Wal-Mart stock and morale battered, woes pile up

[donsu]

http://www.reuters.com/newsArticle.jhtml?type=reutersEdge&storyID=8486749


Wal-Mart Stores Inc. (WMT.N: Quote, Profile, Research) shares are in a rut as a confluence of events including a weak profit forecast, a federal investigation into a former top executive and a stream of lawsuits have scared off investors.

Now, some analysts think the stock won't recover for years, and the bad news may rub off on employee morale.

-snip-

But lately, the world's biggest retailer has become a lightning rod for critics who contend that it mistreats workers and that the company's low wages force employees to seek government aid in the form of Medicaid health insurance for the poor, food stamps and housing assistance.

Wal-Mart also faces the largest ever U.S. class-action lawsuit on charges that it discriminates against women in pay and promotions.

-snip-

On Thursday, Wal-Mart reported a disappointing first-quarter profit and warned that second-quarter results would not meet Wall Street expectations. The retailer also said it would have a difficult time meeting its full-year forecast.
-snip-
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:)

[JanMichael]

1. Let's keep up whatever pressure we can muster.

I inform everyone that I know that I don't shop at Walmertzilla (and why) and it's changed more that few consumer habits.

Sort of like that old shampoo commercial where the woman's head keeps multiplying as she told two people about how great it is and she told two people and so on and so on.

[Cooley Hurd]

2. Good - maybe they'll stop building stores within a mile from one another..

[G_j]

3. couldn't happen to a more deserving

entity.

May their demise come sooner than later.

[lonestarnot]

4. Great Wall of China Mart is feeling our pinch! hehehehehe

[gratuitous]

5. Waaaahh! It's so tough to be a robber baron! Waaaaahh!

I note that the Walton family still tops the Forbes 400 of the wealthiest people. Somehow I don't see anyone named Walton standing outside their own sprawling commerce killer stores with a coffee can, collecting donations.

It'll get worse before it gets better, but it's encouraging that someone's commenting on their difficulties.

[babylonsister]

6. Aw, tough shit! DU has made me smarter! I

haven't even been in a WM parking lot in months, though I suppose I'm lucky I have alternatives. You reap what you sow...

[BleedingHeartPatriot]

7. WM has made two unsuccessful attempts to build in my area. Now fighting

number three...

http://www.democraticunderground.com/discuss/duboard.php?az=view_all&address=142x4040

MKJ

[Boomer]

8. Employee morale?

>> Now, some analysts think the stock won't recover for years, and the bad news may rub off on employee morale. <<

You mean they had high morale before this? Coulda fooled me...

[JohnyCanuck]

9. When Waly World first moved into Canada

about 15 or so years ago In a moment of weakness I purchased a $30 wrist watch from them. One of the first Wal Marts in Canada had opened up in a shopping centre just a few blocks from my house after buying out an established Canadian retail chain and taking over some of their existing store locations. Although I had already made a decision not to purchase anything at Waly World if I could avoid it, I decided that since I was in a hurry and Wally World was close by, I'd make an exception in this case.

By the next day I felt guilty that I had succumbed in a moment of weakness to giving the Waltons my $30. Thankfully that was my first and last transaction with the Beast of Bentonville.