More Trouble In Toy Land...And You Can Thank Wal-Mart
You can thank Wal-Mart for this. Wal-Mart overtook Toys 'R Us as the number one toy retailer in the United States back in 1998, and Toys "R Us continues to lose market share to it.
Now, personally, you couldn't pay me to buy a doll (or, really, anything) at a Wal-Mart. I live in a rural area, and they've killed too many downtown businesses in too many small towns in my area for me to care that they have prices a few cents lower than everyone else.
Wal-Mart has definitely hurt small retailers in my town, and yes, our local Toys 'R Us as well. If Toys "R Us closed down, my town would be up a toy creek without a paddle. Shopping Wal Mart for toys, to me, is a depressing experience. Messy aisles, only the most popular toys, VERY little variety. Right next to the gardening supplies--what fun.
Wal-Mart has also had an effect on independent doll retailers, thanks to price and price alone. Remember, you can gain knowledge, a fun shopping experience, get better dolls, and find true customer service at your local doll shop, as opposed to a Wal-Mart. And, many times if you shop right, you'll find very comprablel prices at your local doll shop.
You can read more about Toys 'R Us troubles in Will Wal-Mart steal Christmas from Toys 'R' Us? in The National Post. In the meantime, please do me a favor this holiday season--support and shop at your local independently owned doll shops, or even a Toys "R Us if your doll shop doesn't stock what you need. Your town, your hobby, and the doll industry in general will be healthier for it.
Comments
I totally disagree with you. I shop at Wal-Mart for most of my family’s needs and I find that Their prices are a lot more than just “a few cents” difference. If they have driven small businesses out of business, then those businesses were charging too much. I (and many other lower income families) can’t afford to support “Mom andPop” who keep the majority of their earnings for themselves and pay workers minimum wage.
boyoboy what a stupid coment from mr miller obvesly he is not in his own business if he where he would understand .I dont pay my workers whom i vaulue min wage but with wal-mart on the rise what can small business do .mr miller needs to go ask a wal-mart employee how much they make an hour. I DO NOT SHOP WAL_MART!!!! and i do not keep all my profits hey why dont you look up what the c.e.o makes at wal-mart and all the other v.ps hell i cant even aford health insurance for my wife and daughter .so when wal-mart takes over and they dont have to offer speacial prices anymore (**) then well see what you cry about then SUPPORT YOUR LOACAL BUSINESSES so we can pocket the money!!!!!
Bob, you run a great risk when calling someone “stupid.” You might want to invest in a dictionary.