Random Thoughts From Marybeth

Wal-Mart

The recent announcement that thousands of people applied for a few hundred jobs at a new Wal-Mart has revived the ongoing discussion of whether or not Wal-Mart is evil incarnate.

Let's start with the shopping experience since that's my only "Wal-Mart experience".

On the plus side: I have found things there that I wanted and couldn't find at other local general merchandise stores. My local Wal-Mart also has a sewing and crafts department. While it isn't extensive it has saved me a 30+ minute drive to the nearest fabric store when I've needed materials for costumes and other projects. I don't really price shop for groceries and day-to-day items, I'm not that organized, but if I did, their prices would probably go in the "plus" list.

The negatives of shopping there: My two biggest complaints are long checkout lines and the U-scan software. I go out to get what I need today or tomorrow so it's frustrating for me to see only a few lines and all of them having long lines of (more organized) people who are getting a whole week's or more worth of shopping in. All of those overflowing carts sends me heading for the U-scan lanes but that is just as bad. The software for those things makes anything Microsoft ever put out look bug-free by comparison. Since paying for the merchandise is the last thing you do before leaving, a bad experience here can negate any good experience you had while shopping.

Who would want to work there and why?

On the plus side: Job applicants don't need to have extensive education or experience. While most of us wouldn't consider a job there to be a life career choice, it does give many people the opportunity to enter the workforce. Students getting their first job or a stay-at-home mom who doesn't have a recent employment history can use a job there as a stepping stone to other employment. For many employers, your ability to show up for work when you're scheduled is just as important as any skills you may have.

The negatives: Since I haven't worked there I can't say for sure what is negative about working for Wal-Mart that isn't just as bad anywhere else. There are complaints that they hire too many part-timers instead of full-time employees to avoid providing benefits. This may be true but if you are the sole income provider for yourself or your family and the best job you can get is part-time at Wal-Mart, your problems began long before you were hired there.

I think the biggest problem that Wal-Mart has is that those who are doing most of the complaining aren't the ones for whom shopping or working there is the best option available. Wal-Mart isn't perfect but its success shows that it fills a need. If you don't like it, don't shop or work there but don't assume that those who do are too stupid to make their own decisions without your help.