Journal of Economic Perspectives
ISSN 0895-3309 (Print) | ISSN 1944-7965 (Online)
The Causes and Consequences of Wal-Mart's Growth
Journal of Economic Perspectives
vol. 21,
no. 3, Summer 2007
(pp. 177–198)
(Complimentary)
Abstract
Wal-Mart is the largest retailer and the largest private employer in the United States. The competitive pressures created by large retailers have long been controversial, and Wal-Mart's growth has raised concerns about its economic impact on workers, communities, and competitors. This paper aims to dispel some of the myths regarding Wal-Mart and to replace them with a systematic accounting of what is known about Wal-Mart's impact on the U.S. and global economy. The paper begins by exploring the source of Wal-Mart's competitive advantage. It then examines some of the economic effects of Wal-Mart: how Wal-Mart stores affect local labor markets, consumer prices, product selection, local and global competitors, and suppliers. I then turn to Wal-Mart's interaction with public policy issues in matters of global trade as well as state and local legislation on wages, benefits, zoning, and subsidies.Citation
Basker, Emek. 2007. "The Causes and Consequences of Wal-Mart's Growth." Journal of Economic Perspectives, 21 (3): 177–198. DOI: 10.1257/jep.21.3.177JEL Classification
- L14 Transactional Relationships; Contracts and Reputation; Networks
- L25 Firm Performance: Size, Diversification, and Scope
- L81 Retail and Wholesale Trade; e-Commerce
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