ARTICLE: "In Mexico, Wal-Mart Is Defying Its Critics: Low Prices Boost Its Sales and Popularity In Developing Markets," by John Lyons, Wall Street Journal, 5 March 2007, p. A1.
Wal-Mart keeps screwing up in affluent markets, like Germany, Japan, large U.S. cities, but routinely cleans up in developing or emerging markets, where it's sell to the bottom of the pyramid mentality meets an aggressive desire on the part of consumers for better economic connectivity ("My modest income is now connected to so many more choices!").
Turns out poor Central Americans like Wal-Mart for all the same reasons why the rural red states in America like it too.
It connects and empowers while, yes, simultaneously reconfiguring local markets--the essence of globalization.
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Comments (4)
Sir, yes, Wal-Mart definitely has cons, but what about the pros Sir? Admittedly, I watched as Wal-Mart basically put my Uncle out of the Craft business, but still, doesn't Wal-Mart on an international scene bring more "connectedness" in the long-run? Granted, I have never been in a Wal-Mart in any country other than the good ole USA, but I'm thinking it is fair to say that Wal-Mart brings much of the best (and worst) of Western culture into those stores for consumers to purchase and take home. Items such as DVD players, TV's, COMPUTERS, and other technology...your thoughts?
I'm also a big fan Sir. I'm currently attending the Naval Postgraduate School here in Monterey. Have you ever spoke here at NPS? Would you come now if invited?
Very respectfully, W.E. Gene Mattingly, Major, USAF
Posted by Gene Mattingly | March 14, 2007 12:09 PM
Speaking of WSJ stories, I'm curious to hear Tom's thoughts on the Halliburton CEO-to-Dubai move, in a global security context.
Posted by The Globalizer![[TypeKey Profile Page]](http://www.thomaspmbarnett.com/weblog/nav-commenters.gif)
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March 14, 2007 12:46 PM
that's funny, Gene. i read Tom's comments as being complimentary of Wal-Mart.
(remember, he's a liberal. it's counter-intuitive for him ;-)
Posted by Sean Meade![[TypeKey Profile Page]](http://www.thomaspmbarnett.com/weblog/nav-commenters.gif)
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March 14, 2007 4:02 PM
Gene, (to add to Sean's post)
If you search Tom's archives, you'll see he's written favorably about Wal-Mart several times.
Posted by Nathan Machula | March 15, 2007 1:09 PM