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Orrex

(67,125 posts)

166. I've done some digging on this subject but haven't found much concrete info

Tue Nov 20, 2012, 10:55 PM

Nov 2012

There are lots of anecdotal (and anonymous) postings online about "Walmart-specific models," but in every case (of the two dozen or so that I read), it was a matter of an unambiguously Walmart-specific model being of lower quality than another, universally available model.

There are reported cases of a particular low-price, low-quality model of faucet or tv or power tool produced specifically for Walmart, but I didn't read any confirmed reports of Walmart selling low-quality versions of universally available products. That is, if you buy a Walmart-specific product, it may be of lower quality, but if you buy a non-Walmart-specific product, it will be the same quality as if you purchased it at Target or Best Buy or wherever.

Honestly, I don't see a problem with this, as long as the inferior product isn't falsely advertised as identical to the better one. I remember KMart selling shit-grade sneakers 30+ years ago, right alongside better brands. Walmart is hardly original or unique in this practice.

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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