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

[Teresa]

While building, we lived in Destin, and I can tell you that I made friends as quick as ever at WM. The gal Becca at self check out is terrific and the management was quick to help with a problem I had cashing a money order. Also, I lost a receipt and called WM and 2 days later I had a copy with a hand written note saying let her know if they can ever help in any way.

Back in LA we were so close to the people working at WM that we were all misty eyed when I left.

So i truly think they have great people at both locations.

you are no doubt correct. but I wouldn't know since I rarely shop Walmart - and when I do its about once a year in Destin, not near here, so I wouldn't know anyone there anyway - I wonder how many at the Destin store live in Destin? and I wonder how many employees working in the new SRB Walmart will be residents of SoWal? Seems like we have a lot of workers brought in from out of the country to help staff up big employers around here, but I do not know the numbers or how that works.

Still, the customer service I've been treated to over the years at Publix is unavailable in the check out line at Walmart. just a completely different kind of shopping experience all the way around. so, my preference is local, friendly and good service. while we all want good prices, I prefer overall quality products and outstanding customer service.

You are right though G - choices are really important. and we will definitely have more shopping choices in the years to come.

 

[Gidget]

I sure hope it is local folk working at new WM - I can't imagine it being any other way - it was back home. At Publix they brought in people from other locations just to get things started - I would imagine it would be same with WM.

One reason I am writing on this thread is that I am so happy to have choices. For years all I had was Walmart - unless I wanted to drive 1 hr to get to "health food" store and other places. I was not happy with just Walmart. So now I am happy that I have all the wonderful places to shop.

G

 

[poppy]

Publix is ok but the sporting goods and bicycle section is better at Walmart.

 

[DuneAHH]

Publix is ok but the sporting goods and bicycle section is better at Walmart.

I'm pro choices!

 

[Andy A]

I'm pro choices!

 

[Teresa]

Publix is ok but the sporting goods and bicycle section is better at Walmart.

true! but can't ever remember needing to drive all the way to Destin for any of these things. maybe a microwave once.

I just prefer our local stores for these kinds of items. or Target when necessary. It is all in what you prefer. and I think choices are great so we can all go wherever makes us happy. Keeping it local is a good thing in my book. and I include Publix in that local store category even though its a big SuperMarket chain - they literally provide our daily necessities and they make it their mission to be good neighbors and community supporters. They also provide big community leadership in providing information and programs to foster healthy living and environmental preservation.

I just hope Walton County can do better in the future in setting goals to (1) regulate and shape good development in South Walton unique to its needs and character (walmart brings with it more big stores and chains and we will look like Anytown USA very soon complete with heavy traffic), and (2) attract higher quality businesses with higher paying jobs for our area. I believe these goals are truly important to many who have relocated here and invested their lives here over the years. I hope we don't give up on them.

 

[LuciferSam]

Publix is ok but the sporting goods and bicycle section is better at Walmart.

Been in that situation. It's Sunday, a beautiful day and I'm all set to ride my bike along 30A. I go into the garage and see that one of my bike tires is flat, and I need a new tube. It's Sunday, so the much revered and worshipped local bike shops are closed. So now I have to drive all the way to Destin because there are no local stores that you can depend on to get some of life's basic essentials on the spot. Too bad, you snooze, you lose. Look forward to the local Wal-Mart.

 

[poppy]

true! but can't ever remember needing to drive all the way to Destin for any of these things. maybe a microwave once.

I just prefer our local stores for these kinds of items. or Target when necessary. It is all in what you prefer. and I think choices are great so we can all go wherever makes us happy. Keeping it local is a good thing in my book. and I include Publix in that local store category even though its a big SuperMarket chain - they literally provide our daily necessities and they make it their mission to be good neighbors and community supporters. They also provide big community leadership in providing information and programs to foster healthy living and environmental preservation.

I just hope Walton County can do better in the future in setting goals to (1) regulate and shape good development in South Walton unique to its needs and character (walmart brings with it more big stores and chains and we will look like Anytown USA very soon complete with heavy traffic), and (2) attract higher quality businesses with higher paying jobs for our area. I believe these goals are truly important to many who have relocated here and invested their lives here over the years. I hope we don't give up on them.

There is a place for most every type of business in this area. There will be big box stores along that stretch of pavement whether Walmart builds or not. I'm curious, do you know if the small specialty shops and Publix offer better pay, benefits and retirement plans than Walmart or other big box stores?

 

[beachmouse]

Publix has killer benefits by retail big box standards. Their stock program has been extremely lucrative for long term employees over the years.

Publix Careers - Our Benefits

Core Benefits For All Eligible Associates
?Employee stock ownership plan that contributes Publix stock to associates each year at no cost to them
?An opportunity to purchase additional shares of our privately-held stock
?Annual holiday cash bonus
?All hourly associates are paid weekly
?Quarterly retail bonus for store associates
?401(k) retirement savings plan
?Group health plan
?Prescription discounts for associates and household family members
?Group dental plan
?Group vision plan
?Paycheck direct deposit option
?Credit union
?Tuition reimbursement
?Service awards
?Employee assistance program
?Tremendous opportunities for advancement
?Opportunity to participate annually in a survey to let management know your opinion on a wide range of workplace quality issues


Additional Benefits for Eligible Full-Time Associates
?Vacation pay
?6 paid holidays
?Sick pay
?Company-paid life insurance (with accidental death and dismemberment benefits)
?Bereavement pay
?Jury duty pay
?Long-term disability plan
?Holiday exchange (select another day off when you work a holiday)

 

[Teresa]

There is a place for most every type of business in this area. There will be big box stores along that stretch of pavement whether Walmart builds or not. I'm curious, do you know if the small specialty shops and Publix offer better pay, benefits and retirement plans than Walmart or other big box stores?

I have not comleted an analysis but have often heard that Walmart employees are not well paid by any standards. but that is not my point or problem. As far as I have ever known, we do not have masses of people living here in our small community who want or need a job at Walmart - I am guessing many of the employees will be driving in from Panama City, Niceville, Freeport, and DeFuniak Springs - or brought in from out of the country. Most likely employees will not be able to afford living in the town where they work. (I could be completely wrong on this - maybe our town is much bigger than I thought).

Over the years we have had an influx of young families/professionals moving into this particular area - most of whom would definitely be interested in more career based opportunities here in SoWal. Of course they bring with them the typical urban culture and so will also embrace Walmart plus all the other lovely chains to follow.

I hope our community leaders can see a need to attract higher paying employers/jobs.

yes, there will be big boxes and chains along Hwy 98.. in my opinion, in large part, due to Walmart coming in. Walmart brings the mass consumers who will also consume in the other boxes. Tourists will be happy they don't have to drive to Destin, and so will many residents. and I am betting a lot more people will move here after finding we have the normal stores and things all other towns have. who knows - I may be happy too someday after becoming adjusted (or numb) to the new "look" of SoWal. We do tend to get used to mediocrity, especially if consumerism and convenience is involved, rather quickly.