Is sowal ready for it's own Wal-Mart

[bluemtnrunner]

Walmart has assisted Americans in perpetuating the "disposable" mentality. Buy cheap, let it break, buy another, toss the crap in the landfill. I have seen a number of towns go from Nomart to Walmart and the surrounding area seems to have become a waste disposal itself. More trash, more junked yards, more junked cars. I don't really understand it and I'm sure a more anthropological/sociological approach would reveal that there is more to it than a box store BUT...based on my observations of communities declining when large stores move in this worries me greatly. 98 will become a destination rather than a corridor and the folks heading this way to shop will not be leaving walmart to come on down 30A to one of the restaurants, specialty shops or vacations rentals. I also don't believe that more visitors will choose to come here because there is a Walmart (or other box store) nearby. In fact, they may start moving further down the road to less developed areas like Port St. Joe.
That is my 10 cents.

 

[swantree]

not to stir it up but would sowaller feel the same about a whole foods or like big box "in fashion" store? i know we detest Wally world but does it separate it from those kind of stores and how so? I still think if you bring in another store you take away from places like Toni' or Modica?

 

[scooterbug44]

Pier Park, Grand Boulevard, Silver Sands, and Destin Commons are all close enough to easily fulfill any need I might have for "big box" or chain store shopping. No need for closer ones.

 

[cabythesea]

Working with charitable groups in south walton county, I have had my eyes opened to the poverty that exists here. Walmart is Walmart, but for a lot of people, its the only way they can afford the staples of life. It is apparent that most of us don't need Walmart in our lives - unfortumately, there are many who do.

 

[scooterbug44]

Wal-mart prices aren't really that low - in the interests of fairness I checked their prices on many of my "staple" groceries. To my surprise (and delight) there wasn't much savings on many items. Smart shopping at Publix or Winn Dixie will save you more $.

I can shop at local stores where I am buying higher quality or healthier items, putting my money back into the local economy, where I get service, and give my neighbors jobs .......................... or I can shop at Wal-mart where I will get treated like crap as I buy crap that will cost me more to replace in the long run.

 

[TooFarTampa]

not to stir it up but would sowaller feel the same about a whole foods or like big box "in fashion" store? i know we detest Wally world but does it separate it from those kind of stores and how so? I still think if you bring in another store you take away from places like Toni' or Modica?

Interesting point. I think in general though, unless Wal-Mart (or similar) already owns property along 98 and is waiting for the right time to develop it, it may not be economically feasible. As you get closer to the beach, the cost to rent or lease said property rises exponentially. For a big box store with only moderate profit margins, the model might not work. This is the economic reality that keeps many such places out of resort areas. It's just too expensive to operate there.

Pier Park, Grand Boulevard, Silver Sands, and Destin Commons are all close enough to easily fulfill any need I might have for "big box" or chain store shopping. No need for closer ones.

Agree totally.

 

[Bob]

change is inevitable, unless someone can convince the state to do pt washington state forest version 2.0

 

[Smiling JOe]

With the State offering busniesses up to 40% back in labor savings for all businesses created in Freeport, I would think that an employee-heavy WalMart would choose to be located in Freeport, rather than South Walton, because it would still draw all of the South Walton Walmart shoppers, and would catch the tourists driving to the beach. If you see a new Walmart proposed in the area, look for it coming to Freeport. This financial labor incentive has the potential to pull many businesses to Freeport over the next twenty years, especially with new PCB airport being so close.

 

[Smiling JOe]

Interesting point. I think in general though, unless Wal-Mart (or similar) already owns property along 98 and is waiting for the right time to develop it, it may not be economically feasible. As you get closer to the beach, the cost to rent or lease said property rises exponentially. For a big box store with only moderate profit margins, the model might not work. This is the economic reality that keeps many such places out of resort areas. It's just too expensive to operate there.

I hear you, but I've seen the way gov't works, and I disagree. When gov't realizes the potential tax revenues from a business like Walmart, a store which pulls in buyers in large numbers, they often offer HUGE tax incentives to lure the business to the otherwise expensive area. Gov't wants money, and to stay in office, politicians do whatever they can to keep the taxes from increasing, and this is one way to do it. So, it is vital that you know who you are putting into office when you vote, locally.

 

[Smiling JOe]

that's the problem. all walmart sees is a potential market with big sales numbers in destin. the only way to really stop is is to stop shopping there. a colleague did a documentary about it and this is his website. WakeUpWalMart.com - Join the fight to change Wal-Mart and change America

Sounds easy enough, but when prescriptions at Walmart cost only $4, groceries are half price compared to Publix, and people are having trouble paying their rent and mortgage, why wouldn't people shop at Walmart?