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# Unsteady at Wal-Mart
- URL: https://thedailyeudemon.com/577/
- Published: 2005-04-09T16:14:57.000Z
- Updated: 2005-04-09T16:14:57.000Z
- Author: Eric Scheske
- Tags: TWE, #wpChunk

[NYTimes LINK](http://www.nytimes.com/2005/04/08/business/08walmart.html?ei=5090&en=af8d95bdca37c318&ex=1270612800&adxnnl=1&partner=rssuserland&adxnnlx=1113062409-7qn6+jsp8BhyoLbnPBDgmQ&ref=thedailyeudemon.com)

This is the first time we've ever gotten the feeling that something might be caught in the wheels of the Wal-Mart juggernaut. Wal-Mart admits that it is getting hit by its "tonier" competitors, like Gap and Bed, Bath & Beyond. The Wal-Response? It's upgrading some of its offerings, thus increasing prices in areas, thus potentially alienating its core shoppers.

We don't particularly care for Wal-Mart, so we're encouraged by this for two reasons: (1) It must be a shaky proposition, kind of like a new roller skater trying to leave one pole for another without falling down. If Wal-Mart doesn't grab the new customers but loses its old ones in the process, it's a fall. (2) It's the first time we've ever heard of Wal-Mart "reacting" to market forces, going on the defensive you might say. Before, it's always expanding--optometry, hair cutting--to crush little guys and without giving up any of their other offerings. Now, they're expanding to fight off bigger competition and, to do so, they're surrendering a chunk of their existing business.