Has the beginning of the end really happened? Only the future will tell us. However....
What is tearing the company apart is, the company cannot figure out what its identity is. One minute they are all about the business member, the next time it’s all about the advantage member, they continue to flip flop, Costco on the other hand has held true to who they are.
Then you have people working from the WalMart division coming the the Sam’s Club side to get promoted and make a name for themself. WalMert and Sam’s Club are not the same and interchangeable. Both has their own identity, philosophy, and shopper they want to attract.
Lastly and most importantly, they have lost their way because they no longer listen to the associates. Associates have become numbers to MOST of the Market Managers and up (there are still a few great ones but they will be forced out too because they have an opinion that may not be in alignment with the others). Sam Walton said.... Leaders must always put their people before themselves. If you do that, your business will take care of itself. He also stated......The key to success is to get out into the store and listen to what the associates have to say. It's terribly important for everyone to get involved. Our best ideas come from associates.
John and Gizele, start listening instead of ignoring them, thinking you know all, you may accutally learn something.