Walmart and many others do what is called "pass thru". Walmart does not "buy" the plants. In facts Walmart does not spend a penny til the plant passes thru check-out. They went entirely this direction in last 5 - 10 years. That is one reason their plants often look so pathetic - they don't care.
And many times prices are in fact set by the wholesalers who often have staff at a garden center. I know several of them by name at both HD and Lowes. I ask thgem when the prices will drop.
