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Wal-Mart Agency Report Leaked, Warned Of Bad Image

The ad agency hoping to hold the Wal-Mart account last year told the retailer that although it could be a "positive force" because of its low prices, it also was hurt by a lack of respect among many shoppers. That news was from a marketing report by GSD&M, obtained by a group critical of the retailer, WakeUpWalMart.com, which provided it to the Associated Press.

It also warned Wal-Mart that it was being seen as a "bad corporate citizen who doesn't treat employees well and isn't acting as a good citizen of the planet." The Austin, Tex.-based shop had handled Wal-Mart's ads for almost two decades. Wal-Mart admits the report is the real thing, but adds it gets many such studies from consultants.

"I'm afraid this particular piece of work is not very useful, not least because it's now completely out of date and in some areas just plain wrong," says spokesman Nick Agarwal. He also disputes the idea that Wal-Mart's reputation has declined and says the company does not think it is losing business because of bad press.

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Read the whole story at Associated Press via MSNBC.com »

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