WalMart is Not Evil

MSNBC posted an article today about communities that fight big box WalMart stores from appearing in their community. The opposition to WalMart has always fascinated me. Communities rally together against WalMart as if it were a strip club going up between a church and a nursery school.

I just don't get it.

According to the article, the opposition typically falls into one of three groups:

1) Those who fear neighborhood blight
2) Those who fear the small shops will have to close
3) Those who think WalMart underpays its employees.

Neighborhood Blight

Of the three reasons, this is the only one for which I can muster a modicum of support. However, examining this claim further only leads to more questions. WalMart does not propose to build a store in an area zoned for residential development. Arguably, if WalMart does not erect one of its buildings, another business would in the near future. If an organization does not want stores to build in a certain area, they should lobby the local government to change the zoning rules. At this point, it becomes apparent they are discriminating against WalMart in favor of other businesses - a clear violation of any concept of fairness.

Closing Small Shops

If I owned a small shop in a town where WalMart planned to setup shop, I'd fight them, too. Why would I want a competitor? Especially a competitor who will be more convenient and sell the same things I sell at a price lower than I actually buy it for myself! Competition is good for the economy. The most competitive companies get the consumer's dollar. If you are not competitive enough to survive even if WalMart moves in, you probably shouldn't be in business in the first place. Don't hurt the consumers to save one business. It isn't American.

Underpaid Employees

This one galls me the most. We have unions fighting WalMart, liberal groups fighting WalMart, but not one single employee! If WalMart's wages were an issue, their employees would go and work at Target. If the option is no job, or a minimum wage job at WalMart, they'll take the job at WalMart. If WalMart paid them more, it would either employee fewer or be forced to close its doors and leaving employees with no jobs.

You'll see me fighting WalMart if they become a monopoly, engage in illegal practices....or try to move into my neighborhood - NOT GONNA HAPPEN!!!