SmallBusinessNewz

Numerous anecdotes - and simple logic - say that it's bad news for small businesses when a giant like Wal-Mart comes to town.  But there's at least a possibility that the situation will either break even or fall in small business' favor.

Imagine a worst-case scenario in which the huge store opens and everyone goes rushing to it.  With gas prices being what they are, these people are likely to run some other errands while they're out.  Businesses that are near Wal-Mart and don't directly compete with it (or at least offer something special) might make it onto "to-do" lists.

There are even some instances in which Wal-Mart has made a special effort to protect small businesses.  Ylan Q. Mui reports, "In Prince George's, Wal-Mart has donated several thousand dollars to help four independent businesses near the store advertise in local newspapers.  It also produced radio spots to air over the store's sound system.  Wal-Mart selected the stores with help from local officials."

After all, the giant retailer might lose a lot of business if locals held it responsible for killing their stores.

Naturally, no one's suggesting that you write Wal-Mart to request a building in your town, or that you throw confetti when one arrives.  Just don't get too depressed, either, as a few not-bad things could come of it.