According to a new study, Wal-Mart is bad for jobs in Chicago, ABC 7 Chicago reports.

From WLS:

A new study out shows the one and only Wal-Mart in the city of Chicago may not be a job-generating machine like many supporters claim. But some question the conclusions reached by local researchers.

As early as next week, the City Council is expected to revive the debate over plans for a new Wal-Mart on the South Side. But a conveniently timed study says the retailing giant leaves less of an economic footprint than you may expect.

"Usually by this time of year we have a lot. But, as you can see, it’s empty," said Mike Ramirez, thrift store assistant manager.

Mike Ramirez says given the recession, business at his West Side thrift shop should be booming. It’s not. And he blames his new neighbor.

"This new Wal-Mart is taking a lot of my customers away," said Ramirez.

The city’s one and only Wal-Mart opened in the Austin neighborhood in 2006. A new study study by researchers from Loyola and UIC claims 82 businesses within a four-mile radius of the store have closed, thanks -at least in part- to the mega retailer’s presence. That, the study’s authors say, has cost the community nearly 300 jobs, about as many as Wal-Mart added.

The WLS report says the Chicago City Council will probably consider concerns of organized labor, however, Chicago should also consider Walm-Mart’s pitiful record on diversity. The Human Rights Campaign gives Wal-Mart a low 40/100 on the Corporate Equality Index criteria. Go here for the HRC’s complete analysis.

Click here to read the study.