Elizabeth R. (esjro) -
Helpful Score: 4
Ellen Ruppel Shell covers a lot of ground in Cheap. She begins with a brief history of discounting and retail sales, and goes on to examine nasty side effects such as sweatshops, declining wages, and even obesity. Though these topics and some others such as the history of Walmart have been covered extensively in other books and the media, she does provide a comprehensive and consolidated intro to these issues.
The most interesting chapters in the book are those that go behind the scenes of companies that discount, such as Ikea. Through interviews with company executives and some investigation, she shows how cheap is made appealing even while the companies do not always live up to their claims. Her ideas for rectifying the negative by-products of our discount culture mostly boil down to individual consume choices, but she also profiles Wegmans (I love Wegmans!) and Costco as companies that are profitable while still treating their employees and customers fairly.
Though the writing style is a bit dry, the content of Cheap is interesting enough to appeal to the enlightened consumer.
The most interesting chapters in the book are those that go behind the scenes of companies that discount, such as Ikea. Through interviews with company executives and some investigation, she shows how cheap is made appealing even while the companies do not always live up to their claims. Her ideas for rectifying the negative by-products of our discount culture mostly boil down to individual consume choices, but she also profiles Wegmans (I love Wegmans!) and Costco as companies that are profitable while still treating their employees and customers fairly.
Though the writing style is a bit dry, the content of Cheap is interesting enough to appeal to the enlightened consumer.
Sheila K. (thickly-settled) - , reviewed Cheap: The High Cost of Discount Culture on + 7 more book reviews
Helpful Score: 3
This book will give you a new perspective not only on the influence of low-cost stores like Wal-Mart and IKEA, but on the dangers of low wage jobs worldwide.
I learned that those stores dictate to manufacturers how much they're willing to pay for low cost goods, making it impossible for even factory owners in China and other low-wage countries to demand living wages, safe working conditions, and environmentally sound practices.
China has actually begged U.S. companies to pay more for their products so that they can provide higher quality goods. This book was interesting and informative.
I learned that those stores dictate to manufacturers how much they're willing to pay for low cost goods, making it impossible for even factory owners in China and other low-wage countries to demand living wages, safe working conditions, and environmentally sound practices.
China has actually begged U.S. companies to pay more for their products so that they can provide higher quality goods. This book was interesting and informative.
Helpful Score: 1
Easy reading about the down side of discount stores. What we think is discount may not be any if we see what is involve. Make you think why the CEOs are making big buck while everybody else is on the bottom and the riches are getting more rich from slavery people around the World. Sad but true!
