Say what you will about Wal-Mart, it definitely serves a purpose. So much convenience, so many low prices...I do most of my grocery shopping there now and the selection is pretty good, even the produce. Plus, the prices are pretty damn good. Don't take my word for it...this study showed that in poor communities Wal-Mart actually improved customer health. In other health news, the price wars between pharmacies Wal-Mart started by offering so many generics at $4 for a month supply has immeasureably helped patients bear the cost of their endless medication lists. Seriously, check it out...you can control high blood pressure for $40 a year. As much as I loved living in New York City, the one thing I missed (and this may sound sacreligious) was a big Wal-Mart where I could buy basic supplies, yarn, really anything, at a reasonable price all in one store. For better or worse this may soon become a possibility.
I agree with a recent poll that found that Wal-Mart Best Symbolizes America. A little scary, yes, but when I think of America, as vast and diverse as it is, one unmistakable feature is the big shopping complexes located near highways that are the same anywhere you go and usually include a Wal-Mart. Wal-Mart is super sized...convenient, generic, but when it uses it's power for good maybe it could even save the environment. Of course, Wal-Mart also has its huge share of problems. Yes, it employs a lot of people (yay!), but it sure could treat them better (boo). Then there's always the question of what means Wal-Mart uses to keep its prices quite so low, and the damage it causes to local businesses.
And let's not forget the breathtaking creatures on display at your local store. What could possibly be more American?
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