78,000 sf Walmart coming to SoWal [opening June15]
- Thread starter Kurt
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Re staples like peanut butter and cereal, I have found I can do as well or better than WalMart by checking the Publix weekly ads on line and stocking up when things I know I use all the time go on sale or two for one. It does take a little more time and thought, but after a while it becomes a habit. Saves gas and time in the long run. WalMart will drain off some of Publix's sales to people who want one stop shopping and think they are getting a deal at WalMart.
Since the Destin WalMart rearranged the store two or three years ago I have noticed their prices on many items went up and the selection went down. I rarely go there anymore, and when I do it is almost always for something not readily available in SoWal. Recent purchases that come to mind: pillows, a mattress cover, a bicycle air pump. (Big Daddy's was out of them, no doubt because all three SoWal Tom Thumb's air machines are broken)
I do think Ace is in jeopardy, and if they can't make it, it will be a long drive if you need a 2x4. The local nurseries may be in trouble too. And possibly the Santa Rosa Pharmacy. Give me some time, Skunky, I may think of others.
I encourage everyone to shop online for the few things you can't get close to your home. But I understand some people like to hunt and gather. And some don't have computers and internet. Prices at Walmart are not lower than other places, certainly not online.
As for Ace and the rest, following Walmart will be Home Depot, Office Depot, Best Buy, McDonald's etc. Some will welcome such "progress".
Also coming soon, a loss of identity and charm, increased pavement, traffic, light pollution, etc. Is gaining (perceived) convenience and a few dozen low-paying jobs worth it?
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Will the petitioner please expound on these answers, or is it just sufficient to answer in the affirmative?
I'll add that I knew this day was coming. I've had in the back of my mind that when Walmart came to SoWal, I would make my exit. I doubt anyone will miss me, but they may miss my tax dollars. But I guess for every person like me who leaves because of development, or people who won't move here because of too much development, there are plenty more that will stay or move here.
Places without stars in the sky are sometimes fun to visit but I wouldn't want to live there.
Places without stars in the sky are sometimes fun to visit but I wouldn't want to live there.
Re staples like peanut butter and cereal, I have found I can do as well or better than WalMart by checking the Publix weekly ads on line and stocking up when things I know I use all the time go on sale or two for one. It does take a little more time and thought, but after a while it becomes a habit. Saves gas and time in the long run. WalMart will drain off some of Publix's sales to people who want one stop shopping and think they are getting a deal at WalMart.
Since the Destin WalMart rearranged the store two or three years ago I have noticed their prices on many items went up and the selection went down. I rarely go there anymore, and when I do it is almost always for something not readily available in SoWal. Recent purchases that come to mind: pillows, a mattress cover, a bicycle air pump. (Big Daddy's was out of them, no doubt because all three SoWal Tom Thumb's air machines are broken
I do think Ace is in jeopardy, and if they can't make it, it will be a long drive if you need a 2x4. The local nurseries may be in trouble too. And possibly the Santa Rosa Pharmacy. Give me some time, Skunky, I may think of others.
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.
A ways back, Walmart tried to bully the city of Mary Esther into changing zoning designation on the last large vacant parcel of land bordering 98 in those parts so they could build a store. ("If Walmart doesn't go in there, low income housing will." Which made absolutely no sense because that parcel was too valuable to 'waste' on poor people.) Despite Walmart threatening to sue to change the zoning, the city held firm about the designation and Walmart eventually went away.
Maybe a Mcdonalds inside too
I can taste the fries now :shock:
I can taste the fries now :shock:
If this Walmart on 98 in SoWal is inevitable, might we at least push the BCC and Planning Commisiion to insist Walmart give the signage and facade the "new urbanism" treatment? Here's the picture from USA Today:
View attachment 15261
Hello JOE, perhaps a pig in a nice dress could be more appealing than a pig that looks like a big box?
If you look closely at the map, there isn't all that much green, from 331 to around 395, still better than nothing i suppose. Everything else will fill in densely and will look just like 98 on Miramar Beach. Is that what you call a coherent manner?
Here's what I would propose - keep a tree buffer between the stores and the highway and put some signs on entry roads. We don't need to see buildings and parking lots to know they are there. We're not that stupid are we? Do we need to see buildings and a parking lot full of cars? And how about dim the lights? - don't we want to be turtle and people friendly and not get rid of the stars?
Maybe, but the Santa Rosa Pharmacy is willing to deal on their prices, and the service is really good. For everyday stuff like antiseptic, eye wash, stuff like that, the selection is better than Publix and the prices are good. I hope they stay in business.