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

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scooterbug44 said:
Yes, there is not a 100% overlap between the goods sold at a Wal-mart or Target and what is sold by local businesses.

The problem is that when these behemoths come to town, people buy similar or substitute items at the big box stores instead of from a local retailer..................... or bypass the local stores altogether once they have done their one stop shopping.

I am hard pressed to think of any local shop (aside from a dedicated jewelry store) that will not be affected.
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I'm hard pressed to think of a local shop where I do anything but look. Bars and restaurants are another story. They may be pricey too, but I'm willing to pay for atmosphere and location on my leisure time. Not so much when I'm buying clothes. I'm inflexible on this and there are more like me.:biggrin: See the connection between leisure time and getting my business?? Now what would give me more leisure time? How about not having to travel to Destin or Panama City as much?
 
tuck said:
Cheaper, Cheaper, Cheaper that is what I seem to read as the most appealing nature of Wal-mart to all the pro Wal-Mart advocates on this thread.

One thing to consider while you are spending less at this big chain, is the fact that it is the small, local owned businesses that are the sponsors of the local sports leagues, schools, bands, year-books, charities like 'kicking it for Jason", Caring & Sharing, Alaqua and many many more. These things are at the Heart of what makes a community.

Be careful what you wish for, especially if you are one of the people that always asks the local business owner for donations for your community needs. The Local Owner just might not have funds and little Joey just might not have a league.
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Great Post Tuck. As a small business owner (that has seen its name referenced in this thread) and has taken pride in making donations to various local charities over the past 15 years, this post rings a bell for me.

The simple math is big chains hurt little Local Stores. When Publix came to town, our donations went down.

While most goods have a standard Gross Profit Margin, the little store just doesn't have the buying power of the larger chains. It is not an attempt to GOUGE as also referenced. It is the difference of a store purchasing one case as opposed to a pallet or truck Fulls.

Since FTHOI seems to be mentioned, I would like to also point out the attempt that we make to also purchase from local and or regional suppliers who are also independent small business owners who give back to the Community. We feel this makes for a better place.

The concept that Wal-Mart will not sell competing items as many local businesses is wrong. What won't they sell? The local clothing stores, hardware, auto parts, paint, grocers, books and music stores.... will all be affected. Anyone who doesn't think so, is simply wrong, It has been proven throughout this Country time and time again.

FTHOI is very grateful to our Loyal Customers and wish to thank you all for the continued support. We also promise to keep supporting the Community through donations and other local Charity events.
 
LuciferSam said:
I'll say it for a 3rd time. At present people are not buying Walmart or Target type items from the small locally owned businesses. If these businesses are surviving now , they will continue to survive and may do better due to the fact that people will be spending more time in SoWal and less money on gas. i hate to break this to you, but the consumers have the upper hand in this one, not the local businesses trying to gouge the customers on life's essentials.
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One main part of my post that you missed was the fact that the local business owners are the ones that make the contributions to the local charities. When was the last time you saw a Wal-Mart youth soccer team, or a Wal-Mart sign at the High School Athletic Fields?

My last trip to watch the boys play football at South Walton, I was impressed with the sponsors of our Kids. 98 BBQ was there, so was FTHOI, and the list can go on and on. Two years ago when my child was involved in the local soccer program, he happened to be on a team sponsored by a local business. Many stores that will be affected by lost sales were the one's that had funded the entire program. Even the concession stand was sponsored by FTHOI.

Can you also tell me that clothes, hardware, paint, pet supplies, groceries, lamps, bikes to name a few items are not to be found at Local Shops?

The comment about Gouging is a shame. I prefer to pay a bit more to the shop owner who supports my children through there Gouging practices. Yeh for Gouging. If you do not agree that is OK.
 
tuck said:
One main part of my post that you missed was the fact that the local business owners are the ones that make the contributions to the local charities. When was the last time you saw a Wal-Mart youth soccer team, or a Wal-Mart sign at the High School Athletic Fields?

My last trip to watch the boys play football at South Walton, I was impressed with the sponsors of our Kids. 98 BBQ was there, so was FTHOI, and the list can go on and on. Two years ago when my child was involved in the local soccer program, he happened to be on a team sponsored by a local business. Many stores that will be affected by lost sales were the one's that had funded the entire program. Even the concession stand was sponsored by FTHOI.

Can you also tell me that clothes, hardware, paint, pet supplies, groceries, lamps, bikes to name a few items are not to be found at Local Shops?

The comment about Gouging is a shame. I prefer to pay a bit more to the shop owner who supports my children through there Gouging practices. Yeh for Gouging. If you do not agree that is OK.
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You mention hardware. Are you talking about Ace? They are closed on Sundays, close at 3:00 on Saturdays, close early during the week. Not very accomodating. Thank goodness for Home Depot even if I have to drive a bit.
 
tuck said:
One main part of my post that you missed was the fact that the local business owners are the ones that make the contributions to the local charities. When was the last time you saw a Wal-Mart youth soccer team, or a Wal-Mart sign at the High School Athletic Fields?

My last trip to watch the boys play football at South Walton, I was impressed with the sponsors of our Kids. 98 BBQ was there, so was FTHOI, and the list can go on and on. Two years ago when my child was involved in the local soccer program, he happened to be on a team sponsored by a local business. Many stores that will be affected by lost sales were the one's that had funded the entire program. Even the concession stand was sponsored by FTHOI.

Can you also tell me that clothes, hardware, paint, pet supplies, groceries, lamps, bikes to name a few items are not to be found at Local Shops?

The comment about Gouging is a shame. I prefer to pay a bit more to the shop owner who supports my children through there Gouging practices. Yeh for Gouging. If you do not agree that is OK.
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I missed the gouging comment somehow. :idontno:

I'll remember your post when I shop at local businesses and their sponsoring of events. Thanks for sharing your insight.

No store will ever take the place of FTHOI and I hope to support them for MANY years! They are truly unique and Blue Mtn, soon to be my home, would not be the same without them. :wub:

G

Edit: found the gouging comment. :nono1:
 
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LuciferSam said:
You mention hardware. Are you talking about Ace? They are closed on Sundays, close at 3:00 on Saturdays, close early during the week. Not very accomodating. Thank goodness for Home Depot even if I have to drive a bit.
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Franks... in Grayton, another great local business that has served this community and Freeport for many years. Also a sponsor of many local charities. Have fun driving...:D
 
tuck said:
One main part of my post that you missed was the fact that the local business owners are the ones that make the contributions to the local charities. When was the last time you saw a Wal-Mart youth soccer team, or a Wal-Mart sign at the High School Athletic Fields?

My last trip to watch the boys play football at South Walton, I was impressed with the sponsors of our Kids. 98 BBQ was there, so was FTHOI, and the list can go on and on. Two years ago when my child was involved in the local soccer program, he happened to be on a team sponsored by a local business. Many stores that will be affected by lost sales were the one's that had funded the entire program. Even the concession stand was sponsored by FTHOI.

Can you also tell me that clothes, hardware, paint, pet supplies, groceries, lamps, bikes to name a few items are not to be found at Local Shops?

The comment about Gouging is a shame. I prefer to pay a bit more to the shop owner who supports my children through there Gouging practices. Yeh for Gouging. If you do not agree that is OK.
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I didn't miss any part of your post. Bear in mind that priorities vary from person to person. For instance, retirees without children who relocate to Sowal may not reap the full benefits of youth soccer. There are a variety of demographics that need to be considered. On this thread more than once I've addressed those that extend beyond my own. Just talking reality. Some of these people can and do give to charities themselves. I firmly believe that if people focus on their own needs, their contributions to society will take care of themselves. After all, you're focusing on your needs, should you really expect different from others?
 
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