Even More Wal-Mart Effect

I have written before about the "Wal-Mart effect" in Pullman. And all this development is happening in advance of the store even breaking ground. Today's Daily Evergreen reports on even more.

As many of you know, the Safeway in Pullman is undergoing a major overhaul, changing the decor, adding wireless internet and more seating, self-serve items, fresh-baked bread and more organic foods. Why?

Under the new concept, Safeway wants to improve quality while still keeping low prices. Part of the reason for the remodel is also due to Safeway possibly getting a new chief competitor, Wal-Mart.

“Wal-Mart owns the property across from us,” Bell said. “But we don’t know yet if they are building there.”

That, my friends, is the free market and competition at work. The customer benefits through lower prices and better selection. And the business benefits, because by reinventing itself, it continues to be relevant to the customer.

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