Walmart lobby's governments to get what it wants like all the other mega corporations. Its shifting the labor market from the west to the east - taking advantage of poor human rights and scant environmental restrictions.

Take a look at the Palm Oil industry.. Its slowly destroying our planet and there's little we can do about it as consumers - except make responsible changes.

Small business has to work hard to compete - many of them offer alternatives to some of the problems mega corporations are creating (like pollution). You are right - its ultimately up to the consumer to make a choice and it seems like in 2018 we are still buying from the same people who give us the lowest price.

Low prices dont increase wages they increase your buying power in a particular area. In many areas around the world - you might be able to afford all the trappings at WalMart - but good luck buying a house. The impact of these companies is huge and the damage is usually impossible to fully quantify.