1. Walmart's core customer base is changing from lower - middle income customers to higher income customers with greater spending power and much higher expectations. The company's basic DNA is still "Every day low prices", not everyday great value or every day great service or every day great quality, which is what affluent customers are looking for."

Comment on this change in Walmart's demographics. Can the world's largest retailer appeal to customers at both ends of the income spectrum? How would you suggest Walmart accomplish this task? Is it even possible? Why or why not?

2. According to the "Walmart vs. Target" article, Walmart beats Target in most areas such as market share, low prices, number of stores, and services. Yet Target continues to do well. It could be said that there are three types of Walmart/Target customers:

1. Those people who ONLY go to Walmart.

2. Those people who ONLY go to Target.

3. Those weird people who will go to EITHER Walmart OR Target.

So, which type of customer are you? Explain why you shop this way. Why do you think certain people REFUSE to go into Walmart for any reason. Is it the atmosphere, the company ethics, strange shoppers, or a combination of things. What incentive would change your mind in changing from Target to Walmart?

3. Two apsects of retail that are increasingly important to attract customers are the "Theater of Retail" and the concept that "Time saved is money earned." How can Amazon compete on the experiential aspect of shopping known as the theater of retail? 4. And the last question: Finally, who do you think will win the battle of these three big box stores? Is it Walmart or Amazon? Support your answer with theory and facts.