AP: Wal-Mart sales don't back polls

Wal-Mart sales don't back polls

By Marcus Kabel, Associated Press
LA Daily News

BERRYVILLE, Ark. - Nancy McShane abruptly quit shopping at Wal-Mart in March after her turkey-farming relatives complained about undue price pressure from the world's largest retailer. But James Butler says the convenience and low prices outweigh any complaints.

Depending on whom you ask, Americans are either sticking with Wal-Mart because of its prices and policies or turning against it amid allegations by unions and others that the company is bad for workers, the environment and communities.

The discount retailer and its critics pushed competing data to buttress both sides of the argument. According to a poll released Thursday by Wake Up Wal-Mart, an anti-Wal-Mart group launched this year by the United Food and Commercial Workers union, more Americans have an unfavorable view of Wal-Mart today than at the start of the year.

(snip)

Wal-Mart said the survey is questionable and argued that November sales and an onslaught of holiday shoppers the day after Thanksgiving showed it remains popular. Figures released Thursday showed that sales at Wal-Mart stores open at least a year rose 3.8 percent in November when compared to November 2004 - close to analysts' expectations of 4 percent. Same-store sales are considered the best indicator of a retailer's health.

(snip)

http://www.dailynews.com/business/ci_3269886

40% work there. Fact is - if you have no money - you have to do your shopping at a place like Wal-Mart. If you want the kids to have any "Christmas" at all.

all the alternatives

if you are a Wal Mart employee.

It seems that the only stores doing well this Christmas are the elite or the low cost stores.

Exactly has the "recovery" would predict.

I choose not to. I would rather do without than step foot inside one of their stores.
Luckily, my daughter wants a class ring for graduating from college, so I am helping with that instead.
I am not even buying a tree this year..any money available is going towards her ring. That is what is important afterall.

Meanwhile, I am finding things I can return to make my mark for the holidays.

things WalMart was doing to towns where it goes. Just simply taking money out of the hands of the community and replacing money with junk.