After old Sam died, the heirs elbowed his brother into a ceremonial position and cranked the screws on the money machine.
AS (after Sam) the company had a sea change in its employee relations as well.
The new management that was brought in changed from Sam’s friendly “we’re doing this together” atmosphere to a purely top down, do as you’re told philosophy.
Before I retired, I saw management have all warehouse employees doing a Japanese style chanting/stretching thing before the start of the shift.
One warehouse worker told me if you didn’t join in enthusiastically, you were gone pretty quick.
That was several years ago, don’t know if it’s still the case.
I do know they do something like it in the stores. Something about prices or whatever.
Again, lack of enthusiasm means lack of employment.
I have a sister in law who started with WalMart at its beginning. She retired with a very nice retirement.
She was around long enough to lament the changes made after Mr. Sam died.