[Vision2020] When Wal-Marts go Dark

[Tom Hansen]

Another item of interest concerning Wal-Mart's "Just in Time" inventory
system:

Since Wal-Mart does not maintain any of its inventory in warehouses, items
are constantly "in transit" from one outlet to another.

One can hardly imagine the impact of gas prices on such a system.

Thoughts?

Tom Hansen
Moscow, Idaho

 "Life should NOT be a journey to the grave with the intention of arriving
safely in an attractive and well preserved body, but rather to skid in
sideways, chocolate in one hand, a drink in the other, body thoroughly used
up, totally worn out and screaming 'WOO HOO. What a ride!'"

-----Original Message-----
From: vision2020-bounces at moscow.com [mailto:vision2020-bounces at moscow.com]
On Behalf Of Art Deco
Sent: Tuesday, June 20, 2006 2:55 PM
To: Vision 2020
Subject: Re: [Vision2020] When Wal-Marts go Dark

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.