Wal-Mart Spanning the Globe

via jsha.com

Wal-Mart Spanning the Globe

Today in the Wall Street Journal there was an interesting article written about Wal-Mart and their expansion across the globe.  The article was titled “After Early Errors, Wal-Mart Thinks Locally to act Globally” and the piece was written by Miguel Bustillo.  Wal-Mart, as we know it, is the massive corporation that has made headlines in the past for their remarkable deals, local business take overs, and a sometimes spotty record of poor treatment of employees.  However, this well written article by Mr. Bustillo explains Wal-Mart’s push to establish themselves in international markets while upholding the cultural practices in foreign countries.  Wal-Mart has learned that crashing into new markets and disrupting the flow of commerce that has already been established is not proven to work.  Even with the global name of Wal-Mart, the Company is taking a new approach to their foreign constituents.  As Mr. Busitllo reports, Wal-Mart has been looking for new formats in which they can deliver their goods and services to these countries.  These new formats implemented by Wal-Mart is a look and feel that is closer to the individual culture in which they are immersed in.  Wal-Mart has acquired many small discount markets but kept the names of these store fronts in efforts to blend in with the cultural surroundings.  This has proved to be a difficult task for Wal-Mart as many of the established market places in these countries have the upper hand with strong ties with the local suppliers.  Other ways in which Wal-Mart is finding success is through what Mr. Bustillo calls “cross pollination.”  This “cross pollination” is explained as Wal-Mart lending ideas that have worked in other markets across the world in order to grow business.  In India, Wal-Mart and its local affiliates studied a formula that had success in Brazil and simply incorporated into their business.  This tactic has been paying off for Wal-Mart.  By realizing that some of their best ideas are sprouting in other countries, Wal-Mart is capitalizing on their growth.  These methods are even beginning to migrate back into the United States.  Wal-Mart supermarkets are now turning into Supermercado de Wal-mart in which is capitalizing on the increasing Latino market.  It seems Wal-Mart is taking a global approach and applying it locally.  A breath of fresh air has swept through the headquarters at Bentonville, Arkansas.  As Wal-Mart is making its way around the world they are also dropping off pieces of social responsibility along the way.  In Sao Paulo, Brazil Wal-Mart is adding community centers which include internet cafes and even micro-lending services.  Free computer classes are also offered to lower income children of the local area.  The bad press that has engulfed Wal-Mart in the past may appear to be turning.  Wal-Mart is establishing themselves around the world.  While the giant blue sign with white bold lettering may not be there, Wal-Mart is again recapturing the world’s attention.

To Read the Full Article written by Miguel Bustillo pick up today’s (August 14, 2009) copy of the Wall Street Journal, or visit www.wsj.com

Source:

Bustillo, Miguel. “After Early Errors, Wal-Mart Thinks Locally to act Globally.”  The Wall Street Journal 14 Aug. 2009: A1

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Phish:: Joy

via phish.com

Phish will be releasing a new album in September titled Joy. It will be the bands first album in five years. Joy was recorded at Chung King Studio in New York City and was Produced by Steve Lillywhite. Get excited Phans!

Joy Track Listing:
1. Backwards Down The Number Line
2. Stealing Time From The Faulty Plan
3. Joy
4. Sugar Shack
5. Ocelot
6. Kill Devil Falls
7. Light
8. I Been Around
9. Time Turns Elastic
10. Twenty Years Later

Europe Hints . . .

via traveldocs.com

I am actively seeking traveling options through Europe. I was wondering if any bloggers out there had some good books or travel guides I could check out. I am very open to any route through Europe, just hoping for some pointers and a nudge in the right direction.

Thanks in advance!

Samson – Zoom – Q3

via samsontech.com

Growing in popularity these days are “pocket sized” camcorders. The Flip Videos are making tremendous headway in mainstream markets and are seen grabbing tons of market share. I came across this the other day in a music shop publication… The ZOOM Q3 is a way to record videos on the fly while maintaing phenomenal audio. The Zoom Q3 has two condenser mics which delivers “the best stereo recording possible.” Geared towards the musician, it also looks great for any typical household use. Included in the Q3 is a USB cable that allows you to upload your movies directly to your computer and share on YouTube! Check it out at www.zoomfx.com

click the link under the picture to route to company website.

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