projected store closures [2009]

[Stormfalcon]

As much as I don't care for Walmart, I have a question.
What would happen to the USA economy if Walmart were to go out of business?

It'd be a blow for sure, but in the long run it might be better for us if there were no WalMart once we got past that initial blow.  The market might be more accommodating for smaller, local businesses once the economy picks back up, it might be better for manufacturers since WalMart wouldn't be around to strongarm prices that wind up being too low, and it'd certainly be better for retail workers in general since it wouldn't be around to spread some very bad influences in the industry in regards to labor relations.  Would it be perfect?  No, but it could be better.  Would there be a risk of someone else taking WalMart's place that would be just as bad, if not worse?  Probably, but there's also the chance that things could be better as well (Maybe Costco could take over, and they're known for better treatment of workers in general).

[mDuo13]

As much as I don't care for Walmart, I have a question.
What would happen to the USA economy if Walmart were to go out of business?

The transition stage would be rough, especially for communities where Wal-Mart is the only major store nearby. Probably, you'd get some other corporation such as Target try and take its place. And strictly speaking in numbers, Wal-Mart shutting its doors would have to be bad for the economy, but that doesn't take into account long-term benefits that aren't measurable, like the benefits of people working and shopping at stores with more ethical, friendly business practices.