The end of the Wal-Mart era

[sweeps]

The Wal-Mart era, the retailer's time of overwhelming business and social influence in America, is drawing to a close.

Article

[poundwise]

"The reports of my death have been greatly exaggerated." ~ Wal-Mart ... I mean... Mark Twain

[Broken Arrow]

According to the article, Walmart is somehow losing its competitive edge to niche and boutique stores, but... it I don't believe that is Walmart's core business model to begin with. That's like saying that Honda is losing its competitive edge because Ferrari is starting to sell more sports cars. They may both make and sell cars, but they're not necessarily after the same target market.

[sweeps]

Yeah, I don't think Walmart is going to disappear any time soon. But I think manufacturers/suppliers have been desperate for a way to break free from Walmart's grip. If a cycle starts where people bypass Walmart to shop at other stores and manufacturers bypass Walmart to sell their goods at other stores, that could be bad for the big W.

[katwoman]

With all the shopping options available to me, living in a major urban center, why would I want to

-fight for a parking space
-shop in cramped, unkempt departments
-have to put up with someone's screaming kids
-manuever around enormous displays in major aisles
-be overwhelmed by poor merchandising

all in the name of "saving" a few pennies? Let's face it, it's just not worth it to go there. And I'm no snob when it comes to places to shop. It's just that I'm too old to sacrifice all manner of convenience.

I'll admit the very few times I've gone I've actually driven to a distant suburb where there are more mature adults than young families to shop at that Walmart. The difference was night and day. PS - I'm not the only one who does this.

[QuadSquadMom]

With all the shopping options available to me, living in a major urban center, why would I want to

-fight for a parking space
-shop in cramped, unkempt departments
-have to put up with someone's screaming kids
-manuever around enormous displays in major aisles
-be overwhelmed by poor merchandising

all in the name of "saving" a few pennies? Let's face it, it's just not worth it to go there.

Not to mention...

Wait 30 minutes to check out since there are 50 registers and only 6 cashiers to work them!!!!

[PrincessPerky]

According to the article, Walmart is somehow losing its competitive edge to niche and boutique stores, but... it I don't believe that is Walmart's core business model to begin with. That's like saying that Honda is losing its competitive edge because Ferrari is starting to sell more sports cars. They may both make and sell cars, but they're not necessarily after the same target market.

yeah what he said.

Not that I would mind a little more competition (and the newer the store the cleaner/better managed..so I am all for non walmart stores! they are getting old...)