Is there really a boycott of Glenn Beck? Update: Law of unintended consequences?
posted at 8:46 am on August 19, 2009 by Ed Morrissey
We’ve heard about the boycott of the Glenn Beck Show on Fox News Channel, one where as many as 20 advertisers have dropped their spots, thanks to pressure from left-wing groups angry at … well, their latest anger du jour. The boycott made big news when reports that major retailers Wal-Mart, Best Buy, and CVS had joined the effort. The Left celebrated, but did these three actually pull ads from Beck? I decided to check, and found that only one of the three agreed to stop advertising on Beck.
First, I contacted Best Buy, whose corporate headquarters are in the Twin Cities. The website Defend Glenn Beck posted an e-mail from their spokesperson saying that they had never advertised on Beck in the first place. I also received an e-mail from the same spokesperson confirming this:
Hi Ed~
The facts are that Best Buy has not advertised during or adjacent to the Glenn Beck show, and has no plans to do so. We do advertise on FOX, but during the morning hours of 6-9 a.m. I hope this helps your understanding.
Thanks a ton, Lisa
Lisa Svac Hawks
Director, Public Relations
Best Buy
7601 Penn Ave. S.
Richfield, MN 55423
Next, I contacted CVS, and found that they had never requested time on Beck in the first place. They did, however, ask to have their Fox spots appear elsewhere, although they apparently haven’t reduced them:
Dear Ed:
Thanks for your note.
While advertising on Fox is part of our communication plan, we had not requested time on Glenn Beck’s show specifically. We have instructed our advertising agency to inform Fox to ensure Glenn Beck’s program is not part of our advertising plan.
Our position is simple. We support vigorous debate, especially around policy issues that affect millions of Americans, but we expect it to be informed, inclusive and respectful, in keeping with our company’s core values and commitment to diversity.
Carolyn
Finally, I contacted Wal-Mart, and discovered that they alone of this Big 3 pulled ad spots from Beck:
Edward,
Walmart has confirmed the retailer pulled ads from the Glenn Beck show on August 3rd
Thanks,
Ashley
Ashley Hardie Wal-Mart Spokeswoman
Media Relations Hotline: 1.800.331.0085
In other words, the claim here was about half true. It was completely false regarding Best Buy, and CVS didn’t request ads for Beck before requesting to avoid him. Only Wal-Mart actually pulled ads from the show, and even at that may still be redirecting its ad money to other shows. Allahpundit predicted that would be the case when he wrote about this a few days ago, and Mediaite appears to have confirmed it:
It was big news yesterday – given major play on HuffPost and discussed on MSNBC – and while it signals some success for the ColorofChange.org campaign, the fact that Beck’s network, Fox News, isn’t hurt at all continues to be ignored.
As a Fox News spokesperson told Mediaite yesterday, “The advertisers referenced have all moved their spots from Beck to other programs on the network so there has been no revenue lost.”
That is a point that has been reiterated since advertisers first started exiting the individual show, and it proves the advertisers are more concerned with appeasing a section of their base than actually taking a stand.
Fox News continues to pick up the check from each of these companies, and continues to benefit from Beck and whatever he says on his program. Meanwhile, until Beck’s commercial blocks are filled with ads for the Wall St. Journal, Fox Business Network and Fox Searchlight Pictures, which they aren’t, his show isn’t ultimately hurt either.
Most boycotts flop. This one has a rather large quotient of cowflop to it as well.
Addendum: I have to say I’m puzzled by Wal-Mart’s acquiescence in this boycott. It’s not Beck fans who picket their stores, demanding unionization and demonizing them for their employee compensation policies. They’re appeasing the same people who want to drive them out of business.
Update: Another reader got a better explanation from Wal-Mart:
I am sorry to hear your concern. We continuously review our media plans. In keeping with our internal guidelines to avoid content that is highly polarizing, we’ve instructed our agencies, as of August 3rd, not to run Walmart advertising in news commentary shows on national cable networks. This would include the Glenn Beck Show.
Thank you so much for your patience and understanding. Should you need to call us, we are more than happy to further assist you at 1-800-966-6546.
In other words, Wal-Mart’s decision was not so much to boycott Beck, but to remove its advertising from all commentary shows to avoid controversy.
Update: P&G seems to be falling off the list, too. And it’s not just Wal-Mart pulling ads from all commentary shows, including some of the Left’s favorites over at MS-NBC:
DefendGlenn.com has also spoken to officials from Procter and Gamble, and Sargentos. P&G said they have NOT pulled ads because they never advertised on Glenn Beck to begin with. In addition P&G said they would be “restricting our advertising to daytime lineups” in an attempt to “avoid controversy”. While Sargentos, whose brand-destruction at the hands of angry consumers has been well-documented here, has now said they will also be yanking ads from MSNBC and CNN “talk personalities” as soon as it can be “arranged”.
Great work, Color of Change, you are killing the struggling shows like Hardball, Ed Show, Anderson Cooper 180, and Maddow, in addition to the once-strong brands such as Olbermann, which is now hemorraging viewers, by yanking their few high-paying advertisers away from them.
I don’t see this turning out well for the low-rated programs. How much can unions afford to advertise on MS-NBC’s lineup, anyway? The law of unintended consequences appears to apply here.
Blowback
Note from Hot Air management: This section is for comments from Hot Air's community of registered readers. Please don't assume that Hot Air management agrees with or otherwise endorses any particular comment just because we let it stand. A reminder: Anyone who fails to comply with our terms of use may lose their posting privilege.
Trackbacks/Pings
Trackback URL
Comments
Comment pages: « Previous 1 2 3 4 Next »
I sent WalMart an email letting them know I’m not shopping there until they end the boycott. There are other places with cheaper groceries (and much better produce for a lower price, WalMart produce is pretty much garbage) — and I can get the other stuff at Fred Meyer, Costco on-line, etc. I have been a WalMart shopper for a while but no more. If WalMart stops their boycott, other companies may follow suit.
rcw on August 19, 2009 at 9:30 AM
But you see, Ed…
It’s politically correct. Wal-mart’s been taking a long strange trip down the crapper since Sam Walton passed away.
gryphon202 on August 19, 2009 at 9:30 AM
What a shame. I was looking for an excuse to break ties with Best Buy. For too long, they have held the “we’re the only game in town” attitude and it’s tiresome being hustled to buy the warranty even before you have told the salesperson what product you are looking for. Best Buy has turned into a finance company masquerading as an electronics retailer.
sherry on August 19, 2009 at 9:30 AM
I had only shopped at Whole Foods a couple of times over the past couple of years but I have been there twice since the CEO wrote his healthcare op-ed.
I call it my man-cott as opposed to a boycott. Boys take their ball and run away, men stand tall and do the right thing.
myrenovations on August 19, 2009 at 9:31 AM
Wal-mart? Seriously?
I hate to break it to their PR department, but the people “boycotting” Wal-mart would never set foot in one to save their lives.
It’s like a boycott of Bed, Bath and Beyond by a bunch of guys.
Stop trying to make friends with people who want to see you dead, Wal-mart. It isn’t happening.
Asher on August 19, 2009 at 9:31 AM
Satan comes to us in many forms.
TXUS on August 19, 2009 at 9:31 AM
Wow, awesome, so you buy overpriced “organic” (since it’s organic in name only) food with all the intolerable NPR Fresh Airheads?
LOL at everyone, everywhere, buying food from Whole Foods, thinking that somehow they’re saving the Earth because the feedlot where their beef comes from has a window for the cows to look out. Organic!
Proud Rino on August 19, 2009 at 9:32 AM
That is kind of like the Geico situation. Most of the people boycotting probably don’t own a car, and if they do it is not insured.
TXMomof3 on August 19, 2009 at 9:33 AM
They also have a big locally grown section, which is much more appealing than the organic hype.
myrenovations on August 19, 2009 at 9:34 AM
HotAir commiting journalism again, when no one else will.
Mark30339 on August 19, 2009 at 9:34 AM
Think about it:
If this health care bill passes your Doctor won’t able able to afford the rent on his office in the HealthCare Park. With the reimbursements he will be getting from the government, the only place he will be able to rent will be the old layaway space turned into clinic at the local WalMart. And he will be glad just to be on the waiting list for a job opening!
And yet you will still be able to sue the a$$ of him if you think you got crappy care.
Bicyea on August 19, 2009 at 9:34 AM
And double LOLs for people shopping at Whole Foods because the CEO wrote an Op-Ed and happens to agree with you on health care reform.
Proud Rino on August 19, 2009 at 9:34 AM
The Wal-Mart thing struck me, too, though as they told me in an e-mail reply yesterday, they have removed advertising from all news commentary shows on all national cable networks.
Here is their complete reply to me:
Thank you for contacting the Global Ethics Office regarding a recent episode of the Glenn Beck Show and Wal-Mart’s advertising relationship with the show specifically and Fox News in general. Wal-Mart Stores, Inc. continuously reviews media plans. In keeping with our internal guidelines to avoid content that is highly polarizing, we’ve instructed our agencies, as of August 3rd, not to run Walmart advertising in news commentary shows on national cable networks. This would include the Glenn Beck Show.
Regards,
Chris
Global Ethics Office
FWIW…
Rational Thought on August 19, 2009 at 9:35 AM
The danger of monopolies illustrated right there. Walmart has squeezed out the competition in a number of places and then understaffed/funded locations where consumers have no other options but to shop at Walmart or other big box stores. It’s a damn shame.
CrankyIndependent on August 19, 2009 at 9:35 AM
flag this man!
will someone flag this man?!?!
blatantblue on August 19, 2009 at 9:35 AM
Fair enough, local is better than organic for a variety of reasons, but why not just go to the Farmer’s Market or get a CSA box? Those are almost always cheaper than Whole Foods, and anything else that isn’t locally grown you can get cheaper at Wal-Mart/Target/ANYWHERE.
Proud Rino on August 19, 2009 at 9:36 AM
Bahh, then, that’s the end of WalMart shopping for me, here, there, anywhere.
Lourdes on August 19, 2009 at 9:37 AM
You are so enlightened.
myrenovations on August 19, 2009 at 9:37 AM
Eh, I drink Starbucks when there isn’t a more interesting choice. I hate their baked goods (actually worse than the stuff sold in the Wal Mart bakery, IMHO) but the oatmeal with all toppings is decent in a pinch.
I’m still searching for a good local coffee place with tasty and healthy baked goods in our new area.
funky chicken on August 19, 2009 at 9:38 AM
Progressive said the same thing, they never bought time on Beck’s show in the first place.
vcferlita on August 19, 2009 at 9:38 AM
I just wish we had a Starbucks.
TXMomof3 on August 19, 2009 at 9:39 AM
LOL. Unbelievable. They had other options, they had all kinds of mom and pop stores and they opted to go to Wal-Mart because they could buy the same things cheaper there. *That’s* the free market at work. So those overpriced stores went out of business, and now you have big box stores which can give you all your goods in one trip, in addition to providing them at cheaper prices. Better yet, they can usually afford to give their workers health insurance! When’s the last time a locally run hardware store did that?
You guys are complaining about “big box stores” and how Wal-Mart is a monopoly (LOL*10000 btw)? Aren’t you guys supposed to be Republicans?
Proud Rino on August 19, 2009 at 9:40 AM
No, it’s more like trying to show support for private enterprise that figures out a good method to accomplish insuring it’s employees without succumbing to the Obama Government Option deal.
And, to show some support for those who do that after the Left is attempting to retaliate against them (Whole Foods) for showing some guts in not falling before Obama’s demands.
They’re an expensive (more so than most) store, though, and I’m no fool. I just do like to make an effort to try, in any individual way possible, to show “shopper support” from retailers who are solving their own problems without surrendering to the Obama Government Option for just about anything and everything.
Lourdes on August 19, 2009 at 9:41 AM
They have a good rice krispy treat
most everything else is poor quality.
i go for the coffee frap.
their regular coffee is eh.
id rather the hot coffee at the deli in town
blatantblue on August 19, 2009 at 9:41 AM
I buy from the people who sell the best goods at the best prices. I don’t know what the CEOs of those business believe, and frankly, I don’t really care. You run a good business, you get my business.
That’s not enlightenment, that’s just not being stupid.
Proud Rino on August 19, 2009 at 9:41 AM
We only have a farmer’s market on Saturdays and only from April through October. It’s a great variety and great prices, but sometimes I need fresh veggies mid-week. My Wal-Mart Supercenter is 25 miles away, so it is a once a month trip. The regular Wal-Mart is just a mile away but they don’t have fresh foods. Also, I refuse to shop at Target, for no particular reason other than I just don’t like it.
Some of the Whole Food prices are outrageous, but the prices on the locally grown produce actually aren’t out of the norm for our area.
myrenovations on August 19, 2009 at 9:42 AM
im lucky enough to get a big bushel of corn from my buddy every few weeks
mm mm mm motha fckaz
blatantblue on August 19, 2009 at 9:43 AM
I think the healthcare plan for Whole Foods is good business.
myrenovations on August 19, 2009 at 9:43 AM
I mentioned this in the other thread, but as of this moment Beck’s books are still sitting on the best-seller shelves of my local Wal-Mart…does this strike anyone else as hypocritical, or am I missing some key distinction?
Cylor on August 19, 2009 at 9:43 AM
Actually, you’re the first person here to use the term, “big box stores”…
Someone simply (earlier) pointed out the downside of WalMart once it’s pushed the Mom&Pop stores out of business in restricted markets.
WalMart’s not playing by market economy in their support for Obama’s Government Option. Because of that, then, they’ll never get my business again and THAT’s the market actually at work.
Lourdes on August 19, 2009 at 9:43 AM
We support vigorous debate? Informed inclusive and respectful?
That is the complete opposite of Obama saying for opponents to get out of the way.
Beck has pointed out Obama’s divisiveness on the radio and on TV so I guess that makes Beck the bad guy?
VibrioCocci on August 19, 2009 at 9:43 AM
I just wish I had a Whole Foods available in my town. I live in Oklahoma City, which is like grocery store hell. A decent Publix would wipe out the competition in this town, as would a decent Kroger/King Soopers or a Safeway even.
It really is that bad…shudder.
funky chicken on August 19, 2009 at 9:44 AM
Brilliant. Let’s prop up businesses that sell overpriced, fake organic food because we like the ideology of their CEO. Isn’t the whole idea behind the free market that people are rational?
Proud Rino on August 19, 2009 at 9:44 AM
Many PR people are such touchy-feely types and closet libs. In my company, I had to fire three PR V.P.s in a span of 6 months until I found one with common sense.
TXUS on August 19, 2009 at 9:44 AM
It’s the same reason that it’s safe to insult Christians. It’s specifically because Christians don’t go around cutting people’s heads off that liberals prefer to make nice-nice with the people who do.
That’s one reason, anyways.
JohnJ on August 19, 2009 at 9:44 AM
Verbal appeasement to quiet the angry left.
VibrioCocci on August 19, 2009 at 9:45 AM
It seems that Wal-Mart doesn’t understand the nature of the politics involved.
csdeven on August 19, 2009 at 9:45 AM
LOL for many, many reasons.
Proud Rino on August 19, 2009 at 9:46 AM
Hmmm, so you’re an UNINFORMED marketeer, then.
It matters greatly as to just HOW a business is “good” or not, by the behaviors of their CEOs. It makes an overall difference that affects patrons of that business, directly.
I do care what CEOs do and how they do it. For stores that I shop at on recurring basis, I do care and I look into such.
For example, you’ll never, ever find me in a Ralph’s Supermarket even if they were giving things away. Can’t stand the politics and investments of Ron Burkle, owner of Ralph’s, and his behaviors in and with markets (and how he approaches staff issues accordingly).
I honestly loathe and abhor Ralph’s Markets, won’t even be seen parking near one.
Lourdes on August 19, 2009 at 9:48 AM
I don’t see a bit of difference in Walmart and Super Target, pricewise and Target’s stores are always cleaner.
anniekc on August 19, 2009 at 9:48 AM
Lourdes on August 19, 2009 at 9:49 AM
It sounds like Wal-Mart just doesn’t want to advertise on commentary shows because they run the risk of having people assume they tacitly endorse what people say on those shows.
That makes sense – that’s a good business decision for a store that wants to sell to just about everybody, and does so at a great price.
And yet *you* assume that Wal-Mart, because they don’t advertise on the Glenn Beck show, must tacitly support whatever Glenn Beck doesn’t support.
Nuts. That’s just nuts.
Proud Rino on August 19, 2009 at 9:50 AM
Formatted wrongly, previous.
Correction:
I’m curious if your vast knowledge of “markets” includes anything other than typing “LOL”.
Lourdes on August 19, 2009 at 9:50 AM
I think you’re likely more a “Proud Demo”.
Lourdes on August 19, 2009 at 9:50 AM
As any short woman will tell you, it’s tough finding clothes that are cut “in proportion”.
Many of my clothes come from Meijer-when I lived near one-and Walmart because I can find clothes that don’t make me look like I’m playing dress-up.
I wish Walmart would get back with the “program”.
annoyinglittletwerp on August 19, 2009 at 9:51 AM
Whole Foods sells a very high quality product. They also provide excellent salary and benefit packages to their employees. Because of those things, their prices are higher, but they have customers willing to pay for the premium goods and top notch level of service.
But “conservatives” spit at them.
Wal Mart sells cheap, mostly foreign made junk and low-end, factory farmed, often foreign produced food items (check those country of origin labels and stickers on food, when they use them…you won’t be super happy). They understaff their stores and don’t pay their people very well.
But “conservatives” cheer for Wal Mart.
funky chicken on August 19, 2009 at 9:52 AM
They have a good rice krispy treat
The Pikes Place Market coffee is pretty good. But the blueberry scones are absolutely disgusting!
Esmerelda on August 19, 2009 at 9:52 AM
They undoubtedly already had a shipment of his book along with others from the same distributor.
I was surprised to find his book, though, at Costco (and bought a copy there when I did).
Lourdes on August 19, 2009 at 9:53 AM
American Products made in China…
I don’t know how you make the leap to, hurting the US economically, when it’s clear, the consumer wins.
If the American Worker doesn’t like it, p’haps he should produce more, take less, and quit sniveling.
franksalterego on August 19, 2009 at 9:53 AM
LOL
You know, I must add some nuance to my statement on the Rice Krispy Treats at Starbucks.
They are delicious when they are FRESH.
Unfortunately, not many folks buy them, so when I go and get one, it has been sitting there, and it is analogous to attempting to devour a brick.
I actually have to position it so that my back teeth penetrate it. I must switch from the piercing teeth to the crushing teeth. Very unfortunate.
:[ big sad face.
A_Pirates_Tooth on August 19, 2009 at 9:56 AM
Really? Beck’s fans are the ones that shop there every day anyway. They do not need to advertise to them. Once they get their organics up, I believe that was a future plan, they will be marketing to the exact people that are anti-Beck. They are not alienating their current customer base, just trying to expand the current. Their current customer base doesn’t go there because of anything other than price, they will care about Beck’s loss of advertising about as much as they care that their purchases are funding the Chinese military and paying for jobs that pay small wages with little to no health care. You are what you buy and that is why Main Street is full of tumbleweeds.
LevStrauss on August 19, 2009 at 9:56 AM
You are who you hang with.
Do you think people in Wright’s church actually like whites? Well, Obama was sitting there for 20 years.
Ernest on August 19, 2009 at 9:56 AM
went into the CVS near my house and pulled my prescriptions and told them I was going to Walgreens up the street. If they don’t like debate they can’t have my money. Left my CVS card on the counter. Felt good.
Ricki on August 19, 2009 at 9:56 AM
damnit. blew it.
okay im a pirates tooth. f it to hell!
blatantblue on August 19, 2009 at 9:56 AM
yep
Publix stores were always nice, and they have great private label meats and other stuff, and the employees were always very helpful. King Soopers markets get my seal of approval too…sniffles…feeling sorry for myself.
OK, done.
funky chicken on August 19, 2009 at 9:58 AM
Anything that happens to be high quality I can get at a Farmer’s Market or through my CSA box for cheaper and better quality. Anything else I can get at Wal-Mart for cheaper.
I get good service just about everywhere I go. Wal-Mart provides jobs, usually in places where people desperately need jobs. If people don’t want those jobs, they don’t have to work at Wal-Mart. Plus I usually just do self checkout where I go – it’s awesome. I buy cheap stuff and I don’t have some idiot harassing me about all their great deals. I love it.
I don’t spit, I just don’t shop there because their business sucks.
Again, no one is being forced to work at Wal-Mart. No one is being forced to shop at Wal-Mart. Seriously, you’re a conservative? How?
Proud Rino on August 19, 2009 at 9:58 AM
I’m a Conservative and I’ve never spat at Whole Foods. I appreciate their quality products, so you describe them, but I do have to maintain a monthly budget and can obtain similar quality products when I buy in bulk (and I don’t shop at WalMart where I currently reside == previously explained here == nor would I be in any WalMart with any expectation of finding the produce and items I can buy at a WholeFoods).
The point is that they’re different merchants, they suit different needs, people patronize them for different reasons. I’ve avoided Whole Foods where I am located now due to mostly their prices for the same items, mostly, I can buy at a more reasonable price or replace with less “highly tweaked” items as can be found at Whole Foods. If I had no reasons to manage a budget, I’d likely be less concerned with item costs at Whole Foods and would be using them more often.
HOWEVER, they’re locally near to where I am now and I do shop there and have made a point lately to include more shopping at Whole Foods, within reason. I want to show support for their business methods in light of the recent Obama Government Option problem.
MOST people go to WalMart (or have) because for many people who don’t live in keen suburbs and urban areas, WalMart offers products at prices they can’t find close by or within reason, close by. It’s really more a practical issue for most consumers than perhaps you might think.
Lourdes on August 19, 2009 at 9:58 AM
Hmmm, kettle, pot.
Lourdes on August 19, 2009 at 9:59 AM
The Amish are boycotting General Motors.
seven on August 19, 2009 at 9:59 AM
Thank you.
Proud Rino on August 19, 2009 at 9:59 AM
LOL!
daesleeper on August 19, 2009 at 10:02 AM
Haha, try buying any clothes larger than a child’s size ten in many stores in Hawaii, where the going average size is a female at five feet (tall by their standards). I went shopping once with someone there and she headed to the children’s department for a “new dress” and when I asked her “for which daughter,” she laughed and said it was for her. She was from the Phillipines, was about 4’11″ and weighed less than my German Shephard does.
Lourdes on August 19, 2009 at 10:02 AM
You shop at Whole Foods, not because of the quality/price of their products, but because you agree with them politically.
Hmmm…who does that sound like…what kind of idiotic, irrational group of people would rather pay higher prices for fake organic food so they can feel good about themselves?
Oh, that’s right. Idiot Leftist hippies.
Proud Rino on August 19, 2009 at 10:03 AM
yep
funky chicken on August 19, 2009 at 10:03 AM
I think it is time for ‘pround rino’ to define ‘a conservative’. Proud rino may then be the arbiter of who is and who is not conservative.
Thanks in advance!
daesleeper on August 19, 2009 at 10:03 AM
Indeed, and to most – he’s in the eys of the beholder.
Some see him on Fox News at 5PM, and that’s their right.
AprilOrit on August 19, 2009 at 10:04 AM
This story sums up the left perfectly.
Nothing but half-truths and out right falsehoods.
2012 elections are gonna be a barn burner.
elderberry on August 19, 2009 at 10:05 AM
Lourdes on August 19, 2009 at 10:02 AM
I’m 5’2″ and a little under 120 pounds, and I’ve found that kids’ clothing fits no worse than adult stuff, and especially with ski wear and other winter gear, it’s about half the price.
I’m not tiny, but if I can get a ski suit for a hundred bucks in the kid section or three hundred bucks in the adult section, well…
funky chicken on August 19, 2009 at 10:06 AM
If memory serves, August 3rd is about the time Beck started throwing corpate logos on the flag in place of stars. Since one of the logos he used was Wal-Mart, I think it is entirely plausible that they are more upset with him over that than anything Color of Change told them.
srhoades on August 19, 2009 at 10:06 AM
I emailed walmart yesterday asking about this and telling them that if they did pull their ads off Glenn Beck I would take my shopping dollars somewhere else and here is the reply:
My name is Pie. I am with the Walmart.com Customer Service Team. Thank
you for allowing me to assist you today.
I am sorry to hear your concern. We continuously review our media plans.
In keeping with our internal guidelines to avoid content that is highly
polarizing, we’ve instructed our agencies, as of August 3rd, not to run
Walmart advertising in news commentary shows on national cable networks.
This would include the Glenn Beck Show.
Thank you so much for your patience and understanding. Should you need
to call us, we are more than happy to further assist you at
1-800-966-6546.
Thank you so much for your patience and understanding. Should you need
to call us, we are more than happy to further assist you at
1-800-966-6546.
Again, I apologize for any inconvenience you may have experienced.
Thank you for visiting Walmart.com. We appreciate the opportunity to
serve you and look forward to your next visit.
If we may be of further assistance, please email us at help@walmart.com.
We’re here to serve you 7 days a week!
Sincerely,
Pie
Customer Service at Walmart.com
Original Message Follows:
————————
The following message was received on August 18, 2009 08:33 AM, by the
Walmart.com Help Desk:
So, to me that sounds like they pulled ads off ALL commentary programs. I wonder why they aren’t talking about that?
cibolo on August 19, 2009 at 10:07 AM
That’s not what I wrote, nor what my process is, you Leftwinger, you.
Please try reading instead of typing “LOL!”. I shop at Whole Foods when I need particular products I can buy there that I can’t buy anywhere else reasonably. BUT I wrote that I’m making an effort to include them more in my shopping needs for political reasons, which makes for market reasons.
People shop where they get what they need for the best prices with the most satisfying conditions, or, least offensive conditions, which include what a retailer is doing with the money a shopper leaves with them in exchange for what goods. Many consumers consider these things when shopping, and you reveal how little you know about “the market” by leaping to your bizarre generalizations as you do, that excludes these considerations.
Meanhwhile, I’ll drive miles to other merchants if there’s a Ralph’s nearby and I need milk and cereal at two in the morning, on principle alone. That’s the market at work.
Lourdes on August 19, 2009 at 10:07 AM
No, we assume that Wal-Mart supports 0bamaCare because they have said they support 0bamaCare. There are no assumptions there.
Wolftech on August 19, 2009 at 10:09 AM
I thought we were all a bunch of pro free trade, pro free marketeers here. Instead people here are whining about how Wal-Mart doesn’t pay their workers enough and how China makes too much stuff. Free markets don’t really work if the people aren’t rational. Then you’re not rewarding businesses that have the best prices or the best products, you’re rewarding businesses that agree with you ideologically regardless of quality. If people aren’t going to be rational consumers, then it’s hard to conceive of how a free market will end up being a greater good in a utilitarian sense.
Proud Rino on August 19, 2009 at 10:09 AM
Walmart just doesn’t want bad press. period.
They could care less who is ‘boycotting’ and why.
bridgetown on August 19, 2009 at 10:09 AM
daesleeper on August 19, 2009 at 10:03 AM
:-)
funky chicken on August 19, 2009 at 10:10 AM
Its great for Beck- less commercials mean more time for him to talk.
la.rt.wngr on August 19, 2009 at 10:11 AM
You’re a Democrat, aren’t you? Certainly a Leftwinger.
Otherwise, you’ve got a bad case of Feeling Bad About Everyone, certainly about Conservatives.
People shop where they can and can afford to for what they need. Where Whole Foods is concerned, I’ve avoided them for the most part until recently because they have competition in the area in which I currently reside. I’ve recently discovered Whole Foods, however, and decided to shop there more often. The political issues are part of the incentive but certainly not the whole incentive to do so.
I won’t be spending mightily there as I’ve also already explained because many of their products are replaceable at bulk stores for less money. It’s really a case of quality for what price, when equal quality can be had at another location for a better price and the conditions aren’t offensive (to most sensibilities, the political included), then I’ll shop there. That’s the market at work.
And I do make a point of avoiding merchants whose politics I can’t support, like Ralph’s and now to a great degree WalMart what with their recent turn toward engaging in Leftwing political goals. I don’t see the point in lending them support.
Lourdes on August 19, 2009 at 10:12 AM
Lourdes on August 19, 2009 at 10:07 AM
et al
I’m gonna guess “Proud Rhino” is a Lew Rockwell acolyte who thinks Deng Xiopeng is the bestest guy since sliced bread because he supposedly brought so much “freedom” to China by opening all those sweat shops etc.
funky chicken on August 19, 2009 at 10:13 AM
Seen some Whole Foods bashing above. First Whole Foods offers a large quantity of non organic foods. Usually you have the choice of organic and nonorganic, the nonorganic usually has a greater nutrient content so that’s what I get. Also it is not all greatly overpriced, there are many items that are cheaper than other supermarkets in the surrounding area and some where they are the cheapest. If you are trying to balance quality and price you probably shouldn’t just shop at one supermarket since they all have their pros and cons.
Oh and when I used to listen to Beck regularly, back when he broadcasted out of WPHT in Philly along with with Smerconish, after he left Tampa, I distinctly remember him talking about shopping at Whole Foods, he loved the bread, chocolate chip cookies, and meat that they have there and he wasn’t pitching it, he was just talking about his trip there.
LevStrauss on August 19, 2009 at 10:13 AM
You’re a Democrat, aren’t you.
Tell us what you mean by “rational consumers”.
Are those consumers who patronize merchants regardless of what those merchants are otherwise involved in? I don’t follow your general, free-floating animosity there.
Lourdes on August 19, 2009 at 10:14 AM
That’s exactly right. Wal-Mart isn’t trying to advance a political agenda, they’re trying to make money. That’s the agenda. Whole Foods has the exact same agenda, except Whole Foods capitalizes on the stupidity of well-intentioned-but-kind-of-dim dingus liberals and, now, apparently, conservatives too.
Proud Rino on August 19, 2009 at 10:14 AM
You must have not been on many threads with CrankyIndependent. He is NOT a conservative. My take is that he is a populist with considerable statists leanings.
WashJeff on August 19, 2009 at 10:14 AM
WTF does that even mean? Commitement to diversity? And why is it tacked on as if it doesn’t fit? Is it because Obama is half black that they have to toss in “diversity?”
I love the idea of “diversity.” Somehow having 100 guys in a room who all think alike is good, as long as 5 of them are white, 50 of them black, 40 latino, and a few asians and persians thrown in for good measure. Gotta love people who see the world in skin tones rather than ideas.
TheBlueSite on August 19, 2009 at 10:15 AM
funky chicken
I’m an amazon at 128. In my defense-I walk or bike every day.
I can get way with kids sizes in “tees” but I wear a 6-8 in everything else.
My big thing is that if a blouse is a “small” it shouldn’t be swamping me.
Walmart’s stuff fits.
annoyinglittletwerp on August 19, 2009 at 10:17 AM
No bashing from me! I like their stores, enjoy everything I’ve ever purchased there. I just take issues with certain prices for certain items that I can reasonably replace with other items for less money from other merchants == I’m a selective shopper, since the area I’m in at present offers a wide variety of merchants, many of whom compete in limited markets, such as Whole Foods is (there’s another chain of markets in my present area that competes with their general line of merchandise, so I comparatively shop).
If there was ONLY Whole Foods, I’d then make a point of, probably, still shopping there but restricting the number of items I bought from them. I do maintain a budget, and don’t tend to shop without a fixed expenditure in mind.
Lourdes on August 19, 2009 at 10:17 AM
Oh. My. God. You’re seriously criticizing Deng Xiaoping? The Chinese economy grew by something like 10% each year he was in power thanks to his pro-market reforms. I get that sweatshops aren’t very nice places, but, again, those are jobs that provide for people far better than any government could.
The alternative to Deng Xiaoping and sweatshops was Chairman Mao and the Cultural Revolution. That was swell, wasn’t it? How many people died in that? Coupla million, right? Yeah, I’ll take Deng Xiaoping any day of the week.
Proud Rino on August 19, 2009 at 10:17 AM
I thought the same things after reading that.
It’s my commitment against race-based ideologies to now avoid shopping at WalMart, is my response.
Lourdes on August 19, 2009 at 10:19 AM
Walmart hasn’t been the same since it’s founder died, the prices especially food items rise weekly.
There is a George Soros connection to all these companies mentioned since as of the 1st quarter 09 he owns millions of shares in all these companies,coincidence??? I don’t think so. He would love to destroy America as we know it.
concernedsenior on August 19, 2009 at 10:20 AM
Well, same thing applies to the other one there.
Lourdes on August 19, 2009 at 10:20 AM
Yep, Proud Rhino is a Lew Rockwell guy for sure…a “true conservative” through and through. Who cares if that “free trade” he’s so enamored of means that all manufacturing will be done in China? Hey, paying wages that helped make America the world’s economic powerhouse for the last 50 years is stupid, can’t you all see? much better to pay Chinese or Cambodian laborers 50 cents an hour, thus forcing American wages in the crapper, if blue collar Americans can find jobs to begin with, right?
funky chicken on August 19, 2009 at 10:20 AM
Nah I come in and out. This whole anti-trade, anti-free market thread is crazy. I wonder if this is the future of the Republican party. People who hate Socialism but demonize Deng Xiaoping because of sweatshops. Incredible. Just incredible.
Proud Rino on August 19, 2009 at 10:20 AM
I got this response from Walmart. They claim they pulled all adds from commentary shows. Not just Beck. Is that really a boycott?
Inzax on August 19, 2009 at 10:20 AM
Whoops…didn’t see the update to post. disregard.
Inzax on August 19, 2009 at 10:22 AM
Yeah, seriously, sign up for a few econ classes at your local community college if you have time.
Proud Rino on August 19, 2009 at 10:22 AM
At least you admit you’ve never watched Beck’s show.
Wal*Mart is a frequent target and would be nuts to pay for ads during his show. They didn’t pull their ads because of any boycott. Although, you answered your own puzzlement about why Wal*Mart might want to people to think they were responding to the boycott.
Liberals are dumb. They have probably never watched more than 5 minute clips of Beck. If Wal*Mart can claim they are boycotting Beck because of his looney right wing ways they’ll believe it.
Wal*Mart wants government run health care because it would solve their employee’s lack of benefits problem forever.
Jaynie59 on August 19, 2009 at 10:22 AM
Failed miserably. Try this.
daesleeper on August 19, 2009 at 10:23 AM
I remember when Wal-Mart tried to only stock US made products. It was a great campaign but it didn’t last long. People usually shop where they can afford and what some think is junk others are glad for the options their money can buy. Whole Foods is probably not a store I would go to because I can only get but so excited about a grocery store and I am tight with a buck. That said I did find out from the comments about the CEO’s article that they have a salad bar. So the next time I feel the urge to “graze” I will pop in and check out the salad bar and buy some dried pineapple that my daughter wants. Most people are going to be lead by their wallets, except the government, who always live beyond their means.
Cindy Munford on August 19, 2009 at 10:24 AM
told you guys so
I’m done with this one from now on….except to note it’s continued insistence that Wal Mart sells “the best” products. Really? poisoned pet food, lead paint toys, adulterated drugs going to our hospitals, not to mention the environmental devastation of China, which WILL affect us in the West.
Yep, that Deng Xiopeng model of radical capitalism sure is wonderful, ain’t it? Now you all know why this guy lurves his Wal Mart so much.
funky chicken on August 19, 2009 at 10:24 AM
Of course its also a little funny seeing such big names. That’s the difference between Cable News and Talk Radio. Talk Radio is such a interesting market because most of the advertisers are either startups or small to medium sized businesses looking to establish a customer base. That’s one of the few things I like about Talk Radio nowadays.
LevStrauss on August 19, 2009 at 10:24 AM
Comment pages: « Previous 1 2 3 4 Next »