Wal-Mart Über Alles

Why Wal-Mart Rules the Earth: Retail price of Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows: $34.99. Price at independent bookstore giant Tattered Cover: $29.99. Price at Borders outlet store in Castle Rock: $20.99 Price at online giant Amazon.com: $17.99 (plus shipping). Price at Wal-Mart in Castle Rock (as of Sunday): $17.77...

By Michael Roberts

July 23, 2007

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Why Wal-Mart Rules the Earth:

Retail price of Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows: $34.99. Price at independent bookstore giant Tattered Cover: $29.99. Price at Borders outlet store in Castle Rock: $20.99 Price at online giant Amazon.com: $17.99 (plus shipping). Price at Wal-Mart in Castle Rock (as of Sunday): $17.77.

Proof positive: You can always squeeze a couple extra nickels off the price, if you can keep wages low and volume high, high, high. -- Alan Prendergast

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Michael Roberts began his career with Westword in 1990 as music editor. In 1999, he took on a new role, full-time media reporter, as author of a column called The Message. In 2008, he became the lead writer for Westword's news blog, The Latest Word, a position he held until January 2023. Michael continues to freelance for Westword, covering everything from business to sports and the media; he also contributes to Jazziz, a national music magazine. He holds a bachelor's degree from what is now Colorado Mesa University and master's degrees from the University of California, Los Angeles, and Northwestern University.

Contact: Michael Roberts

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