there are actually a great deal of job losses in a small town... how many people work in an average auto parts store? 5-6? they all lose their jobs... wall-mart MABE will avhe one person that knows something about auto parts in their store... so... you have gone from 6 to mabe one... same goes for grocery clerks... there are a couple doz. people working at an average grocery store that is skilled labor (to know all the codes, management positions, baggers, maintenance) wallmort will stock people at just above minimum wage without skills. the people at the grocery store too will lose their jobs... why would anyone given the choice shop at 4-5 stores that are more expensive rather than 1 that is cheaper... it does have a great impact on the economy. i am playing the devils advocate, but it is really fun...