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Is Wal-Mart Good for the Economy?

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Debate Question: Is Wal-Mart Good for the Economy? Yes. Wal-Mart is now the largest grocer, largest retailer, largest corporation in the world. "If Wal-Mart was a nation, it would have a bigger economy than 80 percent of the world's countries"(Singer and Mason). About "138 million people go to one of Wal-Mart's 5,000 stores in the United States and nine other countries", and purchase more than $300 billion every year (Singer and Mason). With a 1.6 million global workforce, Wal-Mart has become the biggest private employer "in the United States, as well as in Mexico and Canada"(Singer and Mason). "Wal-Mart already has 11 percent of all U.S. Grocery store sales," and "by 2013 that figure is likely to rise to 21 percent"(Singer and …show more content…

In addition, it is certainly true that the savings generated by Wal-Mart's low price provides individuals with employment opportunities. In the City of Los Angeles, the total savings will be at least $668 million annually. The redirected grocery savings will "create 6,500 additional full-time-equivalent jobs"(LAEDC). While "in Los Angeles County, the aggregate annual savings to consumers would be at least $1.78 billion"(LAEDC). "When the savings are redirected to other purchases, the county-wide job creation will total 17,300 jobs"(LAEDC). And meanwhile, in Southern California, the combined total annual saving of Imperial, Los Angeles, Orange, Riverside, San Bernardino, San Diego and Riverside counties will be at least $3.76 billion, creating 36,400 jobs (LAEDC). According to Optician, in 2002, Wal-Mart employed "913 people in 35 optical outlets, with another five to open by the end of" March. "If all the 50 planned centres open", it would be "taking on at least 1,000 employees". In "Wal-Mart's Urban Renewal", CEO Lee Scott announced, "over the next two years Wal-Mart will open 50 stores

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