Walmart: For or Against?

[summerose]

Everyone is entitled to their own opinion. It is still a free country. I happen to like Walmart!

[shortcircuit]

I don't think Wal mart could be considered "big city" myself. As far as I know there is only one walmart inside the I285 perimeter of atlanta. And if most of the people who shop there are from union county how will that increase the traffic? The only extra traffic that they bring will be their big trucks. I'll be glad to see it open.

[summerose]

Yes, Walmart never builds right in a town, they get on the outskirts....which is a good thing, traffic in town will not be affected.

[queenbee]

TADA! I think I have fixed my pc/isp/server issues, let's hope so.

When I said big city ways, I was implying 24 hour convenience around the corner accessibility.

We have traffic issues at Ingles and a red light was a must have at Home Depot. We have traffic issues at several business entrances. I am sure Wal-Mart will be built on the 4 lane somewhere.

I also don't see an economy that can support a big store like Wal-Mart, maybe at Christmas, back to school and during the fall season. But a day to day, 24 hour business I don't think so.

I'm sorry but I don't think we need a big box store along with another nail salon, beauty shop, game room, bank , tire and automotive and fast food restaurant. Which is included in the package.

If they would go a smaller Wal-Mart like they had before the SUPER WAL-MART, then it would be ok.

We already have their trucks, they come to the water plant to get the botled water and take to the stores.

Everyone is entitled to their own opinion. It is still a free country. I like Wal-Mart too, just not in my frontyard.

Again I am sure it will come the question will be how long will it last and where will they put the Lowe's store? The do go hand in hand.

[shortcircuit]

Evidently Wal Mart thinks our economy can support them, I'm sure they don't ride down a road and say "hmm, this looks like a good place for us to build a store." The place that they are looking at is far enough out of town that it won't cause much congestion and I'm sure the state will put up a traffic light at the intersection. I hope they get some good anchor stores, a jewelry store, a shoe store, and maybe a drive in restaurant like Sonic would be nice. Lowes might do good here, I'm sure their customer service would be alot better than at the local Home Depot. BTW bee, I'm not trying to argue with you, just disagreeing.

[queenbee]

I am all for presenting 2 sides of an issue as long as it is done in a nice way.

Like I said, if they build it I will come, but I don't really want one here.

[shortcircuit]

I spoke to a manager at the ellijay wal mart yesterday and was told that it wasn't final yet but more than likely they will be building here.

[bornagain1979]

FOR

[shortcircuit]

I heard today that there will be a new road built that will connect the existing airport road with airport industrial road and the other end of it will come out at Kiutuestia right at the entrance to the new wal-mart. I'll be SO glad to see heavy equipment out there working on the place, there has been rumors for years but now it looks like it might actually happen.

[summerose]

Great news!!! Thanks for the info. shortcircuit.

[AskTheWiseOldMan]

[shortcircuit]

The for sale signs are still up at the property on 515.

[shortcircuit]

More rumors, wal mart and Liemar Paris are supposed to be making some sort of "announcement" in a couple of weeks. My guess is that Liemar is going to try and take the credit for them finally deciding to build here. Norman will have a picture of Liemar and a wal mart rep shaking hands on the front page, then he will brag about being the one who broke the story. Just a prediction, we'll see what happens.

[queenbee]

Georgia Community Impact
Last Modified: Monday, September 24, 2007
Real Estate
As of August 2007, Wal-Mart's presence in Georgia includes:
Supercenters: 117
Discount Stores: 11
Neighborhood Markets: 0
Sam's Clubs: 22
Distribution Centers: 9
Average store size (national average)
Supercenter: 185,000 sq. ft. with approx. 142,000 items
Discount Store: 101,000 sq. ft. with approx. 120,000 items
Neighborhood Market: 41,000 sq. ft. with approx. 29,000 items
Sam's Club: 130,000 sq. ft. with approx. 5,500 items



People
As of September 2007, the total number of Wal-Mart associates in Georgia is 55,072.
The average wage for regular, full-time hourly associates in Georgia is $10.68 per hour (Wal-Mart Discount Stores, Supercenters, and Neighborhood Markets). Additionally, associates are eligible for performance-based bonuses.
In recent years, Wal-Mart has contributed four percent of an associate's eligible pay to their combined Profit Sharing and 401(k) Plan.

Suppliers
In FYE 2007, Wal-Mart Stores, Inc spent $9,026,347,988 for merchandise and services with 2,235 suppliers in the state of Georgia. As a result of Wal-Mart's relationship with these suppliers, Wal-Mart supports 104,130 supplier jobs in the state of Georgia.
Supplier figures provided by Dun & Bradstreet.

Taxes and Fees
Wal-Mart collected on behalf of the state of Georgia more than $485.8 million in sales taxes in FYE 2007.
Wal-Mart paid more than $57.3 million in state and local taxes in the state of Georgia in FYE 2007.

Community Involvement
In 2006, Wal-Mart Stores and Sam's Club gave $10,497,010 in cash and in-kind donations to local causes and organizations in the communities they serve in the state of Georgia. Through additional funds raised through stores and Clubs throughout the state, Wal-Mart contributed and raised a grand total of $14,370,016 as a result of its presence in Georgia.
Georgia's 2006 Teacher of the Year is Keith Thomas from Woody Gap School in Suches.

[summerose]

Thanks for the Walmart facts Bee.

Congratulations Keith Thomas! Way to go!!!