Economics 101: basic principles of supply and demand, hard at work.
And at the gas pump. Think about the fuel that's already in the underground tanks that's been paid for being subject to price fluctuations....
I don't necessarily agree. The "big box" used to be the "little guy" at one point. They were smart enough to build out their businesses with economies of scale, high efficiency ratios, etc., and now they're villified? I don't get it: Wal-Mart is the quintessential example of this, and also the quintessential success story. Sam took huge chances by going into small town Americana that no one else would, became successful, grew the business, and now is looked upon as the evil empire, instead of a success due to a willingness to do something others wouldn't, risk taking, and hard work. If the "little guy" is going to try and compete with the "big box" on price and price alone, with no difference in product and service, he's absolutely going to get crushed and rightfully so. I'll support a "little guy" and pay more if he can bring a better product or better service to the table than what the "big box" can. If he can't, sorry, but I'm voting with my wallet, as it's ludicrous to pay more for the exact same thing with no value addition. The monopolistic fear mongering is hugely overblown and exaggerated.
Wal-Mart isn't the company that Sam Walton envisioned anymore. That's the main issue with their public image these days.
When you're finished splitting a hair, SOT, you might want to look at my post again. Wally is but one example I used, not to mention the entire concept.
I'm not trying to split a hair. You said you don't get why they're vilified. Wal-Mart isn't vilified because they grew and succeeded under Sam Walton. His biography was a #1 Bestseller and it's a great read to get a grasp on exactly the things you're talking about. I doubt Jim, Rob, or Alice Walton's books would do so well if they wrote one. They're vilified because they treat their employees like dirt and they've shifted their focus from their dad's vision to one of profit above all else.
Drive through your area on old 69 from Big Cabin down to Dallas quite frequently, SOT, so I see it. I also see it where I am: an existing Wal-Mart was prevented for years from opening a supercenter with groceries, as the fear-mongering ran rampant through the area--no bigger box, will run the local grocers out of business, etc., in a community of less than 10K. Guess what didn't happen? Nor did the local pharmacy go TU when Walgreens came to town, yet the doomers and gloomers were out in full force. They chose to distinguish themselves by offering deliveries, additional product lines that the "boxes" didn't carry, etc., so you can't say that Wal-Mart is a different breed than the other examples I put out. Banks are another example: talk about there being no product distinction whatsoever. Yet community banks and credit unions are flourishing because of their ability to service the client more nimbly and capably vs. the big boys, and not competing on pricing alone. To use your clothing store example: can they adapt? Perhaps, perhaps not. If they can't, maybe it's time to go, as those who have figured it out and are doing things more efficiently and inexpensively aren't villains. They've simply built a better mousetrap. No one's immune--look at what's happening to JCP, Sears, Macy's, etc., largely because they haven't adapted and shifted to today's business world--should Jeff Bezos and Amazon be considered the scourge of society? Not happening, not should it. Again, adapt or adios: doesn't get any more simple than that.
