OT: gif of Walmart's growth

that's a pretty cool gif

I don't think includes Sam's and Neighborhood Markets either.

5000 us stores

6000 international stores

For comparison there are about 3000 counties in the US

"revolutionized" is such a double bladed word..
some maybe good? some definitely bad..

Love this place

Bad arse BBQ

Wal-Mart is really early in their growth with the Neighborhood Market and Express concepts.

Their logistics are the best, thats one reason they are cheapest.

A classic Arkansas bbq place, one of so many. We are a really underrated state

I suggest you order the fried coon. Tell em Porker sent you

I remember when Walmart opened in my hometown. Even as a little kid I remember adults trying to act like it was no big deal & all "too cool" for it, but I could tell they were really excited.

Looking back, it's funny how people tried to hide the fact they shopped there in the beginning. Folks could be a bit snotty in my hometown back then, so it was very amusing that a couple of my friends' grandmothers who had worked at our local Walmart since its opening and who bought stock in it when they began their employment had quite a nice little nest egg after a number of years.

Yes, I think independently owned stores have suffered, particularly, in smaller towns. A few privately owned "specialty" stores that I loved growing up did go out of business a few years after Walmart's arrival back home.

I shop at Walmart, but I still frequent smaller chains and independently owned stores, as well, and I shop for groceries at a grocery store, usually a locally owned one here in town. I still much prefer those types of grocery stores over Walmart or the Neighborhood Market. Even if the prices are a bit higher, most times, the quality and selection are better, at least of those in this area.

Eta - Kitchen is closed!
Banks??? ... LOL.