They just put in a strip mall right next to the Wal-Mart by where I used to live (they actually built it on the west edge of Wal-Marts parking lot). According to my sources, the rent for a single spot in that mini-mall is roughly $10,000/month. If I'm not mistaken, there are 10 commercial spaces, and they all filled up within 3 months of completion. The also put in an Italian restaurant and a Steak & Shake on the east side of their parking lot, and the last time I was up that way they were grading ground to build another commercial building on the west die right next to the mini-mall. I've seen more new commercial development there than any on other place in Cedar Rapids in the last 5 years. The Wal-Mart /Sam's Club on the north side of town is the same way...completely surrounded by stores on three sides.
The same is true of the Wal-Mart superstore near me. Over a dozen stores have sprung up next to it. Not only has Wal-Mart not killed Thomasville it has sparked a business building boom unseen in the history of the town.
How many employees of "mom-and-pop" stores have even a minimum level of benefits? Bet close to none.
And you'd win that bet.
Mom and Pop here = minimum wage, no insurance, no retirement, no paid vacations.
Wal-Mart = better than minimum wage, 401 k retirement plan, paid vacation, health life and dental insurance.