[Last Dakotan]

Wal-Mart owes its success primarily to the fact that they were the first chain to source Asia for cheaper goods in a large way. Secondarily, they learned to handle logistics well.

End result you have a nation with billion dollar trade deficits and a dwindling middle class.

[faithhopecharity]

Sam learned his logistics in the military. Walmart tried to buy “all American” goods but found that it couldn’t. Too many things not made in USA. Too many empty shelves and unhappy customers. A real shame we don’t make much stuff anymore.

[Sherman Logan]

FWIW, this source claims WM lagged behind several other large retailers in tapping into Asian sources.

http://www.pbs.org/wgbh/pages/frontline/shows/walmart/secrets/shots.html

I’ve seen other sources claiming as late as 1984 WM imported only 6% of what it sold.

I suspect at least part of the Walmart/import connection is a projection of recent policies back several decades before they were in place.

[mlo]

"End result you have a nation with billion dollar trade deficits and a dwindling middle class."

Enabling the middle class to buy goods for less money does not make it dwindle.

[conservatism_IS_compassion]

End result you have a nation with billion dollar trade deficits and a dwindling middle class.

Imports don’t create a trade deficit. The only thing that can create a "trade deficit” is foreign investment in America. No foreign investment (i.e., no lending to America or Americans), no deficit.

[central_va]

End result you have a nation with billion dollar trade deficits and a dwindling middle class.

But what about the superior quality of Chinese made products? < /sarc >