Do you save money at big box stores?
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In 2010 Walmart, with 2.1 million employees, was the
largest corporation in the history of the world. Its rev-
enues of $405 billion exceeded the gross domestic prod-
uct of Sweden and Saudi Arabia. The company’s clout
made it a frequent target of popular satire. A 2008
episode of The Simpsonswas set at “Sprawl-Mart,”
where Homer was offered a job as Executive Greeter. “Is
there a chance for advancement?” he asks. “No,” the
manager says. “You get to work overtime without us
paying you extra.” In 2006 Saturday Night Liveran a
satirical advertisement for “Sale-Mart,” a big-box store
that was “all about low prices.” Toothless employees
expressed satisfaction with the company’s dental plan.
The announcer told shoppers to hurry to the pharmacy,
“where generic prescription drugs are two handfuls for
a dollar.”
Real-world critics of Walmart leveled similar charges.
A labor union website described Walmart as a “death
star” that “destroys all other economic activity in its
path.” Others complained that many Walmart employees
qualified for public assistance.
In 2009 Walmart, whose motto is “Save Money Live
Better,” claimed that it saved $3,100 per American
household. Former CEO Lee Scott credited Walmart with