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November 7, 2004
Wal-Mart: A Love/Hate Relationship
The opening of a Wal-Mart store near the Aztec pyramids of Teotihuacan has caused quite an uproar. Much attention has been given to the controversy as it is a symbol to many of the encrochment of corporate America upon the rest of the world.
But of course there are always two sides to every story. Quite a few people must be in favor of allowing the Wal-Mart to open or there would be no point in building it in the first place. Stores need shoppers in order to survive. This article from the AFP does a good job of showing why the store is desirable to some:
In San Juan Teotihuacan "there are few stores and everything they sell is very expensive," Maria Felix Nieves, a homemaker at the opening, told AFP.
"Bodega Aurrera" is only 2.5 kilometers (1.5 miles) from the famous pyramids of the Sun and the Moon and a nearby artifacts-rich archeological site.
"The truth is that the people who opposed (the opening) don't care that we're poor and in need of cheaper goods," said Estrella Torres who was checking out kitchen appliances at the store.
Despite a gruelling six hour wait in sunlight, the first people streaming into Bodega Aurrera were all smiles as they went about buying food, diapers, kitchenware and cleaning products.
The article also points out that many locals have dismissed the controversy as several of those protesting the opening of the shopping supercenter are in fact local merchants who will now be forced to compete. Judging by the expressions on the faces of those entering the store through a line of cheering Wal-Mart employees, I would say the local merchants' fears are valid. Click on the pictures to read some of the telling captions:
Posted by Peter Mork at November 7, 2004 4:20 PM
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