Walmart is big, too big?

Corporate Image and Brand Identity for a mega company like Walmart is worth more in relative terms than that of Apple, Steve Jobs would probably argue that point, then make an app about how I'm wrong. 

But I make the comparison, cause of the impact of Walmart on people from every corner of the globe and spectrum of economic and demographic classes.   Apple does only touch a small relative proportion of people when stood next to the Walmart consumer impact curve. 

They are one of the most studied, admired and largest companies, with online, brick & mortar and distribution centers spanning the globe.  Known for their low price guarantee, I'd like to talk about what the impact on price equilibrium does when a Walmart commands so much of the consumer distribution.  The formula for social and ethical responsibilities working alongside capitalism turns upside down very quickly.

I just watched a pretty good (content-wise) documentary called Walmart: The High Cost of Low Price in which the director took us through a narrative of stories from families and employees, both low-level and corporate management - analyzing the methodical breakdown of American classes based upon Walmart's business practices.  I find it amazing that one company can capture so much market share.  This defeats the principle of dissuading monopolistic capitalism, through their command and conquer strategy of growth, despite the ramifications to small towns.  So the Question becomes - is buying frosted flakes at $2.00/box versus $3.00/box worth the cost of the effect on the Market in a Global and Local level?

I see the argument both ways... The communities are losing small businesses and experiencing drastic unemployment in the markets which Walmart competes, from auto parts to grocers to tire/service centers.  Walmart says that lower prices have the greater good in mind and their impact is providing affordable priced goods and services to the masses. 

But at what cost? 

Where do the jobs and low price goods give back to the local community to create a stable middle class or are they perpetuating the socio-economic disparity that exists amongst classes?  In the documentary, the 'victims' in the story are represented by employees who took positions of social injustice against the retail giant and formed union lobbies. 

They argue against the existence of middle class families existing in rural communities with a Walmart due to the absence of fair-pay and lackluster benefits.  I would say the evidence is still being assembled and weights are being given to different pieces of this story.

Walmart will be forever studied and dissected, as they have over the decades through business schools, in their accomplishments in supply chain logistics, international shipping, merchandising and marketing; but are they too big to fail?

Best,
James