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Wal-Mart Starts Selling Coffin [Cradle-To-Grave Needs]
BBC News ^ | October 30th 2009

Posted on 10/30/2009 11:49:20 AM PDT by Steelfish

Wal-Mart Starts Selling Coffins

The caskets can be dispatched to buyers within 48 hours The world's largest retailer, Wal-Mart, now plans to hold on to customers even after they die - by selling coffins.

Prices range from a "Mom" or "Dad Remembered" steel coffin for $895 (£540), to a bronze model at $2,899.

The retailer is allowing customers to plan ahead by paying for the caskets over 12 months for no interest. They can be dispatched within 48 hours. Catering for cradle-to-grave needs, Wal-Mart already sells everything from baby wear to engagement rings.

A spokesman for the supermarket giant, Ravi Jariwala, said the new coffin range was "a limited beta test to understand customer response". The retailer is offering caskets at prices that undercut many funeral homes, say correspondents.

But an industry spokesman said it was not unduly concerned about Wal-Mart's move, because he said the firm could not offer bereaved families the human touch.

(Excerpt) Read more at news.bbc.co.uk ...


TOPICS: Culture/Society; News/Current Events
KEYWORDS: funerals; retail; walmart

1 posted on 10/30/2009 11:49:20 AM PDT by Steelfish
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To: Steelfish

2 posted on 10/30/2009 11:51:38 AM PDT by MikeWUSAF (I long for Norman Rockwell's America.)
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To: Steelfish

“Cradle to grave” is a socialist concept. Wal-Mart is the superiority of the free market in action. I wish newspaper writers would try to understand the difference.

Okay, I’ll spell it out.

Government puts a gun to your head and says “agree with me or die.”

Wal-Mart lowers its prices and improves its services in the hope that you’ll willingly come back.

There. That’s not so hard, really. Now is it? Of course not. You reporters should think higher of yourselves.


3 posted on 10/30/2009 11:51:38 AM PDT by BertWheeler (Dance and the World Dances With You!)
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To: Steelfish
A plot of land to bury you can be quite expensive. Even if you use nothing but a plain pine coffin.

4 posted on 10/30/2009 11:51:44 AM PDT by goldstategop (In Memory Of A Dearly Beloved Friend Who Lives In My Heart Forever)
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To: Steelfish

When they open an embalming department I’ll switch to Target.


5 posted on 10/30/2009 11:51:50 AM PDT by Hacklehead (Liberalism is the art of taking what works, breaking it, and then blaming conservatives.)
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To: Steelfish

Hey, if there’s a market. Somebody’s gotta sell coffins, might as well be them.

Why do funeral homes get to run amok in their own little world? No reason to implicitly mock Walmart for stepping on their turf.


6 posted on 10/30/2009 11:51:56 AM PDT by Tublecane
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To: Steelfish

Rolling back prices for your deceased loved ones ping.


7 posted on 10/30/2009 11:52:39 AM PDT by Carpe Cerevisi
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To: Steelfish

Oooooo!

Can I be buried under the floor in my favorite Wal Mart store?


8 posted on 10/30/2009 11:53:15 AM PDT by <1/1,000,000th%
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To: Steelfish

Probably made in China. And Wal-Mart will continue to sell them until one of these coffins kills somebody, probably.


9 posted on 10/30/2009 11:53:19 AM PDT by 1rudeboy
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To: Steelfish

It’s BBC, therefore, I don’t believe it.


10 posted on 10/30/2009 11:53:32 AM PDT by ozzymandus
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To: Tublecane

I believe that Costco has been selling them for some time...


11 posted on 10/30/2009 11:56:48 AM PDT by ButThreeLeftsDo (FR.....Monthly Donors Wanted.)
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To: ozzymandus

http://blogs.palmbeachpost.com/malled/2009/10/29/walmart-starts-selling-caskets-and-urns-online/


12 posted on 10/30/2009 11:58:22 AM PDT by ButThreeLeftsDo (FR.....Monthly Donors Wanted.)
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To: Hacklehead

Maybe they can put the crematory in the deli?!


13 posted on 10/30/2009 11:59:37 AM PDT by MarkeyD (OBAMA. Chains we can believe in!)
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To: <1/1,000,000th%
"Can I be buried under the floor in my favorite Wal Mart store?"

How about out in the parking lot? That way you could be seen by all your friends as they come and go.

14 posted on 10/30/2009 11:59:55 AM PDT by An Old Man (Use it up, Wear it out, Make it do, or Do without.)
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To: Steelfish

I was envisioning a baby crib that can convert into a toddler bed, a twin or a double-sized bed, and then finally a coffin. Lol!


15 posted on 10/30/2009 12:01:44 PM PDT by getmeouttaPalmBeachCounty_FL (****************************Stop Continental Drift**)
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To: Steelfish

Good for them. Now when are they going to start delivering medical care?


16 posted on 10/30/2009 12:05:18 PM PDT by GOPJ (Prom rape of 15 year old? "Hug-a-thug" liberals will soon come to comfort to the rapists..)
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To: An Old Man

LOL!

Maybe in some sort of Lenin-like display.


17 posted on 10/30/2009 12:06:01 PM PDT by <1/1,000,000th%
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To: Steelfish

That’s plain tacky.


18 posted on 10/30/2009 12:10:54 PM PDT by freekitty (Give me back my conservative vote; then find me a real conservative to vote for)
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To: An Old Man

“How about out in the parking lot? That way you could be seen by all your friends as they come and go.”

This might be a bit morbid, but with Halloween around the corner what the heck. As a kid I always imagined people being buried in speed bumps.


19 posted on 10/30/2009 12:12:36 PM PDT by Tublecane
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To: Steelfish

Will they have Extra-Wide for the “average” Wal-Mart shopper? Inquiring minds want to know.


20 posted on 10/30/2009 12:18:59 PM PDT by Buckeye Battle Cry (Enjoy nature - eat meat, wear fur and drive your car!)
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To: Steelfish
Why not sell something their customers really want, like mobile homes.
21 posted on 10/30/2009 12:24:05 PM PDT by Between the Lines (For their sins of 50 million abortions God gave them over to be an ObamaNation {Romans 1:24-32})
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To: Steelfish

Headline: Funeral home directors next to fail (thanks Wal Mart)


22 posted on 10/30/2009 12:24:25 PM PDT by AuntB (If the TALIBAN grew drugs & burned our land instead of armed Mexican Cartels would anyone notice?)
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To: Steelfish

That’s gonna be a really depressing aisle.


23 posted on 10/30/2009 12:26:24 PM PDT by Wolfie
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To: Steelfish
an industry spokesman said it was not unduly concerned about Wal-Mart's move, because he said the firm could not offer bereaved families the human touch.

Or the obscene guilt trip about not wanting $300 satin pillows...

24 posted on 10/30/2009 12:28:05 PM PDT by LongElegantLegs (Raise the fanged and warlike mistress, stern, impassive, weaponed mistress...)
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To: getmeouttaPalmBeachCounty_FL

From the nurse to the hearse.
from the basket to the casket.


25 posted on 10/30/2009 12:30:16 PM PDT by dmz
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To: getmeouttaPalmBeachCounty_FL

That’s a million dollar idea right there!! LOL.


26 posted on 10/30/2009 12:30:22 PM PDT by stylecouncilor (What Would Jim Thompson Do?)
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To: Steelfish
Prices range from a "Mom" or "Dad Remembered" steel coffin for $895 (£540), to a bronze model at $2,899.

Is there anyone out there selling an unfinished pine box? That's what I want to be buried in.

It's bad enough my family will be in mourning. I don't want them bankrupt as well by the funeral industry .

27 posted on 10/30/2009 12:35:01 PM PDT by Drew68
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To: Steelfish

I’m dying to have one!


28 posted on 10/30/2009 12:36:13 PM PDT by TexasRepublic (Socialism is a parasite that kills the host)
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To: Drew68
Is there anyone out there selling an unfinished pine box? That's what I want to be buried in.

You can get one of those at Home Depot.

29 posted on 10/30/2009 12:40:53 PM PDT by andy58-in-nh (America does not need to be organized: it needs to be liberated.)
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To: Steelfish

...at prices to die for.


30 posted on 10/30/2009 12:41:04 PM PDT by Diver Dave (Of all the things I've ever lost, I miss my mind the most)
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To: Buckeye Battle Cry

“Will they have Extra-Wide for the “average” Wal-Mart shopper? Inquiring minds want to know”.

...used piano cases. Aisle 6.


31 posted on 10/30/2009 12:46:05 PM PDT by albie
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To: Steelfish

Actually, this shows great preplanning on the part of WalMart. If Cap & Tax and Obamacare go through, people will not only be just dying to buy their coffins, they will be dying in droves.

By the way, opening an embalming department shouldn’t worry anyone. They should worry when the euthanasia department opens.


32 posted on 10/30/2009 12:48:14 PM PDT by Steamburg ( Your wallet speaks the only language most politicians understand.)
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To: andy58-in-nh

“Is there anyone out there selling an unfinished pine box? That’s what I want to be buried in.”

Just feed me to Polar bears or squirrels..


33 posted on 10/30/2009 12:56:01 PM PDT by pieceofthepuzzle
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To: pieceofthepuzzle
Just feed me to Polar bears or squirrels..

Happy Halloween!

34 posted on 10/30/2009 12:57:22 PM PDT by andy58-in-nh (America does not need to be organized: it needs to be liberated.)
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To: Steelfish

“The retailer is allowing customers to plan ahead by paying for the caskets over 12 months for no interest. They can be dispatched within 48 hours. Catering for cradle-to-grave needs, Wal-Mart already sells everything from baby wear to engagement rings.”

Now that’s a real “Layaway” plan.


35 posted on 10/30/2009 1:03:01 PM PDT by Old Professer (The critic writes with rapier pen, dips it twice, then writes again.)
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To: Drew68
Today is your Lucky Day!

Make your own

This Web site has easy-to-follow instructions for a simple coffin.

There are directions in Ernest Morgan's book "Dealing Creatively with Death," available through our bookstore or in most libraries.

Rockler Woodworking and Hardware has an excellent range of casket-building resources—plans, hinges, clasps, etc. Check out their web site.

Kent Casket Industries ships pine caskets overnight, anywhere in the U.S. The basic model costs $420 plus $47 for ground shipping or $139 for overnight to anywhere in the US. The pine caskets have no oils or varnishes, and come with rope handles. Shipped flat, they assemble easily. Order online at kentcasket.com, or call 888-534-7239.
Ark Wood Caskets
4860 Hwy 66
Ashland, OR 97520
888-482-7135
Web site
Simple, collapsible six-piece wood caskets. Ships flat. Goes together in 15 minutes. Dovetail construction; no dowels or nails. Rope handles. $599

Casket Kits
George Kinakin & Associates
Site 23 Comp. 24 RR#2
Nelson, BC V1L 5P5
Canada
250-354-4106

E-mail This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it Solid pine kits complete with all hardware and bedding. Assemble in less than 1 hour. $450 U.S. Ship anywhere in mainland USA, between $35-$80. Discount for FCA members.

Let me know how it fits when you get it finished.

36 posted on 10/30/2009 1:03:41 PM PDT by An Old Man (Use it up, Wear it out, Make it do, or Do without.)
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To: Steelfish
A True Halloween Story. Honest!!!

I was walking home alone late one night when I heard a.......

BUMP...

BUMP...

BUMP... behind me.

Walking faster I looked back, and made out the image of an upright coffin banging its way down the middle of the street towards me,

BUMP...

BUMP...

BUMP...

Terrified, the I begain to run toward my home, the coffin bouncing quickly behind me .

faster...

faster...

faster...

BUMP...

BUMP..

BUMP....

I ran up to my door, fumbled with my keys, opened the door, and rushed in, slammed and locked the door behind me.

However, the coffin crashed through my door, with the lid of the coffin clapping ...

clappity-BUMP...

clappity-BUMP...

clappity-BUMP...

clappity-BUMP...

on my heels!

I Rushed upstairs to the bathroom where I locked myself in. My heart was pounding; my head was reeling; my breath was coming in sobbing gasps. .

With a loud CRASH the coffin started breaking down the door. Bumping and clapping towards me.

I screamed and reached for something heavy, anything ...

my hand came to rest on a large bottle of Robitussin.

Desperate, I threw the Robitussin as hard as I could at the apparition.

.... and ............. Finally ..........

.............the coffin stopped

37 posted on 10/30/2009 1:04:46 PM PDT by Young Werther ("Quae Cum Ita Sunt - Julius Caesar "Since these things are so!">)
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To: 1rudeboy

Funny one, great for Hallow’s eve eve!!!

Boo to all!!!


38 posted on 10/30/2009 1:36:22 PM PDT by BigIsleGal (Wake Me Up When the Stupid Wears Off)
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To: 1rudeboy
>> Probably made in China. And Wal-Mart will continue to sell them until one of these coffins kills somebody, probably.<<

I can’t stop laughing....

39 posted on 10/30/2009 2:03:42 PM PDT by ANKE69 (German Conservative and proud of it!!!)
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To: Steelfish
BtD: "Hullo there Mr. WalMart Customer Service Person, I wanna put a deposit down on one o' yer cremation specials." (Hands over wrinkled coupon from grubby fingers)

Mr. WCSP: "Why, certainly, Mr. Drill." (Checking coupon. Two bulky dudes in WM uniforms walk up) "Now just you go with Bobo and Billybob here. They'll take yer clothing and yer wallet and notify your next of kin."

BtD (panicking, grasped firmly in four meaty hands): "Waidamminud! I ain't dead yet!"

Mr. WCSP: "We're a full-service shop here at WalMart, Mr. Drill. This here coupon sez 'Expires today'"

40 posted on 10/30/2009 2:33:17 PM PDT by Billthedrill
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To: Steelfish

Costco’s been selling coffins online already for more than 2 years:

http://www.costco.com/Common/Category.aspx?cat=20595&eCat=BC%7C20595&lang=en-US&whse=BC&topnav=


41 posted on 10/30/2009 4:57:47 PM PDT by Mister Muggles
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To: Steelfish
Here's who is buying those caskets.
42 posted on 10/30/2009 11:58:09 PM PDT by Defiant (The absence of bias appears to be bias to those who are biased.)
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To: stylecouncilor

It’s the best green idea I’ve had my whole life.


43 posted on 10/31/2009 12:44:43 PM PDT by getmeouttaPalmBeachCounty_FL (****************************Stop Continental Drift**)
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