To the editor:

A story in the Oct. 23 Capital News, by staff reporter Jason Luciw about the closing of Coopers Foods store in Westbank is a frustrating read. (Competition Takes Out Cooper’s Foods Store in Westbank.)

The press and business continually knock or blame Wal-Mart for their lack of business or customers. In this particular story, Wal-Mart is knocked and/or blamed eight times for causing the closing of Coopers Foods in Westbank, with reference once being made to Costco and Real Canadian Superstore.

Coopers Foods in Westbank knew they had a problem six months after Extra Foods opened in Westbank—long before Wal-Mart opened.

Extra Foods is not mentioned in this story. The press and some Wal-Mart competitors continually refer to sweat shop purchasing from poor countries. I looked in my closet at labels on shirts.

Arrow shirts, U.S.A. since 1851—made in Cambodia.

Dakota, Marks Work Wear—made in China.

Arnold Palmer, Sears, —made in China and/or Philippines.

B.U.M. Equipment—Bangladesh.

Vanderbilt for men—India.

Wrangler jeans—Mexico.

Denver Hayes—China.

I would suggest the manager and staff at Coopers and your reporter check the labels on their shirts and also think of where they personally shop. I shop at any store I please, due to convenience, price and service.

To quote a sentence from the Financial Post 26 Nov. 2003: “Walmart never put a rival out of business. The competitors’ customers did that.” Correct me if I’m wrong, it is my understanding that Wal-Mart employs more people than any other company in the world. These employees applied for jobs with Wal-Mart. They give good service to the customers and it is a pleasure to shop there.

James N. Bradley,

Kelowna