Conversations with people around the industry reveal a level of anger with Wal-Mart that is, at least in my experience, unprecedented. It is not just that there is uncertainty about the direction of the toy department. There is a general feeling that Wal-Mart is speaking down to the industry; that they have become condescending.

Humility in a very rich and / or good looking person is attractive. Wal-Mart, until recently, carried itself in that fashion. Their message was: "We know we are powerful, and you know we are powerful. We will, however, treat you with respect and carry ourselves with a sense of humility."

That is gone. Wal-Mart needs to do a gut check. Confident people and companies don’t demean others. Something is wrong at Wal-Mart.