Walmart, Cosco, HEB, you name it, they require a hub distribution site. In the case of the metroplex (Dallas-Fort Worth), two mega distribution sites support the stores in the metro area, not to mention much of the area surrounding this huge mega cities. One is located in Denton and the other in the SE corner near Ennis, Texas. Here is the challenge that often consumers miss regarding Walmart, it is their near time ordering system. While Walmart is huge in comparison to other super food stores, one thing is clear, they have a limited amount of food in these distro facilities and really on their growers to replace those products near time. Meaning any deviant from that schedule (whether it would be a fuel crunch or economic collapse), most of these stores simply have enough to stock their shelves with one rotation of product loss, afterwards, their will be signs saying out of stock. The same goes for staples like bread, typically their are possibly four to five bread vendors that stock their lines and besides the Walmart brand products, is severely limited and typically us stocked once a day by the vendor, after to be stocked by a Walmart employee.
Don't believe me, well here is a good example, head to the Walmart off Vineland Road, in Kissimmee, Florida during peak vacation period, typically the month of June and go to the bread aisle around 8 P.M. You will then note that the entire bread aisle is completely depleted. People will literally fight over one loaf, this would definitely resemble anything noted during a SHTF event. Typically, even with good ordering management this store cannot anticipate this large hit on stocks.
So when your thinking is it worth it, well, just remember those simple moments, if and when you need to tap into your stock, that you will be the safe one, while others will be in a gun battle over salt, sugar or bread, not to mention fuel.
Good preps.