Wal-Mart announced Tuesday that it will chop prices between 10 to 30 percent this week on groceries, electronics and other home-related products

[rebeccajo 14]

I see all kinds of people in my local WalMart. At least by the looks of them anyway.

I don't thinking working at WalMart makes a person a 'loser'. Even if they choose to make a lifetime career out of it. And I don't think raising a family on WalMart salary makes a person a 'loser'.

Here's my definition of 'loser'.

Anybody who is judgmental of others on the face of their situation.

By that definition, there are plenty of people arguing in this thread who really need a mirror.

[GaryC 7]

I agree it's sad to see WalMart closing up smaller businesses.

But I doubt the workers are worse off for it. One might prefer to patronize Maw and Paw, but it's really doubtful they are treating their employees any better than Walmart does. Maw and Paw might pay a comparable wage to WalMart but I'd bet my eye teeth they aren't providing any health insurance or retirement (something WalMart does).

When I can, I patronize local businesses. But you can't assume they are 'better' employers than a corporate giant.

Thank you. I just don't understand the abject hatred Wal-Mart congers up. It's like they don't like successful business's so they demonise them. The truth is working at Wal-Mart is no different than working at Kmart, Target or you local store. The pay is the same. My loser comment was to address the idea that you can support a family on ANY entry level job. If a Wal-Mart job is your primary means of support then it is irresponsible to try to support a family on that. To someone that had a sudden change in circumstances and finds themselves in a position that Wal-Mart is their prime source of income then the low wages are an incentive to better yourself and move up.

Newsflash: Retail stores/food service need assistant managers/managers/regionals/corporates as well.

And Wal-Mart hires managers from within. Thats a good thing no?

And they started at ENTRY LEVEL - that horrible position you talk about.

Reading comprehension?

Your point is? I don't think you have a point. Wal-mart is a good place to work. They provide entry level jobs and when a person gains experience they promote them to managers. Your the one that thinks Wal-Mart is a bad place, not me.

I hate WalMart for it's principals.

You think WalMart/any entry level workers are 'loosers'.

HUGE difference.

I think you need some reading comprehension. I didn't say people that work entry level are losers. Someone that depends on an entry level job to support a family is a loser because it is irresponsible. Any entry level job isn't enough to support one person let alone a family.

[AnewKINDofFEELIN 0]

Walmart shoppers smell like bologna and ranch dressing.

[Sister Fracas 5]

I know the feeling good sister. There is pizza shop in my area owned by a lovely old Greek man. I am happy to pay him $3.00 more for his made from scratch tasty pizza. Then go to Pizza Hut and order a piece of cardboard. But it's far more than that. I've known him for 30 plus years. It's nice to have a conversation with him while waiting than listen to the kid at the chain restaurant who has zero interest in my purchase. He truly cares about his product and service. I feel good patronizing his establishment.

There is a neighborhood a couple of blocks from us that offers a Middle Eastern deli/bakery, Italian bakery, Swedish delis, an Indian shop, Mexican grocery store, Sushi, Jewish & Turkish restaurants, ...and it's all in a two block stretch. I love shopping there!

yes, exactly... it's not just the price that determines the value. Id love to try your old Greek man's pizza... It's not just food either...you CAN buy items cheaper at mom n' pop. I can't remember what ungodly price we were quoted for a multi-region TV at some big electronic chain, but I KNOW the chap at Gandhi Electronics (hahahaha) sold us a big brand name for much cheaper AND delivered it in his own car, for free.

[Don_Joy's Prince 0]

When Wal-Mart first came to Portland I hated it. But as time wore on I have grown to love it. I try to buy as much as I possibly can there. I realize now that what Wal-mart does for the standard of living for the poor dwarfs in comparison any government social program. This is true compassion for the poor, letting them work a job, earn their own money and buy their own food at a price that is not artificially inflated to line the pockets of politicians and union bosses.

But now the busy bodies commissioners in my city refuse to let Wal-mart build any new stores or enlarge their existing ones. So we do not have the extra food of a super Wal-Mart. For people that claim to care about the poor their true colors really show when they force them to pay more to feed their families, because of their allegiance to the political power of the unions and their money

I Love Wal-Mart!

15 years ago I would not have made this statement. But they made me a believer.

[one...two...tree 2,762]

Loser! You are right. Big time losers. Because of a corporate giant that delights in tearing apart towns creating slave camps.

I'm not talking about Target or McDonald's. I'm talking abut the local lawn mower shop or hardware store. As some others have pointed out, it is not necessarily an entry level position. Some times it is Pa from the Ma and Pa shop that ends up working for the same company that shut him down.

I agree. Fifty years ago, a man could support his family working full time at the local hardware store. What happened?

[no name 1]

I agree it's sad to see WalMart closing up smaller businesses.

But I doubt the workers are worse off for it. One might prefer to patronize Maw and Paw, but it's really doubtful they are treating their employees any better than Walmart does. Maw and Paw might pay a comparable wage to WalMart but I'd bet my eye teeth they aren't providing any health insurance or retirement (something WalMart does).

When I can, I patronize local businesses. But you can't assume they are 'better' employers than a corporate giant.

Thank you. I just don't understand the abject hatred Wal-Mart congers up. It's like they don't like successful business's so they demonise them. The truth is working at Wal-Mart is no different than working at Kmart, Target or you local store. The pay is the same. My loser comment was to address the idea that you can support a family on ANY entry level job. If a Wal-Mart job is your primary means of support then it is irresponsible to try to support a family on that. To someone that had a sudden change in circumstances and finds themselves in a position that Wal-Mart is their prime source of income then the low wages are an incentive to better yourself and move up.

Newsflash: Retail stores/food service need assistant managers/managers/regionals/corporates as well.

And Wal-Mart hires managers from within. Thats a good thing no?

And they started at ENTRY LEVEL - that horrible position you talk about.

Reading comprehension?

Your point is? I don't think you have a point. Wal-mart is a good place to work. They provide entry level jobs and when a person gains experience they promote them to managers. Your the one that thinks Wal-Mart is a bad place, not me.

I hate WalMart for it's principals.

You think WalMart/any entry level workers are 'loosers'.

HUGE difference.

I think you need some reading comprehension. I didn't say people that work entry level are losers. Someone that depends on an entry level job to support a family is a loser because it is irresponsible. Any entry level job isn't enough to support one person let alone a family.

Sound familiar?

In 1980 when I got out of the Navy I was homeless and living in a car. When I got married in 1983 my then wife and I were supporting 3 kids on $10000/year. We qualified for food stamps, medical card and welfare. It wasn't easy but we got through it. But I can tell you that we always had a roof over our heads and food to eat.

Edited January 29, 2008 by devilette

[Kazan' Tiger 1]

On paper this is true. But many times in real life this can be the only viable choice. There are many families where the breadwinner does not have an advanced education or special skills. Is he or she a loser and/or irresponsible because they want to support their family and entry level is all they qualify for?

I think you need some reading comprehension. I didn't say people that work entry level are losers. Someone that depends on an entry level job to support a family is a loser because it is irresponsible. Any entry level job isn't enough to support one person let alone a family.

[GaryC 7]

I agree it's sad to see WalMart closing up smaller businesses.

But I doubt the workers are worse off for it. One might prefer to patronize Maw and Paw, but it's really doubtful they are treating their employees any better than Walmart does. Maw and Paw might pay a comparable wage to WalMart but I'd bet my eye teeth they aren't providing any health insurance or retirement (something WalMart does).

When I can, I patronize local businesses. But you can't assume they are 'better' employers than a corporate giant.

Thank you. I just don't understand the abject hatred Wal-Mart congers up. It's like they don't like successful business's so they demonise them. The truth is working at Wal-Mart is no different than working at Kmart, Target or you local store. The pay is the same. My loser comment was to address the idea that you can support a family on ANY entry level job. If a Wal-Mart job is your primary means of support then it is irresponsible to try to support a family on that. To someone that had a sudden change in circumstances and finds themselves in a position that Wal-Mart is their prime source of income then the low wages are an incentive to better yourself and move up.

Newsflash: Retail stores/food service need assistant managers/managers/regionals/corporates as well.

And Wal-Mart hires managers from within. Thats a good thing no?

And they started at ENTRY LEVEL - that horrible position you talk about.

Reading comprehension?

Your point is? I don't think you have a point. Wal-mart is a good place to work. They provide entry level jobs and when a person gains experience they promote them to managers. Your the one that thinks Wal-Mart is a bad place, not me.

I hate WalMart for it's principals.

You think WalMart/any entry level workers are 'loosers'.

HUGE difference.

I think you need some reading comprehension. I didn't say people that work entry level are losers. Someone that depends on an entry level job to support a family is a loser because it is irresponsible. Any entry level job isn't enough to support one person let alone a family.

Sound familiar?

In 1980 when I got out of the Navy I was homeless and living in a car. When I got married in 1983 my then wife and I were supporting 3 kids on $10000/year. We qualified for food stamps, medical card and welfare. It wasn't easy but we got through it. But I can tell you that we always had a roof over our heads and food to eat.

That was a ready made family. She had those kids when I met her. I didn't make any new ones. I worked 3 jobs and my wife worked one while we were both going through school. I took a woman and 3 children OFF of public aid. But your right, I was a loser then. I shouldn't have gotten married until I was better off. That is also something I will admit to.

[Kazan' Tiger 1]

So true, I remember going to a local clothing store as a boy. It was the official place to get your school gym clothes every year. All the men working there made enough to support their stay-at-home wife and children! Amazing!

Loser! You are right. Big time losers. Because of a corporate giant that delights in tearing apart towns creating slave camps.

I'm not talking about Target or McDonald's. I'm talking abut the local lawn mower shop or hardware store. As some others have pointed out, it is not necessarily an entry level position. Some times it is Pa from the Ma and Pa shop that ends up working for the same company that shut him down.

I agree. Fifty years ago, a man could support his family working full time at the local hardware store. What happened?

[Ban Hammer 13,335]

every single time I've been to walmart its full of trashy people

hey back in my single days it was always a good place to get a date

[one...two...tree 2,762]

So true, I remember going to a local clothing store as a boy. It was the official place to get your school gym clothes every year. All the men working there made enough to support their stay-at-home wife and children! Amazing!

Loser! You are right. Big time losers. Because of a corporate giant that delights in tearing apart towns creating slave camps.

I'm not talking about Target or McDonald's. I'm talking abut the local lawn mower shop or hardware store. As some others have pointed out, it is not necessarily an entry level position. Some times it is Pa from the Ma and Pa shop that ends up working for the same company that shut him down.

I agree. Fifty years ago, a man could support his family working full time at the local hardware store. What happened?

And you know the funny thing is - some will answer that question with - "Well, simply go out and get specialized training or schooling." On the shortterm, that may be the answer for an individual, but if we were all highly trained individuals, who is going to work the blue collar jobs and how does the job market support a high percentage of the population if we are all high skilled workers? My parents were able to afford buying supplies at the local hardware store in spite of the fact that the guy working behind the counter was being paid a wage that allowed him to own his home and feed his family, even have health insurance.

Somehow we've lost our sense of the working class and have turned them into a disgrace....failures at not being able to climb up the economic ladder. The guy that worked at the hardware store for 30 years wasn't thinking he was going to someday become an aerospace engineer. He enjoyed his job and his life without ambitions of doing anything else. Somehow he's now looked as a loser...or failure.

Edited January 29, 2008 by Mister Fancypants

[LuzyC 0]

Sound familiar?

In 1980 when I got out of the Navy I was homeless and living in a car. When I got married in 1983 my then wife and I were supporting 3 kids on $10000/year. We qualified for food stamps, medical card and welfare. It wasn't easy but we got through it. But I can tell you that we always had a roof over our heads and food to eat.

Wow, talking about stalker..

*sigh*... Walmart... Walmart...

[Kazan' Tiger 1]

I could kiss you! Ahhh, well... on second thought hows about a high five! Your words are profound!

So true, I remember going to a local clothing store as a boy. It was the official place to get your school gym clothes every year. All the men working there made enough to support their stay-at-home wife and children! Amazing!

Loser! You are right. Big time losers. Because of a corporate giant that delights in tearing apart towns creating slave camps.

I'm not talking about Target or McDonald's. I'm talking abut the local lawn mower shop or hardware store. As some others have pointed out, it is not necessarily an entry level position. Some times it is Pa from the Ma and Pa shop that ends up working for the same company that shut him down.

I agree. Fifty years ago, a man could support his family working full time at the local hardware store. What happened?

And you know the funny thing is - some will answer that question with - "Well, simply go out and get specialized training or schooling." On the shortterm, that may be the answer for an individual, but if we were all highly trained individuals, who is going to work the blue collar jobs and how does the job market support a high percentage of the population if we are all high skilled workers? My parents were able to afford buying supplies at the local hardware store in spite of the fact that the guy working behind the counter was being paid a wage that allowed him to own his home and feed his family, even have health insurance.

Somehow we've lost our sense of the working class and have turned them into a disgrace....failures at not being able to climb up the economic ladder. The guy that worked at the hardware store for 30 years wasn't thinking he was going to someday become an aerospace engineer. He enjoyed his job and his life without ambitions of doing anything else. Somehow he's now looked as a loser...or failure.

[eric&gen 0]

RCA or Polaroid 32-inch LCD TV/DVD bundle for $683 cheap brands what did the bird say when he flew over K mart? Cheap cheap cheap. Wal-mart sucks well i go check to see if the have half off on condoms lol.

Edited January 29, 2008 by evdogg412