100 Years ago, the St Paul Trade Journal issued commandments from catalog retailers.
Here they are updated to today's retail environment:
Commandments from the Multinational Retailer
You shall sell your products wherever and whenever you can, but not to us. We do not buy from you.
You should, in sickness or need, apply to your local charities, churches and business groups. We do not know you.
You shall buy your own tools from us, and be your own mechanic, to drive the mechanics and shops in your vicinity out of business, for we wish to do so.
You shall believe all of our statements and buy all you need from us, because we want to be good to you, even though we are not personally acquainted.
You shall apply to your nearest county, city or town to aid you in building good roads, schools, police and fire departments. We only sell here, we pay as little taxes here as possible.
You shall send us money in advance to let us get the goods from the factory with your money, usually from overseas—we will put your money to good use, but we will not keep it in a local bank.
You should induce your neighbor to buy everything from us, as we have room for more money. The less money there is left in your community, the sooner we can put your local merchants out of business, and charge you any price we please.
You should look often at the beautiful pictures we post on the internet and in our catalogues, so your wishes should increase and you shall send in a big order, and even get credit from us. We really like it when you spend money with us that you don’t have. If you go broke, get help from your local people, we are not really in that business.
You shall buy your church supplies from us and forward the money in advance and you should collect as much money as you can from local business owners to benefit your churches. That is our business plan. |
