This letter is in response to Caren Baginski's Friday column, Wal-Mart bullies our budgets. I can understand why some people feel that Wal-Mart isn't good for a small-town atmosphere and how its treatment of its employees is sub-par, but Wal-Mart isn't all that bad.
Aside from the large amount of money it donates to charities and scholarships, Wal-Mart is a great store because of its prices. Baginski writes about people getting hooked by the opening price point and then buying the more expensive item. So how is that Wal-Mart's fault? When I see a loaf of white bread for $0.74, I buy that one instead of the better brand that costs almost a dollar more. Wal-Mart's brand is a great thing for student budgets. If I save about a dollar for every item I buy from Wal-Mart, then I'll take my great value and not be ashamed of it. You can shop for the expensive stuff if you want.
Wal-Mart's great for other reasons too. Earlier this quarter, I had to get my oil changed, a haircut and groceries all in the same day. I saved tons of time by doing that all in the same place, and I wasn't even using the store to its full potential. Suppose I would have needed a new frame for my glasses, or some sound financial advice from H&R Block.
If you want to drive up and down State Street all afternoon to avoid going to Wal-Mart, that's fine with me, but I refuse to feel guilty about shopping at a place with the best prices and the best selection.
-Charles Martindell is a senior education major. Send him an e-mail at charles.martindell@ohiou.edu
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