Opposing views of Wal-Mart.

Our consumers have opposing views of the Wal-Mart defeat in Inglewood, California.

* One third feel that the town was nuts because it will miss out on all that Wal-Mart has to offer.

* One third have mixed feelings about the setback for the town, the consumers, and for Wal-Mart's power position in American retailing.

* One third feel it is about time that consumer-citizens stopped up and said no to the behemoth.

The Pro Wal-Mart Views:

* Their low prices help lower-income families maintain a decent standard of living.

* They give good value.

* Most communities would welcome them.

* They are generally good neighbors.

* They mostly give consumers what they want.

* They represent progress.

* The have good everyday clothing and good sales.

* They employ senior citizens.

* They are great when you are traveling.

The Anti Wal-Mart Views:

* They destroy main streets and local stores.

* Most businesses can't compete with their prices.

* They pay workers less than a living wage and less than they should for employee health care.

* They force down wages for everyone.

* Few people want a Wal-Mart in their back yard.

* Their profits don't stay in the communities.

* They lock out unions.

* Their stores aren't as good as people think.

Here is a sampling of the comments:

Pro Wal-Mart: "Wal-Mart does generally give good value for consumer dollars and most communities would welcome them. They are generally a good neighbor and give the consumer what he wants. They are a threat to mom-and-pop businesses but those have a limited viability anyway. I don't want to see us reach the point where there is one large grocery chain, one large superstore chain, one department store chain, etc., but that has begun to seem inevitable."

* "It just 'shows to go' that people in California are 'nuts.' If it can't be found at Wal-Mart, it can't be found. Those of us on the proverbial fixed income find Wal-Mart invaluable as a way to maintain our current standard of living. I think there must be some sort of strange political agenda and/or lobby in that crazy town in California. I do not believe the people have a right to stop good progress unless it impacts on their loss of homes, income, or rights."

* "I welcome any Wal-Mart into my community. They have excellent sales. They employ senior citizens, handicapped, and treat their employees well. Their clearance items are magnificent. I have absolutely no problem with them."

* "I love Wal-Mart. I have one that is 5 minutes away and one that is 15 minutes away. I go to both all the time. Any place I can save money is good for me. They have quality clothes (everyday type) at reasonable prices."

Mixed Feelings:

* "Communities should speak out if they do not want a certain company or store in their neighborhood. Competition is the name of the game but I can really appreciate the small stores. I have seen many come and go in my community because of this. They have a one of a kind gift and have a way of making you feel comfortable when you do buy something there. These big stores, you do not have that special bond."

* "I am somewhat neutral about this--they do have an unfair advantage in that they are so huge that most businesses can't compete with their prices. I do shop there for some things--mostly food and cleaning/toiletry type."

* "It's good to see citizen-consumers saying No! to Wal-Mart. They should have the freedom to express their opinions. Wal-Mart should be free to grow but the citizen's opinions are important too."

* "I have mixed feelings about Wal-Mart. Our town fought it for 5 years and lost/won? The store that was built is not of ordinary design. It is attractive but I do not go there much. I much prefer Winn Dixie or Publix for groceries. However when we travel in our motor home I am glad to have Wal-Mart. A lot of the towns out west we stay in are small and had no large grocery or shopping before Wal-Mart. It is wonderful to have a Wal-Mart and know the prices will be reasonable. I use them a lot on the road where no other grocery chain is available. I also think in some areas it has made stores clean up, revamp and lower prices which was sorely needed."

* "We live about 60 miles away from Inglewood. This is a subject that had a lot of sides to it, but we heard it was defeated by the California labor unions. They put their money into it as Wal-Mart is NOT union and they needed to flex some muscle. Whatever was done, it worked. But supposedly Wal-Mart has plans for many more of their super stores in California and thus it seems that the city lost a VERY valuable asset by voting it out."

Anti Wal-Mart:

* "Wal-Mart is not as good as some think it is. The centers do provide jobs but from what I hear, they do not pay well and they are always having problems with employees, hours, wages and such. I think it's good to see citizens speaking up."

* "In my opinion Wal-Mart has become too powerful. If a community chooses not to have them so be it."

* "Yes, I think it's both timely and appropriate that citizen-consumers say No! to Wal-Mart and any other large corporation that earns profits (which are taken elsewhere, with no benefit to the community) by paying its workers less than a living wage. In the long run, Wal-Mart can cost us more in local taxes than they save us on merchandise. The community ends up picking up the slack through taxes and local charities--these folks must have their health care needs, food, utility and housing needs met somewhere! Meanwhile the corporate executives live large on the profits, often in another state!"

* "Absolutely!!! We have had the same going on here in Wisconsin. Stoughton voted one out and there were issues about expansions in other communities, as well. I do patronize a Super-Center an hour's drive away, but I'm a NIMBY--Super centers can stay away from community. I may pay more sometime, but I'll have an identity!"

Editorial note: Perceptions of losing identity and paying higher taxes to support underpaid employees suggest that supermarkets facing the arrival of Wal-Mart super-centers in their backyards might benefit from sponsoring debates.