The Bully of Bentonville: How the High Cost of Wal-Mart's Everyday Low Prices is Hurting America

Anthony Bianco

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The largest company in the world by far, Wal-Mart takes in revenues in excess of $280 billion, employs 1.4 million American workers, and controls a large share of the business done by almost every U.S. consumer-product company. More than 138 million shoppers visit one of its 5,300 stores each week. But, as recent news stories show, Wal-Mart's "everyday low prices" come at a tremendous cost to workers, suppliers, competitors, and consumers.

The definitive portrait of the juggernaut that is reshaping American, The Bully of Bentonville exposes the zealous, secretive, small-town mentality that rules Wal-Mart and chronicles its far-reaching consequences. In a gripping, richly textured narrative, Anthony Bianco shows how Wal-Mart has driven down retail wages throughout the country, even as their substandard pay and meager health-care policy have led to a double-digit employee turnover; why their aggressive expansion inevitably puts locally owned stores out of business; and how their pricing policies have forced suppliers to outsource work and move thousands of jobs overseas. Their power even influences what Americans can read, watch, and listen to; in the name of protecting its customers, Wal-Mart bans "racy" magazines and insists on sanitized versions of popular DVDs and CDs.

Based on countless interviews with Wal-Mart employees, managers, executives, competitors, suppliers, customers, and community leaders, The Bully of Bentonville illuminates the story-behind-the-headlines and brings the truths about Wal-Mart into sharp focus.

What will you learn from this book

  1. Market Dominance and Impact on Local Businesses: The book likely discusses how Walmart's aggressive expansion and pricing strategies have led to the closure of small businesses and had a significant impact on local economies.

  2. Labor Practices and Employee Welfare: It might delve into concerns regarding Walmart's treatment of its employees, including issues related to wages, benefits, working conditions, and labor rights.

  3. Supply Chain Practices: Discussion of Walmart's influence on its suppliers and how its purchasing power and demands impact product sourcing, manufacturing, and global supply chains.

  4. Community and Social Impact: Exploring the broader social and community impacts of Walmart's business practices, such as changes in community dynamics, environmental concerns, and urban planning issues.

  5. Antitrust and Monopoly Concerns: Addressing criticisms of Walmart's market dominance, potential antitrust issues, and the company's impact on fair competition within the retail industry.

  6. Consumer Behavior and Pricing Strategies: Understanding how Walmart's "Everyday Low Prices" model affects consumer behavior, perceptions of value, and overall pricing dynamics in the retail sector.

  7. Corporate Responsibility and Ethics: Evaluating Walmart's stance on corporate responsibility, ethical considerations, and its efforts (or lack thereof) in social responsibility initiatives.

  8. Employee Relations and Unionization Efforts: Discussion on Walmart's historical stance against unionization efforts and controversies surrounding employee rights and representation.

  9. Legal and Political Challenges: Examining legal challenges, lawsuits, and political controversies Walmart has faced due to its business practices and market influence.

  10. Critique of Walmart's Business Model: The book might provide an overarching critique of Walmart's business model, raising concerns about the long-term consequences of its growth strategies.

Language English
ISBN-10 0385513569
ISBN-13 9780385513562
No of pages 336
Font Size Medium
Book Publisher Broadway Books
Published Date 14 Feb 2006

About Author

Author : Anthony Bianco

4 Books

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