This has created a famously loyal and highly competitive workforce. Every sales clerk knows how much their department sells, what its inventory and expenses are - and how much profit it makes. Wal-Mart's revival, though, has been boosted by going for size. Losses that would wipe out some competitors are mere pinpricks for the company with headquarters in Bentonville, Arkansas. But it's not only the Walton family and its 'associates' that have made good.
Consumers are better off as well.
The Wal-Mart success has driven down prices relentlessly. Germany is a prime example. Since the company entered the market one year ago, competitors have systematically lowered prices. Supermarket chains here are currently under investigation over allegations of price-fixing, and consumers could hope for a price 'windfall' now that the US retailer is entering the market. Where the company sets up shop, local businesses die.