The Wal-Mart Effect

About the Author

Charles Fishman is an award-winning investigative journalist known for his insightful and thorough approach to uncovering the intricate dynamics of large organizations. He began his career at The Washington Post and has worked as a writer and editor at The Orlando Sentinel and the News & Observer in Raleigh, North Carolina. With a keen eye for detail and a relentless pursuit of the truth, Fishman delves deep into the complex workings of Wal-Mart in his groundbreaking book, "The Wal-Mart Effect".

Main Idea

In "The Wal-Mart Effect," Charles Fishman explores the profound impact of the retail giant Wal-Mart on the American economy and beyond. The book reveals how Wal-Mart's practices influence customers, suppliers, employees, and even those who don't directly interact with the company. Through meticulous research and compelling storytelling, Fishman demonstrates how Wal-Mart's mission of "always low prices" reverberates through every facet of economic life, reshaping markets, industries, and communities.

Table of Contents

• Introduction: The Wal-Mart Phenomenon
• Chapter 1: Who Knew Shopping Was So Important?
• Chapter 2: Unchallenged in Groceries
• Chapter 3: Free-Market Hero or Insidious Beast?
• Chapter 4: The Squeeze
• Chapter 5: The Job Defense
• Chapter 6: The Consumer Solution
• Chapter 7: The Power of Pennies
• Chapter 8: Low Price Addiction
• Chapter 9: Wal-Mart and the Decent Society

Introduction: The Wal-Mart Phenomenon

Wal-Mart, a retail behemoth, has become a ubiquitous presence in American life, with more than 100 million Americans shopping there weekly. Charles Fishman begins by setting the stage, highlighting Wal-Mart's staggering reach and its ability to influence economic behaviors far beyond its immediate customers. He emphasizes the company's mission to deliver "always low prices" and how this guiding principle creates a unique economic ecosystem.