[T. Jefferson]

"Wal mart isn't making more money, they just opened more stores."

During the worst recession in 40 years.

2009 Net profit $13,400

2008 Net Profit $$12,731

2007 Net profit $11,284

Hmmm. I see a pattern here.

[driftdiver]

Yes, when money is tight people are more apt to accept lower quality and poor customer service.

[Captain Peter Blood]

Yes it's cannibalization, as competitors go under WalMart does pick up some of that business.
My basic premise is that the economic times will force changes, some good some bad.
No I didn't say Walmart or the others would go out of business, it will be a long slow slide.
Or if we wake up some morning and dollar totally collapses and is worthless then every corporation and individual in the country will be broke.