Yep, local nurseries may be in trouble, especially the one where Toni used to be, but that endeavor may fail regardless of competition. I think Publix pharmacy is already putting a squeeze on Santa Rosa Pharmacy but nobody seems to mind our new Publix.
I guess what I don't understand is why people are so surprised that the commercial land on 98 will be developed with big boxes and chains. We lament it, but we have allowed so many independent operators to fail as it is. Obviously, we vote with our wallets and we have thus far spoken loudly.
I am not worried about 98 becoming sprawl hell like some have stated above. Look at the map Kurt has posted above-the land resources simply do not exist for this. I say let the inevitable commercial development of HWY 98 occur in a coherent manner and we double our vigilance regarding the preservation of non-commercial green space and 30-A.
I reluctantly agree with you Skunk. of course we have always known this day was coming. and its only the beginning. we don't have to be happy about it though. whenever I visit other horrible urban sprawls with nothing but chains and walmarts, I am so happy we live in a place far far away.
It just seems wrong to have Walmart in our little town. But, like everywhere else, growth means change, more people and more stuff everywhere.
I will still continue to (almost) never shop at Walmart and lower prices have never really impressed me (you get what you pay for plus they just don't carry my favorite brands on many food items). that doesn't mean we have to spend more elsewhere. we just have to buy what we really need - and to me - Walmart is filled with stuff we don't need but we are so easily convinced that we do.
I am not anti Walmart because of their effect on small businesses, and large businesses having to move to China or elsewhere to supply and compete, or any of the major effects they have had on US businesses, jobs or economy - I am sure that I cannot even begin to fathom those things. I am such a SoWal/small town person that I have truly learned that Walmart is just not necessary. I have realized that there is absolutely no reason for me to shop there .. I know lots of people in other towns who live for their walmart trips - and that is wonderful for them - it is a personal choice.
however I adore my Publix - and am grateful to have more than one in our little town. They keep it very personal and community oriented. I know the managers and check out people and bakery staff and I adore the wonderful people who help take groceries out for me when needed. They give us a great deal of quality in products and service. and above all, they give us what we truly need (our daily bread).. which is why I do not balk at price. that and the fact that there was a time not long ago when we had no grocery store nearby. I am truly grateful for my big and little publix. and for my For the Health of It grocery in BMB - an outstanding resource for food and many outstanding products. between the 2, we got it more than covered. (I do miss Toni's! but grateful for the Farmer's Market).
yes, we knew it was coming. it may be a good thing in many ways for many people. If we have to have it, I hope it will benefit a great many. it will change the face of our town - completely and immediately. that is why its a sad day to me. but we will survive it just as we have survived growth and progress and development over the years. at least we do have much preserved state land, and restrictions on building heights, etc. not to mention a population of wonderful people. these are the things that matter most. Walmart moves to SoWal. well, maybe that means we are all grown up now.
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