Scatterbox

Are you ready for a little controversy?

Sometime in the mid 1960's, a store opened in Rogers, Arkansas. It's name? Wal-Mart.

The store's owner, Sam Walton, was a hard-headed but arguably lovable visionary who saw a future in selling the public what they wanted at the very lowest price possible. He also implemented a “satisfaction guaranteed” policy that meant that a customer could bring a product back, even after years of use, and get his money back or a replacement if he wished.

The plan worked. By the time of Walton's death, the chain had passed Sears as the world's largest retailer (even though the “satisfaction guaranteed” policy was watered down following Sam's passing). Then, the controversy began.

Charges began accumulating that the corporation was out to bust unions, that they planned to strategically knock out small time retailers, that their employees had to go in many cases without health insurance, and that the workers were treated like cattle instead of valued “associates.”

As the heat of battle raged, critics lashed out at the chain, and the chain lashed back.

Well, as they say, when two parties disagree, the truth generally lies somewhere in the middle.

Today's FamilyFirst site seems to be a reasonable voice that's a lot closer to the middle than the respective sides. It's called Scatterbox, presented by reputation management and communications consultant Steven Silvers.

In my Bentonville, Arkansas town, Wal-Mart is viewed very positively, with good reason. They have spearheaded a Northwest Arkansas boom that has lasted here since the 1970's.

But in other areas, the opinions vary. Consumers love the low prices. But by some union organizers and small business holders, they are feared and despised. Is that justified?

It's up to you to decide.

http://www.stevensilvers.com/

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