Is sowal ready for it's own Wal-Mart

[wrobert]

Just curious on the feelings. If so, what about location?

[scooterbug44]

Don't even JOKE about that soul sucking retail hell-hole coming to 30-A!!!

[wrobert]

Don't even JOKE about that soul sucking retail hell-hole coming to 30-A!!!

Who would believe that? 30-A is not a business friendly environment for anything over 25000 sq ft. It would be US 98.

[scooterbug44]

I consider "30-a" to encompass more than just the road - in my mind it's from Grand Boulevard to Carillion and South of the bay.

Just because it's on 98 doesn't mean it doesn't affect the entire area - akin to nuclear fallout, Walmart and its evil spread in circles!

[chefed]

No no no no

[5thGenFlo]

Walmart would be a splat of backar juice in the Hwy 98 and CR 30-A eye! Don't splat the eye! Don't splat the eye! Don't splat the eye! Don't splat the eye! Don't splat the eye! Don't splat the eye! Don't splat the eye! Don't splat the eye! Don't splat the eye!

[LuciferSam]

Just curious on the feelings. If so, what about location?

I feel the same way about a Sowal Wal-mart that most people would feel about farm animals let loose in the house crapping and pissing all over everything.

[Bobby J]

I feel the same way about a Sowal Wal-mart that most people would feel about farm animals let loose in the house crapping and pissing all over everything.

[teamc]

we have NEVER purchased ANYTHING at a walmart. if they decide to try to open here we should talk to the folks in mary esther who successfully fought building one in their town!

[DD]

I admit it, I shop at WM sometimes. But, I am oh so more than happy to drive to Destin if I need to. NO SOWAL WM!!!

[elgordoboy]

I am willing to be a paid proponent.

[Lynnie]

Freeport would be nice. I no likey the drive to Destin!

[Rita]

Don't even JOKE about that soul sucking retail hell-hole coming to 30-A!!!

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You said it!
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[wrobert]

we have NEVER purchased ANYTHING at a walmart. if they decide to try to open here we should talk to the folks in mary esther who successfully fought building one in their town!

There are some interesting parcels up and down Hwy 98 that already have a DO for a big box store approved. Just a matter of changing the name from one to another. The time to fight has already passed.

[elgordoboy]

There are some interesting parcels up and down Hwy 98 that already have a DO for a big box store approved. Just a matter of changing the name from one to another. The time to fight has already passed.

**cue evil laughter*** muahaha--muahahhaahahaa

[SHELLY]

I bet there's a lot of "closet Walmart shoppers" on and around 30A.

Hi, I'm Shelly, I live in South Walton county and I occasionally shop at Walmart (I also own their stock). Would I like to have had Walmart never happen?--of course, but it's now so big, it's woven into the fabric of American retail.

With all the "investulator/developers" who are commerical-property-rich and cashflow poor, and the counties pimping themselves for any kind of tax revenue and "job growth," I don't think it's a matter "if" Walmart will pop up near here, it's a matter of "when." And as the economy slogs through the depths of this recession, I think Walmart is watching and patiently waiting, waiting, waiting...

Once this genie is let loose from the bottle, watch out for the food chain drive-thrus to fly in under the radar.


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[HeyJude]

I don't like shopping at WalMart at all - shopping at WalMart is a nightmare - but I would LOVE to see a Target in South Walton on Hwy 98 as well as a Whole Foods and a CVS or other big box drugstore.

[HeyJude]

I bet there's a lot of "closet Walmart shoppers" on and around 30A.

Hi, I'm Shelly, I live in South Walton county and I occasionally shop at Walmart (I also own their stock). Would I like to have had Walmart never happen?--of course, but it's now so big, it's woven into the fabric of American retail.

With all the "investulator/developers" who are commerical-property-rich and cashflow poor, and the counties pimping themselves for any kind of tax revenue and "job growth," I don't think it's a matter "if" Walmart will pop up near here, it's a matter of "when." And as the economy slogs through the depths of this recession, I think Walmart is watching and patiently waiting, waiting, waiting...

Once this genie is let loose from the bottle, watch out for the food chain drive-thrus to fly in under the radar.


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Shelly, I totally agree with you here. 98 is prime real estate for this to happen. It's inevitable.

[teamc]

I bet there's a lot of "closet Walmart shoppers" on and around 30A.

Hi, I'm Shelly, I live in South Walton county and I occasionally shop at Walmart (I also own their stock). Would I like to have had Walmart never happen?--of course, but it's now so big, it's woven into the fabric of American retail.

With all the "investulator/developers" who are commerical-property-rich and cashflow poor, and the counties pimping themselves for any kind of tax revenue and "job growth," I don't think it's a matter "if" Walmart will pop up near here, it's a matter of "when." And as the economy slogs through the depths of this recession, I think Walmart is watching and patiently waiting, waiting, waiting...

Once this genie is let loose from the bottle, watch out for the food chain drive-thrus to fly in under the radar.


.

that's the problem. all walmart sees is a potential market with big sales numbers in destin. the only way to really stop is is to stop shopping there. a colleague did a documentary about it and this is his website. http://www.wakeupwalmart.com/

[Bobby J]

I am not a huge fan of walmart because of the size. The place just confuses me. I feel the same way about target.

I had a friend that said he loved Walmart because he could finally get a $6.99 shirt for $6.99.

[bluemtnrunner]

Walmart has assisted Americans in perpetuating the "disposable" mentality. Buy cheap, let it break, buy another, toss the crap in the landfill. I have seen a number of towns go from Nomart to Walmart and the surrounding area seems to have become a waste disposal itself. More trash, more junked yards, more junked cars. I don't really understand it and I'm sure a more anthropological/sociological approach would reveal that there is more to it than a box store BUT...based on my observations of communities declining when large stores move in this worries me greatly. 98 will become a destination rather than a corridor and the folks heading this way to shop will not be leaving walmart to come on down 30A to one of the restaurants, specialty shops or vacations rentals. I also don't believe that more visitors will choose to come here because there is a Walmart (or other box store) nearby. In fact, they may start moving further down the road to less developed areas like Port St. Joe.
That is my 10 cents.

[swantree]

not to stir it up but would sowaller feel the same about a whole foods or like big box "in fashion" store? i know we detest Wally world but does it separate it from those kind of stores and how so? I still think if you bring in another store you take away from places like Toni' or Modica?

[scooterbug44]

Pier Park, Grand Boulevard, Silver Sands, and Destin Commons are all close enough to easily fulfill any need I might have for "big box" or chain store shopping. No need for closer ones.

[cabythesea]

Working with charitable groups in south walton county, I have had my eyes opened to the poverty that exists here. Walmart is Walmart, but for a lot of people, its the only way they can afford the staples of life. It is apparent that most of us don't need Walmart in our lives - unfortumately, there are many who do.

[scooterbug44]

Wal-mart prices aren't really that low - in the interests of fairness I checked their prices on many of my "staple" groceries. To my surprise (and delight) there wasn't much savings on many items. Smart shopping at Publix or Winn Dixie will save you more $.

I can shop at local stores where I am buying higher quality or healthier items, putting my money back into the local economy, where I get service, and give my neighbors jobs .......................... or I can shop at Wal-mart where I will get treated like crap as I buy crap that will cost me more to replace in the long run.

[TooFarTampa]

not to stir it up but would sowaller feel the same about a whole foods or like big box "in fashion" store? i know we detest Wally world but does it separate it from those kind of stores and how so? I still think if you bring in another store you take away from places like Toni' or Modica?

Interesting point. I think in general though, unless Wal-Mart (or similar) already owns property along 98 and is waiting for the right time to develop it, it may not be economically feasible. As you get closer to the beach, the cost to rent or lease said property rises exponentially. For a big box store with only moderate profit margins, the model might not work. This is the economic reality that keeps many such places out of resort areas. It's just too expensive to operate there.

Pier Park, Grand Boulevard, Silver Sands, and Destin Commons are all close enough to easily fulfill any need I might have for "big box" or chain store shopping. No need for closer ones.

Agree totally.

[Bob]

change is inevitable, unless someone can convince the state to do pt washington state forest version 2.0

[Smiling JOe]

With the State offering busniesses up to 40% back in labor savings for all businesses created in Freeport, I would think that an employee-heavy WalMart would choose to be located in Freeport, rather than South Walton, because it would still draw all of the South Walton Walmart shoppers, and would catch the tourists driving to the beach. If you see a new Walmart proposed in the area, look for it coming to Freeport. This financial labor incentive has the potential to pull many businesses to Freeport over the next twenty years, especially with new PCB airport being so close.

[Smiling JOe]

Interesting point. I think in general though, unless Wal-Mart (or similar) already owns property along 98 and is waiting for the right time to develop it, it may not be economically feasible. As you get closer to the beach, the cost to rent or lease said property rises exponentially. For a big box store with only moderate profit margins, the model might not work. This is the economic reality that keeps many such places out of resort areas. It's just too expensive to operate there.

I hear you, but I've seen the way gov't works, and I disagree. When gov't realizes the potential tax revenues from a business like Walmart, a store which pulls in buyers in large numbers, they often offer HUGE tax incentives to lure the business to the otherwise expensive area. Gov't wants money, and to stay in office, politicians do whatever they can to keep the taxes from increasing, and this is one way to do it. So, it is vital that you know who you are putting into office when you vote, locally.

[Smiling JOe]

that's the problem. all walmart sees is a potential market with big sales numbers in destin. the only way to really stop is is to stop shopping there. a colleague did a documentary about it and this is his website. WakeUpWalMart.com - Join the fight to change Wal-Mart and change America

Sounds easy enough, but when prescriptions at Walmart cost only $4, groceries are half price compared to Publix, and people are having trouble paying their rent and mortgage, why wouldn't people shop at Walmart?

[SHELLY]

Wal-mart prices aren't really that low - in the interests of fairness I checked their prices on many of my "staple" groceries. To my surprise (and delight) there wasn't much savings on many items. Smart shopping at Publix or Winn Dixie will save you more $.

Publix, Winn Dixie and Walgreens, etc., do have some excellent loss-leader prices, but Walmart fought back using their "price matching" strategy, which in turn caused these stores to do Buy-one-get-one sales or 10 for $10 which Walmart don't honor. So in a way, having an area Walmart helps drive prices down further. And when a new Walmart comes into an area, I've seen them hang the competitior's ad by the item and then show a lower price (i.e., the ad for advocados on sale at Publix for $0.75 cut out and placed on the advocado bin at Walmart with a price of $0.70.). Walmart was developed on a business strategy that fit nicely into corporate America's desire to keep worker's wages low.

I think the lure of Walmart is not just the lower prices...where can a time-strapped working single mother shop at 4am and pick up a jar of peanut butter; a blonde wig; and a set of radial tires all in one stop?

As long as the American people cling the the ideal of being Debt Slaves, Walmart will prevail.


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[CincyBeachGirl]

Okay you Wal-Mart Lovers, Here's a little game for you to play........ also a little dose of reality for the SOWAL area, should a Wal-Mart ever come..... Hope it doesn't offend....

[TooFarTampa]

I hear you, but I've seen the way gov't works, and I disagree. When gov't realizes the potential tax revenues from a business like Walmart, a store which pulls in buyers in large numbers, they often offer HUGE tax incentives to lure the business to the otherwise expensive area. Gov't wants money, and to stay in office, politicians do whatever they can to keep the taxes from increasing, and this is one way to do it. So, it is vital that you know who you are putting into office when you vote, locally.

Excellent points SJ. Had forgotten about this aspect.

[steyou]

Okay you Wal-Mart Lovers, Here's a little game for you to play........ also a little dose of reality for the SOWAL area, should a Wal-Mart ever come..... Hope it doesn't offend....

You have most likely offended about 95% of the people here. Lots of closet Walmart shoppers on here or at least their families. Get out of your box. Your attepmt at being a comedian is degrading to alot of people. Take a hike.

[Bobby J]

The last time I was in a fight was Walmart in Tallahassee! Pretty funny story actually. It was in the nursery area. Some guy thought I was supposed to be in bait and tackle area and was a little offended with me. He pushed me aside and as soon as his hand touched my shirt, I hit him in the nose as hard as I could. I actually had to hit him in the nose three times to get him off me. Anyways, I got out of there and left him laying on the floor! I was afraid for my life at this point and not really sure what came over me. Needless to say, I try to avoid Walmart.

[thisnthat]

So, is there a Walmart already planned or is this all just speculation?

[CincyBeachGirl]

Just having some fun......

[Susan Horn]

In the realm of interesting but probably useless information....a year or two ago, I heard that the WalMart at Panama City Beach is the wrold's largest retailer of Bud Light.

I confess to shopping at WalMart sometimes too -- Most of the time it is for stuff I cannot find anywhere else, because I guess WalMarts put the smaller stores out of business that used to carry such things? But when I come out of WalMart, I always feel strange and ungrounded -- too many flourescent lights? Or perhaps just that it is so huge, almost frightening in its scale?

I heard a very interesting story on NPR a few years ago. I think it was the National Press Club's weekly show, and their guest speaker was head of the National Trust for Historic Preservation. He was telling the story of how WalMart finally managed to get a store into some small town in Vermont. The town consistently refused to allow WalMart to put in one of their typical huge stores, and they finally reached a compromise where the store went into an existing downtown building, with MUCH smaller square footage than the usual megastores.

To almost everyone's delight and surprise, this small store turned out to be WalMart's largest grossing store per square foot. Sounds a little similar towhat little I know about the Publix in WaterColor. Much smaller than their typical store, but obviously they are selling groceries like mad and have trouble keeping the shelves stocked all through summer and on peak holidays at other times of year. Maybe smaller is better, when it's well located? That's what all the research tells us about schools, too -- small neighborhood schools perform better than megaschools. I think I see a pattern here .

[Smiling JOe]

Susan Horn, not only is the PCB Walmart the leading seller of beer in North America, but the Destin Walmart is reportedly the leading seller of wine in North America. So much for thoughts that Walmart cannot succeed in a tourist area.

[teamc]

how can someone support a walmart or any store down the road, but then suggest you don't want it in your neighborhood?
that's seriously hypocritical. walmart wouldn't come here if they didn't have your business.
and walmart is VERY different from other big box stores like target and whole foods and publix. they do not provide good jobs to the community. i recently met a woman who worked at walmart shopping at target, because she said even with her discount, the products at target were safer for her baby. you either support walmart or you don't. if you shop there, you patronize the store and their development here. plain and simple.

[teamc]

there are MANY things we need we cannot find here. that's why we have the internet! it requires patience, but it's worth it.

[teamc]

Susan Horn, not only is the PCB Walmart the leading seller of beer in North America, but the Destin Walmart is reportedly the leading seller of wine in North America. So much for thoughts that Walmart cannot succeed in a tourist area.

1) why are we assuming the booze sales are all tourists? ha!
2) that's definitely an interesting definition of "success".

[Rita]

Susan Horn, not only is the PCB Walmart the leading seller of beer in North America, but the Destin Walmart is reportedly the leading seller of wine in North America. So much for thoughts that Walmart cannot succeed in a tourist area.

I'd be curious as to how many Mom & Pop liquor stores they put out of business. The Mom & Pop liquor stores most likely provided FT employment to more people (with better benefits) than Walmart added due to the addition of liquor sales. Walmart probably didn't have to hire but a couple extra employees?

I have watched them over the years leave once thriving small towns in Illinois with many vacant storefronts - forcing people to have to drive out of town center to shop. I worked at a small town Index store (5 and dime) during high school and college which couldn't compete. It's closing forced locals to drive 9 miles to get notions. A real inconvenience for many. It's just not right.

Plus around here they tend to buy 2nd quality produce.

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[DD]

message received.

[scooterbug44]

I don't want a Wal-mart store down the road OR in my neighborhood! I am quite happy that you currently have to either cross a county line or a large body of water to get to one.

These days there are many other options besides Wal-mart, so there is no reason to say you shop there out of necessity. (I do admit that years ago, it was where you had to go for many standard items and that I would shop there after exhausting other options). Nowadays, if you need to shop at a big box store, Target is a good alternative, though still not as good as a local store. If there is a truly hard to find item, put Sowal to work for you.

TeamC is quite right - if you shop at Wal-mart, you are choosing to support it and its destruction of our communities and values. I won't even buy a fund if Wal-mart is one of its stocks. They are evil and you are making a deal w/ the devil every time you shop there!

[elgordoboy]

You have most likely offended about 95% of the people here. Lots of closet Walmart shoppers on here or at least their families. Get out of your box. Your attepmt at being a comedian is degrading to alot of people. Take a hike.

In the referenced poster's defense, I have shopped at WalMart and have family members that have shopped at WalMart and neither I nor they fit any of the descriptions on the bingo card but so what if I or they did? Attempts, even successes, at being a comedian are often upsetting to a lot of people.

[Smiling JOe]

1) why are we assuming the booze sales are all tourists? ha!
2) that's definitely an interesting definition of "success".

I never said that the booze sales were "all tourists." The success of a business has more to do with being profitable, and staying in business, offering products at reasonable prices. Some businesses do this while treating employees well. (Walmart supposedly leaves off the last bit, though I haven't worked there so I cannot personally say.)

I know Walmart sends moms and pops out of business. How much money do they save shoppers? Is it enough to justify undercutting others' prices? Is there a way, other than undercutting pricing, that Walmart runs other businesses out of town?

[InletBchDweller]

I guess we know how some people think about wal mart - ya think??

I shop at Wal mart when I have all sorts of things to buy. Food/medicine/pet food etc. It is not my favorite place but it is convienient. (1/4 mile down the street) Having a small child (I dont now) it was much easier to stop in ONE place than 3 different places. I think that their prices are better than most of the grocery stores and Target (unless it is a loss leader sale) and I watch prices closely.

Sure, their produce is not that great. I prefer to shop at WHole Foods or the local mexican on the side of the road when I want good fresh stuff but some people can not afford to pay a $1 more per pound for an apple. I would rather a child have a 2nd rate apple than none at all....

I am sure that there are just as many good stories about being employed at Wal Mart as their is bad ones. At our local Wal mart most of the greeters are handicapped in some way. It makes me feel good to talk to them when I come in to the store. It gives them a sense of purpose. How can that be bad? I would be very surprised to see them at Pulix or Winn DIxie, etc.

In Baton Rouge there are several smaller Wal Marts. They are called Neighborhood Wal Mart. They are around the size of a Publix and are layed out nicely on the outside (brick) and inside (wood floors in sections, etc). It seems they are kind of an upgrade to the super mega marts.


I dont live here anymore but still own properties here. I personally dont have a problem with one being on 98 but I see that many here on this board do. To each his own I guess. I think it is inevitable and it will one day, be here.

I am now zipping up my full bodied armour - (bought at Wal-Mart)

[Smiling JOe]

BTW, If you think Walmart produce is terrible, go shop at Kelly's in Freeport. You will come away thinking that Walmart is like EarthFare or some fancy market.

[DD]

BTW, If you think Walmart produce is terrible, go shop at Kelly's in Freeport. You will come away thinking that Walmart is like EarthFare or some fancy market.

I remember you talking about this before. Is it like brown and wilted?