Dave's ESL Cafe's Student Discussion Forums

[hiromichi]

What does the captioned phrase mean?

Wal-Mart, the nation's largest retailer, often intimidates its competitors and suppliers. Makers of goods from diapers to DVD's must cater to its whims. But there is one company that even Wal-Mart eyes warily these days: Google, a seven-year-old business in a seemingly distant industry.
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Hiromichi

[Hayde]

must cater to my whims = must do what I say
whims = wants (usually not important or stupid ones, though not always)

Wal-Mart, the nation's largest retailer, often intimidates its competitors and suppliers. Makers of goods from diapers to DVD's must do whatever Walmart says (or lose Walmart's business, which would be very bad).

[hiromichi]

Hayde-san, Thank you for your clear answer.
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Hiromichi