Business Wars Amazon vs Walmart - Priming the Public | 3
Apr 27, 2020
Walmart starts to falter amid bad press and sluggish growth, prompting debates about its online sales strategy. Meanwhile, Amazon initiates a controversial program that shakes its internal structure while redefining e-commerce. A striking meeting reveals the stark contrasts in visions between the two retail titans. The challenges facing Walmart workers, especially amid ICE raids, highlight the human cost of corporate decisions. As tensions rise, both companies gear up for an intense battle in the evolving retail landscape.
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The Bentonville Meeting
- In December 2000, Jeff Bezos and Amazon executives were driven to a modest motel in Bentonville, Arkansas, for a meeting with Walmart CEO H. Lee Scott.
- The security detail and motel choice reflected Walmart's culture and Scott's frugal nature, surprising the Amazon team.
Unspoken Rivalry
- The meeting's purpose was Scott's attempt to persuade Amazon to be acquired by Walmart, avoiding a direct competition.
- Bezos, however, had no intention of selling, leading to an unspoken understanding of future rivalry.
Walmart's E-Commerce Dilemma
- In 2003, Walmart faced slowing growth and internal debates about e-commerce strategy.
- While some advocated for online sales supporting stores, others saw online shoppers as a distinct, higher-income market.
