I wasn't going to get involved with this thread, but here I am. Wal-Mart and the other big box retailers do destroy little local guys, IF the local guy continues running his business the same way his daddy ran it 40 years ago. I've been in local shops where the owner was arrogant, sometimes downright rude, or just couldn't be bothered to get of his ass and sell something. I've also been in local stores that whip Wal-Mart's butt when it come to service and product knowledge.

Competition is NOT always about price. You can't beat Wal Mart on price, but you CAN beat them on just about everything else, IF the business owner is willing to put forth the effort.

I know this is anathma to the Wal-Mart is owned by the Devil crowd, but Wal-Mart can be beaten by the locals.