Ad Agency: Perception Wal-Mart's Biggest Problem

This article describes a report written by an ad agency that was fighting to keep Wal-Mart's business last year. According to the article, the agency's report describes the potential impact of perception on the retailer's fortunes. The article has this to say: "An advertising agency fighting to keep Wal-Mart's business last year told the world's largest retailer that while it was a 'positive force' because low prices helped shoppers lead better lives, the company suffered a lack of respect that could drive away shoppers."

According to the article, the report somehow fell into the hands of a union-funded group, WakeUpWalMart.com, who then provided it to The Associated Press. While the ad agency that wrote the report did it in hopes of keeping the Wal-Mart account, the group that leaked it to the AP obviously had a different motive.