I always carefully chose merch for my stores.
Ran a 4 turn rate. That is where the real profit is achieved. It takes a thorough knowledge of your customer base and providing the proper amount of Inventory per space allocation.
Then you understand better than anyone how difficult it is to make a profit in retail.
Walmart’s system works and allows them to continue providing low (and medium) income customers with affordable clothing. If they didn’t earn a profit, their investment capital would go elsewhere and Walmart would go out of business. Then watch their former customers’ clothing budgets skyrocket!