Collective Bargaining for Consumers

6 Responses to “Collective Bargaining for Consumers”

1. Joel B. Says:
   December 30th, 2003 at 1:44 pm

   I think Wal-Mart is the quintessential American Company, and I think it is a great company, and Weintraub is absolutely right. Also, I think Wal-Mart is one of the main reasons that inflation has stayed so low over the past couple years. Wal-Mart just doesn’t allow it’s suppliers to raise prices, and if suppliers can’t raise prices, than those who supply suppliers can’t either. This intense pressure on pricing has, I think, been a main factor in the economic growth of much of the 90s and even through the 00s, by keeping inflation so low, Wal-Mart is showing that interest rates need not be as high as previously thought, which also unleashed a torrent of inexpensive capital. All in all Very Positive!

2. Say Anything Says:
   December 30th, 2003 at 1:45 pm

   The Benefits Of Wal-Mart
   From Daniel Weintraub via Damnum Cum Injuria: We are supposed to hate Wal-Mart because the company is huge, nonunion, pays low wages and squeezes suppliers until they scream. The prospect of Wal-Mart invading the grocery business by opening 40 California

3. Justene Says:
   December 30th, 2003 at 1:58 pm

   When the twins were younger, and sucked up toys like water, Walmart was where we did the Christmas shopping. I can’t imagine not having a place like that. It’s the 21st Century version of the 5 and 10.

4. triticale - the wheat / rye guy Says:
   December 30th, 2003 at 4:47 pm

   That Evil Walter Market
   Xrlq pointed to this article which points out how the vast majority of Californians would benefit if Wal-Mart opens its planned 40 new superstores.
   I am fascinated by the popular hostility toward Wal-Mart. When it was announced that they planned to op…

5. BTD Greg Says:
   December 31st, 2003 at 8:21 am

   I agree completely with Weintrab’s analysis, but what’s up with the moral disclaimers:

   I am not a Wal-Mart shopper. Never have been. I don’t think I have ever bought a thing in any of their stories, nor do I plan to any time soon. I prefer shopping at my neighborhood supermarket or, when possible, at the corner grocery.

   Dude, I shop at WalMart all the time. There’s no shame in that. If Weintraub is so convinced that WalMart is a force for good, why does he feel the need to distance himself personally from it.

   My own belief (which I’ve had for some time) is that WalMart represents all that’s reviled by the ivory tower libs: a large, successful corporation, combined with appeal from the unwashed masses.

6. Xrlq Says:
   December 31st, 2003 at 11:24 am

   I didn’t take as a moral disclaimer, so much as an attempt to increase credibility by making a deal of the fact he has no reason to be biased in Wal-Mart’s favor.