First, the people you see shopping in Walmart are not representative of DeLand as a whole. Like any Walmart anywhere in the world, the shoppers represent the lower economic classes ina society simply because Walmart offers food/goods at the lowest prices. That doesn't mean that EVERY person shopping there is poor or on food stamps. I am fairly wealthy and I shop there on occasion. If it is 10:00 at night and I need batteries or a last minute gift, it is a convenient option. I would rather shop at a local business where the money stays local, but Walmart has its purpose.

It is incorrect and insulting to group people together. I have experienced many friendly, intelligent, helpful employees at the DeLand Walmart. I am very impressed with the job they do, especially considering most are doing it for $8/hour. It must be very difficult to support yourself at that wage. Plus for many, they are working there temporarily until they can finish school, or find a job in their chosen field. I know many people that started their lives working at Walmart, then went on to become successful businesss people.

DeLand is a great community. Judging it by the shoppers in one Walmart is idiotic. That's like judging Paris by one cafe. Also, demographically the shoppers at this Walmart are more from Deleon Springs, Pierson, Astor, Lake County and other communities than they are from DeLand. DeLand has a far higher median family income than these other communities. Most people I know shop either in local shops or out of town and avoid Walmart if possible.

Yes, it is true that people on food stamps and welfare are at Walmart. This is because the aid money goes further there than at say Publix and The Mall. But people abusing public assistance is an American problem and not a DeLand one, and criticizing DeLand for people being on Welfare is rediculous.