Jamaal,

>> Small shop owners would lose their livelihood. Their number would be certainly more than people hired by Wall-mart.

This has been the experience of many American communities. Wal-Marts have caused the closure of thousands of "Mom and Pop" stores, and have adversely affected many "down-town" economies. They have however been a boon to the US consumers, as well as to Chinese manufacturers. Wal-Marts are here to stay. One has to balance the interests of the consumers with the interests of the small businesses. Hopefully the sites of such mega discount stores will be judiciously chosen and their spread will be gradual and moderated by inputs from communities that would be affected.