Posted on 01/25/2014 11:42:20 AM PST by South40
Wal-Mart Stores Inc. said it's eliminating 2,300 workers at its Sam's Club division as it reduces the ranks of middle managers in a bid to be more nimble.
The layoffs, which cut 2 percent of the membership club's U.S. employee count of about 116,000, mark the largest since 2010 when the Sam's Club unit laid off 10,000 workers as it moved to outsource food demonstrations at its stores.
(Excerpt) Read more at nbcnews.com ...
As goes Wal-Mart, so goes America?
Probably.
I’m not sure what Sam’s Club “middle management” ranks really look like. When I visit, the place seems pretty lean on body count. Maybe they do a lot of stocking on off hours.
The whole retail landscape looks pretty cutthroat to me these days.
Sam’s Club and Wal-Mart both have a large and growing on-line presence, and almost everything they carry in stock may be ordered on-line, for either delivery directly to your address (for WAY less than driving to the store) or the item(s) are sent to the store for your pick-up there.
In fact, they will have many items at special on-line pricing, that are just a little higher as in-store stock.
And many locations also have self-guided checkout stands, thus eliminating one of the bottlenecks for in-store shopping, and incidentally sometimes several cashiers.
Despite the lay-offs, Wal-Mart is not failing. They are continuing to respond to demands for ever greater productivity from the work force they already have.
This is just another example of the “delayering” that’s been going on in all organizations (except many government organizations), since the beginning of the “computer revolution”. Middle management was primarily involved in preparing reports to send up the food chain, and passing on instructions from above. Today’s computerized “management information” systems collect the data directly from the front line workers, and automatically prepare the reports senior management requires. No middle-management layers needed. Similarly, these systems are able to track employee performance — eliminating the need for “walking bosses”, or other supervisors.
That announcement will send their stock up —
They are venturing into some smaller stores now too, to fill consumer needs.
One of their Neighborhood Markets is being built near here only about 3 miles from their big store
http://www.thestreet.com/story/12034290/1/wal-mart-plans-500-us-neighborhood-market-stores.html
Just another effect of Obamacare.
Downsizing America: A Letter From an “Obama Peasant” and a List of Over 300 Employers Who Have Cut Their Employees’ Hours Because of Obamacare (Geller, Atlas Shrugs)
Posted on September 29, 2013 by Pamela Geller
This bubble, that bubble, another bubble.
At what point are they going to admit that the entire culture is a collapsing bubble? The Western culture is ending. There is no more USA to come and rescue it.
Costco kicking Sam’s butt?
Makes sense in this robust economy people don’t need to work at saving on their foods bills as much....life is good
(yes I am being sarcastic)
Costco customers pay at least $55 a year for the membership. This allows Costco to collect most of its profits 12 months in advance. Roughly 70% of the company's operating income is generated in this way. That's an enormous advantage that Sam's doesn't have. Why consumers choose to pay that $55 I don't know. I won't.
Yes, the Obama recovery continues. Problem is, it is being outpaced by the layoffs.
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“They are continuing to respond to demands for ever greater productivity from the work force they already have.”
As are all of us small businesses out here in 0bamacare Land! 29 hours a week. Period. Seasonal for 12 weeks. Period. Kind of dreading this upcoming spring season - which after 9 years is a FIRST for me.
Obama’s America..where everyone is collecting unemployment benefits..just like the Commies want
See my Post #17.
The supervisor level makes or breaks any organization. Here’s hoping they get rid of the jerks and keep the good ones.
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