Does Wal-Mart Equal Quality?

Wal-Mart will roll out its holiday advertising campaign next week, and jitters that the seasonal pricing competition is getting an early start put pressure on shares of electronics retailers Circuit City and Best Buy. Wal-Mart said it would launch an "aggressive" advertising campaign for the holidays starting on Nov. 1, which would make it the earliest launch in the retailer's history. They are trying to lure higher-spending shoppers into their store by offering more high-end items such as: high definition, flat screen televisions, portable DVD players, and a wider variety of digital cameras. Haven’t we learned that a lower cost usually means lower quality? I don’t mind going to Wal-Mart to purchase a camera or an MP3 player, but if I am going to buy something as expensive as a flat-screen television I would much rather go to Best Buy. Stores like Best Buy and Circuit City can’t necessarily compete with Wal-Mart’s prices, but when it comes to extra warranties and guarantees I feel more comfortable at Best Buy. It’s no secret that Wal-Mart will take nearly anything back, but that’s because that is exactly what you’ll do when buying a high-end item from them is take the piece of junk back.