That is likely to perpetuate the reputation problems, despite Apple being an absurdly profitable company with a highly enviable market position.

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The same revolution in logistics and computer-driven merchandising that led to Wal-Mart is now being used by companies like Dollar General to build highly profitable stores within cities.

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On a recent visit, a guest marveled at Case's hubris: The Sonoran Desert setting is so picturesque, the activities so singular (and space-demanding--the resort spans 317 acres), the staff so large and highly educated, and the variety of activities so extensive that the idea of all this being both exportable and profitable seems counterintuitive.

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