More on Wal-Mart: How it Could Restore the Nation
If Wal-Mart stepped up to the plate, took the Lunch Hour Career Mover's approach and focused on creating a work force of knowledgeable, happy(better-pay) healthier (better health benefits) dependable people; it could change the nation for the better. Educating their employees on retail statistics, product and general how-to knowledge, in the form of a weekly report or daily session, paying them extra for their new found expertise and the health care-package to back it up could dramatically improve its image, drawing people back to the store, and elevating the standard of living for entire the nation.With Wal-Mart changing its employees into an expert work force other retailers will half to comply to compete. Wal-Mart says it's all about home values, well, let's see them put their money where their smiley face is and put it to the test.

Wal-Mart bettering Itself: A Revolutionary Idea
Imagine walking into a Wal-Mart where the staff is friendly and helpful and job oriented. Not only do they help you find what they are looking for, but they can give you facts and figures, including most popular selling items, and useful statistics about the item that isn't on the label , like detergent is safe for the envronment, how long the rubber made container will hold together, what the most popular design elements to use in a bathroom, etc.

The Procedure
I can think of a million different ways to educate the employees on statistics and details about the industry, but just think a hi-tech Internet delivered, corporate filtered form of information or an application for Internet devices at Wal-Mart for customers and employees. First they would have initial training on the basic reoccurring things and facts and information that is useful to the customer regardless of what store they are in for the store or their department. Then when they are stocking shelves, straightening and facing items and they are asked a question, they can provide meaningful answers and recommendations to the customer.

In order to make up for the cost of training and on going employee education solution (the higher cost of reasonable wages and health care costs they can swallow-as they deserve to do so as a responsible corporate entity) They can launch a huge marketing campaign where they simply brag about their new methods and Raise the Prices just a little bit for the customer.

The Cost
Initially it would cost Millions, billions they would claim I'm sure, they would probably ask for government assistance rather than pay out of their own packed pockets. It is true that it would cost money, but Wal- Mart is notorious for finding ways to stream line processes, why not stream line employee education?

The Results
If It is in the name of restoring opportunity to America, I and everyone else (I'm sure many would agree), would gladly pay a little extra for those imported Chinese goods and do my part. This would be a more direct method at least for how taxpayers subsidize Wal-Mart employees anyway. We would be just going back to the way things are normally done; there would be no price difference in long run. No one has time to comparison shop, and once they are in the store Wal- Mart knows the probability of them buying something is almost a guarantee. They won't stop shopping at Wal-Mart, no matter how hard we ask or how much we pay them. America is addicted to Wal-Mart. After being the retail monster, I think people would get behind a company that is interested in doing this to restore the nation.


The employees would have an employable skill that could make them a manager in any other retail chain, they would be able to buy medicine for their children, afford to live for a change and bringing up their spending power (which a large chunk makes it back into Wal-Mart anyway).

The disgruntled Nation including former customers and ex employees would come back to shop at a retailer that looks to improve the country (patriotic) in stores where their employees give them piece of mind as well. This would dramatically improve Wal-Marts image. This type of marketing could give Wal-Mart an edge over eco-friendly IKEA and certainly drive a nail in the head of the old ways of the retail industry. Bye-bye old school, hello innovation! Everyone looks up to Wal Mart. They set the standards, and everyone would have to follow in its wake in order to stay afloat. The other retailers would follow suit and suddenly we have a working class of experts with a little spare change in their pockets and a class of even smarter consumers. What happens when you have loose change, wisdom and piece of mind? Innovation and that is what LHCM is all about- motivating you to innovate.

LHCM Pledge
Here at LHCM, we are not just about talking the talk, but walking the walk, that is why we vow to carry a proposal on the specifics of this type of operation to the ears of all the major retailers. We will pitch our proposal and make sure it does not fall on deaf ears.