Is Wal-Mart Smothering Small Town America‪?‬

ABSTRACT Everywhere there is evidence of new establishments being built. It seems that cities are now reaching out further and small towns growing up over night. Some call it progress; others call it sprawl. One of the most recognizable faces popping up in the new development is the brainchild of Sam Walton, the founder of Wal-Mart. New Wal-Marts are being constructed as currently estimated at the rate of one a day. These superstores invite strong feelings pro and con and the effect of their presence is much debated. The purpose of this paper is to examine the effects of the discount superstore entering into a community.