I read the article at:
http://www.fastcompany.com/magazine/102/open_snapper.html
People call Jim Wier a "hero".
He recognized the market, knew his product and made the choice. Isnt that what youre supposed to do?
The reason this gets so much play is because of the anti-walmart spin.
We all live in a walmart economy...he had to update his manufacturing facility. Fewer people working there, faster production times, more volume than before...yada yada yada. Just becuase he chose not to work with Walmart any longer (remember he was already) doesnt make him or Snapper so much different than others.
What am I missing?
I think it's getting the spin from both sides. You've got those that will comment 'look what wal-mart is doing to the economy. Bad wal-mart, bad'. And then the other side the very loyal Wal-Mart shopper (who wouldn't buy a Snapper in the first place) is going to comment that Snapper is bad, dumb, wrong (fill in the blank) for not willing to compromise on their price. These are the same people that would get upset that Corvettes aren't sold for the same price as Saturns and think it's somehow unfair that there are different levels of markets that appeal to different customers.
Personally I agree with the CEO. What Wal-Mart has done for the country is good. It's just not a good business plan for his company personally