Wal-Mart on the thrive despite the recession

By Quang Nguyen



During this current economic downturn, many companies go under. Even companies with strong brands are struggling to survive. However, there is one company that is taking good advantage of the recession. It is Wal-Mart.

With a strategy known as "Always low prices", Wal-Mart offer customers options during this hard time. People used to go to higher end stores for their needs, now turn to Wal-Mart since it is the only place they can afford. Wal-Mart has kept lots of families in the US from starving to death. A lot of people have criticized Wal-Mart for destroying America, but without Wal-Mart, people would have to pay much higher prices for everything.

According to official financial report, Wal-Mart has a lot of cash on its balance sheet and very little debts. Despite the recession, Wal-Mart has been making profit consistently. Since March 9th, 2009, its shares has increased as much as 14%. Despite popular belief that Wal-Mart is destroying the local economy of small towns, researchs have shown that it actually permanently raises local employment.

Sources:
http://www.ncpa.org/sub/dpd/index.php?article_id=925
http://www.nytimes.com/2009/12/06/business/06stra.html?ref=business
http://www.usatoday.com/money/economy/2008-12-03-recession-proof-companies_N.htm