Costco is a better alternative (to Sam's Club anyway), tho the member price may be hard for low-income shoppers (~$40/yr). They have quality goods, low prices, they pay a living wage and have excellent health benefits and retirement even for their part time workers. They work cooperatively with communities in placing their stores and give back to local organizations too. What cracks me up is that Walmart defends their horrendous practices claiming that they wouldn't be profitable otherwise, when Costco- while a smaller chain (for now, anyway)- consistantly makes a higher profit percentage, yr after yr. Kinda deflates their theory that you can't do business without exploiting everyone around you....

as far asi'm aware, Target has never been dinged for the same rapacious practices as walmart.

Walmart is sweating a "load" in their photo developing in my town. Since Target came in their photo lab can outshine walmart and they don't have to move an inch. I still prefer the small business service and care for the customer though.