The big box retailer Walmart is moving to India. How do I feel about this force of globalization? I have misgivings, knowing and having studied the repercussions supermarkets have had on the landscape of America during the past five decades. Given the fact that in India no one really pays attention to planning and environmental costs, it is a lot more upsetting from an environmental point of view. Of course if these stores would be located in redeveloped older buildings then it is a different story; then my concerns would be more about the community.
I am concerned about the livelihood of the neighborhood grocer, vegetable and fruit vendor. This is because I am comparing the state of neighborhood mom and pop stores here in the United States. When I mentioned this to my husband, he said don't worry it will be like when McDonald's moved to India. It did not become a ubiquitous cheap 99 cent fast food joint that we see here in the United States and no one got rid of the vada pav and zunka bhakar stalls OR the lovely udipi (region to the South of India famous for its snacks and restaurants all over the country) restaurants serving better, healthier (in comparison to McDonald's) and faster food. Still I feel this is not about the Indian palate; this is about the new economic prosperity and growing disparity between the people. This is about protecting the interests of the Indian farmer and the small time grocer or shopkeeper.
Don't get me wrong, I am all about opening our economy and freeing our markets. In fact I am so glad we got rid of the Nehruvian socialism in the nineties yet the urban planner in me is very affected by this move; concerned about the unseen (as yet) economic and environmental costs to the people.
You can read the articles here and here.
7 comments:
Good post. I am no fan of Walmart. Walmart will make some inroad but not like here. That being said their deleterious effects will continue.
I have been to this store just once and we refuse to ever shop there.
We try to shop as much as we can at local stores or at places that treat their employees well (Costco is an example here as is Trader Joe's).
ME TOO!!! I HATE WALMART for the same reason!!! I always go to the local farmer's market for produce, BJs and Wegmans for other stuff.
OH NO!!! Walmart takes out everybody's little businesses!!
But for I+ billion people, there is room for others as well I guess:)So, Indians are going to get everything we do here at last, but how about striving for a little clean air, clean public restrooms , clean food,safety for women and a honest society instead of things?!
Asha:
I couldn't agree with you more about the basic civic amenities that are taken for granted here in the US and the stringent laws and policies to protect environment and personal rights!
Sai, another great post! I haven't yet read the articles you linked to, but I share your concerns about Walmart - having said that however, our little kirana stores will not be affected too much ( I think) after all, Walmart can't compete with their home delivery! ;) Seriously, my mom very rarely goes to any of the big stores - most of her groceries and even her fruit and vegetables are provided by the little corner shops.
I just hate walmart because their damned stores are too cluttered. But I think this is one of those people-will-protest till they leave situations.
@Lotus: Our mom's are too set in their ways to go to supermarkets.
@Paresh: I hate walmart PERIOD but thanks for giving me one extra reason to hate it more! :-)
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