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ShareWith all the buzz surrounding the retail giant's foray into India, Speak Up talks to those who have been to Wal-Mart stores across the world about their experiences.
Quality stuff at lower rate
Shopping at Wal-Mart was quite an experience. It's good to know that Wal-Mart is coming to India, but I don't think it's too different from the malls that we have here. The only difference is that it's huge. The initial excitement of shopping at a big store will be there, but I don't think it will as overwhelming as we expect it to be. Had Wal-Mart been in India a couple of years ago, it would have been a different story. We are already exposed to the American brand of shopping with Shoprite and US Dollar Stores operating in India. The price difference isn't great, but when you buy things in bulk, it becomes cost effective. One thing you can be sure about Wal-Mart is that you will not be getting sub-standard stuff under the guise of discounted rates.
-- Chitra Iyer. Bandra
You can be sure of quality
I have shopped for clothes and other household stuff at Wal-Mart. You get quality stuff there, unlike what's on offer at most stores here. I have often purchased clothes from Wal-Mart. I picked up a shirt for nine dollars from Wal-Mart and the same shirt cost about $15 at other places. The mall is huge and has everything you can think of under one roof. You can shop there for hours.
-- Prajakta Mahatre. Vile Parle
Everything under one roof
I am very excited about Wal-Mart coming to India. The mall is about 10 times bigger than Hypercity. It houses all products under one roof -- you name it and you will find it there. It's a one-stop shop for all your needs. I didn't go there particularly to shop but did end up buying lots of chocolates and toys. It offered good quality stuff at low rates.
-- Kinnari Mehta. Santa Cruz
Service is like any other store
You get cheaper stuff than a Macy's or any other departmental store. The variety is staggering. There is so much stuff under one huge roof. The service is normal, nothing to rave about, but the prices and discount offers are unbelievably good. The one thing assured about Wal-Mart products is quality at a price that you will never find anywhere else. The sheer variety tempts you to buy things. I picked up quite a bit and the stuff has lasted. It is not your regular use-and-throw stuff.
It is great that Wal-Mart is coming to India, but only if they maintain the same standard as abroad. It will be convenient to go to one place that is reasonable and pile up for the month.
-- Sonal Chabria
They have amazing offers
My friends and I used to frequent this place when we were in the US. Wal-Mart offered a variety of products and had amazing offers every Sunday. From grocery to clothing, we used to purchase everything from there. With Wal-Mart coming to India, it will bring back cheap shopping. I'm looking forward to it.
The quality of products is roughly the same as compared to other places, but the prices are really cool. On an average, there is a difference of about five dollars. Also, the offers available on some products make the product virtually free.
-- Vicky Vadher. Borivali
Very well organised set-up
Shopping at Wal-Mart is an experience by itself. I experienced this about four years ago when we didn't have many departmental stores in India. I remember spending a good five hours shopping. If you buy an international brand from Wal-Mart, the cost difference will be about four dollars. But if it's a local brand the difference is almost half the price of the product.
I hope Wal-Mart in India will be as good as those abroad. Variety of goods available there is mind blowing. The store is very well organised.
-- Vikita Shah. Thane
Wal-Mart for you
History: Wal-Mart was founded in 1962 by Sam Walton and today is the largest retailer in the world with annual sales of $312 billion. The chain now runs about 6,600 stores across the world and employs about 1.8 million people.
Philosophy: 'Always Low Price' is the Wal-Mart mantra. They do this by cutting out all possible intermediaries in the supply chain, thus improving efficiency in the supply chain.
Internationally, Wal-Mart operates in Mexico as Walmex, in the United Kingdom as ASDA and in Japan as The Seiyu Co., Ltd. Wal-Mart does business under nine different retail formats.
India route: Wal-Mart will make its entry in India in a 50:50 joint venture with Bharati Enterprises. Bharati will manage the storefront, while Wal-Mart will handle the logistics, supply chain and wholesale businesses.
Criticism: Wal-Mart has been accused of several transgressions, including low wages, labour malpractices and predatory pricing, whereby they drop prices to kill all competition and then exploit the monopoly.
