Because of their consistently low prices on products, their competitors have lowered their prices in order to compete with Wal-Mart. In turn, this has driven overall prices down. Wal-Mart has also created many new jobs and increased tax revenues. Businesses that are located next to Wal-Mart stores have also benefited from them because customers who are shopping at Wal-Mart will stop at other businesses before or after shopping at Wal-Mart ("Walmartstores.com: Economic Opportunity"). Because of the impact Wal-Mart has had not only on the retail industry in the United States, but also globally, I think it is safe to say that Wal-Mart is a very secure company.
Over consumption has led to many cures and medicines being created, and has made the world a better and safer place then it once was. The Buy Nothing Day would only hinder the progress that mankind has made in keeping the environment intact. The way of life in the 21st century has and will be defined by consumerism. Consumerism has lifted nations out of recessions and created millions of jobs and opportunities. The Buy Nothing Day is just a way for environmentalists to voice their theories about how to fix the environment.
Grocery stores are in competition with smaller markets like Kudlers and Whole Foods. If the brand name grocery stores like Ralphs and Vons did not offer organic and specialty items, the market structure of Kudler Fine Foods would differ. This market structure positively affected Kudler because there was no barrier to entrance within the quality foods market. What negatively affects the company with this market structure is that they are compared to big companies who are able to supply some of these rare items at a more competitive price. One of the marketing strategies that ensure the company of long-term profitability is the personal relationship built with the customer base.
Economic: maximizing stockholders wealth and value In regards to evaluating your company on their attitude toward economic social responsibility, I have found that your company has made some good moves, although there could be some improvements made in this area. By closing down the two stores that were losing money you increased the profits at your other stores. This helps the wealth of your stockholders, and shows a good attitude toward economic social responsibility. Considering the high profit margin of stocking health and organic products your company took years to stock the products and still only carries a limited supply. This shows a bad attitude toward economic social responsibility.
More worried about legal because it decides what they can and can’t do. The economy would affect them both, but most of the items listed above would affect them both different since they are in such different markets. They would be related in ecological though with the green movement I feel. Since Home Depot is pretty well diversified in their store they would be able to weather the storms of bad sales better than Ford. Ford is in a Market with lots of competition and regulations from government and what they can and can’t sell.
Besides, if chains closed every time they lost money, there would be a huge loss in just the opening and reopening phases of a business. Consumers of Company Q's have requested that the company provide more health oriented products. After years of requests, Company Q's stores have began to offer a limited variety of products that are better for its consumers. However, of all the viable options of products to carry, Company Q only retains high margin items, that is, items that have a higher profit margin. While it is a positive thing for the company to recognize it's community's need for better foods, keeping only expensive health foods is almost like monopolizing the consumer's health in exchange for
Pepsi Co. keeps improving its products and make it more healthier and suitable for the customers. It has decreased the usage of sugar, fat and other unhealthy ingredients to make the products. These food items make not be the healthiest food out there, but it does satisfy the customer’s need with easy and is very convenient. The shareholders are also satisfied. Out of the total revenue, $10 billion comes from the healthy food section.
While Wal-Mart's methods are under scrutiny for the seeming forceful nature, but in reality they just have the power to push suppliers around and pressure small businesses to the brink. The retailer is brutally honest and straight forward about what they need and what they can get in their business ventures. Wal-Mart creates low prices by the threat of outsourcing and pitting suppliers against each other. If a supplier wants to change the terms of their agreement with Wal-Mart, they will simply be shoved aside and replaced by someone who will do what Wal-Mart wants. In order for small businesses to really gain an edge they have to diversify their products and exploit local suppliers, cash in on the advantage of a better enhanced customer experience, and with interaction within the nearby communities.
Some of the attributes Wal-Mart has in offering this new service is its large customer base. Wal-Mart has a reputation for being known to offer the lowest prices, being family friendly, and geared towards saving
Without customers, there is no business and this will hurt this large company in the long-term. Not only is it right for the company to give more consideration to their employee’s desires but it will also contribute to the bottom line. Their customer will know the value of their company and employees will be more productive in what they do and proud of who they work for. Wal-Mart makes an average of $245 billion in revenues; therefore they have the resources to treat employees fairly. It is important for their corporation to take care of their workers and have a reputation of treating them fairly, which is important to the customers.