This is a significant reduction in Chicago, but I don’t think the Portland comparison works. The Chicago metro area is enormous and Walmarts can be found all ov

This is a significant reduction in Chicago, but I don’t think the Portland comparison works. The Chicago metro area is enormous and Walmarts can be found all over the suburbs, but the specific factors of geography and no-car living among city dwellers (especially low income) mean that this isn’t just a matter of driving a few more miles down the road. If you’re living in a city neighborhood, those suburban locations might as well not exist. And because of the small businesses driven out when Walmart first entered the scene, the impact is potentially large, and will disproportionately impact those who are least prepared to deal with it. I hope this causes a resurgence of small businesses, but I don’t think going back will be so easy. (I live here).