Wal-Mart is constantly under scrutiny. Whether it’s about workers rights, imported good or the effect big box stores have on mom-and-pop shops in the current economy, there’s always something to be said about Wal-Mart and typically it is not very nice. Wal-Mart is trying to change that perception and prove they are proud to be an American company. Bill Simon, president and CEO, recently announced Wal-Mart’s plans to give the home team the advantage with domestically made merchandise and a new hiring program for veterans. “At the heart of our national political conversation today is one issue: creating jobs to grow the economy,” said Simon. “[We] are making a strong commitment to move this forward.” While most of the clamor generated by Simon’s statement has been positive, some people are still skeptical that the plan is purely a promotional ploy.
The first step in Wal-Mart’s plan is to increase the American-made products that they purchase and offer to customers. During the next decade Wal-Mart intends to promote their “Buy American” campaign by spending $50 billion on products that would usually be imported--like sporting goods, storage products, games, accessories, apparel, textiles, furniture and high-end appliances. Currently, they claim two-thirds of the goods they sell are sourced in the United States. Domestically produced products like groceries, health and beauty products, household goods like paper towels, and pet supplies make up 55 percent of U.S. sales.
The second phase in Wal-Mart’s patriotic push is to recruit job candidates who have recently left the military. They intend to hire 100,000 veterans in the next five years. While not all veterans are interested in retail work, any honorably discharged veteran has a job waiting for them at Wal-Mart as long as they apply within the first 12 months off active duty. “Hiring a veteran can be one of the best business decisions you make,” said Simon, a Navy veteran himself. “Veterans have a record of performance under pressure. They’re quick learners and team players. They are leaders with discipline, training, and a passion for service. There is a seriousness and sense of purpose that the military instills, and we need it today more than ever.”
These are noble steps in the right direction. However, critics feel Wal-Mart is just scratching the surface when it comes to what’s really wrong with their current practices and that there are other effective ways Wal-Mart could make a meaningful difference immediately. They suggest that paying better wages and offering workers more regular hours would result in a bigger impact for individuals and the economy overall. Stuart Appelbaum, president of the Retail, Wholesale and Department Store Union, was quoted saying, "Retailers like Wal-Mart could provide the nation with a much needed economic boost by paying higher wages and providing stable scheduling - while still remaining profitable and continuing to offer low prices. By part-timing their workforce, they're hurting both workers and our economy by fueling underemployment."
Whatever the motives, everyone watching the plan unfold hopes for the best. If all goes well other retailers may be inspired to follow suit. “Imagine what retail could do together,” said Simon. “We could leave an incredible legacy as an industry. We can be the ones who step up for our heroes. And we can do this now.”
Image courtesy of Stuart Miles at FreeDigitalPhotos
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