somehow the economics of that escapes me
OTOH if you can go to some other store where all the hotties shop, go for it
Actually, the "shopping experience" is a valid consideration in deciding where to shop. Convenience, ethical considerations, and yes, whether hotties shop at the store are all things to consider. Not everybody makes the decision only based on price.
Maybe, depending on my mood, it's worth the extra few bucks to avoid having to deal Wanda from the trailer park, 250 lbs but still wearing a tube top and low ride jeans which reveal her thong and tramp stamp, chasing her 12 children down the bread aisle (who are opening individual bread loaves and trying them out), shouting obscenities and stepping on old people's feet.
Most of the time, I'm still OK with putting up with Wanda. But sometimes, I'm not in the mood. But that's just me.
Walmart's downfall will not be a competitor with cheaper prices, but one whose shopping experience is more pleasant. Mark my words.