[supercat]

IMHO, the key to understanding and appreciating big box stores is to recognize that contrary to popular belief they are not total "category killers". They have a moderate selection of merchandise, but they don't carry everything. Stores which carry a bigger variety of merchandise will have to charge more, but customers who want something the Big Box doesn't have will likely be willing to pay more.

If stores like Wal-Mart are so deadly to nearby businesses, why do so many of them have lots of other stores so close by?

[joedelta]

If stores like Wal-Mart are so deadly to nearby businesses, why do so many of them have lots of other stores so close by?

No fair using logic to point out the anti-capitalist false claim! Watch it, or you're gonna get a time out!

[Indie]

I don't do the big box stores..or malls. I have a neigbborhood family owned hardware store that has more selection for instance but slightly higher prices, with more products of US origin. For the selection, easy and fast in and out, great customer service..I will ALWAYS pay more.

To spend 30 minutes in a big box to find one item and wait in a long line is ridiculous.