In article ,
wrote:
In article ,
says...
The organization is huge and ruthless.
[snip]

JT
(who drives past Wal-mart if I can help it)

I don't believe I've ever been in a Wal-mart before (I just assumed
it was like a giant K-mart) since there isn't one anywhere nearby. If
people dislike them so much, why do they shop there?
- Ken

First, it was Mr. Taylor that made the 'huge & ruthless' comment. The
fact that I agree with him doesn't make the quote mine...

Second, you are correct--Wal-Mart and Kmart are strikingly similar from
the consumer POV. From the wholesaler POV, Wal-Mart is very different.
Wal-Mart owns very little inventory. Think of it as the world's biggest
consignment shop. Manufacturers/Wholesalers/Distributors put their
stuff on Wal-Mart's shelves and Wal-Mart pays for them after they've
sold. If they don't sell, it's not Wal-Mart's problem. An interesting
business model that has been incredibly successful. Success often
breeds despite, deserved or otherwise.

They are extremely competitive price-wise because they don't own
billions in inventory. They are very aggressive when it comes to
negotiating with the suppliers of their merchandise. IMO, they would
prefer to sell total junk for the lowest possible price than to sell a
product of reasonable quality for an additional 5%. Kmart is slightly
better when it comes to quality on many items. Target is better yet
(quality-wise) but has an anti-gun/hunting/fishing stance I don't care
for.

IME, Wal-Mart is the kind of place that if you go there looking for
something specific, they won't have it. OTOH, if you go to Wal-Mart
uncertain about what you're looking for, you'll buy *something* while
you're there.

I rarely go to Wal-Mart as a first choice.

Tom G