[Vision2020] When Wal-Marts go Dark

[Art Deco]

Chris,

I read an article some time ago about WalMart planning to sell fewer items 
of each type and to push their Just-In-Time inventory system to the max. 
These policies have a counterproductive effect on customer service.  I am 
not qualified to speak of the world economy.  [Neither are many of those who 
claim such knowledge.]  I think some of Sam Walton's original philosophies 
which fueled the growth of WalMart early on have been de-emphasized or 
abandoned.

I hope that Moscow can reverse the trend of super-centers in general.  In 
the past week my wife has referred several people to Paradise Creek Cycle. 
At least two of them bought bicycles.  Although they cost more than at 
WalMart, you get knowledge, presales testing and fitting, and service not 
available at WalMart, not to mention the large selection and the absence of 
throw away bikes.

W.
----- Original Message ----- 
From: "Chris Storhok" <cstorhok at co.fairbanks.ak.us>
To: "Art Deco" <deco at moscow.com>; "Vision 2020" <vision2020 at moscow.com>
Sent: Tuesday, June 20, 2006 11:47 AM
Subject: RE: [Vision2020] When Wal-Marts go Dark


> Wayne,
> I was under the impression that Wal-Mart shortages were just an Alaskan
> problem; their brand new and year old stores in Fairbanks and Wasilla
> have the same problems.  Is this a Wal-Mart supply; world wide crunch on
> available goods; or the effects of high transportation cost
> problem(s)that may be plaguing them here and down there?  This is an
> interesting phenomenon for the world's largest retailer.  Is the world
> economy in trouble?
> Any comments?
>
> Chris
>
> -----Original Message-----
> From: vision2020-bounces at moscow.com
> [mailto:vision2020-bounces at moscow.com] On Behalf Of Art Deco
> Sent: Tuesday, June 20, 2006 10:23 AM
> To: Vision 2020
> Subject: Re: [Vision2020] When Wal-Marts go Dark
>
> Have you noticed that the present Moscow WalMart may be headed the way
> of
> the dodo bird?
>
> Their prices on many, many items are no longer as competitive as they
> once
> were.
> The number of different selections available in some areas have notably
> diminished.
> The number of times they are out of a particular item seems to be
> increasing.
> A number of annoying/intrusive practices are popping up with more
> frequency
> at checkout.
> There appears to be some problems with crucial systems such as the
> pharmacy
> system.
> In addition, the advertised claim that the pharmacy system is
> nation-wide is
> just plain false.
> Some of the few knowledgeable salespersons are no longer there, replaced
> by
> "Duh?" types.
> The former practice of helping a customer find something appears to be
> diminished.
> The building is beginning to exhibit problems.
>
> As a result, we are shopping at WalMart less and less.  Perhaps others,
> not
> as habit driven as the average consumer, are also finding much better,
> more
> economical shopping experiences in Moscow/Pullman.
>
> Art Deco (Wayne A. Fox)
> deco at moscow.com
>
>
>
>
> ----- Original Message ----- 
> From: "Nils Peterson" <nils_peterson at wsu.edu>
> To: <vision2020 at moscow.com>
> Sent: Tuesday, June 20, 2006 8:51 AM
> Subject: [Vision2020] When Wal-Marts go Dark
>
>
>> This is an interesting, and pretty balanced read. Its also hopeful for
> the
>> idea of adaptive re-use.
>>
>> When Wal-Marts go Dark
>> By Harold D. Hunt and John Ginder
>>
>> recenter.tamu.edu/pdf/1720.pdf
>>
>> "One of the many raps leveled against the retailing giant is that it
>> behaves
>> like a prospector who mines a patch of dirt for all it is worth, then
>> moves
>> on to new territory."
>>
>> "During the last four months of 2004, the Center telephoned local
> economic
>> development departments, chambers of commerce and other city officials
> in
>> more than 500 Texas cities. The survey revealed that 107 Wal-Mart
> stores
>> had
>> closed in 103 different cities between 1987 and the end of 2004."
>>
>>
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>>
>
> =====================================================
> List services made available by First Step Internet,
> serving the communities of the Palouse since 1994.
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>