Is Amazon The New Walmart?
Back when Walmart was having its successful run in retail, information started surfacing about how their staff had to suffer poor conditions, and how suppliers were being bullied. There was subsequently a big backlash against Walmart, and they had to reform some of their policies towards staff.
More recently, the darling of retail is not even found on the local high street, or even in a mall, but found on the Internet. Amazon has taken the world by storm, and is the new darling of many a consumer. From the expansive catalogue, to the convenience of home delivery, and very good prices that often beat the high street stores, it is difficult for the members of the public to fault the company.
However, disturbing news is coming out of the woodwork. In 2013, the BBC's famous documentary team on Panorama took on the job to understand work at Amazon UK. It was a startling look at working at one of the warehouses that the company had operating in Wales. Then, more recently, BBC Inside Out took a look at how it was like doing deliveries for the same company. Another damning report.
So, it seems that Amazon has just taken over from Walmart, as the biggest bully in the proverbial playground of retail. From bullying suppliers to lower their prices which result in razor-thin margins for them (and pushing many out of business), to the harsh and pressure-cooker-type working conditions for both warehouse and delivery staff. The worst off, are those that are on the temporary payroll, where work is like a living hell. I used to think that not getting paid when you are off ill was bad enough, but Amazon then gives staff a further demerit over it.
What is going to happen? I somehow feel that the majority of the buying public are just going to turn a blind eye on this. More choice at cheaper prices and greater convenience is always a good thing. Right? The government will look upon it as creating employment, and will also keep mum.
However, should the "most customer-centric company" be called to task for all this? I certainly hope so. I for one, will review my ongoing buying relationship with the company.