Subject: Prince George's County - Got a Survey Call From Wal-Mart the Week of May 13,
2013
I received a random survey call from Wal-Mart one weekday. I
asked the young lady who was sponsoring the survey. She replied I can’t tell
you until the end of my survey questions. I proceeded with the survey because I
think survey and questionnaires could play an important role in bringing
beneficial assets to Prince George’s County and its population. After the
survey was complete, she then told me it was sponsored by Wal-Mart.
Future Wal-Mart in Prince George's County - WUSA Ch.9
Based on the questions, it seems Wal-Mart is campaigning to
convince the County government to allow them to build a Super Wal-Mart. As I
understand, this is a double edged sword. On one hand residents would benefit
from competitive grocery prices. On the other hand, existing grocery store companies
like Giant, Safeway, Food Lion, and Shopper’s Food Warehouse might close stores
and lay off employees because they can’t compete effectively with Wal-Mart’s
grocery prices. It is also said that Wal-Mart takes a large chunk of business
away from locally owned small businesses because they can set their prices so
low and sustain it long enough to undercut the “mom and pop” shops. When “mom
and pop” shops can’t compete on price, they soon shut their doors for good.
This posting isn’t for or against Wal-Mart. I shop at
Wal-Mart for some things like gym gear and toiletries. It simply states that I
received a survey call and elaborates on how an international conglomerate
competes against local, regional, and national companies.
CASE STUDY: How Orabrush got into Walmart
If current locally owned small retail businesses are going
to be losers competing against Super Wal-Mart, our creative and innovative locally
owned small manufacturing businesses should win by petitioning local Wal-Marts
to carry their products. Prince George’s County small farmers should also win big
given that Wal-Mart advertises in their commercials that it works directly with
local farmers to source the freshest in-season produce. Maybe the County
politicians working with Wal-Mart to secure the site and streamline regulations
and legislation to get the deal done ought to write in a quota provision to
ensure the store(s) do at least a certain amount of business with locally owned
small businesses in the County.
Walmart's 'Locally Grown' Produce Strategy
Have you received a survey call from Wal-Mart? Do you want
to see one or several Super Wal-Marts in Prince George’s County?
What action are you going take?
What Volunteer Tech Nation member are you going to
collaborate with?
