New Wal*Mart

[viscousmemories]

I could've sworn I mentioned this around here before, but I can't find it now.

Anyway, they're building this new giant first-of-its-kind two story Wal*Mart up the street from me, and it's been a hot issue in the news because of course all the small businesses in the area are afraid they'll go out of business. Anyway despite the fact that I believe Wal*Mart is evil I can't say I know (or care, really) a lot about the situation, but I have to admit the new building looks damn purty as far as Wal*Marts go. Not to mention that the site it's moving into is currently a run-down, nearly abandoned mall that I won't miss.

http://www.walmart-northcross.com/images/home_pic.jpg
Image stolen from Wal*Mart Northcross website (http://www.walmart-northcross.com)

[Ari]

New sections include,
•Undocumented workers - need labor but don't want to deal with the high prices charged by licensed workers? Would like to abuse your workers without worry of lawsuits? Walmart bulk imports the very finest mexican laborers and passes the savings on to you.

•Jesus corner - Find all your christian needs, including Jesus themed bath curtains, foot massagers, towels and plates. A book section containing all the walmart staples, such as the truth about dinosaurs and why God hates liberals. A completely separate music section so your music isn't contaminated by the sins of secular groups, featuring the wholesome christian-rock of 'Rapture: death to the unbelievers'

•Made in america - Featuring all our products made in america. (currently this section is too small to be marked on the in-store map)

•Plane care - After the success of our auto-care section comes plane-care. Find all quality Airbus, Cessna and Boeing parts you need at the low prices you have come to expect. Our skilled minimum wage workers will install your parts while you and your passengers wait.

•Gynecologist - Expanding our health section once again, for that feminine touch. (Gynecologist office located within hunting section.)

[D. Scarlatti]

Wal*Mart is the only retailer where at both its online and bricks and mortar outlets, the patrons can be found shopping in their underwear.

I love that joke and can never tell it properly.

[Belladonna]

I recently read an article about how WalMart has been recruiting former military and government intelligence officers for a branch of its global security office aimed at identifying threats to the world's largest retailer, including from "suspect individuals and groups".

[godfry n. glad]

Wal*Mart is the only retailer where at both its online and bricks and mortar outlets, the patrons can be found shopping in their underwear.

I love that joke and can never tell it properly.

My wife used to tell female acquaintances that if they wanted to feel "pretty", they should go spend an hour shopping at Wal-Mart.

I personally think that if they are going to expand into health care, there seems to be a huge pent-up demand for dental services amongst their regular customers. That's the direction they should grow. There's a gold mine in partials, crowns and dentures wandering their aisles.

[viscousmemories]

I'm really not feeling the love for the beautiful architecture here. :P

I've got Wal*Mart: The High Cost of Low Price from Netflix. I'll come share the hate when I'm done watching it - probably tomorrowish.

[Ari]

The architecture does like nice compared to the box shape of others, although I'm not a big fan of out of place wires latched to the building.

[Listener]

That awning looks too flimsy to support that building :chin:

[Angakuk]

I recently read an article about how WalMart has been recruiting former military and government intelligence officers for a branch of its global security office aimed at identifying threats to the world's largest retailer, including from "suspect individuals and groups".
Apropos Belladonna's comment, I want to say that I am sick and tired of all these mom & pop business whining about how Wal*Mart is going to put them out of business. If they are really concerned they should do what other marginalized and oppressed people do. The should organize their own terrorist groups and the bomb the shit out of some stuff.

[Petra]

I'm really not feeling the love for the beautiful architecture here. :P

Yeah, yeah, it's got that faux Lloyd-Wright thing going on... :popcorn:

I've got Wal*Mart: The High Cost of Low Price from Netflix. I'll come share the hate when I'm done watching it - probably tomorrowish.

Good on'ya. :cool:

But, who knows what's true or false these days? I've been reading some smack about Hilary and Walmart. Do you reckon it's truth, or truth stretched?

[davidm]

Yeah, yeah, it's got that faux Lloyd-Wright thing going on... :popcorn:

:yeahthat:

Below is the curmudgeonly, dystopian view of WalMart and all things and modes of living associated with it, along with some relevant history (such as why the U.S. is producing about half the oil today that it did in 1970. Answer: we are running out of the stuff.)


Why WalMart is finished. (http://www.kunstler.com/spch_hudson.htm)

[Belladonna]

I recently read an article about how WalMart has been recruiting former military and government intelligence officers for a branch of its global security office aimed at identifying threats to the world's largest retailer, including from "suspect individuals and groups".
Apropos Belladonna's comment, I want to say that I am sick and tired of all these mom & pop business whining about how Wal*Mart is going to put them out of business. If they are really concerned they should do what other marginalized and oppressed people do. The should organize their own terrorist groups and the bomb the shit out of some stuff.

Would explain the bunkeresque style of architecture in the older style stores. The newer ones look more like a temple...perhaps for the masses to pray to?

[lisarea]

THAT IS THE BIGGEST BIKE RACK EVER. It's coming up to their necks!

Also I like how the couple up on that landing thingy are gazing out onto the majestic vista that is the parking lot, and the lady in front walking out of the store is prancing like a show pony.

As far as the overall look, though: I dunno. There are strip malls around here that look pretty much like that. They're still strip malls. And that's still a WalMart.

[godfry n. glad]

I'm just surprised that they are spending so much on non-functional decorative crap. Their customers certainly won't appreciate it.

[viscousmemories]

Also I like how the couple up on that landing thingy are gazing out onto the majestic vista that is the parking lot...
:laugh:

Okay, time for the other side.

The documentary was pretty decent. Like many documentaries it was a bit heavy on melodrama and light on facts, but I still learned some things. Like how ghastly the factory conditions are in China, and how much Wal*Mart costs American taxpayers in subsidies and encouraging employees to go on public assistance.

I'm sympathetic toward Mom & Pop stores that are driven out of business by Wal*Mart, but everyone they interviewed in the movie swore up and down that free-market capitalism was the be-all end-all, they just thought "something should be done" to prevent them having to compete with Goliath. Just seems a bit hypocritical to me, but then I'm not much of an economist.

I also did some Googling after the movie and found one of the groups that opposes the Northcross Wal*Mart development I talk about in the OP: Responsible Growth for Northcross (http://www.rg4n.org/). I was under the impression the Wal*Mart was a done deal here (maybe because of the glossy full-color pamphlet I got in the mail showing pictures of the planned development) but apparently that's not the case.

[Ari]

I don't hold complete sympathy for all the "Mom & Pop" stores. In town and some of the neighboring town some smaller stores gouge their customers, sometimes needlessly, for the exact same products sold in larger stores because they don't have competition.

Then there's the entirely different issue that Walmart often tries to dictate morals to their customers, who can't easily exercise their 'power of the dollar' because the giant store has pushed out their other options.

[godfry n. glad]

Also I like how the couple up on that landing thingy are gazing out onto the majestic vista that is the parking lot...
:laugh:

Okay, time for the other side.

The documentary was pretty decent. Like many documentaries it was a bit heavy on melodrama and light on facts, but I still learned some things. Like how ghastly the factory conditions are in China, and how much Wal*Mart costs American taxpayers in subsidies and encouraging employees to go on public assistance.

I'm sympathetic toward Mom & Pop stores that are driven out of business by Wal*Mart, but everyone they interviewed in the movie swore up and down that free-market capitalism was the be-all end-all, they just thought "something should be done" to prevent them having to compete with Goliath. Just seems a bit hypocritical to me, but then I'm not much of an economist.

I also did some Googling after the movie and found one of the groups that opposes the Northcross Wal*Mart development I talk about in the OP: Responsible Growth for Northcross (http://www.rg4n.org/). I was under the impression the Wal*Mart was a done deal here (maybe because of the glossy full-color pamphlet I got in the mail showing pictures of the planned development) but apparently that's not the case.

Yeah...I think you'll find that more and more outlets are getting opposition. Three outlets planned for here have been stopped by local resistance. Another is currently being opposed, complete with the support of city council members. Of course, when a corporation has been convicted of multiple violations of the state labor laws, including forced overtime, refused breaks, and sexist and racist hiring practices...well, they just don't make friends.

There are ongoing complaints of "restraint of trade" as well, where after Wal*Mart enters a market, they take a loss on some items by pricing them below their product cost and undercut the local competing merchants.

Oh...and vm? Monopolistic practices are not "market capitalism". They are considered "aberrant behavior."

[lisarea]

One of my overriding concerns about WalMart is that their business model hinges so much on planned obsolescence. They pander to and perpetuate short sighted and selfish behaviors on the part of consumers. I'm guessing people have always been like that, but the current consumer landscape certainly is making the behaviors more prevalent these days.

Everything from clothes to appliances and electronics seems to be designed to be low-priced and disposable. So if you need a pair of jeans or a stereo, you can go to WalMart and get it at little cost and with little thought or planning. Then, a few months or a year later or so, when your jeans fall apart in the machine or your little plastic shelf system stops working, you throw it away and buy another one.

I've encountered a whole lot of people who seem to be completely incapable of understanding what is wrong with this at all. Go look around the internets for confirmation. If a website runs a story about how to clean your keyboard or get your cellphone unlocked, or how to fix, refurbish, or reuse just about anything in any way, odds are good that the majority of comments will be incredulous. But...but...you can get a new [whatever] for [price point]. There's an astonishing number of people who seem completely incapable of understanding anything beyond selfish, instant gratification.

It's not just WalMart that does this, of course, and it's far from being the only problem with WalMart.

It's a big one, though, and ultimately, it arises from the same selfishness and stupidity that's at the heart of pretty much all the other problems with WalMart World.

[Abdul Alhazred]

Walmart gets all the bad press because they are the biggest, but when it comes to labor practices and the like they are no different from the "small" big box chains such as Target.

And yes, that is definitely a nice looking building compared to any Walmart I've personally seen.

Was it built for the purpose, or an existing building acquired?

[lisarea]

Walmart gets all the bad press because they are the biggest, but when it comes to labor practices and the like they are no different from the "small" big box chains such as Target.

Target has definitely become more like WalMart in recent years, but WalMart is not just getting picked on because it's big. WalMart really is notably evil.

[viscousmemories]

Oh...and vm? Monopolistic practices are not "market capitalism". They are considered "aberrant behavior."
What specific practices of WalMart's would you describe as monopolistic?

Everything from clothes to appliances and electronics seems to be designed to be low-priced and disposable.
...
I've encountered a whole lot of people who seem to be completely incapable of understanding what is wrong with this at all.
Not to be daft, but what is wrong with it besides overflowing landfills. Not that overflowing landfills isn't bad, but I mean isn't the bad balanced by good for the economy if people are producing and buying more?

Was it built for the purpose, or an existing building acquired?
That's just a design - it may or may not get built.

[D. Scarlatti]

Gay Wal-Mart (http://illusorytenant.blogspot.com/2006/09/gay-wal-mart.html)

[Artemis Entreri]

They are planning to branch into health care. (http://today.reuters.com/news/articlenews.aspx?type=healthNews&storyid=2007-04-24T205450Z_01_WEN6901_RTRUKOC_0_US-WALMART-CLINICS.xml&src=rss&rpc=22)

[viscousmemories]

Gay Wal-Mart (http://illusorytenant.blogspot.com/2006/09/gay-wal-mart.html)
From that blog:
"...professional Christian"
What a great term.

[D. Scarlatti]

I stole it from some guy somewhere who was describing James Dobson.

[viscousmemories]

lol - I missed that you're the blogger. Well done!

[lisarea]

Everything from clothes to appliances and electronics seems to be designed to be low-priced and disposable.
...
I've encountered a whole lot of people who seem to be completely incapable of understanding what is wrong with this at all.
Not to be daft, but what is wrong with it besides overflowing landfills. Not that overflowing landfills isn't bad, but I mean isn't the bad balanced by good for the economy if people are producing and buying more?

Well, landfills are a very big deal, and they're not just overflowing, but often toxic. Electronics in particular can be seriously hazardous, and nobody disposes of those as toxic waste (although they're supposed to). Add to that the manufacturing process, which is filthy to varying degrees, and the cost of transporting shit from China or wherever it's made to your local WalMart, and yeah, that adds up.

There's no way to balance that out economically, and any economic benefit is speculative anyway.

Anyway, who is excessive consumption supposed to be helping? The US? How? Why? What good is it really doing us? We have more cell phones and $25 DVD players? Developing economies? You can argue that, in some cases, some people in the third world are better off, individually and in the short run, because they have better paying jobs at their sweatshops than they had before that, but how long is that going to last? What are the long-term damages?

This kind of world economy cannot last. And it won't, one way or another.

[viscousmemories]

Well, landfills are a very big deal, and they're not just overflowing, but often toxic. Electronics in particular can be seriously hazardous, and nobody disposes of those as toxic waste (although they're supposed to). Add to that the manufacturing process, which is filthy to varying degrees, and the cost of transporting shit from China or wherever it's made to your local WalMart, and yeah, that adds up.

There's no way to balance that out economically, and any economic benefit is speculative anyway.
Good points! It seemed intuitively sensible to me, I just couldn't articulate it.

Anyway, who is excessive consumption supposed to be helping?
Well my understanding is admittedly simplistic, but I was just thinking the more things people consume the more they require, and the more they require the more people are needed to make the things they consume. Ergo jobs, etc.

[LadyShea]

There was a documentary about the factories in China that make Mardi Gras beads. I think factories in China will suck whether it's WalMart or some other company/sets of companies buying and selling the crap. Women especially are pushed to factories because they aren't of use to the family unless they're making money or some shit.

[Ari]

I find it ironically fitting that the same over populated low-wage and low-oversight conditions Walmart has taken advantage of to build their empire is causing them such a headache when used by criminals to make counterfeit brands, DVDs and CDs.

[Dingfod]

They are planning to branch into health care. (http://today.reuters.com/news/articlenews.aspx?type=healthNews&storyid=2007-04-24T205450Z_01_WEN6901_RTRUKOC_0_US-WALMART-CLINICS.xml&src=rss&rpc=22)Will Wal*Mart employees be able to afford it?

[viscousmemories]

I went to my first ever "community meeting" tonight to hear what the anti-Wal*Mart crew had to say. It was a lively event - maybe 200 people (including a couple city council members and news crews) showed up. I bought a t-shirt.

I also set up a donation page 'cause it was free and easy to do, so on the off-chance that any of you hate Wal*Mart enough to throw some cash at the dream of keeping them out of my neighborhood you can do so here (http://www.active.com/donate/rg4n/webzetetic).

[Dingfod]

Haters.

[peepnklown]

I have begun my plans to stop supporting big business (which I have been doing for nearly a year now). I eat out at small privately owned restaurants, I buy my goods at small privately owned stores, and preach this message to everyone I talk with.

[Angakuk]

I do all my shopping at Wal*Mart so that when the bubble collapses I will have no regrets over missed opportunities.

[godfry n. glad]

I do all my shopping at Wal*Mart so that when the bubble collapses I will have no regrets over missed opportunities.

So...Do you wear your "rotting teeth" gag prop when you go? Or do you even need them?

[Angakuk]

I believe "rotting teeth" are optional. No one has ever asked to inspect mine, which are not rotting. I brush with Crest. At least once a week, whether they need it or not.

[Abdul Alhazred]

I have begun my plans to stop supporting big business (which I have been doing for nearly a year now). I eat out at small privately owned restaurants, I buy my goods at small privately owned stores, and preach this message to everyone I talk with.

Where do the small restaurants and stores buy their supplies?

[Angakuk]

IGA (http://www.iga.com/)
A&P (http://www.apsupermarket.com/)
SYSCO (http://www.sysco.com/)

Can you say "wholesale"?

[Abdul Alhazred]

Well I figured wholesale.

But isn't that still 'big business'?

[viscousmemories]

I attended a protest against this new Wal*Mart today. It took place in front of another Wal*Mart superstore just about 3.2 miles up the road from the one intended to infest our neighborhood. Given the close proximity, I have no sympathy for the 'convenience' argument - which is the only somewhat reasonable argument I've heard in favor of having a Wal*Mart here.

Some thoughts on the protest:

I would expect the organizers to make more of an effort to meet and greet everyone who shows up to protest. I was there for the whole hour wearing my shirt and holding my sign, but not so much as a "Hello" from anyone. One of the organizers even stopped to chat with a guy 10 ft. away from me. I bet he would've talked to me if he knew I was the #1 fundraiser for his group. :brooding:

The lone pro-Wal*Mart demonstrator (seriously) was so pretty I gave some serious thought to switching teams. It's a good thing I'm almost as interested in brains as beauty, or rg4n would've lost me.

I really need to get out and be more socially/politically active - for better causes than Wal*Mart protests. Not that protesting Wal*Mart isn't a valuable way to spend an hour or two a week, but if I can find the will and time to do that, Shirley I can find the will and time to do something more impactful.

[Angakuk]

Who the hell is Shirley and why did you address that last comment to her?

[Dingfod]

__________________I am serious . . . and don't call me Shirley.
http://www.dvdtimes.co.uk/images/airplane7.jpg

[Angakuk]

So, is there some particular reason that vm addressed that last comment to Leslie Nielsen?
BTW, I recognised the "Airplane" reference. I didn't need a picture.

[viscousmemories]

Well I appreciate the picture; I always forget it's an Airplane reference.

[La_Tigressa_Peligrosa]

First, Ari ~ great assessment of the new categories. :D


Second, I watched Wal*Mart: The High Cost of Low Price as part of the Civic Engagement Project on campus... afterward the forum was opened up for discussion.... we ended up being there until 1 AM. It was freaking awesome. It turned out there were two people in the forum that actually were employees there that were defending their labor practices and wages...



It's a complex issue, for sure.

That building looks pretty. But it's spooky how it looks like it was pulled from Second Life... eek!

[Dingfod]

So, is there some particular reason that vm addressed that last comment to Leslie Nielsen?
BTW, I recognised the "Airplane" reference. I didn't need a picture.I was only trying to help. :(

[Dingfod]

The lone pro-Wal*Mart demonstrator (seriously) was so pretty I gave some serious thought to switching teams.I see what you mean.

http://www.590klbj.com/EI/T/Pics/Channels/KLBJ-AM/walmartsupporter-001.jpg

[viscousmemories]

...and that picture doesn't do her justice.

Speaking of which, an attractive young woman taking time out of her life (on at least two occasions) to actively protest for a new Wal*Mart store in a neighborhood she doesn't even live in makes me strongly suspect that she's on Wal*Mart's payroll.

Here's a picture of me at the protest - I'm the one with the water bottle not facing the camera.

[viscousmemories]

Pardon the thread necromancy, but the verdict just came in.

The Honorable State District Judge Orlinda Naranjo sez "Let there be Wal-Mart!"

...and so it shall be done.

[Uthgar the Brazen]

Pardon the thread necromancy, but the verdict just came in.

The Honorable State District Judge Orlinda Naranjo sez "Let there be Wal-Mart!" The decision was given as the judge was carrying two large sacks, each with a $ symbol on it, to the bank.

...and so it shall be done.

:fixed:

[Naruto]

Post pics when it gets built, vm.

[viscousmemories]

Since wei yau necromanced the other Wal*Mart thread, I reckon I'll necromance this one.

After all the fruitless fighting, Wal*Mart is compelled to drastically reduce the size of the new Austin store by economic considerations.

Size of Northcross Wal-Mart drastically reduced as company reexamines plans for new stores - Austin Business Journal: (http://www.bizjournals.com/austin/stories/2008/06/23/daily13.html)

[Dingfod]

They made up for it with the new Walmart in Glenpool, Oklahoma. (http://www.newson6.com/global/story.asp?s=8280390)