Wal-Mart: The High Cost Of Low Price

[ViclovesMGM]

Has anyone seen this documentary?

If not there is a large section of the film that deals with the astonishing amount of attacks that happens in wal mart car parks. Ranging from muggings, to murders. Criminals deliberatly target people in them as they are so large, and have little to no security.

It has really made me think again about going there at night, and if we do, parking very close to the main entrance.

It may be exaggerated in the documentary but its just something for you to keep in mind!

[robitay]

I did not see this. I am not sure how true it is, but I have never felt unsafe in their carparks at night as they always seem quite busy

[LizzyBear]

I haven't seen this docu but I do know a fair bit about Walmart as a company from other sources and it's true the low prices don't come without cutting costs elsewhere (usually to the detriment of employees) I wouldn't let the risks scare you off going there if you want to, park closer to the entrance if that makes you more comfortable and obviously use common sense precautions as you would at home. I think on holiday it can be easy to feel as if nothing will happen and that's exactly what criminals can prey on: People letting their guard down.
I admit I feel a bit bad for shopping in Asda here but I actually find the food better than Tescos (Sainsburys and M&S are the only other local places and their prices are more than i'm willing to pay for a weekly shop i'm afraid) and they have the best vegetarian selection. I do try to support smaller/local businesses aswell so I don't feel totally unethical. I went to Walmart last time we were in Orlando and i'm not in a hurry to go back unless bf really wants to, I much prefer Target.

[daviewat]

The car parks are huge and from what i saw the majority of shoppers were us brits !!!!!!!



Publix on the other had a good amount of usa folks in them and car parks seemed better lit etc.

[Happy Hammer]

i saw this documentary its quite worrying how much power they have.

[MinnieM]

I did see some of this but I personally have never felt uncomfortable in a Walmart car park .. We have been during the day and the evening.

[MrB]

I think that documentaries only take a selective look to make the point they want. I did not see this one but always take safety precautions anywhere in US. If you dont feel comfortable use your head. At night keep away from dark places and go where there are people.

I have never felt unsafe in a wALMART CAR PARK.

[esteeds]

My DW saw this documentary and it spooked her a little. I have to say that I am all for freedom of speech and documentaries are a key part of that but having spent a lot of time researching globalisation etc. including wal mart for my MBA, singling out Wal Mart is over simplifying the issue.

The facts were presented in a very poor way, sinister music over headlines and crying victims of crime. I feel deeply sorry for the victims stories but to use this as an argument against wal mart is very flimsy. It is simply pulling on heart strings, something akin to brainwashing carried out by cults etc.

There is no doubt that wal mart needs to improve things, along with many other retailers, however the fact is that they are simply a shop. Selling things people want at lower prices than someone else is (at the moment!).

Regarding my concience, I will certainly continue to shop there, I buy my lunch each day at ASDA because it is opposite my place of work. I know the problems with globalisation but I can personally balance tht with the hundreds of jobs it has bought into Bodmin, and access to products that were not available there before...

As for safety I will keep alert at all times, and take sensible precautions. Crime is a fact of life I hope we will avoid it but I do not blame Wal Mart for it nor believe that they encourage it in any way as the documentary suggests.

Reading between the lines what I did see was sour grapes and a reaction to losing jobs overseas as being the main issues people were actually focusing on, as well as good old jealousy.

As I said at the start I believe in freedom of speach and freedom of choice, my main problem with the documentary was the patronising tone and unbalanced portrail of a much wider problem.

Mr Ed