by Robert Alsted

Created on: December 08, 2008

There was a time in our economy when this same question could have applied to Sears. For decades they were the Wal-Mart of their time and affect and while it is difficult to imagine the next retailer that will come along and replace Wal-Mart it is more likely than not.

Another viewpoint is the simple fact that the likes of a Wal-Mart would not be able to do what it has done without there being a need; a hole to fill.

For those that do not know the quote of Henry Kaiser (ship builder and yes, the hospital network) "find a need and fill it" and that is all that Sam Walton did.

And still another consideration is that while the negatives associated with Wal-Mat are understood as to why they are out there, a hundred million plus people a week shop at a Wal-Mart so when it is all said and done the best way to judge is by the customers themselves and if Wal-Mart were not meeting a need they would not be in business.

It is also important to keep thoughts and judgements in their proper perspectives. Wal-Mart is not Nordstoms. And, while I do not know for sure, I am guessing that you will not find Nordstroms on Rodeo drive in Beverly Hills, CA. Not that they do not have the right to be there but generally a successful retailer knows their customer demographics. And this is not to say that Wal-Mart does not have the right to be anywhere it wants but that the buyer will speak with their dollar and that is pretty much all that is needed to answer the questions at hand.

One could argue that if anyone is to be responsible for Wal-Mart being in business it might be the economy as it appears that Wal-Mart has continued to drive profits to its shareholders especially with the state of our current economy.

At the top of most lists when talking about this subject is how Wal-mart treats its employees - or associates as they are called within Wal-Mart. As I recall reading, they are the largest employer behind our government. If you view the news stories of problems that Wal-Mart associates have had as a percentage you may have a different view. This is not to say that Wal-Mart should not look to do the best that they can for each and everyone of their associates but that the numbers are against them to be perfect all the time. And if you follow Warren Buffet's valuation, it is how you learn from your mistakes so it is highly recommended that before judgement is passed (or acceptance of what you read in the newspaper) that you drill down to see how Wal-Mart deals with THEIR mistakes.

So, I guess if I have a message or a request it is to make sure that one has all the facts and then to remember that perfections can only come from learning.

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