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Tuesday, February 21, 2012

Walmart's Low Prices Bear A High Cost For America

For untold millions, Walmart is not simply a place to shop, but the place. Considering that the quintessential big-box retailer claims to, and often does, offer just about every conventional item necessary for the family at an affordable price, this should be none too surprising. However, at what cost does this convenience come, and in the grander scheme of things, is what Walmart has to offer really convenience at all? The company’s ownership would most definitely say so, as would throngs of eager consumers. Many economists, social scientists, and former employees, though, have a strikingly different opinion. While one can choose to believe whichever side of the argument he or she likes best, where do the facts lie?

First and foremost, it should be known that every single American taxpayer is essentially footing the bill for Walmart’s mere existence. According to Reuters, this is because, as a study published last year by the City University of New York’s Hunter College Center for Community Planning showed, company employees receive inadequate health insurance coverage and in turn are left with few other options than to apply for public assistance. Beyond providing a lack of medical benefits, Walmart’s presence in most regions, says the study, "Depresses area wages....pushes out more retail jobs than it creates, and results in more retail vacancies."

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5 comments:

Anonymous said...

I can't stand to shop in this store. biggest lowlifes in the world are always there. products are crap, and there's nothing I need that badly! support your local businesses! oh and if you think I am full of it. check out people of walmart!

Anonymous said...

6:02...tell me about it. I feel that walmart has the right to exist and do business because that is the American way BUT I wont shop there. Rows and rows of needless junk from China. People half dressed, (Ocean City/Berlin in the summer is down right disgusting) screaming at their kids, talking so the entire store can hear them and fighting over whether they should get dorito's or potato chips....

Anonymous said...

I believe it's like something like 70% of Walmart employees receive some type of government assistance. Same goes for the employees of the chicken plants-Perdue, Mountaire and Tysons.
It's a form of corporate welfare no one wants to address. We the taxpayers are literally paying for their employees. They are making hugh profits off of our backs.

Anonymous said...

but you know what? Everyone still goes when they can't find what they need or outlandish prices elsewhere. Sure I'll go to Target and pay $20.00 more for the exact same item. Yea, right...

Anonymous said...

Not everyone 6:21. Needed new tires. They cost $50 more at a locally owned shop, but I didn't care. In the end Walmart prices aren't that less than other places esp on food if you look for sales. Their clothes may be less, but so is the quality.