by Sheppard Blumenthal

Created on: May 30, 2009   Last Updated: June 01, 2009

No,Wal-Mart is not bad for America. Wal-Mart is the great American story. Based on those fine often felt American values.... hard work, honesty, kindness, courtesy and selling for the best price that the American consumer wants to pay. The average Wal-Mart shopper I believe is not aware or cares as to the whereabouts and the conditions where the product they want was made. No, they want convenience, the availability of the product and the lowest (cheapest) price they will need to pay for the item... period. The "heeing and hawing" as to the poor conditions of the manufacturers factories or that they are undercutting the Mom and Pop stores is immaterial. I think those who protest or speak ill of Wal-Mart, shop there just as anyone else when they aren't protesting. Just so as to get what they what at a cheap price. And how nice the employees are to you. A smile with eye contact and a "welcome" when you enter the store. Do you get that at any other store? The employees are easily identifiable and willing to help you. No, they're not wired to some wireless device talking to someone in the office and just seeing your lips flap up and down, nor are they talking on their cell phone to their boy or girlfriend about the night before. No, they stop what they are doing and with a smile, direct you to what your looking for or are willing to answer a question about a product Wal-Mart is selling. Your getting a quality product and the lowest possible price. Likely not the best product, but suitable for the average consumer wanting it for whatever the reason and there could be thousands! But for the American consumer it's the lowest price possible is what is wanted along with the availability of the item. You may not find the BMW of the product, but your getting the Chevrolet of the product. When you get it home it's going to work just fine whether it's a household item or a gift that's going to make someone happy. Putting a smile on their face. Now isn't that nice.

Sure the stores are super-sized. It seems the "regular" sized Wal-Marts are "Super Wal-Marts." I can't imagine a Super Wal-Mart, is there cell service, will I be charged for roaming calling my wife shopping in the bedding department? I sometimes wish they had a sitting areas with a refreshment stands strategically throughout the store or at least in the center, sort of a Wal-Mart Central Park. So as to take a breather.... you know a bathroom would be a good idea as well in these respite areas.

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