78,000 sf Walmart coming to SoWal [opening June15]

[Shells]

LOVE IT!!! It's not coming to the 30a paradise. Businesses on 30a have nothing to worry about. People who pay the high prices to shop on 30a will not be shopping at Walmart for the same.

location is on St. Joe property on the northwest corner of U.S. 98 and West Hewett Road. It was only a matter of time, and is sure to put a lot of small businesses out.

How do you feel about Walmart coming to paradise?



http://www.co.walton.fl.us/DocumentView.aspx?DID=1644

 

[skinnergy]

This is the beginning of the end. It's not a matter of if, but of when. This Walmart will draw more traffic, which in turn will pull in more giant box stores - Loews, Home Depot, etc., which in turn will pull in even more traffic. With all this traffic, we'll have to add more lanes to the highway to accomodate all the new traffic. Then we'll have six - eight lanes of asphalt through Santa Rosa Beach, like it is now around Destin Commons. Then, what's the difference between our area from Panama City Beach or Destin? That is what we have to look forward to with this new Walmart.

 

[NE SoWaller]

I would imagine this is Ted Turner, and I am sure if he was interested in land in the Pandhandle he has already bought it.

He bought millions of acres of land out west where he could still get it relatively cheap. He is rasing bison on much of it and has turned alot into very expensive hunting and fishing private clubs.

And to some of the locals whose land he bought at foreclosure auctions that had been in their family for hundreds of years he is about as popular there as Wal-mart is on 98.

Many respect and admire Ted Turner and what he has achieved and just as many curse him. So be it also with Wal-mart.

Very few things in life occur without someone patting you on the back or someone else feeling as if you have stabbed them in the back.

And I can tell you that he is not that well liked here in Nebraska...

:angry:

 

[poppy]

This is the beginning of the end. It's not a matter of if, but of when. This Walmart will draw more traffic, which in turn will pull in more giant box stores - Loews, Home Depot, etc., which in turn will pull in even more traffic. With all this traffic, we'll have to add more lanes to the highway to accomodate all the new traffic. Then we'll have six - eight lanes of asphalt through Santa Rosa Beach, like it is now around Destin Commons. Then, what's the difference between our area from Panama City Beach or Destin? That is what we have to look forward to with this new Walmart.

Why is it Walmart's fault? Why not blame it on Publix who has already put in a strip center and red light? Geez people get a life, Walmart didn't start this and it's not the end of the world.

 

[Teresa]

Why is it Walmart's fault? Why not blame it on Publix who has already put in a strip center and red light? Geez people get a life, Walmart didn't start this and it's not the end of the world.

Publix is a blessing for me - and when they were not in SoWal, I traveled to wherever there was a Publix for food and necessities. Walmart I have lived without for 14 years.

Some of us live here because its not a Walmart kind of town. We know its not the end of the world because Walmart has arrived. but it is the end of a lot of things we hold dear about this beautiful place. Fast food, here we come. I once missed fast food. but that was a very, very long time ago.

Some appreciate the convenience Walmart will bring. Some appreciate a wide open Hwy 98 that connects us to Destin and to Panama City where we can drive 20 minutes in either direction and consume our hearts out when we get the itch to do so.

No, its not the end of the world. not at all. we will even appreciate some of the conveniences that will come with Walmart, if not Walmart itself, perhaps some other chains, stores and services to follow.

Some want it. Some do not.. I don't think it matters at this point. It has arrived. We are a Walmart town. We have finally arrived.

 

[MERMAIDEN]

Think Global Shop Local

Because I appreciate authentic Chinese culture I want to preserve my own. Walmart and corporate America make a generic culture. I appreciate the folks at Frank's Cash and Carry , For The Health Of It , Daisies , ect..and would feel sad if corporate America squeezed them out. I will do my best to never step foot in the place and i hope you will join me.A strong economy is a local economy.Again think global , act local

 

[happy2Bme]

Change is inevitable. We either manage change, or whine about change. We in SoWal have a pretty well-thought-out Land Development Code and comprehensive plan....good enough that, unless we allow it to be changed, we'll enjoy a well-groomed, yet "convenient", community. Walmart, like other commercial and residential development bring jobs for the masses, and increase our community's tax base, providing for improved infrastructure, and governmental services. The idea is to be involved in managing growth within our community, such that we end up with intelligent development instead of a hodge-podge of unsightliness (drive Front Beach Road from Carrillon to Thomas Drive and you'll see how different we really are). After-the-fact interest and feigned outrage is a waste of good air. For those who find the reality of change too much to emotionally digest, I'm sure that there are many sleepy little towns that will never change who'd love to have you for a neighbor......

 

[Andy A]

Change is inevitable. We either manage change, or whine about change. We in SoWal have a pretty well-thought-out Land Development Code and comprehensive plan....good enough that, unless we allow it to be changed, we'll enjoy a well-groomed, yet "convenient", community. Walmart, like other commercial and residential development bring jobs for the masses, and increase our community's tax base, providing for improved infrastructure, and governmental services. The idea is to be involved in managing growth within our community, such that we end up with intelligent development instead of a hodge-podge of unsightliness (drive Front Beach Road from Carrillon to Thomas Drive and you'll see how different we really are). After-the-fact interest and feigned outrage is a waste of good air. For those who find the reality of change too much to emotionally digest, I'm sure that there are many sleepy little towns that will never change who'd love to have you for a neighbor......

While all of the above is true, we need to take it a step further and institute zoning.

 

[Gidget]

One thing I do not like about Publix is the fact that I have to fight to bag my own groceries. "I'll get it, thanks." "No, I'll be glad to miss." "But really, I'd rather." and so it goes every time I am in there.

I don't like to pay someone to stand around and bag my groceries. No wonder my tomatoes cost so much at Publix! And I am totally 100% capable of doing this. Everyone bags their own in Europe. Even when I lived in PA 25 yrs ago everyone did.

Now don't get me wrong. These are the NICEST people at Publix. I just think stores should have it set up where the customer gets the best price. Either have self check out, or have the cashier immediately bag the item he/she scans and then have a shopping assistance aisle for those who can not or do not want to bag their groceries.

I know this is a Walmart thread, but it has almost turned into a Publix vs Walmart at times.

G

 

[Teresa]

One thing I do not like about Publix is the fact that I have to fight to bag my own groceries. "I'll get it, thanks." "No, I'll be glad to miss." "But really, I'd rather." and so it goes every time I am in there.

I don't like to pay someone to stand around and bag my groceries. No wonder my tomatoes cost so much at Publix! And I am totally 100% capable of doing this. Everyone bags their own in Europe. Even when I lived in PA 25 yrs ago everyone did.

Now don't get me wrong. These are the NICEST people at Publix. I just think stores should have it set up where the customer gets the best price. Either have self check out, or have the cashier immediately bag the item he/she scans and then have a shopping assistance aisle for those who can not or do not want to bag their groceries.

I know this is a Walmart thread, but it has almost turned into a Publix vs Walmart at times.

G

so funny how we all have our own expectations and needs. Publix has so spoiled me that I would faint if they didn't bag my groceries AND carry them out to my car. I love their customer service and have come to depend on it every time. So friendly and helpful - and many of them are literally friends.. something I've never experienced in a Walmart. ever. I am thankful for my publix.

I don't want to bag my groceries. heck, I am still mad that I have to put gas in my own car. ha ha.