In defense of Wal-Mart

Charles Peters ("Tilting at Windmills," November) may wish to give thought to a couple of things in his consideration of the pros and cons of Wal-Mart. The mom-and-pop supplier of commodities will never be able to compete with a Wal-Mart. However, the money saved by a consumer shopping at a Wal-Mart is likely spent at other businesses in town. The mom-and-pop supplier of value-added services, not commodities, may well be the recipient of those savings, and enjoy higher revenues as a result. Also note that few mom-and-pop businesses have ever supplied their employees with benefits.

As for suppliers who were bankrupted by their customer, any CEO who places all of his eggs in one basket (supplying one major customer while ignoring others) is, frankly, a fool. Wise marketing recommends a diverse and balanced customer base, one where the tail does not wag the dog.

BILL KEEL

Pompano Beach, Fla.

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