SUPER WALMART

Hi trout & Forum,

There's no argument that Walmart overall has been a good addition to a 401K. Also, I would agree that there is a way in which Walmart can push local stores from getting too sleepy.

Still, there's a couple of things that depress me. One is that the overwhelming amount of stuff this major caller-of-the-shots retailer actually sells and buys does little to nothing to help and encourage USA products.

The other is that it is just one more drop in the bucket in the uniform corporate face of America. I like local stores with local folks running them. I like local creativity and enterprise. How many "mom & pops" give up before they start because of Walmart competition we'll never know.

I also would like to see more from this corporation locally in terms of things other than retail service employment. They have huge corporate operations with really decent jobs and training but these jobs and opportunities don't seem to reside here.

The area would be in bad shape without Walmart. It does provide jobs both locally and around the area. It makes other businesses be more competive in pricing which is a must in this low income area. Businesses that compete with WM need to be brighter in the way they compete and not just complain. Also WM does give back to the community in several ways.

If most retirees checked their pensions and 401ks they would like WM more since most plans invest in WM stock which has done very well over the years.

Hi Forum,

I would like us to return to this topic for a good reason. We've spent a lot of time and energy of the Forum speaking about local economic development. However, we have left the presence of Walmart largely out of the picture. What d you think the presence of this store in our area has done to local business? Overall, do you see Walmart's presence here to be a plus or minus to the well-being of the area. I'm trying to be objective about this one. I know that the topic of Walmart tends to bring on strong feelings both pro and con. Seriously, what is the impact?

Hi Forum,

WALMART is a loaded topic. We are fortunate that there is a source of goods and services in the area as comprehensive as WALMART offers. For those who do not know, it is in Ash Flats. For all practical purposes, it is the grocery and clothing store for about everyone. I would like to hear form people who actually have worked there and can say what Walmart is like as an employer. I also would really like to hear from folks with a "long view" who can tell us what life was like business wise before WalMart hit the local scene. My personal issue is community reinvestment. Does anyone know the extent of the dollars and cents Walmart puts back into the community or has thoughts about what more they could do? It seems to me that we should be getting more out of them in terms of diversity of jobs like those at corporate or transportation.