Yes, you heard right. Recently, Walmart closed many of its stores worldwide, of which 154 stores were closed permanently in the US alone. Apart from this, 60 stores have been temporarily closed due to the covid-19 outbreak. Other than Covid-19, many reasons lead to the shutting down of its branches. They are:
Tough Competition:
Ban On China Imports:
As Covid-19 Pandemic emerged in the world from China, most countries banned imports from China for some time. The products imported from China were not available. Due to the Pandemic, a lockdown had to impose on most countries. Hence, they had to shut down stores temporarily due to not having enough products, which led to the financial crisis. For this reason, many employees had to lose their job.
Not so employee-friendly firm:
Employees are the company’s greatest asset, as is their mistreatment the reason that may bring them a liability. Walmart made the same mistake. It treats its employees like second-class citizens. Most large companies provide facilities like health insurance, wages for extra work, etc. They didn’t pay staff for overhaul. They don’t even give maternity leave to pregnant women employees. They didn’t even provide uniforms to the employees and asked them to purchase them for themselves from their already underpaid wages. During covid, most companies provided wages to the employees during the lockdown, but Walmart didn’t even provide basic things like food and medicines. They do not consider their employees as humans and make them work like machines. Hence, this gets a bad reputation which is our next point.
Bad Reputation :
Walmart not only treats its employees badly but also their customers. Many customers have complained that they have faced racial discrimination at the store. Not only this, but they also employ illegal immigrants and child workers. Walmart was fined 21 million $ for giving a job to illegal immigrants and encouraging child labor. Not only that but Walmart was also fined more than 200 $ over bribery charges in many countries. Many women also say they have faced sexual harassment and gender bias at Walmart. Not only women but also LGBTQ people face this bias. It seems strange that Walmart ranks 6th on the list of companies that support the LGBTQ community and in which took place the controversy of transgender harassment. Apart from that, there are many controversial stories about Walmart that got them a bad reputation.
How Can Walmart Save Its Remaining Stores?
Everyone gets a second chance to improve their mistakes. Walmart can use this second chance to correct their past mistakes so that one day no one will remember their controversies but their good service. The first thing that Walmart can improve is its behavior with employees and customers.
For Example,
They should provide health insurance to their employees on behalf of the company. They should help employees in their difficult times by providing them with necessary commodities. They should offer them extra wages for overwork and a bonus at festivalsThe company should behave politely with customers They should treat all customers equally without being biased on their gender or identity. To increase sales, the company should provide the best after-sale service to the customers.
Conclusion:
Everyone makes mistakes but there is always a second chance to improve that mistakes. We hope that you all will give Walmart a second chance to improve its past mistakes. Large scale chain stores such as Walmart are required to cater to such a large audience worldwide and to provide affordable goods and services.
Is Walmart better at store or online?
Ans. Walmart is better online as you get more options, great offers, and vouchers.
- Does Walmart charge the delivery fee for online orders?
Ans. If you have a Walmart+ membership then you don’t have to pay the delivery fee or you have to order above 35$
Do I have to pay the charge for parking at Walmart?
Ans. No, you don’t have to pay the charge but you will have to contact management if you want to park for longer hours.
What is the condition of the shopping cart at Walmart?
Ans. The condition is good and recently they are planning to attach the sensor to trolleys so you will not have to push it anymore.
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