Hometown Pride
e, I've been meaning to express appreciation for [David Orgel's editorial, "The Dangers of Overestimating Wal-Mart's Impact," SN, Sept. 1, 2003]. As you are aware, [IGA] does not make negative comments about Wal-Mart Stores. I have a tendency to want to say "ouch" when I hear people talking about how to compete against Wal-Mart, and even suggesting that we turn to the federal government. [Wal-Mart] has added a challenge to our IGA stores, but many of them have had [increased] business as soon as Wal-Mart entered. [IGA stores] have changed their mix, and placed emphasis on hometown pride. We don't have to have commercials [about being] involved in the community. We are the community.
Thomas S. Haggai
chairman and CEO
IGA
Thanks
Many thanks for recognizing our company with your first annual Retail Excellence Award (SN, Oct. 13, 2003, Page 1).
