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Pointing out the fact that the most successful store in history by a huge margin is one that neither you nor anyone you know shops at is a great way to illustra
by mildavw 14y ago
Pointing out the fact that the most successful store in history by a huge margin is one that neither you nor anyone you know shops at is a great way to illustrate the importance of market validation for startups.
- pmorici 14y agoSorry, are you saying no one on HN shops at Walmart or that there is a more successful store?
- mildavw 14y agoIt's a broad stroke for sure, but, yes, no one on HN shops at Walmart.
- protomyth 14y agoI hope you're joking. Shopped there tonight. It was there or a poorly stocked K-Mart. I find the local grocery store less ethical than the Walmart.
- mildavw 14y agoI'm not joking, but my point is lost in some confusion, so I'll add this caveat: If your audience does shop at Walmart, or knows people who do, then pointing out Walmart's jaw dropping numbers will not be a good device for illuminating the importance of market validation. In fact it could encourage them carry on with the potentially mistaken assumption that the entire planet's needs/problems are the same as their own.
- ghaff 14y agoSilly comment. I don't especially like shopping at Walmart but there is one 5 minutes from me--in a fairly rural locale where there aren't a lot of especially close stores--so, yes, I shop there for a lot of items.
- mildavw 14y agoIt depends on your audience of course. I probably wouldn't point that out in rural areas, where Walmart has more penetration.