A case against the case against Walmart

As people crowded into local D.C. grocery stores last weekend, gobbling up a limited supply of water and canned goods in preparation for Hurricane Irene, some may have found themselves pining for the open aisles, vast selection, and efficient check-out operation offered by Walmart. These shoppers may get their wish in time for next year’s hurricane season, as the retail giant has announced plans to open four stores in the District starting in 2012.

A coalition of labor unions and advocacy groups calling itself “Living Wages, Healthy Communities” has staked out opposition to this plan, arguing that the big-box behemoth claims jobs, reduces wages and destroys communities. Research suggests that these claims are little more than myths.