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Bobby J

Beach Fanatic
Apr 18, 2005
4,041
601
Blue Mountain beach
www.lifeonshore.com
There was a huge hyperbole-filled debate regarding the construction of a Wal-Mart in New Orleans' lower garden district a few years back. Opponents predicted it would be the death nail of the 'mom and pops' there. Quite to the contrary, the neighborhood has thrived since Wal-Mart came in, and if nothing else, vacant stores on Magazine Street are now occupied by niche shops that sell products Wal-Mart never will. I am not saying that Wal-Mart is great, only that in certain circumstances it can have a positive impact.

Just for the sake of fun, let us suppose a super Wal-Mart is built somewhere near 331 and 98. What SOWAL institutions would go out of business as a result?

Good point. I would imagine if you sold beach products you would be hurting. I still would bet the place would be packed!
 
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Smiling JOe

SoWal Expert
Nov 18, 2004
31,644
1,773
people can be in and out of Tom Thumb with their cheetos and redbull in the time it takes to find a parking spot at WalMart. Walmart might steal some gas business, but it may also keep gas prices even more competitive with the already cheaper Citgo (Tom Thumbs).

Walmart might also keep Publix pricing in check, and we may see more specials on milk for $2.89/gal and chicken breasts for $2 per pound, rather than the outrageous usual $5.49/#.
 

Mango

SoWal Insider
Apr 7, 2006
9,699
1,368
New York/ Santa Rosa Beach
There was a huge hyperbole-filled debate regarding the construction of a Wal-Mart in New Orleans' lower garden district a few years back. Opponents predicted it would be the death nail of the 'mom and pops' there. Quite to the contrary, the neighborhood has thrived since Wal-Mart came in, and if nothing else, vacant stores on Magazine Street are now occupied by niche shops that sell products Wal-Mart never will. I am not saying that Wal-Mart is great, only that in certain circumstances it can have a positive impact.

Just for the sake of fun, let us suppose a super Wal-Mart is built somewhere near 331 and 98. What SOWAL institutions would go out of business as a result?

Good point, Skunky. Also, around 393, there are businesses that are more construction related. Some of the buildings there are in poor condition from a maintenance standpoint, lack of landscaping and the signage is inconsistent and old. Walmart couldn't be any worse., although I would prefer to not look at any of it all, but if it brings jobs to the area, without people commuting as far on 98, I don't think it could be all that bad.

More importantly, how many SoWallers will be seen shopping there, with their hair in curlers, thinking that no one they know will be shopping at WalMart?

You'd find me, without hair curlers, though. :blink:
I have no pride when it comes to saving money nor do I care what other people think. I would be wearing $10 sunglasses, too, because I lose mine all the time.

I'll add, I do not shop regularly at Walmart in NY because it isn't conveniently located for me, but when I am in Sowal, I do have to use Walmart. If I need cleaning supplies, a new vacuum, silverware, new blender, or other doodads to equip my rentals, I have to make a trip to Walmart. The Destin Commons does not provide all my needs and they are more expensive for certain types of items. I usually try to schedule it around a trip to Home Depot and do it very early in the am to avoid 98 traffic. I despise the trip. if you don't go during the wee hours, the store is packed in Destin.

It's a sticky wicket for sure. I have reservations, but it would be more convenient.

Wrobert, maybe you can tell us why you raised this thread? Curious.
 

LuciferSam

Banned
Apr 26, 2008
4,749
1,069
Sowal
people can be in and out of Tom Thumb with their cheetos and redbull in the time it takes to find a parking spot at WalMart. Walmart might steal some gas business, but it may also keep gas prices even more competitive with the already cheaper Citgo (Tom Thumbs).

Walmart might also keep Publix pricing in check, and we may see more specials on milk for $2.89/gal and chicken breasts for $2 per pound, rather than the outrageous usual $5.49/#.

:lol: I know, Wal-mart shopping can take years off of your life. It's something perhaps the surgeon general should address with a formal statement.
 

Kurt

Admin
Oct 15, 2004
2,394
5,079
SoWal
mooncreek.com
Ultimately, it is up to the individual to make healthy choices. The popularity of Walmart is a symptom, not the disease, even though the corporation itself has properties in common with cancer. I think I can say this without judgement, and keep a straight face.

I saw this Frontline episode recently. It has crucial info for understanding Walmart, and is very entertaining.

news + public affairs player: video
 

Minnie

Beach Fanatic
Dec 30, 2006
4,328
829
Memphis
I can understand not wanting a large box store in the area, traffic etc. But I truly hope that some of the opinions stated in this discussion are not as elitist as they sound.
snooty.gif
;-)

As Mango stated very well, sometimes people do not have a choice as to where they shop and many are looking for values.

In Memphis, I avoid Wal-Mart like the plague due to the large crowds always there and prefer Target, but that is because I have many choices. In my Mother's home town, it is Wal-Mart or nothing, or drive an hour to a larger city on her limited income the choice is a no brainer.

I am not sure about the Wal-Mart of today but I worked at Wal-Mart in college, because it would hire seasonal workers, paid more than anyone else in town and honestly I would not take anything for the experience. If nothing else it taught me that many people are less fortunate than I was and that I should never forget that.

I am somewhat surprised for the distain for Wal-Mart and not Publix. Publix has put so many Mom and Pop groceries out of business, they are a mega giant and would like to take over the entire market. Until recently they stayed in court often for not promoting women on a scale equal to men.

On Hilton Head Island due to building codes you would never recognize the Wal-Mart, it was very well done and does not detract from one of the most affluent beach areas in the country. So it is possible for them to be tastefully constructed.
 
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Smiling JOe

SoWal Expert
Nov 18, 2004
31,644
1,773
I've also seen a Walmart out west, maybe in WY or Montana, which actually looked rather nice, .. for a Walmart. It blended in with the surrounding mountains, and was down by the river (likely polluting it with run off from the parking lot.)
 

DD

SoWal Expert
Aug 29, 2005
23,871
463
73
grapevine, tx. /On the road to SoWal
More importantly, how many SoWallers will be seen shopping there, with their hair in curlers, thinking that no one they know will be shopping at WalMart?

I used to wear my curlers to WM and then I discovered that I ALWAYS see someone I know, so now I don't do it, unless I go at 2:00 am. No one I know stays up that late. :D

:lol: I know, Wal-mart shopping can take years off of your life. It's something perhaps the surgeon general should address with a formal statement.

:rotfl::rotfl:LOL!!!!!!!
 

wrobert

Beach Fanatic
Nov 21, 2007
4,132
575
63
DeFuniak Springs
www.defuniaksprings.com
So let see if I can understand this.

Wal mart bad.

Target good.


I am trying to figure out if there is an actual disdain for walmart or just for the people that seemed to be associated with shopping at walmart. ie walmart bingo.
 

Minnie

Beach Fanatic
Dec 30, 2006
4,328
829
Memphis
Can't speak for anyone else but my preference for Target is due to the quality of the merchandise offered, the layout of the store, etc. and has nothing to with who shops there and that is truly sad if someone does feel that way.

I find shopping at Wal-Mart to be very stressful in that for some reason the way the merchandise is arranged makes no sense to me. I seem to wonder around always looking for something in the wrong area.
 
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