Wal-Mart Finds Fees For Suppliers Hard To Sell

Wal-Mart Stores Inc.’s suppliers are rejecting the retailer’s demand for storage fees and proposed payment schedule. Described by the retailer as a means to “simplify its relationships with suppliers,” the proposed changes are seen by some vendors as an effort by Wal-Mart to improve its margins and compensate for losses likely to be incurred from wage hikes for store workers. Also, several vendors are hiring lawyers to help them secure better terms for their supplier contracts with the retail giant.