Story by Tom Coombe focuses on the growth of Wal-Mart, the world's largest company, and some of its local stores, including new Supercenters, which offer everything from groceries to car care. He cites issue of concern, such as traffic and overall development, but notes that Wal-Mart is the area's 11th largest private employer, with more than 1,600 workers at four Wal-Marts and two Sam's Clubs in Lehigh and Northampton counties. The story includes comments by Dr. Mohamed Latib, director of the MBA program at DeSales and vice president for program and strategic development. According to Latib, Wal-Mart is part of a larger trend  the continuing rise of "big box" retail centers and the decline of small towns and their businesses. "There's clearly a trade-off," says Latib. Consumers gain convenience, quality products and low prices, but lose the downtown character. Communities need to ask whether or not it is worth it, suggests Latib.