Wal-Mart, how many?

[Rifleman1776]

This Yank would like to know how many Wal-Mart stores you have in Australia. Mainly, are they in every little town like we have here? Or are they few and in larger cities only.
Specificially, is there one in or near Port Macquarie?

[Groggy]

Wal-Mart is not in Australia (yet).

[Rifleman1776]

Wal-Mart is not in Australia (yet).


Thank you for the prompt reply.
That is pretty amazing.
Having a WM is a mixed blessing. Won't get into that discussion.
My son and his family are moving to Australia for a year on locum tenens program. We want to give them gift cards for since they are trying to limit how much to carry when they go in a few weeks.

[NCArcher]

Give them a pre paid VISA. They can use that anywhere.

[underfoot]

Specificially, is there one in or near Port Macquarie?
Nope, no walmarts in Port Macquarie, however there are quite a few locally owned small businesses that can supply your son with everything he should need to be comfortable in this lovely east coast town. (thus keeping the money local)

I understand this is not always the case in towns in the states where walmart has moved in :rolleyes:

[acmegridley]

Only Costco in Melbourne if you feel homesick:o

[Papa]

This Yank would like to know how many Wal-Mart stores you have in Australia. Mainly, are they in every little town like we have here? Or are they few and in larger cities only.
Specificially, is there one in or near Port Macquarie?

Damn, you can't go anywhere without running into an Arkie!

Where in Arkansas? We are in NW Arkansas, about nine miles
from the Wal Mart general office.

Wal Mart is a way of life here. Our dollars stay here!:roll::roll::roll:

[Sparhawk]

Also gift cards usually don't transfer between countries. If you are talking about furniture, tv etc you could get a Harvey Norman or Good Guys gift card, although I'm not sure of store locations in Port Macquarie.

[Rifleman1776]

Damn, you can't go anywhere without running into an Arkie!

Where in Arkansas? We are in NW Arkansas, about nine miles
from the Wal Mart general office.

Wal Mart is a way of life here. Our dollars stay here!:roll::roll::roll:

Papa
We live in Mountain Home. Our daughter lives in Fayetteville. Howdy, y'all!

[ian]

My son and his family are moving to Australia for a year on locum tenens program. We want to give them gift cards for since they are trying to limit how much to carry when they go in a few weeks.My wife has a friend who recently "went home" to Boston from Sydney.

Shipping a cubic metre of stuff back to the States surface was not that expensive
(a cubic metre is about 35 cubic feet)
maybe, rather than a gift card, pay for some shipping?
also, compared to buying everything new in Australia -- where prices are possibly up to 5 times what you'd pay in WalMart, air freight might be quite economical.


main things to remember is that Port Macquarie doesn't get all that cold so winter coats are probably unnecessary
and electrical stuff --
leave the TV and the like at home
Australia is a different region to the States so US DVDs wont play in an Australian DVD player unless you hack the player

[Scorp]

Hey Gunslinger,
If your kids are doing an exchange posting, presumably they will be swapping all the house, car etc,etc, so the best thing you could give them was a credit card or a few thousand Yanqui Dollars to exchange witrh the natives.
At the risk of being insulting, a reasonable idea of the geography and history of the country would be a very desirable accomplishment, and an ability to bite their tongues would be a gift beyond price.
Port Macquarie is NOT the hub of the universe, and it is a fair distance from anywhere that is.
Just take us as you find us, and enjoy the ride.

Oh, and what sort of locum is he/she???

[Rifleman1776]

Hey Gunslinger,
If your kids are doing an exchange posting, presumably they will be swapping all the house, car etc,etc, so the best thing you could give them was a credit card or a few thousand Yanqui Dollars to exchange witrh the natives.
At the risk of being insulting, a reasonable idea of the geography and history of the country would be a very desirable accomplishment, and an ability to bite their tongues would be a gift beyond price.
Port Macquarie is NOT the hub of the universe, and it is a fair distance from anywhere that is.
Just take us as you find us, and enjoy the ride.

Oh, and what sort of locum is he/she???

Scorp, they are both doctors but only my son will be working.
As to being diplomatic, they are seasoned travelers. I'm sure they know how to behave. Thanks for the tips.

[BobL]

Wal Mart is a way of life here. Our dollars stay here!:roll::roll::roll:


Hummm . . . . last time I looked at the stuff sold at walmarts - it was pretty obvious a fair slice of the money was not staying in the US.

[hughie]

Well, as seasoned travelers, all should be well. As stated take us as you find us and a good sense of humour is a must.
Australians will take '' the '' out of just about anything and everything if theres a good laugh to be had. Can be a bit daunting for the uninitiated :U

Shipping by sea is the way to go,slow but very cost effective. For the important, gotta have stuff use air, but do it via a consolidator, any other way will be too expensive

[Rifleman1776]

Hummm . . . . last time I looked at the stuff sold at walmarts - it was pretty obvious a fair slice of the money was not staying in the US.


That is a huge sore point for almost everything in America. I'm not wanting to get into things political since I'm an outsider here but knowing almost everything in our household is made in China is not a happy feeling. This is especially true withour unemployment rate very high. Illegals pouring in from Mexico, and elsewhere makes it much worse.
However, Wal-Mart does have good quality control. With few exceptions, I have no qualms with the merchandise they sell. They are a huge, very huge, employer and generous with donations to worthy causes.

[Rifleman1776]

Well, as seasoned travelers, all should be well. As stated take us as you find us and a good sense of humour is a must.
Australians will take '' the '' out of just about anything and everything if theres a good laugh to be had. Can be a bit daunting for the uninitiated :U

Shipping by sea is the way to go,slow but very cost effective. For the important, gotta have stuff use air, but do it via a consolidator, any other way will be too expensive


They will be fine. I wish it was me, I feel I would enjoy the camaraderie with y'all. In my part of the country, folks get along with folks. In fact, I almost became an Aussie at one point in my life. But that's a story straying way off this thread. :wink:

[BobL]

That is a huge sore point for almost everything in America.

Australia is the same, maybe worse. Quality control doesn't matter much as far as I'm concerned, our rampant consumerism is going to stuff us all up sooner or later.

[Papa]

That is a huge sore point for almost everything in America. I'm not wanting to get into things political since I'm an outsider here but knowing almost everything in our household is made in China is not a happy feeling. This is especially true withour unemployment rate very high. Illegals pouring in from Mexico, and elsewhere makes it much worse.
However, Wal-Mart does have good quality control. With few exceptions, I have no qualms with the merchandise they sell. They are a huge, very huge, employer and generous with donations to worthy causes.

Right now they have "back to school" stuff at insane prices. I asked
what was going on and they said, "we are trying to help in any way
we can".

Seventy sheet note books, 15 cents, 24 count crayolas, 25 cents.
ring binders, 25 cents. composition books 25 cents. Report folders
15 cents. And a whole lot more at these prices.

Remember the first relief to arrive in New Orleans was a Wal Mart
truck with bottled water.

The police here take needy kids to Wal Mart for Christmas shopping
and Santa picks up the check.

If there is a problem with something from Wal Mart, it is not a problem.

BTW, I am on the board of directors at a large bank here and they
deal with Wal Mart and I am not allowed to own Wal Mart stock.

[bluegum30]

Hey Rifleman we love a bit of straying off the track never know what you might see ,or get involved in .keep a lookout there a couple of sithe weilding fellas about ,i think they must sleep here.:)Lloyd

[hughie]

.
In fact, I almost became an Aussie at one point in my life. But that's a story straying way off this thread.


:U no worries, I nearly became one of your lot :wink: But as you say thats another story.:2tsup:

[RETIRED]

Hey Rifleman we love a bit of straying off the track never know what you might see ,or get involved in .keep a lookout there a couple of sithe weilding fellas about ,i think they must sleep here.:)LloydMOI!!! Never, axe is my weapon of choice.:wink::D

[Scribbly Gum]

Port Macquarie is one of the most beautiful places on the NSW coastline. Personally I think that South West Rocks is the most beautiful, and it is just up the road.
The people of Port Macquarie and its region are lovely welcoming folk, and there is every kind of facility that you could want in the city or round about.
Newcastle is only a 2-1/2 hour drive away and Sydney only 4 hours. The airport has flights many times per day to Sydney and Brisbane, and the Railway and coach services can be accessed from there as well.
Weather wise, the Port Macquarie region is recognised as having the mildest climatic conditions all year round of any centre in Australia, and the CSIRO modelling suggests that it will suffer the least with climate change and global warming.
In short, there are few places that can equal it as a most desirable place to live and work.
Cheers
SG

[BobR]

Rifleman, there are a few forum members in the Port Macquarie area. If the family need any asistance when they get here just post to the forum or email some of the local members.

[acmegridley]

Dont know whether to be happy or sad that you nearly became an Aussie:U

[Blue-deviled]

That is a huge sore point for almost everything in America. I'm not wanting to get into things political since I'm an outsider here but knowing almost everything in our household is made in China is not a happy feeling. This is especially true withour unemployment rate very high. Illegals pouring in from Mexico, and elsewhere makes it much worse.
However, Wal-Mart does have good quality control. With few exceptions, I have no qualms with the merchandise they sell. They are a huge, very huge, employer and generous with donations to worthy causes.

This one is well worth a read - Amazon.com: The Wal-Mart Effect: How the World's Most Powerful Company Really… (http://tiny.cc/7yrq4) -

[Gaza]

This one is well worth a read - Amazon.com: The Wal-Mart Effect: How the World's Most Powerful Company Really… (http://tiny.cc/7yrq4) -

how about the guy that sells the egg thing to walmart, they ask him to drop his price he says no they still buy.

all other vendors drops the price year after year .

harvey norman pull the same thing with local manufacters in Aust.

[Rifleman1776]

Port Macquarie is one of the most beautiful places on the NSW coastline. Personally I think that South West Rocks is the most beautiful, and it is just up the road.
The people of Port Macquarie and its region are lovely welcoming folk, and there is every kind of facility that you could want in the city or round about.
Newcastle is only a 2-1/2 hour drive away and Sydney only 4 hours. The airport has flights many times per day to Sydney and Brisbane, and the Railway and coach services can be accessed from there as well.
Weather wise, the Port Macquarie region is recognised as having the mildest climatic conditions all year round of any centre in Australia, and the CSIRO modelling suggests that it will suffer the least with climate change and global warming.
In short, there are few places that can equal it as a most desirable place to live and work.
Cheers
SG

Very encouraging, I'll pass the info on to them. Thanks.

[Rifleman1776]

Rifleman, there are a few forum members in the Port Macquarie area. If the family need any asistance when they get here just post to the forum or email some of the local members.


Bob, thank you. If finances allow wife and I hope to visit in early December. I might just knock on a few woodworkers doors while (if) we are there.

[hughie]

Bob, thank you. If finances allow wife and I hope to visit in early December. I might just knock on a few woodworkers doors while (if) we are there.

Be sure to allow a day or so in Sydney, by then I should have my shed [shop] up and running.Could have a go at getting a few of the guys together and make a ' do' of it. :U

[Rifleman1776]

My son and his family arrived in Port Mac about a week ago and are getting settled.
They are still getting in on the wrong side of their car. :o My son is waiting on word when his job starts. His license approval has been hung up in the deep dark depths of some bureaucratic office.
They say a store called Big W or similar is very much like our Wal-Mart but without the food. They comment on how expensive paper products are, quite a bit higher than in the States. I offer the opinion, you are probably better off keeping it that way with (presumed) imports than starting your own paper industry. Paper manufacture is an environmental nightmare. We have some in my state.
Their first impressions of Port Mac are highly favorable. Very pretty, lots of recreational opportunities. But what caught their attention was how so many friends and families engaged in wholesome activities together. They are sure they will be happy there. Hope not too happy. We want them to come back. :wink:

[Sebastiaan56]

I offer the opinion, you are probably better off keeping it that way with (presumed) imports than starting your own paper industry. Paper manufacture is an environmental nightmare.

We used to have a paper manufacturing industry but it got uncompetitive. Modern mills are quite clean so its an industry we should encourage rather than just pulping old growth forests and shipping it to Asia for the value add bit. A sore point with me....

[Scorp]

We just send all our woodchips (all from wonderful Aussie hardwoods!!) off shore then import the finished product.

Good to hear that the kids are settling in.We need medicos by the boat load, so you'd better start gathering your "frequent flyer points", as, if he fits, he'll get offers he can't refuse.

[Waldo]

We used to have a paper manufacturing industry but it got uncompetitive. Modern mills are quite clean so its an industry we should encourage rather than

:no: we do. Australian Paper have two mills in Tasmania, Maryvale in Vic and Shoalhaven in NSW.

How do I know? Apart from being in an industry where I spec paper stock from my clients, sometimes from Australian Paper you can also check it out here Australian Paper Home > About Us > Mills (http://www.australianpaper.com.au/about-us/mills.aspx) The Shoalhaven mill make some very beautiful paper stock.

[AlexS]

The Maryvale mill used to make the whole Latrobe valley smell like they were boiling cabbages and dirty nappies in the same pot, and releasing caustic soda into the creek. Don't know if it's improved. They always used to threaten that if tighter controls were put on them, they'd shut the mill, and governments of both colours were too p!ssweak to call their bluff.

[Waldo]

I don't know, but I'd think the mill would have cleaned their act up, but I'm only speculating. :shrug: ,as I think a bit of paper comes out of there with FSC accreditation.

[Sebastiaan56]

:no: we do. Australian Paper have two mills in Tasmania, Maryvale in Vic and Shoalhaven in NSW.

How do I know? Apart from being in an industry where I spec paper stock from my clients, sometimes from Australian Paper you can also check it out here Australian Paper Home > About Us > Mills (http://www.australianpaper.com.au/about-us/mills.aspx) The Shoalhaven mill make some very beautiful paper stock.

Should have been a bit more clear Waldo. Most of the bond and a large number of the coated stocks we use in our place are imported. Most from Thailand and Indonesia. Unfortunately the Aussie stocks are expensive. Visy still run mills but they primarily make packaging boards. But 40 years ago Australia made its consumption, not any more....

Part of the bluff on Maryvale was real. As far as I know they all the mills have ISO14001 nowadays. The EPA's forced them to.

[.RC.]

I think why Walmart has not come down here as we do not have enough of the creatures that have a symbiotic relationship with the store

Funny Pictures at WalMart (http://www.peopleofwalmart.com/)

Oh yes and we have stronger consumer laws here then the US...

[Rifleman1776]

I think why Walmart has not come down here as we do not have enough of the creatures that have a symbiotic relationship with the store

Funny Pictures at WalMart (http://www.peopleofwalmart.com/)

Oh yes and we have stronger consumer laws here then the US...


I can't comment on your consumer laws since I don't know the differences. But, Wal-Mart has successfully adopted to the laws of many countries. The problems they mostly encounter entail local customs.
As for population, the forumla for success with Wal-Mart from it's beginning was to establish in small towns other large retailers ignored. Why they are not in Australia is a puzzlement to me. But, I'm willing to wager they have options on choice locations all over the country waiting for the day they make their move.

[elkangorito]

I hope that Walmart remains in the USA.
Australia doesn't need another 'rip-off' store (treats wage earners like ####). Unfortunately, Australia has copied much of the American 'program'. If John Howard would have had his way, we would all be living like dogs & answering to shareholders for everything (just like the USA).

Again & unfortunately, the USA disease is inundating Thailand. Everything is fast & high pressure. Quality means very little unless you are rich.
Consumer Protection in Thailand is yet to be enforced (it does exist as law) but whilst American 'ideals' exist here, these laws go largely unanswered.

My message is simple...'Walmart...stay in the USA & do not pollute any other countries'.

[Rifleman1776]

I hope that Walmart remains in the USA.
Australia doesn't need another 'rip-off' store (treats wage earners like ####). Unfortunately, Australia has copied much of the American 'program'. If John Howard would have had his way, we would all be living like dogs & answering to shareholders for everything (just like the USA).

Again & unfortunately, the USA disease is inundating Thailand. Everything is fast & high pressure. Quality means very little unless you are rich.
Consumer Protection in Thailand is yet to be enforced (it does exist as law) but whilst American 'ideals' exist here, these laws go largely unanswered.

My message is simple...'Walmart...stay in the USA & do not pollute any other countries'.


PM sent.

[watson]

Thread has gone way off topic......so it'll be closed.
Thank you ball boys...........thank you linesmen.