As an addendum, it's not like this had to happen, even if Walmart moved in: one possibly politically extreme example is the town government could have mandated

As an addendum, it's not like this had to happen, even if Walmart moved in: one possibly politically extreme example is the town government could have mandated Walmart could only sell certain things, or put a price floor on certain items, so as to incentivize people to go to the grocery store for some things and Walmart for others (particularly things the grocery store didn't carry). This could have been a better situation for everybody long term – the grocery store might still be in business, the Walmart could still be there, and the citizens of the town could still be saving money; nobody would be making as much profit or saving as much in purchases as they _could be_, but everyone, not just one entity, still comes out ahead. Of course, in our current winner-take-all society, such an approach would be a nonstarter (and probably even illegal). Prioritize sustainable growth over short term growth.