"and then again, people with money love to go to special, small, gourmet places where there is a personal touch, as well as better quality and much higher price, being willing to sacrifice the convenience of choice- again, often packaged duplication - for quality, at least as perceived, but frequently experienced..."
No doubt, the situation varies greatly by region. In the Bay area prices range from exorbitant at upscale "organic" stores (Andronico's, Whole Foods), to expensive (Safeway), to less-than-expensive (farmer's markets, Berkeley Bowl). I've never walked into a Walmart. I believe you that prices are cheap. BUT, Safeway/Albertson's is NOT cheap: the meat is crappy and expensive, the produce is crappy and expensive, and the packaged food is just plain expensive.
Joanna