MILWAUKEE - Grocery shoppers know there are a lot of new and expanded options in the Milwaukee area.

The latest is the Walmart Super Store in Milwaukee, in the 3300 block of South 27th Street.

Consumer experts say it's a trend that's growing in a shrinking economy.

The Walmart Super Center is just one of many grocery stores popping up, and while there's a debate on the value of big box stores, experts say more competition is good for consumers.

"It's all about where I can find things the cheapest," said Brad Groff.

Groff is like many who are trying to stretch their food dollars in these tough economic times, and according to experts, he's going to have a lot more opportunity to do so.

"I think this is really going to benefit the consumer," explained David Livingston, a grocery store expert.

He says stores all over Wisconsin are expanding.

The latest is Wednesday's grand opening of the south side Super Walmart.

"Milwaukee prices have been a high price market because competition left the market," said Livingston.

It's places like Walmart that are competitive in these tough times because they offer lower prices.

"People who shopped at upscale stores are shopping at conventional stores, people who shopped at conventional stores are shopping the low price stores."

Livingston says when Woodman's opened up in Oak Creek, prices at other grocery stores in that area dropped.

He expects the same thing elsewhere, something Groff likes to hear.

"It would be great to hear other places are lowering their prices too to be competitive," said Groff.

The Super Walmart will employ about 500 people, including about 150 new positions because of the new addition.

Walmart is also expanding one of their locations in Franklin, and Woodman's just got approval to build a grocery store in Menomonee Falls.