Abstract

DOWN AND OUT IN DISCOUNT AMERICA

Focuses on Wal-Mart stores' prices and customers and its connection to poverty in the United States. Claim that Wal-Mart markets itself to low-income people and especially to poor women; Reference to a study by Andrew Franklin which showed that Wal-Mart operates primarily in poor and working-class communities; Statement that half of Wal-Mart Supercenter customers are blue collar workers and their families, while 20 percent are unemployed or elderly; Suggestion that Wal-Mart founder Sam Walton figured out how to make money off of poverty; Claim that the wages paid to Wal-Mart employees perpetuates poverty; Statement that Wal-Mart routinely violates laws protecting workers' organizing rights; Report that Wal-Mart discriminates against women in pay and promotions; Identification between the retail clerks at Wal-Mart and its customers; Discussion of the lack of impact of boycotts against Wal-Mart; Discussion of the female customer's loyalty to Wal-Mart; Report that Wal-Mart has encouraged its employees to collect public assistance so that it can avoid paying higher wages and benefits.