Just curious, do you have any links to evidence on this?
Full Disclosure: I'm a WM Associate, but am speaking on my own. This type of behavior is against our Code of Ethics, and would be sent to investigation.
Obviously, Walmart doesn't say, "give me lower quality goods". Walmart says, "give me goods for lower price than last year, or we'll cancel our order", which then pushes suppliers to cut corners for Walmart orders.
> Just curious, do you have any links to evidence on this?
I THINK this is along the lines of your request. I read this when it was published (2006) and didn’t reread it when I searched for it now. Describes a culture of lowering quality to achieve sales at prices dictated by WM, as I recall. Sorry, want to be more complete but unable at this moment.
i have often heard a claim that electronics manufacturers sometimes have a "walmart" version of certain products which are made with cheaper parts but sold in almost-identical packaging to the version that they stock at other retailers. i haven't been able to find any specific examples, though, so i don't think it's true. or, at least, it isn't a common practice.
many electronics manufacturers, however, do create "black friday" versions of their products. this is well-documented. i think this practice is the origin on the claim made by the GP.