Why I like Walmart!

Why I like Walmart!

People either love or hate Walmart. Those that love it like the low prices they can get on a number of products and the ability to find everything they want (almost) in one store. Those that hate it feel it puts local mom and pop stores out of business and pays low wages.

By galaysobi on Flickr - They even have them in China!

I like Walmart because of the selection and low prices. I know when I come through the door I am not gonna have a personal shopper and it can be a bit of o chore getting help. But I like saving money and I like convenience.

For those of you that do not like Walmart I think that sometimes they do put small businesses out of business. This is sad, but the reality is if not Walmart then someone else will. Furthermore the business that thrive against Walmart are those focused on specialty items and customer service. Good things to focus on. Walmart cannot compete with my local hobby story for most of my hobby needs/wants. If you want a high end racing bike; don't go to Walmart. Don't try Walmart for really unique Lego Models either; Walmart only carries what it can buy in bulk.

As an aside I do not like Walmart's backing of the National Health Care Plan and this has been a turn off for me. But that is another issue for another day.

The Low wage issue is one of Walmart's best features. Walmart is one of America's job training grounds and we need to appreciate that. Yes, many people at Walmart do not make a lot of money. I bet they do make more money than many people at a lot of those small mom and pop stores you always whine about. They also make more than people at some other entry level jobs. No one has to work at Walmart; usually they have more applications than positions. But if someone does work at Walmart they can move up. A lot of top people at Walmart started at the bottom or they can learn job skills to take to another job.

The most important job skill people lack in this country is the ability to show up to work on time and work as a team. We don't need a government program for this. We need Walmart and more companies like Walmart. Young people and people new to the job market need to get these skills; they can get them at Walmart.

Walmart also provides part time work for senior citizens needing a little extra income. Ultimately if someone does not like working at Walmart they should find another job. If there are no other jobs maybe we need an economy and a tax system that creates high paying jobs rather than tearing Walmart down.