The Wal-Mart Effect

By: Charles Fishman

Narrated by: Alan Sklar

Length: 10 hrs and 27 mins

Publisher's summary

Drawing on unprecedented interviews with former Wal-Mart executives and a wealth of staggering data - such as that Americans spend $36 million an hour at Wal-Mart stores - this is an intimate look at a business that is dramatically reshaping the American economy.

Wal-Mart is not only the world's largest company; it is also the largest company in the history of the world. Though 70 percent of Americans now live within a 15-minute drive of a Wal-Mart store, we have not even begun to understand the true power of the company and the many ways it is shaping American life. We know about the lawsuits and the labor protests, but what we don't know is how profoundly the "Wal-Mart effect" is shaping our lives.

Fast Company senior editor Fishman, whose revelatory cover story on Wal-Mart generated the strongest reader response in the history of the magazine, takes us on an unprecedented behind-the-scenes investigative expedition deep inside the many worlds of Wal-Mart. Fishman penetrated the secrecy of Wal-Mart headquarters, interviewing 25 high-level ex-executives. He journeyed into the world of a host of Wal-Mart's suppliers to uncover how the company strong-arms even the most established brands. And he journeyed to the ports and factories, the fields and forests where Wal-Mart's power is warping the very structure of the world's market for goods.

Wal-Mart is not just a retailer anymore, Fishman argues. It has become a kind of economic ecosystem, and anyone who wants to understand the forces shaping our world today must understand the company's hidden reach.

©2006 Charles Fishman (P)2006 Tantor Media Inc.

Critic reviews

"In the end, Fishman sees Wal-Mart as neither good nor evil, but simply a fact of modern life that can barely be comprehended, let alone controlled." (Publishers Weekly)
"He brings to light the serious repercussions that are occurring as consumers and suppliers have become locked in an addiction to massive sales of cheaper and cheaper goods." (Booklist)

Wow!

Mind blowing! I highly suggest all Walmart shoppers read this. Hardest realization, I work for the thousand pound gorilla in The monkey house.

Nothing you probably don't already know

This was a very good book. Entertaining and informative... though a little repetitive at times. Never boring, a few too many percentages and numbers to keep in mind... but overall gives a great perspective into how Wal-Mart is effecting the world.... hence the title.

Just Ok

A very light and superficial approach to the "Wal-Mart phenomenon". Gets into some of the history and mindset of this company, but avoids tough topics such as unfair competition, the encouragement of "economic cheaters" such as China (a country which cheats on environmental pollution, social obligations, intellectual property, etc.), and the addiction of American shoppers to "conspicuous consumption". A good introduction to Wal-Mart, but very light. Also, the sycophantic demeanor of the author does get boring after a while.

Amazing!

Whether you love or hate Wal-mart - or if you don't even think about the world's largest retailer - you need to listen to this one! The author puts together a fascinating look at how Wal-Mart is effecting the global economy as well as the way YOU look at shopping. I loved it!

Good book, not totally balanced

If you could sum up The Wal-Mart Effect in three words, what would they be?

The book starts off very fair and balanced. But towards the end it seems the author just hates walmart (with good reason) and becomes less objective.

What about Alan Sklar’s performance did you like?

Alan Sklar is one of the best book narrators out there. I have listened to many of his books just for his narration.

Wow!

I don't normally shop at Wal-Mart and although I had some sense of how big and powerful they were, I had no ideal that it was to this extent.

I don't feel sorry for the vendors who do business (or the employees who choose to work there) with Wal-Mart, especially if they knew what they were getting into and weren't double-crossed, but Wal-Mart has "it's way" if you want to do.

A great read for anyone who wants to understand the "bigger picture" and make different choices!

Fascinating

Would you recommend this audiobook to a friend? If so, why?

Yes. Very interesting about a business we all have at one time or another used.

Who was your favorite character and why?

The gentleman who pulled his products from Walmarts rather than lower the quality of his products.

Was there a moment in the book that particularly moved you?

That the executives at the corporate offices use sample lawn chairs as guest chairs.

Conflicted about Walmart

Like many people, I have a love/hate relationship with Walmart. The shopping experience is a chore, customer service is non existent most of the time, yet the prices are great. This book confirmed many of the things that I had thought including "lower prices may mean lower quality."

As a mother of three boys, I shop there for necessities, but now I'm wondering if the health of my family is worth it. Sure the bread is cheaper, but is it really bread?? Is it really healthy food for my kids or am I just feeding them the equivalent of cheap dog food. Something to ponder...

No matter how you feel about Walmart, you'll see how Walmart has changed our economy for the good and bad...Your eyes will be opened.... Interesting, educational, and even entertaining listen. Highly recommended.

Depends on the purpose!

If you are looking for business ideas, innovative thinking, insights which you can use in your business this is not the book. This about Walmart, its people and culture. Their obsession with lowering prices. It makes a interesting reading provided you are not expecting any useful take away

Great BOOK

Captivating from the first minute to the last. Brilliant analysis of Wal-Mart.