I think that the larger negative impact that Wal-Mart and other chain stores is on locally owned business.They suck many local business dry in a small town or city the presence of a "super" Wal-Mart or Target or what have you can completely change the traffic pattern meaning that locally owned stores and restaurants can get forced out of business because they are not located in the new high traffic area.
Another nail in the coffin for locally owned bushiness can be rising costs of renting or leasing a location as other stores fail the property owners tend to raise the price to make up the difference.
Buying American is a nice notion(when the product is of good quality which is not always the case)but it becomes increasingly difficult especially with low cost items such as generic clothing (though much of the high end stuff is made under similar conditions overseas) another issue is that companies want to make maximum profits in order to please share holders.Most any item from a TV to a toilet is going to cost less if made in a third would country which means more profits which means happy share holders which means happy fat cats.
I do not think that you can find a pair of underwear or socks that is low in cost that is produced in the USA.And the USA label can be a ruse as well some items are made in Saipan which is an unincorporated Territory of the US.The workers though are from Taiwan or China.
The larger underlying problem is that it costs less no matter how you cut it to produce something overseas.We have become (as a collective whole) in the US,Canada,Western Europe,Japan and Australia mass consumers we want a cheap item right away this is an addiction that is not easily cured.
Look at how many idiots line up for those black Friday sales need I say more?To not be of this crowd makes you an ever increasing minority indeed not to say that you must assimilate.
Wal-Mart is also especially persons on low or fixed incomes the lowest cost place to purchase food.
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