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Wal-Mart really is that huge

Posted Dec 11 2008, 06:49 PM by Karen Datko
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Have you seen the e-mail making the rounds that says Wal-Mart's size is so immense that it's mind-boggling and scary? (The e-mail concludes with the statement, "Let Wal-Mart bail out Wall Street.")

It lists some amazing statistics about the recession-proof retail behemoth and, according to Snopes, almost all of them are true, including this one: "Wal-Mart will sell more from Jan. 1 to St. Patrick's Day (March 17) than Target sells all year."

And, in terms of sales, Wal-Mart truly is bigger than Home Depot, Kroger, Target, Sears, Costco and Kmart combined.

But is Wal-Mart truly the biggest company in the history of the world? (Imagine Keith Olbermann saying that.)

It depends, Snopes says. Fortune lists Wal-Mart as No. 1 in the world in gross revenues, ahead of three oil companies. Forbes, which evaluates four factors, puts it at No. 16. (Snopes doesn't directly address the "history of the world" part of the question.)

Wal-Mart actually has more U.S. stores than the number cited in the e-mail. (Snopes counts 4,253). And it appears that Wal-Mart's U.S. profit per minute might exceed the e-mail's claim of $20,928.

Do 90% of all Americans really live within 15 miles of a Wal-Mart? Snopes isn't sure but says "The Wal-Mart Effect" says it's so.

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Comments

 

IF PEOPLE DO NOT OPEN UP THEIR EYES ABOUT WALMART, THEY ARE GOING TO PUT EVERY ONE OUT BUSINESS, THEN WE WILL NOT HAVE A CHOICE ON WHERE TO GO. WALMART WILL BE IT, AND THEN MY FRIENDS, THEY WILL JACK UP THERE PRICES. NO COMPITION. I WILL NOT SHOP THERE. ALSO TARGET HAS MUCH NICER THINGS.

CYNTIA (Posted 12.11.08 9:13 PM ) Report Abuse

This is too easy.  Who ever started this Wal-Mart blog is just trolling for trash talk.  Don't even get started on Wal-Mart and their80% chineese crap.

redddogg (Posted 12.11.08 9:29 PM ) Report Abuse

Stay the hell away from Walmart.

Katie-Michigan (Posted 12.11.08 11:54 PM ) Report Abuse

WalMart is a big part of what has happened to this country.  Manufactureres  are forced to close because they cannot meet WalMart's demands for a cheap, ie Chinese product, workers are forced to get Medicaid because WalMart won't give them decent benefits, other businesses go under because everyone thinks WalMart is such a good deal.  I do not and will not shop there for anything!  

MB (Posted 12.12.08 6:24 AM ) Report Abuse

What ever happened to Wallmart's claim of "MADE IN AMERICA" ??? I don't think Sam would have done it this way.............

T White (Posted 12.12.08 7:09 AM ) Report Abuse

I Like WalMart, when I'm looking for something for the house or a gift, I often go to WalMart first, nobody in my family works there and I don't own any stock in them, I just like their prices and selections most of the time.

CC Buckeye Az (Posted 12.12.08 7:32 AM ) Report Abuse

Unfortunately, taxpayers often subsidize Walmart's profits and those low prices. When a Walmart comes to a town they often get HUGE tax concessions from the local municipalities. Worse yet, many Walmart employees are paid so little that they end up seeking public assistance for healthcare .

Charlie-paylessforfood.com (Posted 12.12.08 10:52 AM ) Report Abuse

"Walmart pays so little"   Really, on average what does a part time or full time Walmart worker make?  Do you know if it is higher than a Mom and Pop store?  On average do more Mom an Pop stores provide benefits to they same type of employee than Walmart?  I like things about Walmart and I dont like things about Walmart, but I know the answers to these questions and I am afraid that too many people are out there pouting about the "big bad Walmart bully" to get any real information.  It is the shoppers that choose to make Walmart successful.  Why would they jack up there prices?  If they were going to do that then what are they waiting for??????  They own the market!!!!  They have the lion share and know that the only reason why is due to there ability to BEAT other stores prices.  I am soooo tired of all of the pouting and complaining about Walmart.  How many people has Target, Kmart and other retailers laid off this year?????   Do you know how many people Walmart has?  I DO know the answers to all of these questions mentioned above.....and to all of those pouting......your not going to like the answer!

Davis (Posted 12.12.08 4:44 PM ) Report Abuse

I actually work for a local wal-mart part time for the holidays. Since there is sooo much given out to welfare and all the other hand out programs I am doing a responsible thing to pay my bills that I created on my own. Wal-Mart pays a fiar wage and they offer health care to full time employees at a decent cost. People seem to forget that wal-mart was once a small pebble in a large pond and just grew by smart business sense. They may not be right on all levels but working for them in my store I can see the good that they provide for consumers. So many come through my line and talk about the savings they are getting over other stores. Good for wal-mart. I just wish that some of this money that is just given out would stop and people would once just realize that they have to be responsible for thier own actions.

Jeff (Posted 12.12.08 4:56 PM ) Report Abuse

WHY IS IT THAT WE DON'T HERE THAT IN THE MEDIA???   Thanks for shining some truth on the issue, Jeff!  Thanks for some "hands on" information!

Davis (Posted 12.12.08 5:03 PM ) Report Abuse

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