Flowing Data has created a fascinating data visualization map that evolves to show the spread of Walmart stores across America. Watch as the retail superpower grows from it’s 1967 seed location to 3176 in 2007. It’s an interesting experience witnessing the steady local growth in the South, with sudden escalations where new store openings rapidly increase and start spreading out across the country.
Flowing Data: “Watching the Growth of Walmart Across America”
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I’ve seen this map and it’s scary. I know it’s been said before, but Walmart drowns out local economies and suffocates Mom-and-Pop stores. Yes, they have cheaper prices but at what cost? They buy cheap, plastic stuff from China (70% of their products are more China), which puts more $’s into the the Chinese coffers. I don’t think it’s worth it. I’m doing some work with Wake Up Walmart this year to do my part to get the Bentonville behemoth to reform.
January 9th, 2009 at 3:46 pm