What It Really Costs When Walmart Comes to Town

[PoliticalTiger]

It's more bad news for Walmart. After a New York Times story alleged that Walmart bribed officials in Mexico to allow the company to open stores in that country, another new report reveals exactly how much it costs a community in dollars and cents when Walmart comes to town.

The research, done by a Northwest community group, estimates that one Walmart store, which is set to open in a Washington neighborhood, will decrease the community's economic output over 20 years by an estimated $13 million. It also estimates the Walmart will cost the community an additional $14 million in lost wages over the next 20 years.

"We know now the true economic impact a Walmart store has on a neighborhood when it moves in," Christopher Fowler, who conducted the research for Puget Sound Sage, said. "The research shows that the negative impact is due to the use of the Walmart business model. A new 'generic' grocery store does not equal economic harm, but a new Walmart does."

"When Walmart comes to town, it is going to reallocate sales and its impact is going to be a function of the difference between what is currently being paid in wages at the existing stores and what Walmart pays," Fowler said.

http://www.businessnewsdaily.com/2405-re...lmart.html

[SeattleGirl]

I really really detest WalMart! From their unfair treatment of their workers to the really crappy way they treat their injured workers, to the bribery, and the cost to communities it bullies its way into, there is nothing redeeming about this monster.

[azmouse]

I think I speak for many here when I say 'fuck Walmart'.

I was in a Walmart one time, long before I knew about what a lousy influence they were in a community and how badly they treated their employees. I hated the store the minute I walked into it. Piles of cheap merchandise clogged the aisles, and I found it so difficult to get around inside the store that somehow without meaning to I ended up behind some counter where customers were not supposed to be. I worked my way back to the entrance and left without buying anything and vowing to never, ever return.

[Dimwitted Fool]

But, I betcha most people jumping up and down at this news buy stuff from Amazon.