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

[ASH]

I understand your position....it will bring jobs, allow for shopping, etc. More useful for those of you who live there fulltime. I would likely feel the same....However, 30A is my paradise...my escape from commercialism....I love the fact that I have to drive miles and miles to hit a big chain. I fear the development of 98 along 30A. I know it is inevitable, but things will change. The charm will likely lessen....

I'm sure your pain is shared by many.

The only cure is the purchase of huge tracts of available property.

 

[beachmouse]

I had clients and contacts in many small Kentucky towns, and every time a Walmart opened up on the edge of those towns, those downtowns died. Then after 10 years or so, the Walmart decided it needed a "bigger and newer" place or needed to be a "Super Walmart" and it leaves it's ugly shell behind to devastate the ugly strip mall and the local businesses that sprang up around it. Your experience in the Garden District was maybe a more urban phenomena, but I have seen nothing but bad for the local businesses of rural areas when a Walmart sets up shop right in the middle.

And then once they kill off the original small businesses, they promptly raise prices. We regularly paid more for groceries from a rural Walmart in Tennessee than we were paying shopping in Publix a couple years later. Hate their monopoly pricing scenarios, and have only set foot in one once in the past 10 years (replace a dead car battery when everyone else was closed) because we've thankfully had other options.

 

[seaschnells]

This is a sad day. It's not just Wal-Mart - it's also everything else that comes with it. Residents and tourists alike love that our area is unique and beautiful. Wal-Mart is neither, and wait until you see the sprawl that follows in its wake. Our economy will likely suffer not so much from the hit to small businesses, but to our status as one of the last great non-sprawl places. People come here in part to get away from places like Wal-Mart.

On a more hopeful note, we could get smart about our planning and prevent a whole strip of this in the future. We can even retain some of our character if the big box designs are right. I'm not ready to give up yet!

 

[SHELLY]

On a more hopeful note, we could get smart about our planning and prevent a whole strip of this in the future. We can even retain some of our character if the big box designs are right. I'm not ready to give up yet!

...JOE has a whole bunch of land to unload--if the price is right, JOE will take the money.
.

 

[Redd]

I feel ill...........

 

[Joefromseagrove]

Oh goody! More tents and plastic beach crap is sure to follow. Maybe they will sell those great plastic shovels so we can bury it right on the beach. On the other hand it should boost sales tax revenue for Walton County that currently goes elsewhere.

 

[Douglas the Intrepid]

Well, at least the location isn't more 30a centric. As long as its not on the 'magic loop' I can better pretend its in Destin. *wistful sigh*

 

[Kurt]

Here is a link to Walmart discussion from April of this year - http://www.sowal.com/bb/business-goods-services/34765-sowal-ready-its-own-wal-mart.html

Robert, it looks like your thread was an instance where it would have been nice to share what you know with the community instead of being coy, that way you can help build our community for all, and build trust for you.

Here's the link from an interesting show about Walmart I saw:
news + public affairs player: video

 

[Bob Wells]

Although, I have and do shop Wal Mart occasionally, my wife who really counts loves the store. I would just prefer it stay where it is. As for the colors, my personal opinion is they are not intrusive and the ones I have seen would not be terrible for its surrounding. Robert being coy, tell me ain't so.

 

[NotDeadYet]

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.