Podcast
Questions and Answers
What is Wal-Mart often accused of doing to downtown areas?
What is Wal-Mart often accused of doing to downtown areas?
- Preserving community character
- Supporting local businesses
- Killing jobs and downtowns (correct)
- Encouraging urban sprawl
Why do banks fear Wal-Mart?
Why do banks fear Wal-Mart?
- Because it might offer banking services (correct)
- Because it might open a bank branch
- Because it might hurt their customers
- Because it might lower interest rates
What is the approximate revenue of Wal-Mart in fiscal 2007?
What is the approximate revenue of Wal-Mart in fiscal 2007?
- $1 trillion
- $500 billion
- $200 billion
- $344 billion (correct)
What happens to the original store when Wal-Mart upsizes to a supercenter?
What happens to the original store when Wal-Mart upsizes to a supercenter?
Why do critics argue that Wal-Mart is bad for local communities?
Why do critics argue that Wal-Mart is bad for local communities?
What does Wal-Mart often do when faced with property tax assessments?
What does Wal-Mart often do when faced with property tax assessments?
What is one benefit that some argue Wal-Mart can bring to a community?
What is one benefit that some argue Wal-Mart can bring to a community?
What is one reason why critics argue that Wal-Mart is bad for workers?
What is one reason why critics argue that Wal-Mart is bad for workers?
What percentage of the country's population lives within 15 miles of a Wal-Mart?
What percentage of the country's population lives within 15 miles of a Wal-Mart?
What is the estimated percentage of retail and food service sales in the United States attributed to Wal-Mart in fiscal year 2007?
What is the estimated percentage of retail and food service sales in the United States attributed to Wal-Mart in fiscal year 2007?
What is the name of the musical satire that premiered in Madison, Wis., that is about Wal-Mart?
What is the name of the musical satire that premiered in Madison, Wis., that is about Wal-Mart?
What is the number of suppliers participating in Wal-Mart's pilot program to measure and reduce their carbon footprint?
What is the number of suppliers participating in Wal-Mart's pilot program to measure and reduce their carbon footprint?
What percentage of people in a 2005 survey said they had an unfavorable view of Wal-Mart?
What percentage of people in a 2005 survey said they had an unfavorable view of Wal-Mart?
What year did Wal-Mart become the nation's largest grocery store?
What year did Wal-Mart become the nation's largest grocery store?
What is the name of the demographic group identified in the text as being a key Wal-Mart customer?
What is the name of the demographic group identified in the text as being a key Wal-Mart customer?
What percentage of Americans shopped at a Wal-Mart in 2005?
What percentage of Americans shopped at a Wal-Mart in 2005?
What is the name of the publication that conducted a survey on public perception of Wal-Mart?
What is the name of the publication that conducted a survey on public perception of Wal-Mart?
What is the percentage of solid waste that Wal-Mart aims to cut from its U.S. stores by next October?
What is the percentage of solid waste that Wal-Mart aims to cut from its U.S. stores by next October?
What aspect of community health is being measured in this study?
What aspect of community health is being measured in this study?
What is the time period for which data was collected in the study?
What is the time period for which data was collected in the study?
How many counties were studied in total?
How many counties were studied in total?
What is the conclusion about Wal-Mart's effect on local firms and jobs?
What is the conclusion about Wal-Mart's effect on local firms and jobs?
What happened to retail earnings per job in Wal-Mart counties?
What happened to retail earnings per job in Wal-Mart counties?
What is the conclusion about Wal-Mart's effect on poverty rates?
What is the conclusion about Wal-Mart's effect on poverty rates?
What is the conclusion about Wal-Mart's effect on county population growth?
What is the conclusion about Wal-Mart's effect on county population growth?
What is the result of the study regarding Wal-Mart's effect on a county's economic success?
What is the result of the study regarding Wal-Mart's effect on a county's economic success?
What is the characteristic of counties where Wal-Mart tends to locate?
What is the characteristic of counties where Wal-Mart tends to locate?
What percentage of counties with a population between 30,000 and 40,000 had a Wal-Mart by 2005?
What percentage of counties with a population between 30,000 and 40,000 had a Wal-Mart by 2005?
What was the population of counties that did not see a Wal-Mart come to town over the next 20 years?
What was the population of counties that did not see a Wal-Mart come to town over the next 20 years?
What was the characteristic of counties that would get a Wal-Mart in the future?
What was the characteristic of counties that would get a Wal-Mart in the future?
What was the difference in per capita income levels between Wal-Mart and non-Wal-Mart counties?
What was the difference in per capita income levels between Wal-Mart and non-Wal-Mart counties?
What was the trend in retail sectors in counties that would later get a Wal-Mart?
What was the trend in retail sectors in counties that would later get a Wal-Mart?
What was the growth of personal income in Wal-Mart and non-Wal-Mart counties over 20 years?
What was the growth of personal income in Wal-Mart and non-Wal-Mart counties over 20 years?
What was the characteristic of population growth in Wal-Mart counties?
What was the characteristic of population growth in Wal-Mart counties?
What was the effect of Wal-Mart's presence on population in either direction?
What was the effect of Wal-Mart's presence on population in either direction?
What was the characteristic of median employment growth in Wal-Mart counties?
What was the characteristic of median employment growth in Wal-Mart counties?
What was the trend in earnings per job in Wal-Mart counties from 1985 to 2005?
What was the trend in earnings per job in Wal-Mart counties from 1985 to 2005?
What was the characteristic of total compensation in non-Wal-Mart counties?
What was the characteristic of total compensation in non-Wal-Mart counties?
What was the timeframe for the initial analysis of Wal-Mart's effect on local economies?
What was the timeframe for the initial analysis of Wal-Mart's effect on local economies?
What was found to be the case for Wal-Mart counties in terms of income growth prior to the store opening?
What was found to be the case for Wal-Mart counties in terms of income growth prior to the store opening?
What was the trend in poverty rates across the Ninth District from 1989 to 2004?
What was the trend in poverty rates across the Ninth District from 1989 to 2004?
How did the poverty rates in Wal-Mart counties compare to non-Wal-Mart counties?
How did the poverty rates in Wal-Mart counties compare to non-Wal-Mart counties?
What was investigated as a possible factor in the poverty trends in Wal-Mart counties?
What was investigated as a possible factor in the poverty trends in Wal-Mart counties?
What was the finding regarding the role of immigrant population flows in the poverty trends?
What was the finding regarding the role of immigrant population flows in the poverty trends?
What is the limitation of the fedgazette findings?
What is the limitation of the fedgazette findings?
What is one aspect of the analysis that is not discussed?
What is one aspect of the analysis that is not discussed?
What is the overall conclusion of the analysis regarding Wal-Mart's impact on local economies?
What is the overall conclusion of the analysis regarding Wal-Mart's impact on local economies?
What is suggested as a possible factor in determining the long-run growth prospects of local communities?
What is suggested as a possible factor in determining the long-run growth prospects of local communities?
What is the primary observation about general merchandise stores in Wal-Mart counties compared to non-Wal-Mart counties?
What is the primary observation about general merchandise stores in Wal-Mart counties compared to non-Wal-Mart counties?
What is the limitation of analyzing the effect of Wal-Mart on general merchandise stores?
What is the limitation of analyzing the effect of Wal-Mart on general merchandise stores?
What is the trend in median establishment growth in Wal-Mart counties compared to non-Wal-Mart counties?
What is the trend in median establishment growth in Wal-Mart counties compared to non-Wal-Mart counties?
What is the conclusion about the presence or absence of Wal-Mart on business growth in a county?
What is the conclusion about the presence or absence of Wal-Mart on business growth in a county?
What is the observation about taxable retail sales in Wal-Mart counties compared to non-Wal-Mart counties in Minnesota?
What is the observation about taxable retail sales in Wal-Mart counties compared to non-Wal-Mart counties in Minnesota?
What is the limitation of the sales tax data analysis across states?
What is the limitation of the sales tax data analysis across states?
What is the effect of Wal-Mart on employment in Wal-Mart counties compared to non-Wal-Mart counties?
What is the effect of Wal-Mart on employment in Wal-Mart counties compared to non-Wal-Mart counties?
What is the trend in earnings per job in Wal-Mart counties compared to non-Wal-Mart counties?
What is the trend in earnings per job in Wal-Mart counties compared to non-Wal-Mart counties?
What is the finding about the effect of Wal-Mart on average personal income and population over a two-year window?
What is the finding about the effect of Wal-Mart on average personal income and population over a two-year window?
What is the primary conclusion about the effect of Wal-Mart on local businesses and economies?
What is the primary conclusion about the effect of Wal-Mart on local businesses and economies?
What is the percentage of the population that lives within 15 miles of a Wal-Mart, according to the text?
What is the percentage of the population that lives within 15 miles of a Wal-Mart, according to the text?
What is the percentage of retail and food service sales in the United States attributed to Wal-Mart in fiscal year 2007, according to company figures and U.S. Census Bureau data?
What is the percentage of retail and food service sales in the United States attributed to Wal-Mart in fiscal year 2007, according to company figures and U.S. Census Bureau data?
What is the name of the demographic group identified in the text as being a key Wal-Mart customer?
What is the name of the demographic group identified in the text as being a key Wal-Mart customer?
What is the commitment made by Wal-Mart to reduce solid waste from its U.S. stores by next October?
What is the commitment made by Wal-Mart to reduce solid waste from its U.S. stores by next October?
What is the energy efficiency improvement achieved by Wal-Mart in its buildings and truck fleets since 2005?
What is the energy efficiency improvement achieved by Wal-Mart in its buildings and truck fleets since 2005?
What is the approximate number of suppliers participating in Wal-Mart's pilot program to measure and reduce their carbon footprint?
What is the approximate number of suppliers participating in Wal-Mart's pilot program to measure and reduce their carbon footprint?
What is the title of the musical satire that premiered in Madison, Wis. and is about Wal-Mart?
What is the title of the musical satire that premiered in Madison, Wis. and is about Wal-Mart?
What percentage of Americans shopped at a Wal-Mart in 2005, according to the text?
What percentage of Americans shopped at a Wal-Mart in 2005, according to the text?
What is the year Wal-Mart became the nation's largest grocery store?
What is the year Wal-Mart became the nation's largest grocery store?
What is the percentage of people in a 2005 survey who had an unfavorable view of Wal-Mart?
What is the percentage of people in a 2005 survey who had an unfavorable view of Wal-Mart?
What is the primary focus of the study?
What is the primary focus of the study?
What is the outcome of the study regarding Wal-Mart's effect on firms and jobs?
What is the outcome of the study regarding Wal-Mart's effect on firms and jobs?
What is the primary source of controversy surrounding Wal-Mart's presence in local communities?
What is the primary source of controversy surrounding Wal-Mart's presence in local communities?
What is the conclusion about Wal-Mart's effect on poverty rates?
What is the conclusion about Wal-Mart's effect on poverty rates?
What is the estimated revenue of Wal-Mart in fiscal 2007, making it the largest retailer in the world?
What is the estimated revenue of Wal-Mart in fiscal 2007, making it the largest retailer in the world?
What is the ultimate consequence of Wal-Mart's vacating its original store when it upsizes to a supercenter?
What is the ultimate consequence of Wal-Mart's vacating its original store when it upsizes to a supercenter?
What is the characteristic of counties where Wal-Mart tends to locate?
What is the characteristic of counties where Wal-Mart tends to locate?
What is the primary reason why banks fear Wal-Mart's expansion into banking services?
What is the primary reason why banks fear Wal-Mart's expansion into banking services?
What is the conclusion about Wal-Mart's effect on county population growth?
What is the conclusion about Wal-Mart's effect on county population growth?
What is the result of the study regarding Wal-Mart's effect on a county's economic success?
What is the result of the study regarding Wal-Mart's effect on a county's economic success?
What is the ultimate consequence of Wal-Mart's strong-arming local communities for infrastructure upgrades?
What is the ultimate consequence of Wal-Mart's strong-arming local communities for infrastructure upgrades?
What is the primary argument made by those who argue that Wal-Mart can be a force for good in local communities?
What is the primary argument made by those who argue that Wal-Mart can be a force for good in local communities?
What is the conclusion about Wal-Mart's overall effect on communities?
What is the conclusion about Wal-Mart's overall effect on communities?
What is the primary criticism made by those who argue that Wal-Mart is bad for workers?
What is the primary criticism made by those who argue that Wal-Mart is bad for workers?
What is the result of the study regarding retail earnings per job?
What is the result of the study regarding retail earnings per job?
What is the overall impact of Wal-Mart's presence on local communities, according to critics?
What is the overall impact of Wal-Mart's presence on local communities, according to critics?
What is the characteristic of employment growth rates among the studied counties?
What is the characteristic of employment growth rates among the studied counties?
What is the study's methodology?
What is the study's methodology?
What can be inferred from the analysis about Wal-Mart's effect on local economies?
What can be inferred from the analysis about Wal-Mart's effect on local economies?
What did the analysis find about poverty rates in Wal-Mart counties compared to non-Wal-Mart counties?
What did the analysis find about poverty rates in Wal-Mart counties compared to non-Wal-Mart counties?
What was investigated as a possible factor in the poverty trends in Wal-Mart counties?
What was investigated as a possible factor in the poverty trends in Wal-Mart counties?
What is a limitation of the fedgazette findings?
What is a limitation of the fedgazette findings?
What is suggested as a possible factor in determining the long-run growth prospects of local communities?
What is suggested as a possible factor in determining the long-run growth prospects of local communities?
What was the trend in poverty rates across the Ninth District from 1989 to 2004?
What was the trend in poverty rates across the Ninth District from 1989 to 2004?
What did the analysis find about Wal-Mart counties prior to the store opening?
What did the analysis find about Wal-Mart counties prior to the store opening?
What is one aspect of the analysis that is not discussed?
What is one aspect of the analysis that is not discussed?
What is the overall conclusion of the analysis regarding Wal-Mart's impact on local economies?
What is the overall conclusion of the analysis regarding Wal-Mart's impact on local economies?
What did the analysis find about the relationship between immigrant population flows and poverty trends in Wal-Mart counties?
What did the analysis find about the relationship between immigrant population flows and poverty trends in Wal-Mart counties?
What was the characteristic of counties with a population under 10,000 in 1985?
What was the characteristic of counties with a population under 10,000 in 1985?
What was the trend in personal income growth in Wal-Mart and non-Wal-Mart counties over 20 years?
What was the trend in personal income growth in Wal-Mart and non-Wal-Mart counties over 20 years?
What was the characteristic of median employment growth in Wal-Mart counties compared to non-Wal-Mart counties?
What was the characteristic of median employment growth in Wal-Mart counties compared to non-Wal-Mart counties?
What was the trend in earnings per job in the retail sector in Wal-Mart counties from 1985 to 2005?
What was the trend in earnings per job in the retail sector in Wal-Mart counties from 1985 to 2005?
What was the characteristic of total compensation in non-Wal-Mart counties compared to Wal-Mart counties?
What was the characteristic of total compensation in non-Wal-Mart counties compared to Wal-Mart counties?
What was the conclusion about Wal-Mart's effect on population growth in either direction?
What was the conclusion about Wal-Mart's effect on population growth in either direction?
What was the characteristic of counties that would get a Wal-Mart in the future?
What was the characteristic of counties that would get a Wal-Mart in the future?
What was the trend in retail sectors in counties that would later get a Wal-Mart?
What was the trend in retail sectors in counties that would later get a Wal-Mart?
What was the difference in per capita income levels between Wal-Mart and non-Wal-Mart counties?
What was the difference in per capita income levels between Wal-Mart and non-Wal-Mart counties?
What was the conclusion about Wal-Mart's effect on employment and earnings?
What was the conclusion about Wal-Mart's effect on employment and earnings?
What is the primary obstacle to deriving strong conclusions about the impact of Wal-Mart on general merchandise stores?
What is the primary obstacle to deriving strong conclusions about the impact of Wal-Mart on general merchandise stores?
What trend is observed in the growth of median establishment in Wal-Mart counties compared to non-Wal-Mart counties?
What trend is observed in the growth of median establishment in Wal-Mart counties compared to non-Wal-Mart counties?
What is the finding regarding the correlation between the presence of Wal-Mart and growth in taxable sales in Minnesota?
What is the finding regarding the correlation between the presence of Wal-Mart and growth in taxable sales in Minnesota?
What is the limitation of the sales tax data analysis?
What is the limitation of the sales tax data analysis?
What is the finding regarding the impact of Wal-Mart on employment in Wal-Mart counties compared to non-Wal-Mart counties?
What is the finding regarding the impact of Wal-Mart on employment in Wal-Mart counties compared to non-Wal-Mart counties?
What is the characteristic of the growth rate of earnings per job in Wal-Mart counties compared to non-Wal-Mart counties?
What is the characteristic of the growth rate of earnings per job in Wal-Mart counties compared to non-Wal-Mart counties?
What is the conclusion regarding the impact of Wal-Mart on business growth in a county?
What is the conclusion regarding the impact of Wal-Mart on business growth in a county?
What is the limitation of the analysis of the impact of Wal-Mart on general merchandise stores?
What is the limitation of the analysis of the impact of Wal-Mart on general merchandise stores?
What is the trend observed in the aggregate establishment growth in Wal-Mart counties compared to non-Wal-Mart counties?
What is the trend observed in the aggregate establishment growth in Wal-Mart counties compared to non-Wal-Mart counties?
What is the primary conclusion regarding the impact of Wal-Mart on local businesses?
What is the primary conclusion regarding the impact of Wal-Mart on local businesses?
Study Notes
The Wal-Mart Effect: Poison or Antidote for Local Communities?
- Wal-Mart's Controversial Reputation*
- Wal-Mart is the largest retailer in the United States in terms of revenue, with $344 billion in fiscal 2007
- It is often criticized for killing jobs and downtowns, destroying community character, and being overly aggressive in stopping the formation of labor unions
- Economic Impact of Wal-Mart*
- Research suggests that Wal-Mart's economic influence is significant, but not necessarily negative
- Firm growth, employment, and total earnings were stronger in Wal-Mart counties compared to non-Wal-Mart counties
- Poverty rates declined in most counties, but declined less in Wal-Mart counties
- Wal-Mart's presence had little influence on population growth and income per person
Characteristics of Wal-Mart Counties
- About two-thirds of Wal-Mart counties had their store in place by the early 1990s
- Wal-Mart tends to locate in larger counties with higher population and employment rates
- Retail sectors were larger in counties that would later get a Wal-Mart
Growth Patterns in Wal-Mart Counties
- Personal income growth was virtually identical in Wal-Mart and non-Wal-Mart counties
- Population growth was a mixed bag, with median growth higher in Wal-Mart counties, but aggregate growth similar in both groups
- Employment growth was higher in Wal-Mart counties, especially in the retail sector
- Job earnings grew faster in Wal-Mart counties, but fell in the retail sector
Business Growth and Competition
- Data on county establishments do not support the notion that Wal-Mart tramples local businesses
- Median establishment growth was stronger in Wal-Mart counties, particularly among smaller employers
- Aggregate establishment growth was higher in non-Wal-Mart counties, but influenced by a small number of booming counties
Sales Tax Data and Revenue
- Taxable retail sales grew faster in Wal-Mart counties compared to non-Wal-Mart counties, especially in Minnesota
- Wal-Mart likely attracts shoppers from neighboring counties, inducing more frequent shopping, but may also squeeze out local retailers
Poverty and Immigration
- Poverty rates dropped less in Wal-Mart counties compared to non-Wal-Mart counties
- Changes in the foreign-born population do not play a major role in the differential change in poverty within the two sets of counties### Wal-Mart's Impact on Local Communities
- Conventional wisdom about Wal-Mart's negative effects on local communities is challenged by this analysis.
- The analysis focuses on measures of community health, excluding the benefits of consumer savings from having Wal-Mart in the area.
Balanced Findings
- The analysis reveals a mix of positive and negative outcomes, but all effects are small.
- The net impact of Wal-Mart on a county's health is likely smaller than commonly perceived.
Dynamic Nature of Local Economies
- Local economies are dynamic, constantly changing, and extend beyond retail borders.
- Firms, jobs, and people come and go regularly due to various reasons.
- Local economic idiosyncrasies, such as education levels, infrastructure, and entrepreneurial culture, may play a larger role in determining long-run growth prospects.
The Wal-Mart Effect: Poison or Antidote for Local Communities?
- Wal-Mart's Controversial Reputation*
- Wal-Mart is the largest retailer in the United States in terms of revenue, with $344 billion in fiscal 2007
- It is often criticized for killing jobs and downtowns, destroying community character, and being overly aggressive in stopping the formation of labor unions
- Economic Impact of Wal-Mart*
- Research suggests that Wal-Mart's economic influence is significant, but not necessarily negative
- Firm growth, employment, and total earnings were stronger in Wal-Mart counties compared to non-Wal-Mart counties
- Poverty rates declined in most counties, but declined less in Wal-Mart counties
- Wal-Mart's presence had little influence on population growth and income per person
Characteristics of Wal-Mart Counties
- About two-thirds of Wal-Mart counties had their store in place by the early 1990s
- Wal-Mart tends to locate in larger counties with higher population and employment rates
- Retail sectors were larger in counties that would later get a Wal-Mart
Growth Patterns in Wal-Mart Counties
- Personal income growth was virtually identical in Wal-Mart and non-Wal-Mart counties
- Population growth was a mixed bag, with median growth higher in Wal-Mart counties, but aggregate growth similar in both groups
- Employment growth was higher in Wal-Mart counties, especially in the retail sector
- Job earnings grew faster in Wal-Mart counties, but fell in the retail sector
Business Growth and Competition
- Data on county establishments do not support the notion that Wal-Mart tramples local businesses
- Median establishment growth was stronger in Wal-Mart counties, particularly among smaller employers
- Aggregate establishment growth was higher in non-Wal-Mart counties, but influenced by a small number of booming counties
Sales Tax Data and Revenue
- Taxable retail sales grew faster in Wal-Mart counties compared to non-Wal-Mart counties, especially in Minnesota
- Wal-Mart likely attracts shoppers from neighboring counties, inducing more frequent shopping, but may also squeeze out local retailers
Poverty and Immigration
- Poverty rates dropped less in Wal-Mart counties compared to non-Wal-Mart counties
- Changes in the foreign-born population do not play a major role in the differential change in poverty within the two sets of counties### Wal-Mart's Impact on Local Communities
- Conventional wisdom about Wal-Mart's negative effects on local communities is challenged by this analysis.
- The analysis focuses on measures of community health, excluding the benefits of consumer savings from having Wal-Mart in the area.
Balanced Findings
- The analysis reveals a mix of positive and negative outcomes, but all effects are small.
- The net impact of Wal-Mart on a county's health is likely smaller than commonly perceived.
Dynamic Nature of Local Economies
- Local economies are dynamic, constantly changing, and extend beyond retail borders.
- Firms, jobs, and people come and go regularly due to various reasons.
- Local economic idiosyncrasies, such as education levels, infrastructure, and entrepreneurial culture, may play a larger role in determining long-run growth prospects.
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Description
Explore the impact of Wal-Mart on local communities, from economic to social effects. Is it a boon or a bane?
