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The big box stores already have had opticians' offices for many years, and have announced intent to open drop-in medical offices. Additionally, many supermarkets now have bank branches in their stores. Why not self-owned banks?

It can be a great service to shoppers. Many Wal-Marts also have grocery sections, so a family can take care of all of its needs under one roof. This is comfortably convenient when the weather outside is extremely hot or full of ice-covered roads. The bank availability could also reduce the need to carry large sums of money to go shopping and/or overuse of costly credit cards.

There may be some drawbacks to Wal-Mart banking, depending on a store's location. An all-inclusive big box coming into a community has a history of devastating effects on nearby small retailers. If the Wal-Mart also provides medical and banking services, it could have the same impact on local physicians, hospitals and financial institutions.

Learn more about this author, Ted Sherman.
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