Practice Summary & Response

Problems of Wal-Mart's Development

In the article “Some cities resisting Wal-Mart expansion,” Emily Kaiser states that Wal-Mart has a problem with expanding in both urban areas and rural areas. Wal-Mart is expanding quickly. People who live in rural areas oppose the idea of building new supercenters in their area because it they want their town to remain small. Some places also begin to oppose Wal-Mart’s development. It is difficult to build big stores in urban areas because there is not enough space. If stores are built, they will not have one floor but a few floors. Customers like the convenience of getting items they want on the same floor. Though there are some ways to solve this problem, effective results cannot be seen.

I think that Wal-Mart should not expand any more. There are some reasons I think so. First, it changes our way of life. Second, building big stores may change lives of local residents. Finally, Wal-Mart can weaken economies of other countries.

First, Wal-Mart changes our way of life. Before, people went to several stores to get necessities because there was no store that had everything. However, people started to go to Wal-Mart to do shopping after it was built. It made our way of life faster than before and made people busy. Then, they cannot have time to feel relaxed.

Second, building big stores may change lives of local residents. They like their peaceful lives without the disturbance. If the big stores like Wal-Mart are built, their life styles or rhythm will change from peaceful to restless. Moreover, if people start to go there rather than to local stores, they will be closed. Then, people will lose their jobs. Also, the system of local economy will not work well.

Finally, Wal-Mart can weaken economies of other countries. Recently, it is opening stores in other countries. If they become more popular, products made in foreign countries will begin not to be sold. That may destroy traditional systems. Furthermore, that makes economic systems and foreign trade confusing.

In conclusion, Wal-Mart changes our way of life, building big stores may change lives of local residents and Wal-Mart can weaken economies of other countries. I think Wal-Mart should not develop their business any more. It is already big enough to make big money.

Reference:
Kaiser, E. (2003, July 12). Some Cities Resisting Wal-Mart Expansion. Reuters. Common Dreams News Center. Retrieved on January 17, 2006 from http://www.commondreams.org/headlines03/0712-06.htm