[DerpDerpDerp]

I think there's a second element to why a gallon of milk isn't $20: Walmart relies on not upsetting too many people, who collectively wield enough local political power to harm Walmart locally.

It would only take a local wage initiative, for instance, to likely bother the closest Walmart. So there's an inherent incentive not to let prices rise so much that people are angry enough to get the government involved because they can no longer buy milk (or food).

[AnthonyMouse]

That's true to an extent but I don't really buy it as the primary reason. Look at Comcast. Customers angry because your service is expensive and terrible? Hire an army of lobbyists, problem solved.