Unemployment… economic slowdown… blame it on Wal-Mart!
Well you can’t actually blame the poor economy and joblessness on Wal-Mart, that my friends falls to you. That’s right each and every person in North America that has ever shopped at the big box superstores like Wal-Mart don’t realize that with every dollar spent they are putting themselves out of a job.
In 1989 through to 1993, Wal-Mart had a buy American policy. What this meant was that the company would make it a point to source their products from American Suppliers. Which worked pretty well. It kept Americans employed at decent wages providing a comfortable lifestyle for most.
So products were offered at a fair price and delivered very good value. The value in this case was measured by the superior quality of an American made products and the fact that your friends, neighbors and families were employed! Not only employed but tax paying employed, providing the funds to maintain city services improving our lifestyles.
As it so happens that as Wal-Mart grew and their buying power became enormous they started to demand products at lower prices, those who didn’t comply where dropped for products that did. So there was and is a great deal of pressure for manufacturers to produce their products cheaper. That means finding cheap labor and China fits the bill!
Wal-Mart, according to information found on Wikipedia states that in 2005, about 60% of Wal-Mart‘s merchandise was imported, compared to 6% in 1995.[92]
In 2004, Wal-Mart spent $18 billion on Chinese products alone, and if it were an individual economy, the company would rank as China’s eighth largest trading partner, ahead of Russia, Australia, and Canada.[93]
One group estimates that the growing US trade deficit with China, heavily influenced by Wal-Mart imports, is estimated to have moved over 1.5 million jobs that might otherwise be in America to China between 1989 and 2003.
Personally, I tend to stay away from big box stores. I shop locally. I am very community oriented. I prefer to pay an extra few pennies to support my local merchant who lives and serves in my neighbourhood. Many of whom have become very good friends and trusted professionals. When ever I have bought or am buying a new car I buy a FORD. Because when I do I know that it helps to keep my father, brothers, nephews, friends and neighbours employed.
Lets stop defining Value as it relates to Price. The Social Costs are significant. So shop locally, and support your neighbors.
