Do you shop at Wal-Mart?

[SeveneightyWhoa]

Poll question: Do you shop at Wal-Mart?

Well, do ya?

[bryant69]

1. They have one or two products I really like

They have really good Pistachios, for example. And frozen taquitos. But they are out of the way, and for normal kinds of stuff, I'd rather go to Target.

Bryant
Check it out --> http://politicalcomment.blogspot.com

[JuniperLea]

8. Is there a Trader Joe's near you?

Far better nuts... all fruits, veggies and nuts are guaranteed NOT to be genetically engineered.

I like Target too. I hope there isn't a political reason to stay away from them too!

[bryant69]

20. Nope - wish there was.

Trader JOes are pretty nice.

Bryant

[shanti]

68. unfortunately

target is a red company too, but i MUCH prefer target over walmart and do shop target.

[troubleinwinter]

165. Ya made me cry.

I just moved from No. Calif. to an area without a TJ.

My dad (78) has lived here five years and WROTE TJ asking for a store! He wants one badly.

I like their Masala Cooking Sauce, pretty good chutney and jasmine rice.

[SeveneightyWhoa]

9. Me too.

They have some great stuff, and its all located conveniently. I usually don't buy anything there but packaged foods like soups, chocolate, candy, and dog-food. It's all very cheap so I have no problem going to Wal-Mart once in a while for the necessities.

[lastliberalintexas]

15. Target is almost as bad nowadays

And most people don't have any better options locally, either. For example, HEB and Brookshire Bros. stores here in Texas are also major repub contributors and heavy hitters in our tort deform movements. What's the difference between me shopping at HEB and Walmart? In reality, not so much (though I do prefer HEB because the produce is better).

I think some of this anti-Walmart banter is barely hidden classism. Some people really do have to shop at the places with the best prices, regardless of where that may be. :shrug:

[TriMetFan]

36. I freak ever time I have to go to HEB

when I visit my parents. Why you might ask, because I'm not used to seeing roach's running around in a store!:scared:

[Reciprocity]

71. You hit it on the head.

I'm on a fixed income. When I hear members chastise folks for where they shop I think to myself you try living on $850.00 a month.

[theHandpuppet]

33. CostCo has plenty of those

I'd rather eat frozen dirt than support those heinous slavemongers.

[TriMetFan]

41. I love CostCo.

We live just 1 mile from one.

[AndyA]

2. I can't stand Wal-Mart. Shopping there is as un-American as George Bush

in my opinion. They work their employees to death, pay them next to nothing, and largely responsible for the trade deficit we have in this country. I'll gladly pay more and drive further (and I do!) to support American companies.

[Dervill Crow]

121. I talked to a couple of clerks at Wal-Mart, and they said

they were treated quite well at Wal-Mart. One was an older lady who said that the management at Target treated everyone like children and discriminated against older workers. The other was a college student who said she was thrilled with Wal-Mart because she was allowed to change her work schedule when she needed to because of school, no questions asked.

It just occurred to me that maybe they thought I was a mystery shopper. Dang. The older lady did say that Wal-Mart did hurt other businesses and that maybe they treated their workers worse in poorer states.

I dunno. I've felt okay about shopping there lately because they really do have good prices, but perhaps I should resume my boycott of them. It seems no matter where I shop it's difficult to find anything made in the US except for New Balance shoes.

[TheFarseer]

3. remove choice #4 because that could never happen

just kidding! (but only kind of)

[SeveneightyWhoa]

7. Yeah I really don't know if it is possible.

I'm Canadian so I have no idea how many communities in America are actually unserved by Wal-Mart. It'd be interesting to see if even one person answers with the fourth option..

[Retrograde]

105. Canada has Wal-Mart as well

On a recent trip to rural Quebec, I was surprised at the number of Wal-Marts in small towns.

Did you mean "unserved" or "underserved"? If the former, Humbolt County in northern California does not have any WalMarts.

[SeveneightyWhoa]

127. I meant unserved.

That's why I used that particular word. :-)

[Dorian Gray]

110. I'm in NYC, and I don't know of any Walmarts here...

though there was a proposal for one in Queens that was shot down.

[NYC Liberal]

109. Well...there are no Wal-Marts in NYC

And hopefully it stays that way!

[byronius]

4. Went inside one, once. Like entering Mordor. My hackles went up.

Felt guilty for years. Hate those assholes.

[WestHoustonDem]

5. I actually did shop there, ran up the balance on my Walmart

card and filed for bankruptcy.

[deaniac21]

61. Wouldn't those costs have been passed along to the consumer?

[WestHoustonDem]

73. That's possible, and I regret that part of it.

I should have mentioned that I was forced to make a choice about bankruptcy because of the new legislation. I spent 3 years where I couldn't work because of illness and ran up all of my cards to support myself and my daughter.

[Balbus]

66. I was wondering who I get to thank for the more recent, stiffer

bankruptcy laws.

[WestHoustonDem]

69. Not me, I filed for bankruptcy because of the new

law. I had to make a choice after barely surviving a medical catastrophe where I couldn't work for 3 years.

[Name removed]

88. Deleted message

Message removed by moderator. Click here to review the message board rules.

[WestHoustonDem]

122. You don't know shit about my situation or how I ended up

in bankruptcy. You have no business judging me.

[U4ikLefty]

96. Perhaps you could blame some sellout Dems first. n/t

[sharp_stick]

6. I avoid it like the plague

We have one near home but I do everything in my power to stay out of there. It feels oppressive to just walk through the doors of that place, you can tell that not a single employee is happy to be there.

On top of that I have _never_ been greeted on my way in and I've _always_ been accosted on my way out. They want to look in my bags and confirm everything to the receipt. At least that people that do that at Costco are nice about it and will chat with you while they confirm purchases. The poor slobs at Walmart are just sullen and pissy.

[90-percent]

10. Question

Can you enter a Walmart store with a tee shirt that says "Unionize Walmart" and be allowed to stay in the store, or are you escorted out?

-85% Jimmy

[MemphisTiger]

24. By who? The senior citizen greeter?

nm

[Radio_Guy]

48. The senior citizen greeter

:rofl:

[DetroitProle]

114. good idea, brother

I should step in there in my UFCW(mortal enemy of Wally world) tee and start talking to folks. See how long it takes to get fucked up. Probably not long.

[0007]

11. I'd like to say "NO" but once in a blue moon I have to because

n one carrys this certain item. Sorry. For the most part I avoid it like the plague.

[Theres-a]

31. Same here. nt

[onehandle]

12. F*ck No! nt

[Roland99]

13. Haven't even stepped foot in one in over 2 years.

[dmkinsey]

14. never

ever

[Maddy McCall]

16. You can't be a True Big Liberal if you don't shop at Walmart.

Shopping at Walmart shows how open-minded you are to labor-wrecking corporations.

And isn't the hallmark of liberalism "open-mindedness?"

:eyes:

[Greylyn58]

25. That's really an unfair statement to make

because as we all know there are people here that have no choice-money wise or have no other option shopping wise because they are the only game in town. I should know because I'm one of them.

With gas rising through the roof it makes driving any distances to find other places to shop impossible for those living pay-check to pay-check.

What would you suggest folks in that position do??

[shenmue]

27. There are other discount stores

:|

[Maddy McCall]

42. In Charlotte, there are indeed:

Family Dollar Store
Target
Big Lots
Ben Franklin
Dollar General Store (tons of them)

And that's not counting grocery stores.

[Greylyn58]

45. If you have the money

which I don't.

I usually don't enter in to these Walmart discussions because they usually turn into fights and for those of us that say we shop there we are made to feel like traitors and bad people.

Well this is my last comment. I would shop somewhere else if I could afford to...and I do for some things, but I have to make my meager paycheck last as long as I can. And with everything rising price wise around me(everything but my paycheck) I do what I have to to get by.

[Maine-ah]

75. hm, the next closest one to me is two hours away.

[mrcheerful]

35. Having lived off SSDI since the 1980's I never shopped or will I ever

shop at a wal mart prices be damned because in the long run only a select few wal mart items are below average price you get else where. The low price items are the come on once your inside of the store its time for the hook and separate your dollars from your pocket into theirs only to find out a week later you could have bought the same item for less somewhere else. This is done intentionally, my sister was asst manager in one and she said thats what their told to do bait and hook the suckers.

[Gormy Cuss]

17. I can't stand the store layouts, the chaos, the long check out lines, etc.

I've been in three stores in three different states and they all made me want to turn tail and go screaming out the door. It's not just Sprawlmart. I don't like big box stores in general. They give me headaches.

[SeveneightyWhoa]

19. Wal-Mart happens to sell Tylenol, Advil and Aspirin.

Remember that next time you stumble into there.

:-)

[Gormy Cuss]

28. Whaddaya, a smart alec ?

Do they sell aspirin at Home Depot too, or should I just wait for someone to push something off the top shelf above my head?:D

[Marie26]

117. Aren't you aware of Home Depot's

horrible labor practices? The head of Home Depot is a major Bush contributor! I hope you're not implying that you've ever visited that store. I don't think anyone should ever visit any major store, or else they are traitors to the liberal cause. :sarcasm:, of course. I don't like Home Depot either, people go in there looking for a plug & stumble out 3 months later after wandering lost through the acres & acres of junk.

[Gormy Cuss]

119. Sure "some people" go in there looking for a plug...

people like Marie26 no doubt. ;-)

I don't need to make a choice based on politics, thankfully. Not only do I have a hard time shopping in any big box stores, Costco included, but the local HDs are managed so poorly that they're easy to avoid. The last time I was in the nearest HD the lines were ten deep and my line was held up because some 25 cent part didn't have a UPC code attached and they had to find a manager to figure out what to do. That makes it easy to avoid those stores and go to smaller hardware stores for most things.

[Marie26]

130. Well,

"Some people" might say you're right about that. ;). When I finally found a small local hardware store, it was a much nicer experience. They had what you needed & could help you, and it wasn't as overwhelming as those Mega-stores. It's a shame that they're getting harder & harder to find.

[MADem]

18. Many, many years ago, when Sam Walton was alive

...and their pull was low prices, AMERICAN MADE goods, I'd go in one on the rare, odd occasion that I was even near one--this wasn't often, mind you.

Then there was a time when I lived near one, and would stop by occasionally for the odd item, mainly bird seed and the every now and then, halfassed household item. But for the last five or six years, I've stayed the hell away from them, with one notable and deliberate exception--when that F9/11 movie by Michael Moore came out, I went to one and bought the doggone DVD. While I waited for the clerk to come back with the key (they were in a locked CASE!) I started chatting up the folks nearby about the movie, and expressing astonishment that first, they were locked up, and second, that they had any available, because they were selling like hotcakes everywhere else. I had not yet seen the film, and communicated my enthusiasm about finally having a chance to sit down and watch it. Well, you know how that sort of thing goes, everyone wants a rare item!

By the time she got back with the key, there were five other people besides myself waiting for their copy of the film (it was a good price, too, something like fifteen bucks, and it was just released). Impulse purchases, all of them!

[hobbit709]

21. Wal-Mart is

upscale shopping for us. We go because we can't afford elsewhere but for most things we avoid it as much as possible.

[Maddy McCall]

23. Y'all don't have Dollar General Stores?

That's where I do the majority of my shopping.

[hobbit709]

29. I said it was upscale shopping

If I can't get it at the thrift store or the dollar store then we go to wallyworld. When you're on a limited income you have to squeeze and stretch every dollar as much as you can.

[Mr_Spock]

50. I have no issue where people have little or no choice

I would only hope that where people have a choice that they consider the "race to the bottom" impact that WalMart is having on this country.

[kineneb]

22. not unless I need craft supplies

unfortunately, there are no craft stores within 1.5 hours of here. If I get desperate for regular synthetic yarns, then I have to go to MallWart. Everything else can be purchased elsewhere or online.

[OhioChick]

26. Hell NO! n/t

[TechBear_Seattle]

30. Not only do I actively avoid Wal-Mart...

I have convinced several friends to either quit their jobs there or not apply to start with.

Just doing my part to support the American small business entrepeneur! :hi:

[PassingFair]

40. Me too, TechBear.

When someone mentions that the shop at WalMart,
I TELL them why I DON'T.

I find that both Dems AND repugs have problems
with WalMart, whether it's their Chinese products,
or the fact that small town economies have been
sacked by them.

[Fierce]

53. I won't shop at a place that busts unions.

So, no.

[El Supremo]

32. No. And neither Sam's Club.

[TahitiNut]

34. Never have. Never will. I wouldn't give a damn how far I had to drive.

Not Wal*Mart nor Sam's Club. I've not spent a single cent at an Exxon (and now Mobil) station since the Valdez atrocity, either. I'd rather run out of gas and walk five miles.

[TriMetFan]

51. I agree with you!

We ran Exxon out of Portland back during the Valdez mess. We do have one or two stations left, I do have to add.

[wryter2000]

37. Missing option

Where's "Hell, no!"?

[Beaverhausen]

38. No, and anyone who can afford to shop elsewhere shouldn't either

Sorry, supporting Wal-Mart is supporting the worst kind of repuke practices.

Before you flame me check out some facts for yourself:
http://www.walmartmovie.com/help.php

[Ksec]

39. We have one walmart and one k -mart nearby

I shop at the Kmart 90% of the time when I need supplies (cleaning, maintenence,yard, etc) I buy clothes at a Gabes which have good brand names cheap and occasionally Ill hit the walmart for pet food. I like the dog food they sell and my dogs prefer it over the good brand.

[ClintonTyree]

43. I avoid it if possible.....

I'll pay more at a Mom & Pop if there's a choice. Sometimes when traveling there just isn't a choice but 99.9% of the time you won't find me near the freaking place. They're just breaking ground on a new "Super Wal*Mart" (an oxymoron if I ever heard one) in our town. Of course now the old store will sit vacant and become an eyesore, we'll pay more in taxes to support their employees because they won't. I hatethemIhatethemIhatethem! :grr:

[karlrschneider]

44. It's the only grocery store in the whole county, so yes. I do "stock up"

at other stores when it's worth a 65 mile round trip but we're pretty much stuck with WM for perishables and such. :-(

[MoeHayNow]

46. Not just no:

HELL NO!

And I actively try to discourage others from going there, too.

It's like I tell Kid MoeHayNow, "If there are two things you know about me, it's that I buy widescreen DVD movies and I don't shop at Wal-Mart."

[Radio_Guy]

47. Only because of the prices

If the product is exactly the same (Del Monte canned vegetables, for example) I buy them from the cheaper place, usually Wal-Mart. In this economy, I can't justify paying 1 1/4 times the amount somewhere else. But I buy my meats elsewhere because WM's is awful.

[rurallib]

49. Once in a while by necessity

They carry stuff that no ome else does. But we are very selective abouty what we buy there and only try to go there once/month.

[Mad_Dem_X]

52. They just built one five minutes from my house--

And I absolutely refuse to patronize it. I'd rather travel twenty minutes to Target to get what I need.

[Speck Tater]

54. I went there once or twice in the last few years...

But I count that as "no", because I avoid it except in case of extreme emergency, like something I need right away to fix a major plumbing disaster but can't find anywhere else at the moment.

[MsTryska]

55. I used to actively avoid it, but frankly...

there's some things at Walmart that you just can't find at other stores.

ie: blackout shades

[Nicole]

56. Nope

I haven't bought anything at Wal-Mart in years. I prefer the dollar store for cleaning & paper products. I buy groceries at a locally owned grocery store & farmer's market.

[tandot]

57. I guess I didn't get a copy of the "Liberal Shopping Manifesto"

What is the punishment for shopping at Walmart? Will the shopping police pick us up and throw us in a shopping re-education camp? Do I have to give up my Democratic Party membership? Am I forbidden to vote for Democrats? Do I have to register as a Republican?

We were planning to go to Walmart this afternoon, but now I am too scared :scared:

[SeveneightyWhoa]

58. WTF?

I'm the one who made this thread, yet I'm one of the few who've voted saying they shop there frequently by choice.

Who said anything about liberals not being allowed to shop in Wal-Mart? Obviously DU as a whole swings one way on the issue, but clearly there's room for Wally World shoppers here, too..

[tandot]

62. I shop there once in a while

but I've read comments more than once from some DUers that you can't be a liberal if you shop at Walmart.

It wasn't directed at your poll or your post, SeveneightyWhoa. I am just tired of people accusing me or other people who shop at Walmart of not being a liberal.

[theHandpuppet]

59. To many of the slave workers around the world...

...a majority of whom are women and children who are busy creating the cheap goods you're buying at Wally World, they may fail to share your humor on this issue. So do I.

[lastliberalintexas]

63. Do you think those sweat shop goods are only sold at WM?

We miss the boat and abuse this issue when we focus so narrowly on one actor (albeit the most horrid of actors in the retail arena). There are select few retailers who are any better, and we allow people a false sense of security in shopping at those other places by our narrow laser attacks on WM. Target is almost as bad, most regional grocery stores are horrible- and many of them sell the same goods as WM, also made in China by likely slave labor.

You can see that false sense of security in this very thread even. Several DUers have thrown out Target and Dollar General as "better" alternatives to WM, when in reality, their corporate policies are just as bad.

[theHandpuppet]

76. No, I don't. But that wasn't my point, was it.

What I object to are folks who think this whole issue is a big friggin' joke. While you're having a laugh, some young girl in the Marianas is literally slaving away 16 hours/day behind a barbed wire fence, indentured indefinitely to companies who treat them little better than slaves. Go ahead, have another chuckle and happy shopping at WalMart!

Edited to add: That last part was not directed at you, but at those who think this whole issue is a hoot.

[MelliMel]

64. WM is not the only company that benefits from slave labor

The GAP got busted bigtime about 7-10 years ago because their jeans were made in sweat shops.

[theHandpuppet]

78. Which is why I don't shop at The Gap, either

And haven't for years. All it takes is a bit of research to find out which companies are the worst offenders, something I did a long time ago. I make a point of not giving such companies my business but will go out of my way to support companies whose businesses are progressive and fair to workers -- both their own workers and those who make their goods.

[tandot]

80. Good for you that you never buy anything made in third world countries

or China. I applaud you for that. That must take a lot of time, money, and effort to verify that each item you buy does not involve any form of slave workers or underpaid women/children.

[theHandpuppet]

92. Oh I'm sure I do buy goods from third world countries

It's nearly impossible to avoid these days. But I DO avoid it when I can, and I certainly don't make a joke of it. The whole situation makes me sick to my soul.

[Beaverhausen]

60. You could read up on some of Wal-Marts practices here

http://walmartwatch.com/home/pages/issues

and the Wal Mart movie is a real eye-opener:
http://www.walmartmovie.com/

[Lorien]

83. Watch "Wal-Mart: the high cost of low prices"

then get back to us on that.

[Mr_Spock]

85. Please at least understand why people are boycotting WalMart

Nobody is criticizing anyone who shops there, but I, for one hope people would at least understand why so many of us do boycott WalMart

[tandot]

90. I do fully understand why.

I've changed my shopping habits and significantly reduced how much I spend at Walmart. However, I still shop there once in a while. I admire people who don't buy anything made in China or third world countries. This takes a lot of effort and money, since most stuff we get here in America is not produced here.

Most of us do the best we can with the money and the time we have available to us. Compared to a few years ago, I've made quite a bit progress in supporting local businesses or farms. I also know that there is much room for improvement. However, for some DUers to insinuate that I am less worthy or less of a human being because I shop at Walmart, is quite pretentious.

[Marie26]

104. I must've missed that book too.

lol. The shopping police are on the prowl! Maybe you should re-consider going, or if you do go, for God's sake use a fake name. If your liberal friends ever find out, it could ruin your reputation forever.

[joeunderdog]

115. Be afraid. Be VERY afraid.

I would rather set myself on fire than shop there. I WILL NOT patronize that nazi, slave-lovin, anti-labor, slimey, BushBall-lickin rat hole of a whore house.

Not that I feel strongly about that...

[mrcheerful]

139. And you left out the part about freedom loving commies that

are buying up our debts left and right. Hmmmmmmm wasn't that how Raygun tumbled the USSR by making them over extend their resources? Can you say DOH? Homer Simpson isn't just one person, seems he has a lot of clones out there.

[NJ Democrats]

65. Once in a while -- by choice

[shanti]

67. walmart is wrong on so many levels

but the one that sticks in my craw is how they tag everything and track it. screw that!

[Maine-ah]

70. I go there once and a while by choice

to buy products that I can't get at local businesses. If we had Target, I'd go there instead.

[callous taoboy]

72. It's all shit. Nothing I ever bought there in the past lasted.

[Marie26]

74. Yes, proudly. nt

[Beaverhausen]

79. Just curious- do you even wonder why so many people here are...

...vehemently against shopping at Wal Mart?

[Marie26]

102. Not at all

I understand perfectly why people are vehemently against shopping at Wal-Mart. I hate the place myself. I grit my teeth at the fake-happy Muzak, the garish lighting, the tacky colors, & the obnoxious crowds. And I'll still shop there sometimes, because it's cheaper. I'm not really "proud" (that was snarky), it's more like a necessary evil. Where I grew up, people went to Wal-Mart for everything & my college was in a small town where it was Wal-Mart or bust. So I got used to the place, & even when I moved to a big city, Wal-Mart was the first place I looked to buy household items. Call it a bad habit *hangs head in shame*. Wal-Mart, I wish I knew how to quit you. I'll hardly ever go to the store now that there's other options, but I have bought things there, & I'm not sure that's something I should apologize for.

[Mr_Spock]

84. Why proudly?

They are race-to-the-bottom union busting outsourcers.

[SeveneightyWhoa]

97. Yes, why "proudly"?

I'd love to know as well. I can feel super-duper-jolly about saving $0.20 on a two-litre carton of milk, but it doesn't make me "proud". Do explain.

[Marie26]

99. Yep. That they are.

I say "proudly" because there's a certain part of me that thinks it's snobbish to hate Wal-Mart. It's like the Starbucks-drinking, organic-food eating, boutique-shopping progressive thing to do. There's a reason Wal-Mart is so successful - they're cheaper. Not everyone has a choice to go somewhere more expensive to do their shopping. And for many towns, especially in the South, Wal-Mart is literally the only place to go to buy groceries & essential supplies. And, yeah, it's probably because Wal-Mart drove out the local businesses - but where are people going to go? There's not a whole lot of other options. Wal-Mart also provides jobs - again, cause there's not a lot of other options. But should a struggling family not shop at Wal-Mart, or take a job at Wal-Mart? It's not always so simple; there aren't always other choices. I've noticed a real class distinction in the Wal-Mart Wars, & most of the people condemning the chain tend to be middle or upper-class & well-educated. From that perspective, it's easy to take the longer view & condemn Wal-Mart's business practices, groan at the tacky decor, & worry about the effect on Main Street. For someone in a lower economic class, it's not so easy to take that long view - the main question is: do they have the things you need, and is it affordable to buy it? Given the choice, people will go for the least expensive store every time. When I needed to buy a TV, I went to Wal-Mart, cause it was just a lot cheaper. I agree that Wal-Mart is a union-busting, sweatshop-using, small town-destroying monster. But it's that very ruthlessness that allowed them cut prices & spread like kudzu across the South. And I'm not sure what the answer is, but people are going to keep shopping at Wal-Mart as long as times are tough & stuff is cheap. I think we've got to strengthen the labor laws to stop some of Wal-Mart's abuses, because we certainly aren't going to be able to stop people from shopping there.

[electron_blue]

106. Do you realize that Walmart is cheaper because they rely on

local and federal government to pick up the slack for their employees? You, and everyone else, is paying higher taxes so that Walmart employees can take advantage of food stamps, medicaid and welfare. Walmart regularly works with their employees to make sure they know how to apply for welfare. Local tax-payers are footing the bill for Walmart. What irks me is that most people who say Walmart is cheaper have no idea that this is going on, and in reality, they are still paying the costs for those employees through their taxes. I only mention this because this issue was the tipping point for me. Maybe you already know about this practice.

As for those living at or below the poverty level doing what they have to stay alive, I'm not pointing fingers at them. I guess, personally, I'm thinking of friends and family members who I know for a fact are middle class, and sometimes making upwards of $80-90,000 who still claim it's the only place they can afford. I get so disappointed when even they don't see that they could be doing something different, and I think that's why the "Walmart is cheaper" line is so thin with so many DU'ers here.

[Marie26]

107. Of course.

I just pointed out that Wal-Mart is cheaper because of their ruthless business practice, including their manipulation of government benefits. But, they are cheaper. When I'm making $90,000 a year, I'm sure I'll never visit the place again. I think the "Don't shop at Wal-Mart!" line wears thin w/me, as well, because I feel like it's sort of simplistic. Yes, Wal-Mart is evil, but really, capitalism is evil. Globalism is evil. You're not avoiding those evils by avoiding Wal-Mart. Let's say you go to your local yuppie boutique grocer instead to shop - the apples you buy have been picked by migrant workers for pennies an hour, the roses you buy were packaged by third-world Latin American workers for below minimum wages, the pretty American flag you buy for Independence Day was made by Chinese prison labor, and the check-out girl is being forced to work overtime for minimum wage. You go to the shoe store & buy some Nikes for your kids that were stitched together by child laborers. You buy a pretty ring at the jeweler, and those jewels were mined by African laborers who die daily. You drive home in an SUV that pollutes the environment. And you feel pleased that you have stuck it to the man by not shopping at Wal-Mart. I think the only way to truly avoid the evil of capitalism is to be like Ghandi, living w/one pair of home-spun clothes & glasses. The rest of us are kidding ourselves. If we are American, we are already benefiting from the exploitation of poorer people around the world. That is true no matter where we shop, or what we do.

[electron_blue]

138. Good point, thanks for responding.

[Mr_Spock]

108. As long as you are aware of WalMart practices & have no choice - NP

Not a problem here - not sure why you would be proud to shop in a "union-busting, sweatshop-using, small town-destroying monster." though?? Does it really bother you that some of us have figured out that there are other choices that in combination ARE actually cheaper than WalMart. If we have the luxury of being able to not shop there & we choose not to, how is that "snobbish"? I think this statement "It's like the Starbucks-drinking, organic-food eating, boutique-shopping progressive thing to do." explains a lot. You are a "reverse snob"!

[Marie26]

111. Yep. Reverse snob here.

And proud. :evilgrin: I'm mostly just contrary. If people were praising WalMart, I'd feel to compelled to point out all the labor problems it's had, but since people here are all well aware of why WalMart is bad, I felt compelled to point out why people do still shop there.

[theHandpuppet]

123. I'm in bumfurk, WV

No Starbucks, no organic cafes, no boutiques, thank you very much. There's a Sears, a Penney's and a WalMart in our modest mall and a K-Mart down the road. This is a small, blue collar town and the WalMart lot is always full.

Sure, there are those who shop there because they need certain necessary items at a lower price. There are also PLENTY of people who shop there because they want to fill their houses to the rafters with JUNK. For every person who goes there to buy cheaper hamburger there are another half dozen who just shop because they want to buy something, anything, the more the better -- and not things they NEED. You know what? I found out I don't need nearly as many things to survive as I once thought. I clip coupons, search for sales, pay a few pennies more to patronize local small businesses and drive an old second-hand car. And yes, it does irk me when too many folks I know say they shop at WallyWorld to save a few cents and then load there next pile of junk into their monster Escalades with the W '04 stickers on the windshield. Check out any lot at Wally's and you'll see what I mean.

So why should I bother? Why should I give a damn about "a union-busting, sweatshop-using, small town-destroying monster" when there are way too many folks who will rationalize why they patronize places like WalMart? I'm not talking about people who do so from necessity, but those whose rationalizations simply assuage their conscience.

You can call me a snob for hating Wal-Mart if you want. I've got two pairs of shoes, a old winter coat with a broken zipper, a car past its 150,000 miles and I'd rather eat dirt than shop at WalMart. But maybe that's just elitist ol' me.

[Marie26]

124. Look, I'm sorry to offend people

by my Wal-Mart shopping habits. I'm not taking any of this seriously & was attempting to present the viewpoint of the millions of people who've shopped there. It's great that you've tried to minimize the amount of consumption in your life - we're a consumer culture, where the majority of people buy junk because they think it will make their lives better (after all, that's what every ad has told them). And they knock themselves out working long hours in order to make the money to buy the junk that will make them feel better. That's American culture - and I think WalMart is a symptom, rather than a cause, of the emptiness of our society. Wal-Mart is who we are. And I think people react so strongly to the place because it's such a sad symbol of what America has become - a loud, garish, rude, cookie-cutter corporate machine. Think of the typical small town of 50 years ago w/a Main Street, small businesses, green trees, people walking down the street and everyone knows everyone else. It was human-friendly. And compare that w/the typical town today, w/an endless parade of ugly strip malls, fast-food restaurants, chain dept. stores & huge paved parking lots. It's not human-friendly; it's car-friendly & corporate-friendly. We're pissed at Wal-Mart because we're pissed off at what America has lost.

[theHandpuppet]

128. Good post.

And I would agree with your assessment -- we're now WalMart nation. The mere thought is utterly depressing.

[Mr_Spock]

126. Thanks for sharing

I love hearing how WalMart has forced people to be a bit more creative in their shopping habits.

And I can totally relate to the $30,000 vehicle people carting off trunkfuls of junk just because "it's cheap". I've also realized that there are only so many cheap Chinese goods that I want anyway. The clothes wear out in a year, electronics are garbage and I just don't need so much "crap" anyway.

[JanMichael]

150. 1,000 plus posts and a "proud" Walmart shopper?

Are you institutionalized?

Edit: I looked at your other posts and while I get that you get the general problem (With consumer culture and idiotic policies that screw the poor) the "proudly" seems just a tad fucked up.

[prole_for_peace]

77. not in 2.5 years.

i switched to target (i know they are red too but they are not nearly as bad in the labor and supplier side of things)

i don't think that the items at target are that much more than wal-mart. my mom has tried to convince me that they are but i think she is fos. the stuff i buy may be .10 to .50 more but the store is cleaner, not as crowded, the lines move faster and the employees are nicer.

and their clothes and other store brand stuff are of WAY better quality than walmart so they last longer.

[Ekirh]

81. Once in awhile

But vary rarily. It's only four minutes away from me so that of course makes it convient. However I don't have to do to much shopping right now since I still live with family . . and usually I only end up shopping there if I take my grandma there to shop and while I'm there I end up picking something up.

[Lorien]

82. Hell no! Wal-Mart is the ultimate GOP corporation

anti-workers rights, anti-environment, pro taxation on the poor to enrich Wal-mart, anti-union, anti-healthcare, and they destroy the small local economies when they move into town while driving American manufacturing jobs overseas. Watch "Wal-Mart: the high cost of low prices" if you doubt me.

I have a very small income these days, but I'll NEVER shop at a Wal-mart for anything. The price to America is far too high.

[flvegan]

86. Hell no, never.

It's easier for me than others, though, I'm sure. I have other options.

[RamboLiberal]

87. Only if I screw up and the supermarket is closed

I had to get dog food at 5am Easter Monday - I thought I had some in stock and didn't so Wal-Mart was the only choice. So far this year I've spent less than $30 at Wal-Mart.

[Raine]

89. I was in one once just to see

what kind of place it is and I was not impressed. I actively avoid them which isn't hard cause the nearest one is at least an hour and a half away. I live in an area where there are hundreds of other stores to choose from and they do a good job of keeping Walmart out of here.

[knitter4democracy]

91. Where's the "Hell, No!" option?

;)

I can't stand that place, so I haven't shopped there in years. Evil.

[crappyjazz]

93. Canadian Tire and Loblaws Superstore

We have a Walmart here but I avoid it at all costs. My parter, who is American, sometimes picks up things there now and then, but I'm slowly training her!

[SeveneightyWhoa]

98. I have no problem supporting big Canadian stores.

Sobeys, too.

Unfortunately I've had to cross Zellers and The Bay from that list recently as they've become American-owned. Only reason I ever shopped at either of those was because it felt good supporting a Canadian company. Now I might as well shop at Wal-Mart instead of Zellers since they both sell the same made-in-China stuff, and all the profits are going down south.

[Canuckistanian]

172. Hey, crappyjazz

We're almost neighbours. I'm just up the highway from you.

Welcome to DU!
:toast:
:hi:

[MrSlayer]

94. Not simply "No", "Fuck no!" is more to the point.

Screw them.

[bigwillq]

95. No. I actively try and avoid shopping there.

I hate that store.

[dddem]

100. my husband came home all excited because he won a gift card

to walmart, and since it was already paid for, I had to give in, but I warned him and my girls that they were not allowed to spend even one dime over and above the value of the card, since I refuse to spend any of my hard earned money in that place. Funny thing, the next time he won a gift card to walmart, he traded it with a co-worker for a target card. Which I happily spent.

[yasmina27]

101. Only

for my favorite ball point pen that I absolutely cannot get anywhere else! I am pissed - have looked EVERYWHERE - KMart, Target, Office supply stores, drug stores, grocery stores.... It makes me so angry that they've cornered the market on this tiny item. Imagine what else you can only find at Wally World, but I don't go there enough to care to find out.

OTOH - I read recently that they have pledged to become more "green" - building the only green store and vowing to reduce energy consumption by so many % - be more environmentally friendly, and so on. I read it in Utne - will see if I can find a link to post. Still tho', add up all its other demerits and WalMart goes from exceedingly disgusting to hurl-your-lunch level.

I get a sick feeling in my stomach when I walk through the door, am tunnel vision all the way to get my pens, bee-line to the registers and GET THE HELL OUT!

[Breeze54]

103. No, I actively avoid it! ..... Here's why...

All the reasons below are important but the highlighted ones are the reason I avoid them!
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
http://walmartwatch.com/home/pages/issues

* HEALTH CARE
Wal-Mart fails to provide health insurance to over half its employees.
Who pays for it? We all do.
Wal-Mart workers top Medicaid rolls in at least 16 states. Read more.

* WOMEN
Wal-Mart is the subject of the largest class action lawsuit in history
by current and former female employees who were paid and promoted at
significantly lower rates than their male co-workers.
Read more. http://walmartwatch.com/img/downloads/women.pdf

* OUTSOURCING
If Wal-Mart were an independent nation, it would be China’s eighth-largest
trading partner. Is Wal-Mart trading away America's future to fatten its
corporate bottom line? Read more.

* LOCAL ECONOMIES
For every new Supercenter that Wal-Mart opens, two local supermarkets will close.
How will this affect your town? Big box stores like Wal-Mart spend nearly four
times less within local and state economies as local businesses do. Read more.

* WORKERS
The average pay for a Wal-Mart sales associate is $1,000 below the poverty line
for a family of three. Business as usual? Not necessarily.
Retail rival Costco pays its workers 65% more on average than Wal-Mart,
yet earns more profits per employee. Read more.

* DISCRIMINATION
Two recent lawsuits by minority employees and customers have brought to light
a disturbing pattern of racial discrimination by Wal-Mart. Read more.

* ENVIRONMENT
Wal-Mart has a long history of breaking environmental laws that its high-priced
green-washing campaign can't hide. Its record of environmental abuse was described
by one top law enforcement official as "widespread, systematic, repeated" and has
incurred millions in fines from state and federal agencies. Read more.

* UNCHECKED GROWTH
Think Wal-Marts are everywhere you turn today? Just wait five years. Wal-Mart plans
to nearly double its retail outlets in the U.S. by 2010 and has already demonstrated
its willingness to play hardball with anyone who stands in its way. Read more.

:P

[DanCa]

112. Try living on 427 dollars for one month

Than get back to me about where I shop. I wish I could pick or choose but untill ssdi goes up I am stuck.

[DetroitProle]

113. never. union YES, Wal-Mart NO!

I have no money. But I live with pops. When I must shop, its Salvation Army. I'm a dirt-poor student. If I have some cash on hand, its Meijer. At least they're union and can make a living, at least after a few years working there.
Back in my younger years, before I knew of the evils of Wal-Mart, I still found the place generally repulsive. Who the fuck would ever want to even be in there?
UFCW Local 876. Let's not rest until Wal-Mart is unionized. Until then, no business from us. Solidarity.

[Marie26]

134. Target, Walmart, & Costco are all non-union

The Salvation Army is probably the best option.

[JanMichael]

151. Costco is unionized in some stores in California.

But even then the starting wages, median wages, and benefits at Costco blow walmart out of the water. It's a employee friendly company as opposed to Walmartzilla.

[Marie26]

176. Costco is better

than Wal-Mart (it'd be hard to be worse). There was a nice profile of the company on 60 Minutes & the founder does seem to really care about his employees. Still, though, it's not unionized for the most part. It seems like there's hardly any retail stores that are.

[mvd]

116. Not very often at all

Usually when I can't find something somewhere else.

[GoneOffShore]

118. All those who say they have no choice

Have you ever thought of getting together a buying co-op?

Instead of dropping your money into the maw of Sam Walton's heirs, hook up with other people in your community who are in similar economic straits, pool your resources and figure out a way to buy locally or in a major center.

That's a way to build community, stop the flow off cash into Wally World and maybe support local merchants.

Just a thought.

[nonconformist]

120. Occasionally, rarely... I avoid them as much as possible

And that can be quite hard, because I don't really have any other local options - or a lot of disposable income. But over the last 2-3 years, I have decreased my Walmart patronage by at least 90% - no shit. When possible, I shop elsewhere or online. I think Walmart practices are absolutely deplorable, and I can also speak from experience - I worked for Walmart 11/12 years ago. Worst.job.ever.

[The Jacobin]

125. I buy groceries at a WM "Neighborhood Market"

It's just the grocery stuff. It opened up the street when I was irritated at the store where I used to regularly shop because they kept having lousy vegetables and meat. The "Market" has had consistently better produce and meat, and their prices are about the same.

On the other hand, I try to avoid the insanity of a full WM. My elitism comes rushing up like bile from my stomach when I encounter those (mostly) dirty stores full of (mostly) rude people.

[Bridget Burke]

129. Nope. The first & only WalMart I ever walked into was a dump.

Bad lighting, jumbled merchandise & a pervading malaise; I walked right back out. This happened before I knew about WalMart's practices, so I can't say my original distaste had Liberal roots. I live in a big city & have many other options.

Yes, I'm another Target elitist. I know I ought to raise or make everything myself or buy it from someone who lives in a yurt, but it's just not possible. I don't go to Target often, because the stores are set up so nicely & much of their stuff is so tasteful that I end up spending more than I'd planned. Alas, they're building one in my neighborhood....

[BigMcLargehuge]

131. I shopped at Wal Mart 1 time

We had a snowstorm bearing down and I needed a pull start for my snow blower. I went to Aubuchon's hardware, they were out. I went to Sears, no luck, sold out. I went to Home Depot, out. I went to K-mart, sold out. I went to the three local small engine repair shops in town, all three were closed. Finally, after spending three hours cruising around town as the flakes began to fall, I swallowed my reservations and went to Wal Mart.

I bought two cords, just in case.

[noonwitch]

132. Meijer (a union company) or Target for me

I like Meijer, always have. Their stores are nice and clean, and they are not expensive. They are slightly more expensive than WalMart, but they treat their employees considerably better, so, for me, it is worth the extra $5 a week to go there.

[2bfree]

133. Yes.

They ran out most of the other businesses in town and we live an hour away from any other department stores. I buy my groceries somewhere else and try and save my list for when we go to "town" but in our area Walmart is the only place you can get art supplies (crappy as their selection is), sewing notions, electronics...........etc.

[trackfan]

135. I have never been in one, or even seen one up close.

There is a sign for one visible from a freeway around here; that's about as close as I have come.

[truebrit71]

136. Nope. We actively avoid it. We shop at Costco's.

I loathe Wal-Fart with a passion...

[nashville_brook]

137. it started YEARS ago, before the politics became evident

i realized it was RIDICULOUS to drive all the way out to it, and then walk for what seemed like MILES in the unending BOX OF SHIT to score whatever household item i needed. probably clear storage boxes. i realized i spent way more time on procuring what i needed than it took to do the chore at hand.

and it pissed me off.

[AztecGringo]

140. My Wife Tried to Hide Walmart Purchase

My wife actually bought something at Walmart for our new house and tried to hide the bag so I would not find out that she spent money there, given my active avoiding of that store. I get ALL bulk items at Costco. But then, again, living in Los Angeles makes it easy to avoid Walmart.

[AztecGringo]

141. Won't Even Invest In Mutual Funds with Walmart

I would like to invest in a Latin American mutual fund, but have found that virtually all of them invest in Walmart. As such, I have invested in European and Mediterranean markets. Sometimes you have to walk the walk.

[OPERATIONMINDCRIME]

142. Yes.

Mainly for baby items/baby clothes, certain higher priced electronics, and in the spring/summer I'll get stuff from their plant nursery.

[liberalnurse]

143. That was the easiest question

I had to answer all day. :smoke:

[StrongbadTehAwesome]

144. Used to be the first place I'd go for just about anything - not anymore.

I haven't spent my own money there in over a year. I did spend a giftcard given to me for Christmas, because I figured they already had the money from it, so I may as well get something out of it. But seeing someone's post above about trading cards with a coworker, I think I might just have to pass any future WallyWorld cards onto family members who insist on shopping there anyway. It bothered me just being in that store again, being helped by workers who are paid so little that they qualify for food stamps.

[Progressive4Life]

145. Actively avoiding since 1994

What originally got me was their false dedication to the environment. They'd say they were Earth-friendly because they promoted the recycling of their own plastic bags. (If you threw a bag from another store into their bin, Wanker-Mart would throw it in the trash.) Then, they'd turn around and tear up farm or forest land to build another strip mall.

Then came the sweat shops a couple years later, then sex and gender discrimination, then the refusal to carry mifepristone and EC, then the killing of local economies, then the larger issues with wages and benefits. The list just got longer and uglier.

Although I'm below the poverty level, I'll shell out the few extra bucks to keep my money within the community.

[Breeze54]

147. Right on! and

...Welcome to DU!!

:hi:

[Kerrytravelers]

146. I live in an area where we have many options.

We are able to buy organic products and sustainable products from companies that are green and eco-intelligent (that's what I call them when they are smart on the environment.) But I realize that not everybody is in this situation.

[One Honest Guy]

148. I'm so disappointed at some of the ignorant responses here.

Listen up, I buy what I can afford, and I can afford to shop at "Wal-Mart". Some of the responses here border on infantile. I'm not exactly what you would call rich, in financial sense at least. My guess is most Wal-Mart shoppers are not exactly rich either, regardless of their political orientation.

[JanMichael]

149. Read. It's bigger than you "think".

http://www.walmartmovie.com/facts.php

Seriously. Republicans are bashed by this megafuckingmonster too.

[One Honest Guy]

177. What does that have to do with anything?

I was talking about quite obvious elitism expressed by some posters here. Right now, Wal-Mart is the best many of us can afford. Only a child would not understand that. Or someone isolated from the realities of this world.

[OPERATIONMINDCRIME]

162. Welcome To DU. And Don't Sweat It

There may be many topics of which you will see comments made that may display ignorance, narrow-mindedness, extremism, and lockstepping. But that is bound to occur on any large message board. But as you navigate throughout DU, you will also find it to be full of some of the most valuable input and information that you couldn't get from anywhere else, and posted by people whose intellect and insight would knock your socks off. It is all part of what makes DU the most addictive site on the net. So don't sweat the ill guided comments that appear, cause there are far more throughout DU that are amazingly impressive. :)

[One Honest Guy]

179. Thanks for the welcome.

Intellect is worthless without some common sense.

[troubleinwinter]

167. Hahahahaha!!!!

If it were MY FIRST post, I would not introduce myself by calling others on the board ignorant and infantile.

But that's just me. :rofl:

[Pavulon]

152. What a joke..

Do you buy Coffee?
Parts for your car?
Clothes not made by a tailor? (fabric made in england only)
Purchase any item from a 3rd world nation from any source?
Live in a house build by immigrant labor?

You support the same SUPPLIERS that walmart uses.
Walmart uses economy of scale to make suppliers conform to its inventory management system.

All retail Jobs suck. Working at restaurants sucked. They all have shitty benefits.

If you want to spend your money on a commodity item somewhere else do so.

I will not pay premium for the same item, defies common sense.

I can afford to and choose not to.

[U4ikLefty]

153. Dontcha know...there are Americans on this board with computers that

would die from starvation unless they go to WalMart to buy their food?!? :sarcasm:

[OPERATIONMINDCRIME]

154. And Others That Would Die From Choking On Their Own Self Righteousness.

:silly:

[Name removed]

157. Deleted message

Message removed by moderator. Click here to review the message board rules.

[OPERATIONMINDCRIME]

158. I Don't Own A 2002 Chevy Tahoe. But Regarldess, As Long As The

self righteous choke :rofl:

Just kidding, but I still can't stand self righteous extremists. LOL

[Name removed]

161. Deleted message

Message removed by moderator. Click here to review the message board rules.

[Pavulon]

155. Computers

Made in CHINA under slave labor conditions. Even the MAC is made overseas for cheapo labor cost.

Not in a union shop in CA for sure.

[U4ikLefty]

159. ...and your point is??? n/t

[Pavulon]

160. Computers (your topic)

are made by cheap, nonunion, unregulated labor. Mine is from communist china, same as the socks at walmart.

Questions?

[U4ikLefty]

163. Really? So if I can find a computer maker that pays better that Wal Mart

you will concede??? Probably not..which is why I don't bother with such ridiculous "arguments."

Enjoy you shopping at WalMart!!!

[Pavulon]

164. Indonesia, malaysia, china

are a good place to start looking. There are NO pc manufacturers who make parts here. Assemble yep, but that is getting rare.

Even server class equipment is made in non union, unregulated, low cost labor markets.

Check out the back of a HP DL or BL (blade) server. It is not made here..

Pay is not the issue. SUPPLY is the issue. All retail pays shit.

Walmart uses foreign goods and inventory management to reduce cost. Same as Lenovo (formerly IBM laptops)

[U4ikLefty]

169. So you buy foreign made PC's & shop at Wal Mart??? n/t

[Pavulon]

178. You can, but no

Mine come from CDW. However like walmart they supply a product that is made under questionable labor conditions.

So yes, I shop at walmart and buy foreign made PC's. I think some of the corporate equipment MAY be made in the us, but I doubt it. I buy software and equipment made in Israel too. Am I double plus UNGOOD?

Maybe the Liebert power management stuff.

[MS68]

156. Need another choice...

Like.... I live in NW Arkansas (Walmart headquarters) and there aren't many other options. I never set foot in one until I moved here. I finally broke down and went in one and discovered they had some items that I was used to getting in Orlando and couldn't find in any of the other stores around here.

I would much prefer Costco, but there are NO Costco's in the area - not even a BJ's - only SAM's.

I try to shop at the other stores and only buy what I can't get there from Walmart.

[orleans]

166. absolutely NOT

not walmart, not sams club

(fuck them!)

and for people who believe that falling prices crap walmart advertises.....
i used to shop there five or so years ago and i realized that the target store had lower prices than walmart--walmart was the expensive end of cheap.

so if people say they can't afford to shop anywhere else--try the other low-end stores (target, kmart--you might be surprised that their prices are LOWER than FREAKIN WALMART!)

[LibertyorDeath]

168. No never they can suck shit and die!

I hate everything they are and everything they stand for!

[Canuckistanian]

170. We drove one out of our town

And another one popped up in a nearby town about twenty miles away.

But it was a more depressed town, more unemployed, factory closings, etc., so a much better fit for the vultures at Walmart Corporate.

[genieroze]

171. I try to avoid them but once in a while I go there and feel so nasty

doing so but money is tight right now thanks to * oil biddies. I like Aldi but it's a crap shoot on what you will find there other than the basics. There is BIG LOTS and they are a crap shoot as well.

[LeftofU]

173. never

never again

[LearnedHand]

174. Not only NO,

I have actually paid $50 over WalMart's price because I refuse to darken their doors. And I paid that extra money gladly!

[Qanisqineq]

175. I avoided it in the states like the plague

but now that I am living overseas (Korea), I do shop there once in a while. Mainly because they do carry a few American products that I am familiar with, the ease of finding a number of things in one place, and it is right outside a subway station and we do not have a car here.

It leaves a bad taste in my mouth but I don't give them a whole helluva lot of business.

[movie_girl99]

180. I hate the place but we save about $15.00 a week

by shopping for groceries there and that's a huge saving for a month. We tried Kroger and Albertsons but ended up spending a lot more for the same items. We buy all produce and meats at Costco though.

[skipos]

181. ABSOLUTELY NOT. nt