The Wal-Mart Effect
My how time flies! I started this post way back in June when I finished the book, lent it to my dad who read it and then I forgot about this post. And yes, I have done quite a bit of reading in the past two months and have some catching up to on this blog.
Anywhere, here is how it started:
"Everything is associated with Wal-Mart in one way or another. Literally. Everything. From the salmon sitting in your freezer to the A/C window unit to your laundry detergent to the threads that make up your cloths and the parts in your car. Everything.
Wal-Mart has done wonders to stream line businesses, as well as run others out of business. Though the book doesn't take an exact stance, it does provide compelling arguments for both sides."
You can argue that the book is anti Wal-Mart but it presents enough evidence to the contrary not to be considered anti Wal-Mart, especially compared to the other Wal-Mart literature that occasionally adorns the shelves of the business section at Banres & Noble and Borders. You will find more Wal-Mart literature than you will find Google literature though.
The Wal-Mart Effect, in essence, distills the complicate structure of Wal-Mart and the ripple effect it has across the world. It discusses in great detail the companies that stick with Wal-Mart even though the continuous squeeze on price while demand for higher production no longer makes the relationship profitable for anyone but Wal-Mart. The book also discusses Wal-Marts failures, particularily in Germany and its struggle to gain a foothold in China, Japan and Mexico. The company is an example of struggles faced by all in this world of globalization. From working conditions to increased competition to public backlash.
A very fascinating read, and the author, Charles Fishman, does an excellent job in telling the story in a lively, entertaining voice. He interjects his own experiences, especially in the beginning, to give the reader a sense of commonality. He breaks the information down and simplifies so the astronomical numbers and data make sense, and the reader can see the whole picture instead of just a sliver or two.
Reading the book made me wonder what would happen of Wal-Mart, the Walt Disney Company and Google merged into one.
If you find business fascinating, especially the business of Wal-Mart, and ever wonder if or how the bag you take to work every morning could have anything to do with Wal-Mart, you should read The Wal-Mart Effect. It will satisify your curiosity and leave you wondering about where you shop, what you buy and how come it suddenly is a big deal.
Rating: G$_G$_G$_G
Anywhere, here is how it started:
"Everything is associated with Wal-Mart in one way or another. Literally. Everything. From the salmon sitting in your freezer to the A/C window unit to your laundry detergent to the threads that make up your cloths and the parts in your car. Everything.
Wal-Mart has done wonders to stream line businesses, as well as run others out of business. Though the book doesn't take an exact stance, it does provide compelling arguments for both sides."
You can argue that the book is anti Wal-Mart but it presents enough evidence to the contrary not to be considered anti Wal-Mart, especially compared to the other Wal-Mart literature that occasionally adorns the shelves of the business section at Banres & Noble and Borders. You will find more Wal-Mart literature than you will find Google literature though.
The Wal-Mart Effect, in essence, distills the complicate structure of Wal-Mart and the ripple effect it has across the world. It discusses in great detail the companies that stick with Wal-Mart even though the continuous squeeze on price while demand for higher production no longer makes the relationship profitable for anyone but Wal-Mart. The book also discusses Wal-Marts failures, particularily in Germany and its struggle to gain a foothold in China, Japan and Mexico. The company is an example of struggles faced by all in this world of globalization. From working conditions to increased competition to public backlash.
A very fascinating read, and the author, Charles Fishman, does an excellent job in telling the story in a lively, entertaining voice. He interjects his own experiences, especially in the beginning, to give the reader a sense of commonality. He breaks the information down and simplifies so the astronomical numbers and data make sense, and the reader can see the whole picture instead of just a sliver or two.
Reading the book made me wonder what would happen of Wal-Mart, the Walt Disney Company and Google merged into one.
If you find business fascinating, especially the business of Wal-Mart, and ever wonder if or how the bag you take to work every morning could have anything to do with Wal-Mart, you should read The Wal-Mart Effect. It will satisify your curiosity and leave you wondering about where you shop, what you buy and how come it suddenly is a big deal.
Rating: G$_G$_G$_G
posted by Gwynne at
10:15 PM
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