Wal-Mart oozes into the big Blue State cities

[marmar]

from In These Times:



....snip....

The Arkansas-based company made their fortunes by cornering rural and suburban markets. But Wal-Mart sales in the U.S. have continued to decline in part because the company says its working-class base is grappling with the recession and high gas prices.

As a result, they’re looking to expand into cities like New York, Washington D.C. and Detroit, places that have shunned the company for its anti-union history.

The same was true in Chicago ever since Wal-Mart opened their first store on the West Side four years ago. The world’s largest retailer faced major opposition for paying low wages, contributing to the loss of American manufacturing jobs, and its tendency to drive out small businesses. In 2006, the City Council tried to enact a “living wage” bill, which was ultimately vetoed by Mayor Richard Daley, an ardent supporter of Wal-Mart.

But with the help of public relations and a bad economy, the city had a change of heart. With employment figures in Chicago at 10.5 percent compared to the 9.7 percent national average, community leaders, ministers and city alderman eased their vitriol.

Wal-Mart has been able to capitalize on economically distressed areas with what looks to be a panacea on the surface: new stores could also add 12,000 jobs and bring in $500 million sales and property taxes. Proponents also say the inclusion of a grocery store can help to eliminate so-called “food deserts,” depressed neighborhoods lacking supermarkets.

But as we’ve reported before, the existing Wal-Mart in Chicago hasn’t led to new jobs or economic activity. ........(more)

The complete piece is at: http://www.inthesetimes.com/working/entry/6196/after_hard-fought_chicago_victory_wal-mart_eyes_urban_expansion/

[nemo137]

1. I'm still of two minds about this.

Because on the one hand, Wal-Mart, which is a fucking herpes sore on the face of the republic. On the other, there are some serious food deserts (not, "so-called." there's no such thing as a good-faith argument that minimizes the existence of food deserts), and it's irresponsible to pretend that they're not a big deal WRT poverty and public health.

[lunasun]

2. Another turn of the screw by Walmart for America

A ghetto without a better future for folks is still a ghetto even if there is a Walmart around.

West side needs more than a $9/Walmart future for the kids. If you live near Chicago you may have realized this given it's past. $9 wont even buy u much at Walmart
Another start in the wrong direction.
Big Corps. win again what is new lately???

[sinkingfeeling]

3. Keep them out! For all their constant 'low price' ads, they are still higher in cost on fresh food.

I live in NW Arkansas and am surrounded by Wally World Supercenters and Neighborhood Markets. I can buy yellow and green squash at my IGA for between $.69 to $1.39 a pound (yr. round averages) compared to $1.89 at Wal-Mart. Roman tomatoes are $.20 a pound cheaper at IGA. And the list goes on. Wal-Mart is cheaper on 'junk' foods. Candy, crackers, cookies, frozen pre-processed stuff, but not on fresh food.

[sufrommich]

4. The Walmart in Chicago is going to be union. Most likely

the Walmart in Detroit will be too. Frankly, any of the big stores opening in Detroit would be good news.

[Raineyb]

5. Walmart wages don't pay the rent in cities. So all they can possibly

do is run small business out of the city. Our mayor is already trying to drive working people out of the city as it is.