrex Nov 2012 #70

if you're posting on the internet, you have access... mike_c Nov 2012 #73

Again, it would be nice if it were so simple Orrex Nov 2012 #75

well, it is certainly true that in my rural northern California town... mike_c Nov 2012 #82

You make some good points Orrex Nov 2012 #86

However, enough people DO have choices that they could shut down Walmart. Daemonaquila Nov 2012 #109

what do you drive? snooper2 Nov 2012 #98

2007 Ford Ranger pickup.... mike_c Nov 2012 #163

well, you were going on about cheap consumer goods... snooper2 Nov 2012 #164

I'm doing well financially and I do a lot of grocery shopping at Wal-Mart WilmywoodNCparalegal Nov 2012 #64

Then, you are the problem personified. Congratulations. n/t Egalitarian Thug Nov 2012 #108

I think of it this way - HappyMe Nov 2012 #117

oh boy a wallmart thread! Kali Nov 2012 #68

We spend small amounts at Wal-Mart nearly every month, because it saves us a lot of money. Systematic Chaos Nov 2012 #78

Got a car battery from Wal Mart a couple of years ago ashling Nov 2012 #89

And what's even more is that they proudly state that they immortal twinkies Nov 2012 #91

purpose of targeting walmart & touting target (or whatever) isn't that the others have fewer HiPointDem Nov 2012 #97

Walmart ruined the Midwest. Visited every year for decades. Little towns as good as shut down. libdem4life Nov 2012 #93

Agreed. Rec. n/t. apocalypsehow Nov 2012 #94

Perfection aandegoons Nov 2012 #95

Some people have to look down on other ohheckyeah Nov 2012 #101

My personal policy- when I MUST shop the Wal elfin Nov 2012 #102

I should buy groceries at Dollar General? Manifestor_of_Light Nov 2012 #103

My folks live in the a very tiny town in MO justiceischeap Nov 2012 #110

I know of very few towns in Texas where you have a Walmart but no HEB. Daemonaquila Nov 2012 #111

Dollar General is where many WalMart employees do buy their groceries... Tom Ripley Nov 2012 #150

I have mixed thoughts here gollygee Nov 2012 #112

very much agree. snobbishness doesn't look good on anyone. Whisp Nov 2012 #115

I would never criticize someone else for shopping there TexasBushwhacker Nov 2012 #124

if you respirate you too foster pain in this existence and are a party to all its ills. NuttyFluffers Nov 2012 #126

None of that makes it right, for the workers or for those kinds of customers, they lick the hand patrice Nov 2012 #128

None of what you wrote contradicts any of what I wrote Orrex Nov 2012 #130

Perhaps I should make myself clearer: of all of those who shouldn't shop there working poor are patrice Nov 2012 #134

At the end of the day, the working poor still need to feed and clothe their children Orrex Nov 2012 #136

It's a SHAME that these customers you refer to don't see that the workers' struggle is for THEM too. patrice Nov 2012 #129

It's an equal shame that people have to shop at Walmart in order to feed and clothe their families Orrex Nov 2012 #131

I have no problem criticizing most people that shop at Walmart doc03 Nov 2012 #132

It's like this Orrex Nov 2012 #135

Walmart sells damn near every product so if I buy something at doc03 Nov 2012 #142

No, I'd say that you've stated it almost exactly Orrex Nov 2012 #148

Sure not logical to me. doc03 Nov 2012 #151

Oh come on. You were so close to getting it. Orrex Nov 2012 #156

I disagree with this gollygee Nov 2012 #158

I would say that you have likewise stated it almost exactly Orrex Nov 2012 #161

Oh well I do agree with that part gollygee Nov 2012 #162

Nope. I can criticize my wealthy relatives for doing it. Zoeisright Nov 2012 #137

Fine. But criticize Coca-Cola, Sony, Revlon, General Mills et al Orrex Nov 2012 #139

I agree with the premise of your OP subject flvegan Nov 2012 #140

When you have everything you could possibly need in one store... cynatnite Nov 2012 #141

factor in that you're paying for their food stamps and medicare too. bettyellen Nov 2012 #144

Yes, true. I'm pointing out that some will buy because of convenience...not price. n/t cynatnite Nov 2012 #147

Crossing a picket line is different than patronizing a vendor who sells at Wal-Mart Hippo_Tron Nov 2012 #143

The evil here is that some people are forced to shop at Walwart Canuckistanian Nov 2012 #145

Its run by filthy-rich asshats, who treat their employees like crap bhikkhu Nov 2012 #146

I have been in a Wal Mart quaker bill Nov 2012 #157

Lemme tell you about my Wal Mart. sofa king Nov 2012 #165

So the basic premise of this ridiculous OP is... 99Forever Nov 2012 #173

Well, I don't give a shit who you are either, pal Orrex Nov 2012 #175

I understand EXACTLY what you were attempting and failing to do. 99Forever Nov 2012 #182

I have already made my case, and and you srarted the juvenile insults, pal Orrex Nov 2012 #184

I get that.. 99Forever Nov 2012 #185

So you chimed in on the thread simply to make an ass of yourself? Orrex Nov 2012 #186

I have never shopped at WalMart Jasana Nov 2012 #174

The damn cats will only eat their generic cat food TrogL Nov 2012 #176

Walmart beats up on the poor! peace13 Nov 2012 #179

Everyone knows that Orrex Nov 2012 #181