Wages: With the economy already at high unemployment levels, wages for employees with the skill sets of those previously employed by Wal-Mart would likely decrease for some time.

FORBES: What Would Be The Global Impact If Wal-Mart Abruptly Shut Down?

But the Japanese seem more than willing to continue forgoing some economic efficiency to attain key social and political objectives -- an economy with reasonable growth that provides high wages, stable jobs and a sense of community.

CNN: Misreading Japan

The US economy is growing more strongly than most of Europe, but remains patchy, while high unemployment has put downward pressure on wages, making it harder for retailers and other firms to raise prices.

BBC: Eurozone and US inflation falls back on weaker oil price