With its unparalleled buying power and reach, Wal-Mart has revolutionized retailingrnand business practices world-rnwide. Name practically any product category, from groceries to photo processing, and there's a good chance Wal-Mart is the No. 1 player in that space. It became the world's largest retailer by cutting costs to deliver rock-bottom prices. And it made thousands of suppliers do the same. With about 100 million Americans shopping at its stores every week, vendors have no choice. A deal with Wal-Mart can make or break a business.rnWal-Mart has been criticized for allegedly applying its low-cost ethic to people. Critics cite low wages for its 2 million workers, as well as goods sourced from countries where factory conditions are a concern.
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