Big-box stores squeeze into Big Apple

The big box stores can have a totally different dynamic in a big city. They act as low cost and high volume retailers to the people and they act as wholesale distributors to the neighborhood, no small feat.
They also provide a large and clean place to shop, safe parking, and that acts as an umbrella to the neighborhood and to neighborhood businesses.
People often shop at the neighborhood store because they have no other choice. Supermarkets know that and often rip off the cities with more expensive lower quality goods.