Augie - You said, "Is K-Mart, IKEA, Safeway, Costco, or whatever a better corporate citizen, or are they equally ruthless but with their sins merely less well known? In my town there are some "mom and pop" operations who would take you for every last dime if you were to give them half a chance."

I don't shop in any of those stores, including unfriendly, rip-off Mom and Pops. It doesn't take that much effort to give your money to people you respect. Its easier, in fact, to support the friendly neighborhood families than to throw your money at a faceless corporation. There are alot of other ways to save money than shopping at Wal-Mart.

Ways to save money:

1. Skip the Latte
2. Sell your car
3. Sew
4. Cook and bake
5. Repair it instead of throwing it away
6. Re-use it
7. Resist impulse buying

The list goes on and on.

Like I said before, its your conscience. If you value community, put your money where your mouth is.