I can see where some of you have problems with Wal-Mart. But like OEH said, maybe most of the problem is with the management, not the employees. It's not their fault they aren't knowledgeable. It should be managements responsibility to train their employees and to stock marketable stuff.

I worked for over a year at a newly opened Academy Sports and Outdoors. Major competitor with Wal-Mart in the South. Before the store even opened, they brought in experts for each department (hunting/fishing, apparel, footwear, teamsports, etc) and trained the employees that were going to be working in those individual departments. That lasted two weeks, 8 hours a day. And we did the training in the store, where we had hands on training. Having been a sportsman most of my life, and demonstrating a knowledge of the merchandise, I was even asked to assist in some of the training. I think this is the right way to do it. Then those employees are responsible for training new employees that are hired at a later date. We also had a management that would listen to us if we suggested they stock certain items. If at all possible, they would do so.

I don't hate Wal-Mart (especially since I no longer work at Academy ). But I can understand both sides of this debate. If the smaller shops want to compete with the likes of Academy and Wally World, they need to focus on customer service because they just plain can't get it done with pricing. At Academy, customer service was number one, followed by product knowledge being the most important values. I'll definately pay extra money, if I'm treated right and get my issues resolved in a timely, friendly manner.