[Eric]

When the big stores move in the little guys fold. We have one Walmart and another is planned, all the big grocery stores are chains: Loblaws, A&P, Loeb, Food Basics. And then the box stores move in. In the Riocan centre we have two stores selling electronics, Best Buy and Future Shop (both owned by the same company). And the only two restaurants in the place are Montana's Cookhouse, and Kelsey's (both owned by the same company). After a while, service and quality take a dump and prices go up. Many of these companies are American, so there is a move on amongst consumers to shop Canadian ... like Rona or Canadian Tire instead of Home Depot; or Giant Tiger instead of Walmart. Unfortunately this does little for the little guys who have been forced out of business.

Problem is, Walmart, hated tho it is by customers and staff alike, still has the best stuff at great prices; and their aftermarket service is top notch.