Wal Mart is often the subject of criticism for paying low wages without health benefits and allegedly forcing "Mom and Pop" stores out of business. The company's defenders reply that Wal-mart is a well-known provider of decent employment and cheap merchandise across America and the rest of the world. Wal-mart's wages average significantly higher than minimum wage, but lower than in other retail companies.{{fact}} | Wal Mart is often the subject of criticism for paying low wages without health benefits and allegedly forcing "Mom and Pop" stores out of business. The company's defenders reply that Wal-mart is a well-known provider of decent employment and cheap merchandise across America and the rest of the world. Wal-mart's wages average significantly higher than minimum wage, but lower than in other retail companies.{{fact}} |