I wonder how many people will want to boycott Wal-Mart because OMG THIS IS AMERICA SPEAK ENGLISH.

This is a topic that really, really, really gets to me. I hate that the US is catering to Spanish speaking people. If you are going to come to the US, learn to speak ENGLISH. I understand it takes time to learn... and I'm not talking about those people. I'm talking about the ones who come over here and make no effort to learn because they know the US is now catering to Spanish speakers.

Its america, english is the language, lets not cater to specific cultures just because they wont adapt.

Well I think if you plan on living in this country, you need to speak english when you're working and shopping. When you're at home, speak whatever you want! Speak Vulcan for all I care. But when you're out in society in a country that predominantly speaks english, then you need to speak it.

However, I say good for Wal Mart! They see an opportunity and they're taking it. Can't blame them!

Completely agree, TrueSong.
I understand why Walmart would make that sort of move, but I don't agree with it. THEY moved HERE - the responsibility is theirs to learn how to get along here, and that includes learning our language.

carrie, I think you misunderstood TS, she was saying she wondered how many people would say that...

TS - I doubt you'll see people of that train of thought boycotting wal Mart. There's a lot of areas where its hard to boycott WalMart and I think in this economy, price will always win.

Ahh...take out the top line, the rest still stands

It's a little hard to boycott Wal-Mart here. We have Kroger and Wal-Mart. I like Kroger, but their prices are much higher that Wal-Mart on 90% of their items. With my budget, I just can't afford to shop at Kroger for everything. *sigh* I'm sure I'm not the only one who lives someplace where Wal-Mart is the only option.

Officially, the US has no official language.

There are already so many supermercados around here (Dallas area) and to hear that Wal-Mart's going to take that market away too just angers me so much.

Or religion.

And besides that, roughly ten percent of the population in the country speak Spanish as their primary language, so it would be ridiculous to ignore that segment of the population.

Part of me is curious to see how Wal-Mart will interpret a carneceria and if they'll carry brains, cheeks and tongue.

As much as I hate the impact of Wal-Mart and don't shop there they are an international co. and it would serve them well to do this.

Wal-Mart is never going to slow down until it's customers slow down and that's not going to happen when you have poverty level wage families scraping for every dime.

I prefer to shop at Target, yeah I might save a $1 - $1.25 on an item going to W.M. but I just can't do it.

Funny, I have no problem boycotting Wal Mart, even in this economy. There's Target, CVS, coupons, sales and doing without.

Target is the same as WalMart though really... as is KMart or whatever other "superstore" one shops at.

Though I as well prefer Target because the goods are better in my opinion. However, I don't know if they are really any different than WalMart in the "business" respect.

Steph - Thats good for you, but there are some who aren't as well off and depend on WalMart to provide them with necessities for less.

I hate walmart, but I stopped at one the other day because it was on my way and I needed something, and I admit I saw some cool stuff I wanted for some pretty good prices.

I read an article a while back that WalMart is actively seeking to copy Target because the biggest reason people shop more at Target is that its a more pleasing shopping environment.

So WalMart is opening new concept stores where the lighting is less harsh, good are on tables not racks to the ceilings, and the colors are more earth toned and soothing. They actually opened one of these stores around me and I have to say, it makes a HUGE difference. I didn't mind going there at all but I still hated going into the "old" WalMart.

There's Target, CVS, coupons, sales and doing without. No one NEEDS WalMart.

Its not like people who dont speak english dont know how to shop! They know hispanics are big consumers so they want to stand out n want us to buy more from them because they are going hispanic friendly woopty doo.

Steph can you explain why WalMart is bad but Target is not?

I know what you are talking about haus. I hate Wal-Mart, but like I said, it's a necessity for me. They opened a new Wal-Mart in a town not too far from here. I was there on business and stopped in. It was much more bearable than going to the 'old' Wal-Mart. I love Target, but the nearest one is over 1 and 1/2 hours away.

This isnt the first time WalMart made a smart business decision, remember this story http://www.citizensugar.com/1097884 ?

Were there any boycotts after that? I don't know, I don't remember hearing about any...

Interesting! When my parents were here over the holidays, they made me go to walmart, and somehow my did used his magic walmart rada to skip the two closest to my house and find this other one about 7 miles away that was like a maaagic walmart. The people were nice, it was bright and clean, no lines, and amazingly well-stocked. I ended up getting a pair of lined mittens and a wallet and a baby gate that wasn't too tall for me to step over, all things I had not found at Target! (Well, Target had lined mittens but when I went back for another pair they were out.)

my did=my dad

What did you need the baby gate for?? (if you don't mind me asking )

To keep your Dad in check?

rada=radar.

And obviously Target sells wallets, but not like the one I bought which I love.

Haus, you didn't know I have two kids?

I used to work in the bakery at Walmart...didn't mind the work, and I could stand the hours (though they were pretty strange...sometimes 4a.m.-1p.m., sometimes 1-10 p.m.) but I hated working under the management there. The conditions the place on their employees (at least at my branch) were pretty tough. They definitely weren't open to working with my college schedule. In the end I had to quit, and I've never done that outside of when we moved to a different state.

ts - really?!?! I didn't know that!

like real kids or pets?

Carrie Sue, you aren't the only one. I worked at Wal-Mart my senior year of high school. My co-workers were great... the management, not so great. They actually held my last check saying I had violated the attendance policy and was fired. Wal-Mart still owes me roughly $250.

Oh, and I didn't violate the attendance policy. I gave 2 wk notice.

Haha, no I don't have kids. And I wasn't referring to my pets as kids either, I was just kidding.

The baby gate keeps the dog out of the laundry room, that's all. The laundry room is where the food and litterbox for the cat is, and cat poop is a delicious treat in the dog's eyes.

Reasons why Target is better:

Target treats their employees tons better, they have red accents and not icky blue, their icon is a target not a smiley on crack, they are cleaner, they have a better product line, their marketing isnt annoying, they have sweet a$$ 1$ deals in the front, Their employees seem happier and more knowledgeable, Target employees dont wear creepy aprons....

My brother works for Walmart - and you aren't kidding, Carrie Sue and starangel -- the management is horrendous. I can't believe how they get away with treating their employees (many of them long-term employees, like my brother)! I haven't really heard such complaints (although I'm sure there's plenty out there) for Target.

:also customer base has more teeth.

haha ok TS. I thought for a secon you were one of those people who calls their pets their kids. Thats a pet peeve of mine (get it!?) Glad to hear you're not. I'm not sure our friendship could have recovered.

CG - I hear ya. But in terms of business, I don't see what Target does that makes them entirely different from WalMart. They're both big box stores with the same purpose.

No way. People who call their pets kids are weird. My relationship to my pets is clearly way less complex and way better. The dog's never going to stomp out, yell, "I HATE you!" and slam the door.

Target also doesn't have old people at the door greeting you when you come in and eyeing you suspiciously when you leave. Annoying.

There aren't a lot of major differences between the two, except WalMart is bigger and more flamboyant in its abuses. Boycott them both if you're concerned. I went to Target twice last year, WalMart never. I doubt either store noticed.

I just think all the clothes and home furnishings and shoes tend to be way cuter at Target. Plus, Target popcorn is delicious. Also, Target has been way closer to the last two places I have lived. I don't refuse to go to walmart, but it's not my preference.

I feel like cats say "I hate you" in their own way.

I love Target. I just think if one is going to morally object to "big box" stores then they shouldn't shop at WalMart, Target, Kmart or the like.

Yeah, I should have said my relationship with the dog is better. The cat hasn't taken to me at all, she only likes Manfriend.

mine say it haus, by taking a dump only when company seems to be there......

I'm embarassed by some of the coments above; "speak english, please." This country was founded in part on the idea of capitalism-if there is a market, find it, use it, makes some money. Although I think Wal-mart is a despicable company and I don' t shop there on principal. They have every right to cater to any market they choose. In this day and age, Hispanic folk are a part of our communities, jobs, schools, neighbors. Just like any mom and pop store in Little Italy or Chinatown that caters to people of a specific cultural heritage Wal-mart is providing the same with this venture to Hispanics. Hispanic people should be able to go to a shop and buy products that cater to their needs or desires.

theres something about men and cats... i think its because men play hard to get with them and they repond to that.

It's totally true. I smother her with affection, I pet her and pick her up and dangle string for her, and she hates me, runs away when I come in the room. He ignores her and she crawls into his lap. Sigh.