ORIGINAL: Paul L Mohr

Walmart does not sell less quality items of the same type or brand. By this I mean if you go to Cabela's or Meijers or any other store and buy something you will get the same item at Walmart. It is not made to a lesser quality just because it was shipped to walmart. I have worked in factories plenty long enough to know this sort of thing just doesn't happen. We get an order, build it and ship it. We don't say "Hey this order is going to walmart so go ahead and make it extra crappy.". They get what is in stock and it's all made the same regardless of where it gets shipped. Walmart sells it for less simply because they buy more of it and can get it for less, just like Meijers and Kmart.

As far as these big stores putting people out of business, I'm not so sure about that. I live in rural America and we have quite a few of these types of stores. I bet in a 100 mile radius we have about 5 walmarts, as many meijers, probably 4 Lowes and 3 or 4 Home Depot's among other large chain stores. In various small towns and cities. I can't think of any small shops that have closed because of them.

Here in Adrian MI we have a small mall with a Sears, Elder Bearmans and a J.C. Penny's in it. Plus we have a K-mart, Walmart, Meijers (right across from each other) a Lowe's and a few other large stores I don't remember the names of. And this a pretty small city actually. And we have a Cabela's, Gander Mountain, and two Bass Pro shops within 50 miles.

I honestly can't think of any small shops that have went under because of these large stores. We still have several small Lumber yards that do quite well, a couple gun stores, some sports shops and other small shops. Plus three or for small grocery stores.

And there are many other small towns around me with the same stores. I just don't see the large chains taking over like some believe they do.

My opinion anyway.

Paul