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Wal-Mart readying to build a plaza

Plans for the Sierra Vista site include a Sam’s Club

By Laura Ory
Herald/Review
Published/Last Modified on Sunday, Jun 15, 2008 - 05:18:51 am MST

SIERRA VISTA — A new Wal-Mart shopping center is expected to break ground early next year and will include a Wal-Mart Supercenter, Sam’s Club and Sam’s Only Gas Station.

Construction at the northwest corner of Martin Luther King Jr. Parkway and Highway 90 is expected to last 10 to 12 months, and the stores are expected to open in late 2009, said Delia Garcia, a Wal-Mart spokeswoman.

Don Brush, principal planner for the city, said city departments are now reviewing the overall site plan submitted by Wal-Mart on May 30.

Wal-Mart purchased nearly 54 acres of land for $8.44 million last June from the State Land Department. The land was formerly leased to the Sierra Vista Riding Club.


(Use arrows above to view more photos)


Since then, Wal-Mart representatives and city planners have met for preliminary planning meetings and reviewing drafts of the plans.

It’s a large and complex project, but the site plans seem to be complete, Brush said. The Wal-Mart Supercenter is planned to be 195,954 square feet. The proposed Sam’s Club is 134,608 square feet.

A development agreement between the city and Wal-Mart, as part of the sale of the land sale, has guided aspects of the building and site designs, from the addition of detention basins to preventing a big box store look.

Good planning for the traffic the center will bring also has been a priority for the city, Brush said.

The existing traffic light on Martin Luther King Jr. Parkway across from Lowe’s will provide a major access point. Another major access point will be at Campus Drive and Highway 90, where a traffic signal will be added.

Another traffic signal is planned on Martin Luther King Jr. Parkway at Avenida Escuela, which will extend behind the Wal-Mart and Sam’s Club.

A bridge also is planned to extend Avenida Escuela across Charleston Wash and bring the road through to the Domingo Paiz sports fields and Tacoma Street.

The Wal-Mart stores and a parking lot with about 1,568 spaces are planned for most of the site, but a 3.9-acre outlot could be developed with a restaurant and other small retail stores near the Martin Luther King Jr. Parkway and Highway 90 intersection, Brush said.

The city expects to have Wal-Mart’s building plans sometime in the fall, Brush said.

Construction won’t begin until the building plans Wal-Mart submitted also have been reviewed and approved by the City Council.

The project will generate about $750,000 in impact fees for the city based on the Supercenter and Sam’s Club planned square-footage. Hundreds of thousands of dollars annually in sales tax is also expected from the commercial center.

HERALD/REVIEW reporter Laura Ory can be reached at 515-4683 or by e-mail at laura.ory@svherald.com.

ABOUT THE STORES

About Wal-Mart Supercenter

There are about 2,555 Wal-Mart Supercenter’s in the United States.

Most are open 24 hours a day and employ 350 people.

The stores combine general merchandise and a full grocery. Many Supercenter’s also include a vision center, health clinic, tire and lube services, an employment agency, fast-food restaurant, hair salon, portrait and photo services, bank and pharmacy.

About Sam’s Club

There are about 539 Sam’s Clubs in the U.S. which sell general merchandise and bulk items.

The store employs about 175 people.

An annual membership fee, $35 for businesses and $40 for individuals is used to defray operating costs and keep prices low.

Sam’s Club usually carry foods, florals, electronics, jewelry, sports and fitness items, appliances, books, music, toys, housewares and other merchandise along with optical, pharmacy and automotive services.

FAST FACTS

• Wal-Mart is the world’s largest retailer with $374.526 billion in sales for the fiscal year ending Jan. 31,  2008.

• Wal-Mart Stores Inc. includes Wal-Mart Supercenters, discount stores, Neighborhood Markets and Sam’s  Club warehouses.

• Wal-Mart operates more than 4,000 facilities in the United States and more than 2,800 more in Argentina,  Brazil, Canada, China, Costa Rica, El Salvador, Guatemala, Honduras, Japan, Mexico, Nicaragua, Puerto Rico and the United Kingdom.

Source of facts and store information: www.walmartstores.com


Copyright © 2009 The Sierra Vista Herald


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    to Winston wrote on Jun 29, 2008 7:02 PM:

    " What has Hillary being WalMart's attorney have to do with anything? Just because your masculinity is threatened by a strong woman who speaks her mind doesn't have any impact on whether someone should shop at WalMart or not. If you choose to not shop at WalMart, that is your option and your right. If I shop there or not is my business. "

    st sierravistan wrote on Jun 28, 2008 9:14 PM:

    " Winston Smith, yet you'll be the first one in line at WalMart. "

    What next wrote on Jun 28, 2008 8:45 PM:

    " Winston says Walmart forces businesses into bankruptcy. Not so, if they go bankrupt it is there lack of business sense not Walmart fault. Just as when Home Depot and Lowes came to town, bet it didn't affect Ace on bit. Ace will continue to thrive. "

    Winston Smith wrote on Jun 28, 2008 6:42 PM:

    " When a business takes upon themselves to force American Businesses into bankruptcy then they don't need my business. WALMART is by far the worst of these. Therefore they could be giving stuff away I consider it my patriotic duty to stay out of thier stores. Interestingly one should remember that Hillary Clinton was WALMARTs Lawyer while her husband was Governor "

    simplyme wrote on Jun 28, 2008 10:57 AM:

    " To simplyme: I did not direct my comment to anyone, but stated my point. Let's not be nasty or DEFENSIVE, or take things personal. Many people do go to a store for one item and you know it. Yes, I am simple and the meaning of a simple person is plain, unadorned, natural, unaffected, neat. I wish the world were more simple and we wouldn't be here. Speaking of simple and savings I shope at the thrift shop with other simple people. Many presidents were simple people too! "

    cry babie hater wrote on Jun 28, 2008 9:58 AM:

    " you guys are all cry babies:( whats the big deal it will be just like the old walmart except they sell grocries and we need another grociery store because every time you go inn one there crowded
    plus its not like people are just going to stop shopping at local retailers
    and we need more stop lights so we dont have alot of accidents so whats the big deal? NOTHING at all little cry babies
    :( :( "

    Mike nailed it wrote on Jun 27, 2008 8:27 PM:

    " But I wonder if it will be big enough for their wishes. Perfect location too. "

    Winston Smith wrote on Jun 27, 2008 1:45 PM:

    " I agree with Plastic Patriot, I try to stay with the smaller businesses. It is NOT just a matter of having Chinese Products. WALMART made a deliberate Policy of pricing below what any company in the US could produce for and then "helping" it's suppliers move thier base to third world countries in kick backs. They have done more harm to America than Osama. "

    Mike wrote on Jun 27, 2008 9:46 AM:

    " Maybe the Boy's and Girl's (B&G) club can move into the "old" Wal-Mart building when it becomes available. Seems the B&G club wants to get bigger at least according this week's 2-full page advertisement in the SVH. "

    Fence-sitting wrote on Jun 27, 2008 5:58 AM:

    " I'm with Johnny. And Concerned asked the question earlier as well. Does anyone know what the plans are for the building Wal-Mart's currently occupying? That, to me, has a greater local focus than their corporate practices (which we can't influence, no matter what hare-brained ideas you have). "

    To simplyme wrote on Jun 26, 2008 7:38 PM:

    " A very good name for you. I didn't say I drove to Walmart to buy some corn, I just pointed out the difference in prices. I like Ace too, but they have as many products from China as any retailer. "

    walmart disliker wrote on Jun 26, 2008 6:50 PM:

    " walmart is ok. dont hate it just ok. its like kmart. ok uhhm this better be more clean and organized and not carts everywhere. maybe like the walmart in vacaville california. thats the best i seen. nothiing more nothing less. "

    Winston Smith wrote on Jun 26, 2008 6:02 PM:

    " Point still is that WALMART drives businesses out of America to the Third World, costing American jobs AND it deliberately drives local stores out of business costing more American Jobs. "

    R.C. wrote on Jun 26, 2008 5:50 PM:

    " st sierravistan Keep dreaming. Obama is radical in an emptey suit. If you think you are paying to high gas prices and are not making enough money wait until he gets in there. I don't think it will happen because america can't afford him. You talk about a sellout. "

    Johnny wrote on Jun 26, 2008 12:55 PM:

    " The problem I have with Walmart is that every time they move their store to a bigger location, they leave behind a massive, empty building. And the stores around it lose business/go out of business when the Walmart moves. It basically produces ghost-retail areas. Cities should force Walmart to redevelop their old properties as a condition to relocating. Back east in my small, Tennessee hometown there are two blighted areas where the Walmart used to be before it moved. Walmart kept growing and moved 2 times in 10 years. "

    simplyme wrote on Jun 26, 2008 11:51 AM:

    " .25 an ear of corn. I guess if you need corn and are driving by WM ok. I consider time and gas prices as well. Do you really save? If you are shopping at Safeway and you might save 5.00 by going to WM. Did you save when you consider the gas and time it took to shop both stores? When you go to get that sale on corn and you pass that clearance rack of jeans, have you saved anything? "

    Plastic Patriot wrote on Jun 26, 2008 11:43 AM:

    " Were not all hooked and dependant on Wal-Marts, many of us do what we can to help keep the smaller bussiness open. Many of us, make a little extra effort to avoid buying products from China. Going to ACE instead of Lowes, buying what grociaries you can at the farmers market, staying out of Wal-Mart altogether and only going to Target as a last resort. It's not always easy and we don't always get the best deal, but our country is worth it. How can we ask God to bless America when were all sell outs? "

    cochisechat.com wrote on Jun 26, 2008 5:41 AM:

    " It's too late folks. We are all hooked and depend on Wal Marts, Home Depots, Lowe's, Targets, Blockbusters, and etc. The mom and pops are things from the pass. It's reality and a fact. If you don't shop at these stores it wont put a dent in their pockets. Because most people are. "

    Arthur Dent wrote on Jun 25, 2008 10:36 PM:

    " I have never shopped at WALMART and never will. My country is worth more to me than 25 cents on an ear of corn. I guess it's not for you "

    st sierravistan wrote on Jun 25, 2008 9:53 PM:

    " R.C. cry all you want... but your next President will be a liberal. Suck it up and drive on. Oh by the way I am a liberal and shop in Walmart all the time. Walmart shoppers are not only Neo-Republicans . "

    Going to Walmart wrote on Jun 25, 2008 8:20 PM:

    " And you people that say your not going to shop there, you will. Example A, corn in the local stores 50 cents an ear, Walmart 25 cents. "

    Fred wrote on Jun 25, 2008 8:02 PM:

    " As always some folks making some very broad and erroneous statements about WalMart based on anecdotal comments or hearsay. Folks wake up you hold the power on whether WalMart succeeds or fails here or anywhere else for that matter. WalMart is simply providing a service and products that people want to buy. It is that simple. China, liberals, single moms, Target...etc have nothing to do with it. If people did not want their products or services Walmart would simply go away. It is the good old America free market economy at work here, that's all! "

    Winston Smith wrote on Jun 25, 2008 6:24 PM:

    " Sell America to save aa nickel. Go to WALMART and buy your Chinese made "Support Our Troops" Magnet. Then complain about how liberals are destroying America. How Phoney "

    R.C. wrote on Jun 25, 2008 5:47 PM:

    " MSNBC, boy that is a reliable and unbiased news medium. That is on of the leading liberal drive by media news scources. If you let and article by them change your life you are an idiot or a liberal. Oh wait is there a difference? "

    JGG wrote on Jun 25, 2008 4:42 PM:

    " Well this is exactly what this city needs, to continue growth and bring in more competition to all local vendors! "

    James Powell Jr. wrote on Jun 25, 2008 4:10 PM:

    " To GRRRRR: Get off it, get over yourself, give WalMart and Sam's Club a break!!! I'm estastic, overwhelmed that Wal-Mart Supercenter is FINALLY coming to Sierra Vista!!! I've been waiting for 20 years, ever since I arrived here! I am so tired of driving to Benson, Tucson, and Douglas just to shop Wal-Mart! Thank you sooooooooo much, Wal-Mart!!! Welcome, welcome, welcome, welcome!!! "

    SV Mom wrote on Jun 25, 2008 3:42 PM:

    " I am quite excited about this new development! I like Wal-Mart retail & grocery. TO all the haters...majority rules! The parking lots will be packed and you'll still be sitting at home typing your askew views on some unimportant blog! ha-ha. "

    simplyme wrote on Jun 25, 2008 1:29 PM:

    " TO all of you", in response to your comment...and I quote "To the commenter that asks Sam's Club to put WalMart out of business: THEY ARE THE SAME COMPANY IDIOT...." did that commentor say put WalMart out of business or out of town...? From one idiot to the other. Respectfully. "

    GRRRRR wrote on Jun 25, 2008 10:21 AM:

    " I dislike like shoping now! Just add to the headache of adding larger shoping space. If y'all will look at thing, y'all will note that "Sam" is Wal-Mart. Think back to then open the first Wal-mart ever opened...it was by "SAM"!! How about that!! "

    Marie wrote on Jun 25, 2008 8:45 AM:

    " Just read this, and I hope it will open some eye's on Wal-Mart and China.
    I will never set another foot in to Mal-Mart again.

    http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/25288252/ "

    All of you wrote on Jun 25, 2008 7:24 AM:

    " negative posters...I bet each and every one of you gripers shop regularly at WalMart and without the employees that run the place, you wouldn't have the convenience of WalMart's low prices. To the commenter that asks Sam's Club to put WalMart out of business: THEY ARE THE SAME COMPANY IDIOT.... "

    Why bother wrote on Jun 25, 2008 4:20 AM:

    " If folks were to curb their insane shopping habits and not feed the "need" to buy everything under the sun, we would not have issues with cheap stuff, made in China. Take a good look around your homes and really see how much inanimate stuff is sitting around, hardly ever used, collecting dust and spilling over into the garage. Shopping should be and can be done if there is a need for something or if an item needs to be replaced, not to add to an already existing mountain of useless /needless and meaningless stuff. "

    cheapskate wrote on Jun 24, 2008 8:53 PM:

    " Build it and they will come, even those holier than thou critics who believe they know more about Walmart than the ones who work there. "

    Lane wrote on Jun 24, 2008 7:26 PM:

    " To Another Wal-Mart employee they won't do that the majority are liberals. They want you to agree with their views or none. All they can do is gripe. They have no solutions. Like Obama they are empty suits. "

    Linda wrote on Jun 24, 2008 6:29 PM:

    " Great comment Michelle. I agree completely. Lets lower tax eliminate social prgrams and force people to take care of themselves. As far as Iraq goes, I was alway taught to kill a snake before it strikes, and Saddam was a snake. As far as Iran goes I agree they should be next. "

    Another Wal-Mart employee wrote on Jun 24, 2008 5:41 PM:

    " I'd like to let you all know that the employees at Wal-Mart are doing fine and it is none of your business what we are paid. I am also a single mother and I don't get any assistance from the government or anywhere else. I don't need it. It doesn't really matter what Wal-Mart does or doesn't do. You all will find some reason to complain about something. If you don't like Wal-Mart, then don't shop there. We won't miss you. "

    Jennifer wrote on Jun 24, 2008 5:13 PM:

    " Irony what are you taliking about. It has been the liberals along with their great society social programs and the higher taxes that come with it that have taken money out of peoples pocket not shopping at Wal-Mart. The govt. along with all of its mandates that have help drive companies overseas. You want more money in your pocket Vote Republican. You want socialism and high taxes vote Obambam "

    Daniel wrote on Jun 24, 2008 12:38 PM:

    " Let's see now; going from Charleston Rd. onto MLK we will now have lights at 90 bypass, at the entrance to Lowe's, and then behind Lowe's at Avenida Escuela. Going from 92 to 90 bypass, we will have a light at Fry, at Charleston, and at Campus Drive. Why don't we complete the set and put a light at the entrance to Aegis, see if we can get the eastside traffic at a COMPLETE standstill? "

    Irony wrote on Jun 24, 2008 11:40 AM:

    " Strange how all of a sudden buying American, supporting small bussiness, getting workers off public assistance, and balancing the budget are part of the "liberal agenda?" "

    To Michelle wrote on Jun 24, 2008 11:36 AM:

    " How can you lower taxes when you don't have enough money to cover what we spend now? We've racked up almost 10 trillion in debt, not from paying school teachers a decent wage, not from rebuilding our infrastructure, not from insuring ever American had access to a college education, but because we felt it necessary to invade Iraq and rich Americans huge tax cuts. That small percentage of public expenditure that goes to the poor is all but insignificant, nothing compared to the handouts we give to big banks, corporations and most especially the military industrial complex. "

    extra lane at campus drive wrote on Jun 24, 2008 6:25 AM:

    " how about an extra right hand lane at campus drive to exit enter the new store, no light needed. or something like the split on wilmot for park mall in tucson. the light is there, but can be bypassed on the other lane. "

    trafficn lights too much wrote on Jun 24, 2008 6:23 AM:

    " we dont need that many new traffic lights, for convenience of shoppers, we are trying to get to the fort guys, lets think about all the waiting going thru so many lights. or will we have to build a freeway or another bypass ? "

    tocheyenne wrote on Jun 23, 2008 7:06 PM:

    " Cheyenne, I have some questions. You are single/mom of 2. BUT, that isn't the big picture. Be honest, now do you get help from other sources or have another job? Child support may be involved. Also, you said you were a financial advisor some time ago at another site. You also said you make these comments on your work time because you get paid to. How is that? "

    Michelle wrote on Jun 23, 2008 6:28 PM:

    " Well how about lowering taxes, and forcing people to take responsibility for their own actions. Then maybe poeple would have more disposable income and would pay small businees owners the higher price. Oh wait I forgot we want to be Liberals and force the American taxpayer to pay for laziness. "

    Wage Earner wrote on Jun 23, 2008 3:21 PM:

    " To the people picking apart Walmart, I would guess they pay their employees as much as any other retail store, including but not limited to Target, Frys, and Safeway. And there prices are lower for the consumer. "

    Mark C. wrote on Jun 23, 2008 2:53 PM:

    " Our trade imbalance grows every year as China amasses billions of dollars and uses that money to buy us out. How long before China has the leverage to destroy our economy at will? Choose to ignore the working conditions of Wal-Mart subcontractors in 3rd world countries if you must, choose to ignore the damage done to our working class and our small businesses if saving a few cents means that much to you, but please don’t ignore the consequences of an incredibly huge trade imbalance. We are effectively being conquered by China. "

    Jen wrote on Jun 23, 2008 2:53 PM:

    " I think it is funny how the same people who gripe about the current economy and how hard it is to survive. Gripe about paying lower prices at Wal-Mart and want to pay higher prices to a small businees. I doubt it. Liberals's stupidity continue to amaze me. "

    Un-American wrote on Jun 23, 2008 2:41 PM:

    " Just face it, if you buy Chinese products, you are traitor, and only make the day they take us over come sooner. "

    To Cheyenne wrote on Jun 23, 2008 2:15 PM:

    " How much government aid are you getting? How much assistance are you getting from other sources? Would you be able to support your 2 young girls and make your house payment on a Wal-Mart salary alone? Highly unlikely, except perhaps the top 5-6 employees in the store. You want people to do research, help us out... what position do you work, what does Wal-Mart pay and is it above or below the national average for someone with commensurate experience and training? "

    To Really wrote on Jun 23, 2008 12:13 PM:

    " You start with Wal-Mart, you get them to change thier ways or get out of town and then you move onto the next big box... Target most likely. What if 1 in 4 families stoped shopping at Wal-Mart until they changed thier ways or left town? We have the power to change the world, all we need to do is wake up and decide to make a differance. "

    concerned wrote on Jun 23, 2008 8:49 AM:

    " so what will happen to the old WalMart? Going to be a deserted eyesore for all of us to look at every day? "

    Cheyenne wrote on Jun 23, 2008 3:57 AM:

    " I am a single parent and I work in Walmart. I make house payments and am able to support my 2 young girls. The benefits are excellent. If you do your research you will see that not everyone at Walmart is a cashier and make minimum wage. Research before you type trash. "

    Free Market Steve wrote on Jun 22, 2008 8:50 PM:

    " I think Buena High needs to add a few economics courses to its curriculum. The consumers of Sierra Vista will appreciate the competition among the grocery stores and the subsequent lower priced goods. The Super Walmart will also provide more jobs. Low paying jobs? Maybe, but that is not my problem. 6 or 7 dollar an hour jobs are perfect for high school students or those beginning in the work place. If you are trying to raise a family on Walmart wages then you obviously made some BAD decisions in YOUR life. "

    Really wrote on Jun 22, 2008 8:44 PM:

    " Lets all beat up on Walmart, when Target pays the same wages, with the same benefits. I love shopping at Walmart, saves me money, that I can spend of adult toys, such as a sports car, and a Harley. "

    Plastic Patriot wrote on Jun 22, 2008 12:11 PM:

    " So Mr. Mike, what would qualify as a good job for more me? You'd like to folks close down thier stores and work as Wal-Mart associate managers instead wouldn't you? Whatever it takes to save you 5 cents on a pound of Chinese drug laced catfish, ehh? Maybe you should be working at Wal-Mart yourself, you know the easiest way to pay less in taxes, is to make less money, and the easiest way to make less money and enjoy less benefits is to work at Wal-Mart. "

    More for Mike wrote on Jun 22, 2008 11:55 AM:

    " Criminalize the wealthy? What planet are you livin on? Here on earth the wealthy (upper class) have it pretty good (those who have an annual income over 1 million) they know how to shelter thier money and they pay very little in taxes. Government rests on the shoulders of the middle class who pay most of the taxes, by middle class I mean those who earn more than 40K a year, or familes making 60K a year. "

    Winston Smith wrote on Jun 22, 2008 11:48 AM:

    " On the contrary, it is well documented that WALMART confronts it's suppliers with impossibly low prices it will pay and when they protest it shows them how to move thier manufacturing operations to third world operations that kick back to them. Meanwhile they target small stores and franchises and prices them out of business "

    Choices wrote on Jun 22, 2008 10:42 AM:

    " This is such great news. Now we have even more choices of things to buy in China! So much for being a conservative town. Sierra Vista has turned just like McBush. "

    To Mike wrote on Jun 21, 2008 11:15 PM:

    " Nobody FORCED the big corporations to move overseas, they greedily wanted to go. They are still getting the largest tax breaks and enabling legislation. They chose to move to maximize their profits, and screw the average American worker who was just beginning to be able to participate in the once possible American Dream that was only avilable to the Haves and Have Mores previously. Wal-Mart is just one of the world wide corporations who is eager to maximize profit at the expense of the country and peoplr that helped them establish their business. "

    Larry talbot wrote on Jun 21, 2008 8:30 PM:

    " Who has forced companies to move operations to China? WALMART, short and sweet. They tell thier suppliers they will only pay prices that reflect third world production. WALMART has done more harm to America than Osama ever will. "

    simplyme wrote on Jun 21, 2008 7:53 PM:

    " To fence sitting. Thanks for the information and clarification as that is something I really should know more about. Actually I think we should all know more about. "

    Fence-sitting wrote on Jun 21, 2008 10:55 AM:

    " To simplyme - AHCCCS is a hybrid system that uses funds from three sources - federal Medicaid monies, plus state and county contributions. So, you're partially right on that one. Visit www.azahcccs.gov/Site/AboutUs.asp for more info... "

    Little me wrote on Jun 21, 2008 10:01 AM:

    " We don't need another Detroit(pay so high)cars cost as much as our homes, then fold and leave a city devastated. An Exxon that reaps their profits as the rest go under just trying to live, another mortgage industry where we can take enough of our life savings to escrow to get someone to help unload what was our largest investment our homes. Wal-Mart doesn't employee rocket scientists, it may be your kids trying to help pay their schooling, your wife trying to help YOU support your family,your parents who can't live after they retired!!Come on folks-WAKE UP SMELL THE COFFEE "

    Ray wrote on Jun 21, 2008 9:37 AM:

    " My biggest gripe....it wasn't that long ago that Wal-Mart advertised "Buy American"... Remember that? Nowadays, you would be hard pressed to find something in Wal-Mart labeled "Made In The USA"!!! That's not Wal-Marts fault....it's the governments fault!!! "

    Plastic Patriot wrote on Jun 21, 2008 9:23 AM:

    " I suspect Bisbee taxpayers couldn't afford all the tax incentives and whatnot a Wal-Mart "plaza" requires. Plus Bisbee, while full of turkeys, seems a bit less domesticated than Sierra Vista... and everyone knows wild turkeys are smarter than domestic turkeys. People might actually resist a short term economic boost that does long term damage to all the other shops in the area. "

    Mark C. wrote on Jun 21, 2008 9:12 AM:

    " Maybe if that Mom realized that by shopping at Wal-Mart she was helping to remove other opportunites for her children from the market? I don't know about the door greeters being insincere... I can't help pitying them though... making $7 bucks an hour to stand there and try and put a friendly face on the whole Wal-Mart corperate Empire. "

    Mike wrote on Jun 21, 2008 8:07 AM:

    " Who has forced companies to move to China and elsewhere? The Left wing Liberals who criminalize the wealthy that is who. Of course they will go where it is more affordable to produce goods. I can't help but laugh at the liberal's stupidity. To Plastic Patriot if you would learn to speak proper English maybe you could get a good job. Hury up and build it. I am tired of paying Fry's high prices. "

    Anti-Sam Walton wrote on Jun 20, 2008 5:57 PM:

    " I'm sorry to read that that the Sam Walton complex has finally committed to Sierra Vista. I've visited the present W-M maybe 3 times in 12 years--not because I'm ideologically indisposed to the concept, but I don't want to be seen with the perfect cross-section of Americana--which ain't pretty, my friends. Paint me a snob, paint me as weird, paint me as an elitist--I don't care. It's just that I've never felt comfortable racing up and down the aisles, competing with the flip-flopped, curlers-in-the-hair, overweight moms dragging a slew of future WalMart customers, not to mention the insincere door greeters. "

    Wally N Beaver wrote on Jun 20, 2008 4:10 PM:

    " According to the Bisbee "charette", the lack of viable retail opportunities is a major problem preventing a viable economy there.

    Maybe WalMart could move this entire project to Bisbee and every Sierra Vista NIMBY whiner would be happy.

    Can't suck Bisbee any drier than it already is. "

    Mark C. wrote on Jun 20, 2008 3:51 PM:

    " Well you can't put Wal-Mart out of bussiness by not going there... far too many turkeys out there. All you can do is support the competition and hope they manage to stay in bussiness. "

    Hello wrote on Jun 20, 2008 11:56 AM:

    " I love Target much more than Wal-Mart too!!! But I am gung ho about Sam's Club. Loyal member for 5 years. Costco in Tucson is like the WalMart here. Trashy and dirty. Sam's club is well kept and nice. "

    Plastic Patriot wrote on Jun 20, 2008 10:02 AM:

    " We is paying them to build their Plaza in our city, giving them tax breaks and what not in exchange for jobs what don’t pay enough for folks to live right. So they can sell us their cheap junk, so as we have to go back soon to replace what we just bought with more junk made in a sweatshop somewhere in China. We are turkeys what drown because they can’t stop looking up into the sky during a rainstorm. Gobble, gobble, and look they done rolled back the price of a Gillette razor by 29 cents! "

    Plastic Patriot wrote on Jun 20, 2008 9:39 AM:

    " To Simplyme, What makes me laugh is all the folks what is just ignorant and our local government which keeps bringing miserable low paying jobs into the county. You’d think folks would be sick and tired of multi-billion dollar corporations freeloading off the American taxpayer. That we would ask Wal-Mart to pay folks what works in their stores enough so as they don’t need public assistance, or need to quit their jobs when medical bills comes up. "

    simplyme wrote on Jun 19, 2008 9:36 PM:

    " (cont)however, people did tell me they are having their baby then going back to work, or not get married until after the baby's birth so ACCCHS will pay the bill. Boy if that isn't a plan, they are smarter than the state of Arizona but might get caught. Yes, ACCCHS is an Arizona health plan no federal goven't funds. Wal-Mart is helping suck our state dry and Cochise Cty is already economically suppressed. I am not saying all people fall into this category. But, you know who you are. "

    simplyme wrote on Jun 19, 2008 9:25 PM:

    " TO PlasticPatriot, I appreciated your most recent article. For a moment though I thought you was bashin my redneck heritage. But as I read on I realized you are soooo right. I don't/won't understand why we do this to country. I work in the industry that deals with health insurance every day. You are right ACCCHS is being sucked dry thanks to this type of employer. (cont) "

    Plastic Patriot wrote on Jun 19, 2008 4:25 PM:

    " What's all this spew about the environment and the economic? All the products is made in China so we got no pollution there, all the folks what wants to work for 6-7 dollars an hour get's jobs, so their aren’t no problem there. Heck all most all the folks that work there be on food stamps, Access, and every other program the state of Arizona offers... so your pain the folks salaries anyway. If your already paying the folks what works there you might as well shop there. "

    We dont need no studies wrote on Jun 19, 2008 12:33 PM:

    " Plenty of studies can be found at: http://www.newrules.org/retail/walmartstudies.html "

    Mark C. wrote on Jun 19, 2008 8:36 AM:

    " Where is the economic impact analysis? Where is the environmental impact analysis? Is WalMart already running our city? "

    Concerned wrote on Jun 19, 2008 8:25 AM:

    " Have any studies been done to analyze the economic impact a Wal-Mart plaza would have on small business or wages in the area? It seems to me that the last thing this city needs is more jobs that don't pay their employees enough to stay of government assistance. "

    simplyme wrote on Jun 18, 2008 12:47 PM:

    " I go to Wal-Mart as a very last resort. The trash in the parking lot and store looks like a third world country. Why is it some stores are just so dirty? Look at Safeway in Bisbee, there is trash everywhere, cups with soda spilled, attracting ants, even baby diapers, broken bottles? I sure don't see Target's parking lot like that. A Co-Op is a great idea and I bet they don't put up with unruly kids and people trashing the store. Sam's Club, please put Wal-Mart out of town. "

    Mark C. wrote on Jun 18, 2008 9:17 AM:

    " Has anyone started organizing a citizens group to fight this monstrosity? "

    Plastic Patriot wrote on Jun 18, 2008 9:13 AM:

    " I shop at Wal-Mart because my religion teaches me that greed is good, that I’m not responsible for my fellow man, and that if I can save 5 cents on laundry detergent… the world is a better place. I shop at Wal-Mart because I believe I deserve to reap the benefits of child labor, substandard working conditions, substandard pay & benefits and that small businesses are in fact anti-American. God Bless Wal-Mart, because there is nothing more American than greed, and no corporation greedier than Wal-Mart! "

    Laura wrote on Jun 18, 2008 8:08 AM:

    " Ok....let me get this straight; there is going to be 3 traffic lights in a row on the parkway (hwy 90, lowes, & Avenida Escuela)!! I know SV is light crazy but this is nuts. Here we have the opportunity to do right and we mess it up in the beginning. Couldn't someone have planned it better?? It's not even up and I see problems. "

    To To Store Brands wrote on Jun 18, 2008 4:17 AM:

    " I'm sorry, I lost my spectacles, and had to get the bad taste out of my mouth. Now, what was it you said? Oh yeah, brand label salt, pepper, paper, rice, dry beans, flour, spices, and other staples are much better if you pay more. That is just fine with me. I'll keep saving the pennies,and you can pay for the advertising. It has worked for them on brand loyal customers. That's why they stay in business. They sell illusion. "

    S. V. Citizen wrote on Jun 17, 2008 12:40 PM:

    " I have to say I agree with Joe and John. Wal Mart USED to preach "American made products for Americans", but not anymore - their product selection seem to be trying to support the entire Chinese nation single-handedly. As for the traffic lights - wouldn't it seem to make more sense to limit access from Martin Luther King Blvd. only and keep the bypass as un-encumbered as possible?? What is a "bypass" for if it's laden down with traffic lights that are never "timed" with one another to keep traffic flowing? DUH!! "

    Get er done wrote on Jun 16, 2008 7:59 PM:

    " Many people are driving to Benson and Tucson to shop at Walmart and Cosco. Give you odds that most people know friends and relatives that make the drive. "

    Bull wrote on Jun 16, 2008 2:43 PM:

    " Wow; comparing what Osama has done to the US against what Walmart has done? I am speechless in the utter lead-paint drinking-derived thinking behind that comment. "

    Not the hater wrote on Jun 16, 2008 1:24 PM:

    " Okay, lets get the spew out of the way. Walmart is part of the great capitalist American satan. Socialism is the answer. Human beings are an infestation upon the planet. And, just so we are all reminded, Hillary Clinton was indeed on the corporate board for for you guessed it, while the Arkansas first lady. Maybe we can HOPE that they don't build, and have FAITH in more CHANGE in our pockets from the businesses that have been fleecing the military in this town 'lo these many years. NOT! Thanks and welcome, Wal-Mart! "

    Looking Farward wrote on Jun 16, 2008 12:07 PM:

    " I don't understand why people think that Wal-Mart is trying to put other stores out of buisiness. We should all be happy of the the price reduction that we all need! Thanks Wal -Mart for building a Super store and no more trips to Sams in Tucson!!! "

    To Store Brands wrote on Jun 16, 2008 9:48 AM:

    " If you think store brands are the same as name brands, your eyesight and taste buds are bad. "

    Waiting for Co-Op wrote on Jun 16, 2008 1:12 AM:

    " Forget about WalMart ... I am waiting for the Sierra Vista Food Co-op to open so I can get local natural foods instead of garbage imported from who knows where. "

    Store Brands wrote on Jun 16, 2008 12:41 AM:

    " Most store brands are exactly what you pay premium prices for, but doesn't include the packaging or advertising costs to make it "special". If it makes you feel better, go ahead and pay the extra 50% for "brand" names. It all comes out in the end. "

    Cant Wait wrote on Jun 15, 2008 7:23 PM:

    " And Soon There Be But One, not so, Walmart hasn't affected businesses that are competitive, just as Home Depot or Lowes hasn't affected Ace Hardware. These two grocerery stores in this town need a wake up call. Talk about stocking store brands, been into Fry's lately? "

    st sierravistan wrote on Jun 15, 2008 5:33 PM:

    " all the complaints we here now about Wal-mart are coming from the "Future Customers of Wal-Mart". So guys save your breath we know you all will be first in line. "

    Curious wrote on Jun 15, 2008 4:36 PM:

    " Red Lobster - Red Lobster - Red Lobster - GROSS! Go watch them at Fry's waiting for their death. "

    Curious wrote on Jun 15, 2008 4:34 PM:

    " Who cares if Wal-mart is the only grocery store? If it's large enough AND they can put a check-out person at every line. Safeway can't seem to turn the lights up so you can see what your buying and Fry's has a lot of checkout lines but on a friday - payday for a lot - 4 lines open at 5:30. WHY???? So Bring it on Wal-mart!!! "

    And Soon There Be But One wrote on Jun 15, 2008 1:32 PM:

    " So a Super Wal-Mart is going up and some think it is a wonderful thing. The Sam's Club wil be a good thing, the Super Wal-Mart maybe not so good. Thier goal is to drive the other food stores out of business. In my home town, a Super Wal-Mart opened and under cut the other grocery stores (regional chains) by selling below cost until they were forced to close. Then raised proces to recover and stocked more Wal-Mart brands to reduce costs. This is how they do business. What will happen when Wal-Mart is the only grocery store?? "

    John wrote on Jun 15, 2008 11:45 AM:

    " Who is the six largest buyer and importer, including nations not just companies, of Chinese goods in the world. You guessed it. After Sam Walton died, Wal- Mart became just another American company, like GM, that only cares about the next quarter's earnings statement and stock price. Not exactly a good corporate citizen. "

    curious wrote on Jun 15, 2008 9:32 AM:

    " YEAH!!!!! I'm glad were getting another grocery store. We only have two in Sierra vista (I don't count Food City) But more traffic lights..... bummer. "

    jack wrote on Jun 15, 2008 9:13 AM:

    " We'll see it when it happens but it sounds promising. "

    Winston Smith wrote on Jun 15, 2008 9:06 AM:

    " Oh Joy, another WALMART, and we wonder why the businesses on Fry are struggling. Americans will destroy thier own economy to save a nickel, WALMART has done more harm to America than Osama could dream "

    joe wrote on Jun 15, 2008 8:56 AM:

    " its about time they build a wal-mart supercenter...theyre all over the state except here. 3 more traffic lights though? this city has too many traffic lights already "

    Renee wrote on Jun 15, 2008 7:45 AM:

    " It's about time, The Sams club is a wonderful idea for those of us that are raising a family, we like to buy bulk in groceries. Thank you for this great idea. Sierra Vista needs a Sams club so that we don't have to drive to Tucson to Costco. WONDERFUL IDEA "

    mAE wrote on Jun 15, 2008 7:09 AM:

    " I hope super wal mart that has been promised over 10 years has better prices than the one in Benson does. The city has not approved plans and yet and we know What happened when Red Lobster tried to open here. So believe when you see it. Our city fathers only like dollar stores it seems "

    Cant wait wrote on Jun 15, 2008 6:03 AM:

    " It will get Safeway and Frys in line with their pricing, and selection of brand name products. "

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