Big Box Stores Blog #2

Greenhouse, Steven , “Wal-Mart, a Nation Unto Itself,” The New York Times , April 17, 2004, p. B1.

CLICK HERE FOR ONLINE ARTICLE.

Walmart is the world's biggest retailer and alone has caused a huge impact on the economy in the United States. It is starting to look very similar to a form of capitalism that has been around for a while. Usually in stores you will find salesmen that follow you around trying to get you to purchase their products. However, Walmart uses a different approach and puts their prices a lot lower so the consumers will buy the product without any of the salesmen helping. The article is about a group of 250 scholars who meet at the University of California to discuss Walmart's affect on the nation. Walmart's low costs end up paying a huge price, since they "encourage overconsumption and overdevelopment, which place strains on natural resources and the environment." This article will be of great help in my essay because it shows both sides of the story, the fact that Walmart is hurting the economy but in a way the citizens are selfish because they will continue to shop at it because of the low prices.

"The High Cost of Low Prices"

The whole tone of this film is set up to persuade one to stop shopping at walmart and realize the price some people pay for others to pay less money for items. Walmart is a fast-growing industry that has shut out many small businesses because they sell the items for less. However, walmart does not have the higher quality and knowledge behind those items, and the film wants people to acknowledge that. The film is set up in a small conservative town with high neighborhood values and a good community. I found the film very convincing with their point, especially when it showed the walmart world in china, and all the people working at the factories. One is naturally going to feel sorry for those factory workers, and everytime they enter walmart they will most likely think about it. In fact, I just went to walmart yesterday and actually felt bad for shopping there for the first time in my life. However, I am probably like many people in the United States, I care more about getting the lower costs, so I will probably continue to shop at walmart. :/

What makes a good public space?

There are many public spaces in every town, but what makes one a good public space? First of all, it would have to be a clean and open area so many people can be comfortable there. The purpose of the space would have to be useful for all ages. It would be nice if there were a parking area as well as pedestrian zones. Some attractions could be placed there so people would not get bored, such as shopping or food shops. A good public space should have convenient hours so it is easy for people to take time out of their busy day to go. Grass and water attract the eye very much, so either one of those would bring the people to come by.