Is sowal ready for it's own Wal-Mart

scooterbug, Walmart carries most every same brand product that Publix carries.

WalMart does not carry the variety of brands that Publix does. Plus WalMart tends to carry larger sizes of items that, as a family of two, we don't need.

I did once - Dunelaker raves about their meat so I stopped one day. Rare for me to be in Freeport around grocery time and I like Publix, so didn't feel the need to repeat the experience. (Now I just cut out the middle man and go to her house for dinner. )

Not the best grocery I've ever been in, but not evil incarnate like Wal-mart, hence my questioning of its classification.

Wal Mart and other mega retailers can buy batteries and everything else in such vast quantities that they get incredible price breaks not available to the mom and opps who buy and sell at much lower volumes. They aren't marking it up that much, it is that their cost is much higher than Wally's.

Well Hell, then what the mom and pop stores need to do is buy their batteries from Wal-Mart. They could sell them for less than they do now and have higher profit margins!

Many Mom and Pop retailers do buy their goods from WalMart via Sam's Club, and they do it because their prices are less than buying directly from the distributors.

Scooterbug, I don't know anyone in mgt, nor the owners of Kelly's, and I have no idea how they treat their employees, nor the wages which they pay. I can tell you that the employees at Kelly's don't seem to look any happier when at work, than the employees working at Walmart.

From what I've read, Walmart doesn't treat employees well, but for some reason, thousands of people still work for Walmart. If you explain that one to me, I think we will have some answers. Walmart provides jobs, and people have choices to work at other locations, but many seem to still go to Walmart to get their paychecks, so something must be decent about working there, or they would just go elsewhere if WalMart was the evil beast.

Well Hell, then what the mom and pop stores need to do is buy their batteries from Wal-Mart. They could sell them for less than they do now and have higher profit margins!

Some do. You may think it is funny, but grocery wholesalers do determine the prices that retailers pay for their inventory based on their volume. Two stores can get the same case of ketchup from the same grocery wholesaler and if one is classifed as a supermarket, they pay less than a c-store.

And I think Freeport is an excellent place for a Wal-Mart, if Publix doesn't jump on it first. There are things that WalMart has that I like (namely the sweet BBQ boneless wings in their deli) and I do stock up on frozen food there. But rare is the day anymore when I set out to deliberately go to one.

Target, however, is a different story. I adore Target.

Hey Bobby J! If you had beer in your cart, I think I've got a Bingo!!

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Back then..... Of course, I had beer in the cart!

back then..... Of course, i had beer in the cart!

bingo!!

Many Mom and Pop retailers do buy their goods from WalMart via Sam's Club, and they do it because their prices are less than buying directly from the distributors.

Scooterbug, I don't know anyone in mgt, nor the owners of Kelly's, and I have no idea how they treat their employees, nor the wages which they pay. I can tell you that the employees at Kelly's don't seem to look any happier when at work, than the employees working at Walmart.

From what I've read, Walmart doesn't treat employees well, but for some reason, thousands of people still work for Walmart. If you explain that one to me, I think we will have some answers. Walmart provides jobs, and people have choices to work at other locations, but many seem to still go to Walmart to get their paychecks, so something must be decent about working there, or they would just go elsewhere if WalMart was the evil beast.

From what I've read, it's because they provide inexpensive health insurance benefits. It doesn't appear that a great level of expertise is required for getting a job there. Not everyone is as blessed as others.

From what I've read, it's because they provide inexpensive health insurance benefits. It doesn't appear that a great level of expertise is required for getting a job there. Not everyone is as blessed as others.

I have heard that their benefits aren't good and tend to be expensive for the coverage employees get.
Plus a lot of their employees aren't even covered - like maybe less than half, because they can't afford it. Seems many Wal-mart workers are instead available for public assistance. Keeps the corporate giant's bottom line showing better that way. :angry:

As for why people choose to work at Wal-mart, I would guess a number of them can't qualify for other jobs in their area, maybe don't have or can't afford transportation to other job opportunities?
Like Wal-mart?

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Many Mom and Pop retailers do buy their goods from WalMart via Sam's Club, and they do it because their prices are less than buying directly from the distributors.

Scooterbug, I don't know anyone in mgt, nor the owners of Kelly's, and I have no idea how they treat their employees, nor the wages which they pay. I can tell you that the employees at Kelly's don't seem to look any happier when at work, than the employees working at Walmart.

From what I've read, Walmart doesn't treat employees well, but for some reason, thousands of people still work for Walmart. If you explain that one to me, I think we will have some answers. Walmart provides jobs, and people have choices to work at other locations, but many seem to still go to Walmart to get their paychecks, so something must be decent about working there, or they would just go elsewhere if WalMart was the evil beast.

1 out of 3 employees in the retail business work at Wal-Mart. That is a lot of people. They can not all be mad.

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?

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?

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?

....and hiding behind those $10 Car Trunk Boutique Designer Vera W'ang Sunglasses.

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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?

I think Tom Thumb would do less business. People would go to walmart and be buying bulk Cheetos and Red Bull.

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!

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/#.

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.
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.

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/#.

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.

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

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. ;-)

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.

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.)

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.

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.

LOL!!!!!!!

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.

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.

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.

What gets me is the way they move the mdse around all the time. I love the Lowe's in DeFuniak, I went in there, learned where everything was, and it is still there months later. Makes dashing in and out quite easy. But Wal Mart, no telling where I might find what I need.