Walmart effect hits Saline's Country Market grocery store with $1 million sales drop

15crown00

Sat, Jun 11, 2011 : 11:42 a.m.

bottom line on competing with wal-mart.no one can do it if WM chooses not to let them.what other store that sells groceries buys for 4500 stores in the US?And they also buy general merchandise for that many stores.this gives them the advantage of quantity which gives them the advantage of price to the consumers which in turn leads to more customers which in turn leads to more sales for them and less for their competitors.That's the real reason why they are so successful. almost all large general merchandisers feature foreign made goods,pay and benefits for employees are similar,stores look pretty much the same ,and basic procedures are pretty much the same. why then is Walmart as successful as it is?well the first paragraph answered that question. Like it or not no competitor of WM will ever be able to compete with WM BECAUSE OF THE ADVANTAGE that WM has. Remember no one forces u to shop anywhere.So make your choice and go for it.

jjc155

Mon, Jun 13, 2011 : 3:59 p.m.

@15 much of your post is correct. Walmart benefits from the efficiency of scale, which is perfectly fine in our economic system. What is incorrect about your post is that you state that no one will compete with walmart if "WM chooses not to let them." What you are missing is that in a price coordinated system as ours, the CONSUMER chooses who is competitive and who is not, not the companies that are competing with each other. All the companies can do is react to market trends that are based on price, whether it is the price of labor, price of supplies or the price that consumers are WILLING to pay for their products it all comes down to price in one form or another. There is no letting or not letting some one compete.

actionjackson

Sat, Jun 11, 2011 : 2:25 a.m.

For all the Buy Michigan and Buy American folks out there. Stand on the corner of Mich. Ave. and A2 Saline Rd. and remove any and all pieces of clothing that are not made in this country. We would have a nudist colony downtown.

XOXO

Sat, Jun 11, 2011 : 1:44 a.m.

hahaha i find all this very funny because they knew walmart was going to open a store there and yet they did nothing to keep customers. I used to work at country market but yet i shopped at walmart. for some people they may seem like walmart sucks. but really they dont they have everything in that store aka ONE shopping trip. Then most of there produts arent outdated. and best of all walmart has cheaper prices on majority EVERYTHING! My family stoped buying meat from country market because it was outdated and bad all the time. we go to walmart and we never have a promble. just like there yougart i got home and opened it and it was nasty spolied like it sat on a cart for to long before putting up, and yet again at walmart i have never had that issue. Plus the whole complex is for lease if you havent seen the huge sign outside of country market, why do u think the dollar tree moved and fashion bug went out of bussiness there. soon no one will be in that complex.

marcus

Fri, Jun 10, 2011 : 4:05 p.m.

High gas/commodity prices does have a dramatic effect on the price of food. The recent floods and abnormal weatheralso pays a huge role in the cost of food. Prices do go up when these type of vents/disasters happen

tim

Fri, Jun 10, 2011 : 11:06 a.m.

Is Walmart really cheaper ? I've found over time that if I want to by the products that I want to buy I don't really save much/any money at Walmart.

snapshot

Fri, Jun 10, 2011 : 5:31 a.m.

For you folks that can "afford" to complain about walmart competition, I say why do you fault folks for trying to save a buck? Compete or retreat. Would you argue that because your football team has bigger linemen, faster running backs, more agile and talented quarterbacks, that they should be banned from the field? I doubt it. You'd be cheering and bragging about them. Maybe we should legislate sports teams so that they all perform equally, would those teams be working as hard?

marcus

Fri, Jun 10, 2011 : 4:47 a.m.

Country Market is on life support because of poor quality of product and rude customer service. Folks should realize that fresheness and friendliness still go a long way despite of the recent economic downturn. Everyone has to remember that companies have to recover their money somehow with commodity prices and natural disasters. In the end, going several different places to save a buck does only one thing. Its a drain on your money and your gas tank!

iamwrite

Fri, Jun 10, 2011 : 2:04 p.m.

"Everyone has to remember that companies have to recover their money somehow with commodity prices and natural disasters." This statement does not make sense. Also, the canned food at Busch's and Country Market is of the same quality, so please stop make broad generalizations to troll Country Market.

townie54

Fri, Jun 10, 2011 : 4:42 a.m.

dont know how wall mart is.Never been in one and never will.The people of walmart site is funny though

Huron 74

Fri, Jun 10, 2011 : 3:50 a.m.

I have worked for Walmart as a contractor at several sites and they are the most arrogant group I have ever encountered. Like it or lump it is their attitude. Do some extra work for free or we'll get someone else next time. I really have to wonder about someone here who made derrogitory comments about Country Market's meat. The store in Saline has a great meat department with great deals. Hello, Wally World doesn't even HAVE a meat department. Just prepackaged crap full of preservatives. Scramble for pennies, ship the jobs out of state. Do you really save that much buying inferior goods?

XOXO

Sat, Jun 11, 2011 : 1:48 a.m.

ha thats funny because everytime i buy meat there it's outdates by atleast a month!

gern blanstead

Fri, Jun 10, 2011 : 11:23 a.m.

Right on Huron. Peope want proof of how they cut corners? Buy a T-shirt, like I did. The arm pits are cut on an angle so the area under your arm pit had NO material in it. Isn't that the purpose of a REAL t-Shirt, to absorb sweat? Not at Walmart. They will cut corners by cutting out things like cutting out 8 square inches from your shirt, but you only discover this when you get home and take the shirts out of the package. As for their meet, I bought a steak once and it looked like a steak., but texture was like only one thing that ever crossed my path, and that was silly putty. The steak snapped like rubber when you bit it and it did not even taste like beef. That was the last thing I bought there and that was two years ago when they opened.

Heady99

Fri, Jun 10, 2011 : 2:29 a.m.

Country Market/Polly's does not have good prices at all their produce is very poor quality and very expensive. Their meat is truly nothing special. Their employees are downright rude and don't want to help you at all. I was shocked to see a elderly lady ask a young boy that worked there if they had something in the back and all he did is go around the corner and hang out for a few minutes and came back and told the lady they didn't have it - I was shocked. It wouldn't be so bad if they just acted like they wanted you there. I've started avoiding Polly's and trying out other grocery stores in Ann Arbor and found that Krogers has some great specials and their produce is nice. I found that even driving back and forth from Chelsea that I still saved money.

TruBlue

Fri, Jun 10, 2011 : 2 a.m.

I never have cared for CM. High prices and some of the worst service I have dealt with. We stopped going to Busch's since you have to sign up for a card to get the specials. Get this...they MAIL it too you, who does that? LOL. Having a local business isn't a license to print money. You need to complete. If you are selling a commodity it's a race to the bottom on price. You need to compete in specialty areas where price isn't as important. For example, I shop at Plum Market because they have items I can't get anywhere else.

Shankar

Fri, Jun 10, 2011 : 12:06 a.m.

You know what is funny?? Many of my neighbors that ran a petition to block Walmart from coming here... actually shop there now... It's the Economy .. stupid!

pittsfieldfam

Fri, Jun 10, 2011 : 12:47 a.m.

ha ha....lol....if there was a "like" button, I would press it now....made me chuckle

Shankar

Fri, Jun 10, 2011 : 12:02 a.m.

We live very close to Walmart & Country market. When it was Farmer Jack, we loved to shop there, even over Busch's which always had better produce, but was kind of expensive. When this became Country Market, the produce quality went down the drain. I once found a pizza crust inside a package that had green mold. I called the stocker and showed it to him. He was so rude to me, as if I made an error. The only things we buy from them are.. bread/milk/soy milk/ and booze... Everything else we get from Buschs/Meijer/ and Yeah.. Walmart.. I would gladly shop at country market if they upped their game on the produce selection..

Happy Puppy

Thu, Jun 9, 2011 : 11:25 p.m.

I have been in this store exactly once, did not go back. I have to say, I have stopped going to Busch's in Saline also unless I have other things to do near there (dry cleaning, posti office). It is so much less expensive to go to Meijer/Target. I always thought - oh Busch's is so convenient what are a few more dollars a week - but then I realized how dumb that was and haven't been back. Also at Meijer I don't have to interact with cashiers if I don't want to - also a plus.

Mik

Thu, Jun 9, 2011 : 9:21 p.m.

True story: Last summer we needed to purchase some fresh mint (we were making mint juleps of course). We figured the local stores would have it in the produce section for sure. We tried Country Market, Busch's, and a couple of smaller produce shops. None of those stores had fresh mint. As a last resort my wife ran into Walmart to confirm that they, too, did not carry fresh mint at that time. Alas, to our dismay, Walmart had fresh mint -- locally grown. Dagger.

Cici

Thu, Jun 9, 2011 : 9:09 p.m.

I had no idea that the markup by local stores was so high!! I can now understand shoppers wanting to save $$. If people shop elsewhere, or at Walmart, it is their choice, and in today's economy, for many every dollar counts. Competition is the nature of capitalism, which is the nature of American business, not socialism. I don't necessarily like everything I have read or heard about Walmart, but certainly Costco, Sams Club etc. are all competitors to the businesses referred to. Just as Lowes and Home depot are to local hardware stores, lumber yards, etc.

jjc155

Fri, Jun 10, 2011 : 1:06 p.m.

Johnny you need to realize that for Nabisco (or any other company) it cost them alot less to deliver 100 items to one location instead of 10 items to 10 locations (such as small independant groceries). If Nabisco chooses to pass that savings on to Walmart who inturn passes it on to their customers in the form of lower prices, welllll thats what competition is all about. If you want a "level" playing field as you state, you need to find a place that runs under a price controlled economy. Do some reseach on price controls and let me know how it would be better.

johnnya2

Fri, Jun 10, 2011 : 1:43 a.m.

Competition would require playing on a level playing field. WalMart gets better deals on the products they buy from companies like Nabisco. That is not competition, that is a monopolistic practice. It would be like Wal Mart charging me $5 for something,t ehn giving it to you for $4.

debling

Thu, Jun 9, 2011 : 9:03 p.m.

Let's see here. Walmart projects $100 million in annual revenues and Country Market takes a $1 million loss in sales. Unless all of the Saline and Pittsfield stores lost about $99 million, I would say Walmart has been a huge boost to the local economy.

maxima284

Thu, Jun 9, 2011 : 8:59 p.m.

Britmom, You are correct. It was $71K. I was not looking on other sites before I stated my opinion. Please do respond next time to leave constructive comments and no attacks like "before you blab your mouth".

Bill

Thu, Jun 9, 2011 : 7:44 p.m.

What many people do not realize is that for many years, back when Sam Walton was alive and running Walmart, it was Walmart that kept many USA businesses alive. Walmart orders would be enough to keep a struggling manufacturing operation from closing its doors and sending the work offshore. Of course, we never hear about this from those who believe Walmart is so evil and bad for the community. I tried shopping at the Country Market that replaced the Farmer Jack's in Saline and felt there was a lack of quality, selection and customer service. The store owners can blame Walmart because it is convenient and easy way to justify their loss in business, but look at your own operation and make sure you have your house in order before placing the blame outside.

jjc155

Fri, Jun 10, 2011 : 1:54 p.m.

Matt- so I googled the rubbermaid thing with walmart that you said to look up. It appears as if Rubbermaids cost of production (capital materials) went up, therefore the price from Rubbermaid to Walmart increased and Walmart chose to purchase and sell more of a lower cost competitor of Rubbermaid's. Sounds EXACTLY like a price coordianted economy at work to me. Why should Walmart cut into their profits by going with a higher priced product (rubbermaid). The article I read quoted a former Rubbermaid Exec as saying "Rubbermaid earned Walmarts wrath by not giving them the best prices" (LOL) NOOOOO they were out competed by other plastic container producers, LOL. Please explain how Rubbermaids failure to compete in the market is Walmarts fault or problem. They are NOT responsible for the success or failure of ANY company except Walmart. Man this stuff is not hard to understand at all. Economics is about as black and white as it comes when you break it down to the absolute smallest pieces of supply/demand and prices (and by prices I mean everything from the cost of materials, shipping, wages etc).

Matt Cooper

Thu, Jun 9, 2011 : 11:33 p.m.

Right. They kept companies from going under. Can you say "Rubbermaid"? Google it.

RonC

Thu, Jun 9, 2011 : 7:38 p.m.

Not defending Wal-mart here at all but it never fails to amuse me how Wal-mart gets so much abuse and every other big box store gets a free pass. I'm sure Meijer has run a few "mom & pop" stores out of business. Target and Costco too for that matter.. And the beloved Borders sure did a number on more than a few bookstores didn't it? Where's the hate for all the others?

major2mommy

Fri, Jun 10, 2011 : 3:19 a.m.

Regarding Mr Coopers #4: Meijer does however make you have to join their union and takes out union dues from every paycheck whether you want to be part of their union or not.

snoopdog

Fri, Jun 10, 2011 : 2:14 a.m.

@RonC, this might be the best damn post I have ever seen on A2.com, brilliant and bulletproof ! Good Day

Shankar

Fri, Jun 10, 2011 : 12:09 a.m.

Great Point.. Thanks for raising this... When many here had anti-walmart petitions predicting the demise of local businesses, I just asked if they'd be so opposed if it was a home Depot / Lowes or Meijer that was coming there.. Their answer was a vacant stare.....

Matt Cooper

Thu, Jun 9, 2011 : 11:32 p.m.

1. Meijer has never purposefully manipulated, both illegally and unethically, any retail market. 2. Maijer has never forced its hourly employees to work through their lunches and breaks. 3. Meijer has never, at least to my knowledge, faced any type of discrimination lawsuit. 4. Meijer has never refused to allow workers to unionize (Walmart faces a multitiude of lawsuits for firing employees for even saying the word "union" on company property).

jjc155

Thu, Jun 9, 2011 : 7:27 p.m.

Wow so the price coordinated free market system is doing exactly what it is supposed to, shocking.

jjc155

Fri, Jun 10, 2011 : 1:16 a.m.

Man my phone is killing me should be Thomas sowell.

jjc155

Fri, Jun 10, 2011 : 1:14 a.m.

Darn touchy phone lol. Last post should have ended with "whether you like it or agree with it it not"

jjc155

Fri, Jun 10, 2011 : 1:07 a.m.

Matt please invest in the excellent book by economist Thomas Nowell called. Basic economics. Then when u done with 700 plus pages u will understand that walmart is in no way a monopoly or a cartel or anyof the other like groups. You will also understand what has happened is indeed what can ans should occur in a competitive price coordinated system whetthe

pittsfieldfam

Fri, Jun 10, 2011 : 12:42 a.m.

@cooper Funny....monopoly? I am not supporting Walmart here, but do not believe that Walmart is a Monopoly when you have the likes of Super Targets, or sometimes called Target Greatlands (we just don't have any in SE Mich), and Meijer (which has expanded to SEVERAL states now, I don't think Walmart has hurt them, they just chose to "reinvent" themselves....kudos to them). I would think this was the case if no other superstore were around....

Matt Cooper

Thu, Jun 9, 2011 : 11:34 p.m.

Not when you have one company illegally manipulating the entire system. No. That's not how it's supposed to work. Secondly...have you ever heard of anti-trust, or monopoly laws?

miman

Thu, Jun 9, 2011 : 7:01 p.m.

After Farmer Jack had went out of business and Country Market moved into there old space. I visited Country Market and was totally put-off with the store. The smell was the first thing that hit me and the place did not look very clean at all. I was not at all impressed with the place. You get what you pay for but in there case you pay a lot for so little. Can't compete with ANYONE with conditions like that.

AlwaysLate

Thu, Jun 9, 2011 : 6:55 p.m.

I gave Country Market several chances before and after Walmart arrived. But, the market was always dingy...not clean. The "fresh" fish and meat departments always looked days old. And their "Bate & Switch" and "Minimum Purchase" specials are a huge turn off. When Walmart arrived I thought the Polly's group would do some upgrades and/or improvements. But, they didn't... I'm not a Walmart fan, but I rank them above Country Market.

John B.

Thu, Jun 9, 2011 : 7:31 p.m.

I think you mean 'bait and switch.'

Mr. Tibbs

Thu, Jun 9, 2011 : 6:25 p.m.

all this a a bag of cheap chips. the price you pay for turning your back on your nieghbors to save a buck.... what happened to my america? oh the jobs they provide for the community? you pay the bills on less than 9 bux an hour. and then there is this china thing going on. is there anything at walmart that isn't chinese made?

Charlie Brown's Ghost

Fri, Jun 10, 2011 : 12:14 p.m.

"is there anything at walmart that isn't chinese made?" LEGO. "you pay the bills on less than 9 bux an hour" More bills then you pay than when you're unemployed. Good Night and Good Grief

Matt Cooper

Thu, Jun 9, 2011 : 6:07 p.m.

Still more from your wonderful Walmart (which saves you money, but at what real cost?): <a href="http://www.forbes.com/2004/06/23/cx_da_0623topnews.html" rel='nofollow'>http://www.forbes.com/2004/06/23/cx_da_0623topnews.html</a> <a href="http://www.nytimes.com/2011/04/07/opinion/07thu1.html?_r=1" rel='nofollow'>http://www.nytimes.com/2011/04/07/opinion/07thu1.html?_r=1</a> As one former executive with Walmart stated, "Lower prices lead to lower wages, which leads to a lower quality of life!" The fact of the matter, and almost all economists agree, is that Walmart is bad for local economy as well as the national economy through its patently unfair labor practices.

marcus

Thu, Jun 9, 2011 : 6:02 p.m.

I don't see why any person would shop in the Saline Country Market in the first place. The perishables are always nasty and always expired. Employees are downright rude and it is very obvious that the management doesn't care by the way the store is setup. Buschs might be more expensive but thas where i do my grocery shopping every week dut to their superior quality of food and excellent treatment of customers.

Matt Cooper

Thu, Jun 9, 2011 : 6:02 p.m.

I know most of you people won't even watch it because it's just so much easier to play ostritch and bury our collective heads in the sand and pretend that Walmart really isn't the devil, but the PBS show Frontline did a really nice piece in the Walmart phenomenon. <a href="http://www.pbs.org/wgbh/pages/frontline/shows/walmart/view/" rel='nofollow'>http://www.pbs.org/wgbh/pages/frontline/shows/walmart/view/</a> Walmart is killing Americas economy by sending billions of dollars to China, using unfair manipulation of retail markets both here and abroad, and unfair labor practices. They are facing discrimination lawsuits based on age, sex and physical handicap in every state in the union. <a href="http://www.huliq.com/10559/walmart-gender-discrimination-lawsuit-may-make-us-history-largest-class-action" rel='nofollow'>http://www.huliq.com/10559/walmart-gender-discrimination-lawsuit-may-make-us-history-largest-class-action</a> <a href="http://www.cbsnews.com/stories/2002/12/20/national/main533818.shtml" rel='nofollow'>http://www.cbsnews.com/stories/2002/12/20/national/main533818.shtml</a> <a href="http://www.npr.org/blogs/thetwo-way/2011/03/28/134919911/wal-mart-sex-discrimination-case-being-closely-watched" rel='nofollow'>http://www.npr.org/blogs/thetwo-way/2011/03/28/134919911/wal-mart-sex-discrimination-case-being-closely-watched</a>

P.T.

Thu, Jun 9, 2011 : 6:01 p.m.

I am not a walmart fan....don't like their overall practices. I know that many seniors depend on them for low prices for meds, etc. Saline has 3 major grocery stores -- we are not a large city by any means so obviously money spent will be spread around. I feel sorry for Country Market. They have nice people -- I don't know what "high prices" they are talking about, I always get great items on sale. I don't like the produce either. I understand that most of the walmart shoppers come from a 35-45 mile radius -- hopefully our Saline folks are shopping locally. This economy is sucking the life out of many businesses without a walmart added in -- too bad Pittsfield let them in.

Bob

Thu, Jun 9, 2011 : 5:58 p.m.

Did I miss something? Are people being forced to shop at Walmart? My wife and I choose not to and we support, as much as possible, local businesses. That's our choice. I hope Walmart shoppers are making the best choice for themselves.

bulldog01

Thu, Jun 9, 2011 : 5:25 p.m.

I go where the prices are the lowest - sorry, but the dollar only goes so far.

BTPud

Thu, Jun 9, 2011 : 4:21 p.m.

I know that WalMart is a popular villain, but let's look closer to home before we start pointing fingers. This particular Country Market always has expired or about to expire food that abounds. Their meat looks oxidized and fatty, and their produce, well- you'd better plan and eat it the day you buy it, or you'll end up with a rotten mess on your counter or in the fridge. The employees are unhelpful at best, and downright rude at worst. Nothing ever looks clean, the products on the shelves are dusty, and the store always has that slightly rotten scent to it. The prices are lower than Busch's, sure, but more expensive than Meijer or Kroger (which are headquartered in Grand Rapids and Cincinnati, both local, IMO). Plus- that $1 mil. sales drop- does that take into account the manager who was arrested last year for taking thousands from the store?

John B.

Thu, Jun 9, 2011 : 5:46 p.m.

Quite an axe, there. I would suggest shopping at Busch's and/or Meijer if you don't like CM. Contrary to popular myth, Busch's is quite competitive with the other local grocery stores. They all are - they have to be. Retail grocery is an extremely competitive, razor-thin profit-margin business - I know I wouldn't want to be in it....

John A2

Thu, Jun 9, 2011 : 4:13 p.m.

Lucifer will be welcomed with open arms, and all of Gods children will suffer. Where did I hear that? HMMM

obviouscomment

Fri, Jun 10, 2011 : 2:27 p.m.

...so walmart is satan and god's children are people who have higher incomes and can afford to shop at higher priced local retailers??? where is that in the bible???

John A2

Thu, Jun 9, 2011 : 4:03 p.m.

Walmarts needs to go........................................................................................................

TruBlue

Fri, Jun 10, 2011 : 1:53 a.m.

Why? Show an argument otherwise it's just trolling.

Bob

Thu, Jun 9, 2011 : 6 p.m.

Why? If it didn't meet some people's needs, it would die on the vine.

Atticus F.

Thu, Jun 9, 2011 : 3:46 p.m.

In my oppinion, most of the anti walmart crowd have moderate to high incomes, and simply can't stand to see the poor having any quality of life. If you can't afford to buy a $500 bycicle, then you should simply walk...Thats the attitude that I see displayed by most of these folks.

tracyann

Thu, Jun 9, 2011 : 3:35 p.m.

I agree that Busch's has way better produce and meat than Country Market, but who are these people who think C.M. has high prices? I spend half as much at C.M. than I would at Busch's for the same products.

John B.

Thu, Jun 9, 2011 : 5:42 p.m.

Nonsense. Half as much? Not remotely possible. The profit margin at a grocery store is extremely small.

Atticus F.

Thu, Jun 9, 2011 : 3:05 p.m.

In what way do all of these people think that mom and pop stores grow our economy? Most of the small business owners I've worked for only employ a small number of people, and they usually pay only minimum wage, while they drive around in a new F150, and live in a 300k house. Just my personal experience with small business owners.

jjc155

Tue, Jun 14, 2011 : 8:13 p.m.

JOhn B-not sure how this debate has even become about walmart's employees and what they get paid (other than if you are trying to use falicous reasoning in that IF walmart spent more on wages then County Market would losing less??) but if walmart is complying with federally mandated minum wage laws (with if you truely do the research do more harm to the employee than good) than there is no problem is there. If costco pays so much better than walmart employees are more than free to leave walmart and become employee's of costco (or any other company for that manner). I love when people pound their fist that companies are there to do ANY other than make as much money for their shareholders as possible. Walmart is not a social service agency. Not to mention that Costco (membership) and Walmart (open to the public for no fee) is like comparing apples to oranges.

John B.

Thu, Jun 9, 2011 : 5:40 p.m.

Costco pays its employees about DOUBLE what Sam's Club pays. Sorry to burst your bubble, guys.

obviouscomment

Thu, Jun 9, 2011 : 4:17 p.m.

exactly...pretty much all grocery stores pay their employees minimum wage or not much more.

salinesal

Thu, Jun 9, 2011 : 2:58 p.m.

Walmart is not the enemy. They provide goods and services that people want at prices that people can afford. That success under free market competition is as American as apple pie. Walmart may hurt other businesses that are not as competitive, but at the same time, they provide jobs and additional business to the area. If Walmart has an unfair advantage due to tax payer entitlements that the government provides it's under paid workers, that's the peoples and the governments fault. End all the government entitlements, then you will see true free market changes. Smaller business will be more competitive as Walmarts cost of doing business will go up. You can't blame Walmart for taking advantage of the system. Besides the Government loves Walmart because they pay a lot of employment and property taxes. Our laws, rules and regulations actually favor big business and punish small business.

John B.

Thu, Jun 9, 2011 : 5:39 p.m.

Walmart's employees are receiving foodstamps about half the time, and their children are uninsured or are on Medicaid with about the same frequency. You and I pay for that via our taxes. So you are taxing yourself when you shop there. Is it worth it? Not when it is also untrue that Walmart's prices are the lowest, as far as I am concerned. People should really get better informed, and look at the larger picture, but sadly, they don't. To paraphrase Forrest Gump: ignorance is as ignorance does.

salinemom2712

Thu, Jun 9, 2011 : 2:47 p.m.

In the 20+ years that I have lived in Saline I have been a dedicated Busch's shopper, mainly for their excellent quality meat, seafood and produce. When Farmer Jack/Country Market and Wal-Mart opened I tried them a couple of times in an effort to save money, but quickly retured to Busch's. I might pay a little more for can goods but I'm getting meat and produce that is fresh and can be saved for days without going bad. Plus I can check out quickly, using coupons that are doubled, unlike Wal-Mart. I strongly believe in shopping locally to support the Michigan econmy and Busch's , along with the Saline and Ann Arbor Farmer's Markets, meet my goal.

clownfish

Thu, Jun 9, 2011 : 2:14 p.m.

Mal-Wart had a company policy of telling employees to take advantage of public services because they, Mal-wart, would not pay living wages. If you get upset over people "taking" your tax dollars, shopping at malwart is counterproductive. A memo from M. Susan Chambers, Wal-Mart's executive vice president for benefits acknowledged that 46 percent of the children of Wal-Mart's 1.33 million United States employees were uninsured or on Medicaid. Guess who pays for medical care for those kids? The people that complain about high taxes. Meanwhile, as mentioned, the owners are wealthy beyond any persons needs. Greed used to be a sin, now it is worshiped in this allegedly "Christian nation".

Dot

Thu, Jun 9, 2011 : 11:59 p.m.

If not for Walmart corporate "greed" perhaps the employees entire family would be on welfare, food stamps AND Medicaid! Even higher taxes colwnfish! So it appears that Walmart has saved us money in more ways than we realized!! : ) <---- big yellow smiley face

clownfish

Thu, Jun 9, 2011 : 2:09 p.m.

Shop Wal-Mart, support Chinese business. Wal-Mart has lots of hidden costs that we end up paying. They have more lawsuits filed against them than any other company, this clogs our court system as they can use their might to drag out cases for years. And no, these are not all "frivolous lawsuits", but serious allegations brought by consumers, employees and suppliers. Mal-Wart drives suppliers out of business too, they desire lower and lower cost products until finally suppliers cannot do it anymore, but too late, they focused their business on supplying Mal-War and now have no other cusotmers. Mal-War then buys from Communist countries like China and Vietnam. Nothing wrong with the free market, but Mal-wart is The market run amok. Do you know what the Waltons really need? Tax breaks. They and the Kochs are simply hurting under the socialist empire we live in now. Poor folks!

jns131

Thu, Jun 9, 2011 : 2:03 p.m.

If you sell what I need, I will shop there. Polly was a five and dime store that sold basic necessities. So if I was looking for a red waste basket would Polly's sell it? No. Wal Mart does. So there goes Polly for what I consider the best place to shop. Wal Mart. Gee, come to think of it? If I take my sales ad from Meijer and a few others and shop there. They do take competitor ads. Sorry Polly, but you don't sell what I need in this day and age. One stop shopping, not five. Good luck.

Tom Wilkinson

Thu, Jun 9, 2011 : 1:52 p.m.

All of Walmart's customers are 'local people' too who have made the decision to shop there. If the 'community' did not want Walmart, then Walmart would have no customers and would leave town: problem solved. In Ann Arbor, Plum Market (more or less locally-owned) opened in competition with big box stores and is doing well by intelligently serving a niche in the market. I buy paper towels at Walmart and fancy groceries at Plum Market. Plum Market did not open with huge square footage in an attempt to be a traditional grocery store: they reacted to new market conditions. In effect, the anti-Walmart contingent wants to 'tax' me with higher prices on paper towels to subsidize their ideas about what makes a good community (ie, mom and pop stores selling commodity items at high prices). When Briarwood opened, people said it would be the death of downtown Ann Arbor. In fact, the downtown shoe stores did close and were replaced by galleries, upscale restaurants, and a vibrant set of new businesses serving a new market. That's the way the market is supposed to work.

Jack

Fri, Jun 10, 2011 : 6:16 a.m.

I think what some people are trying to point out is that by shopping at Walmart you may, in the long run, actually be hurting your community and your country. For example, Walmart apparently is largely responsible for the demise of American fan companies due to its importation of cheap fans from China. The $20 box fans one used to buy now all come from China and they are poorly made. I can barely get them to stand up by themselves and they only last for a few years. So not only have American companies been driven out of business, consumers now pay the same price for a lousy product.

John B.

Thu, Jun 9, 2011 : 5:33 p.m.

Is Plum Market still in business? Way overpriced, not a good business model at all in my opinion. I'm surprised they are still around. You are taxing yourself by shopping at Walmart, as most of their employees need food stamps to survive, and you and I pay for those via our taxes. You need to look at the larger picture, in my opinion.

jns131

Thu, Jun 9, 2011 : 2:05 p.m.

People said the same thing about Traders Joes. I shop there when I am in the area. They have things I can't find anywhere else. Even though they are pricey.

Christy Sargent Anderson

Thu, Jun 9, 2011 : 1:48 p.m.

Walmart has one of the largest class action lawsuits against it of any retail chain in history due to unfair wages. Walmart closes stores that try to unionize. Walmart owners are 5 of the top 10 richest Americans in 2010, yet they provide little to nothing in health insurance for its employees. Walmart puts mom and pop businesses, that are better neighbors in the community, out of business.

jns131

Thu, Jun 9, 2011 : 2:10 p.m.

That happened here in Ypsi. Wal Greens moved in on the corner of Prospect and Michigan. The local drugstore on Ecorse? Shut down because it could not compete. The sad thing about it was they were the only ones who did local service deliveries for their elderly. Sad.

maxima284

Thu, Jun 9, 2011 : 1:42 p.m.

If it isn't Walmart, it was going to be somebody else. You just cannot compete with lower prices at Walmart than with another higher-priced grocery chain. I am actually a Saline resident and when preferring where to shop, I would rather shop at a Walmart than a Country Market. Country Market prices are similar to Busch's and don't have that many deals, or options. I shop at Walmart for all my basic needs, and my meat and produce at Busch's because they have a higher quality than both. Like I said though, if it isn't Walmart, it was going to be somebody else. Once Costco comes in, all the shoppers at Walmart will now go to Costco. Plus, don't hit on Walmart. They did a great job moving a to Pittsfield Township - their Ypsilanti Walmart is a disgrace and disgusting compared to this one. Would I rather have them built a better and more upscale Target? Yes, but Walmart will do. PS. Did anyone not mention Country Market had that employee who stole $250K over time? Does that not count in their losses?

John B.

Thu, Jun 9, 2011 : 5:29 p.m.

Yes, but Costco pays a living wage (nearly twice what Sam's Club pays!), so those folks don't need to be on food stamps to make ends meet, so you and I don't have to pay for said food stamps! People need to understand the larger picture. And it is a myth to say that Walmart is cheaper - most of the time, that isn't even true!

BritMom

Thu, Jun 9, 2011 : 3:08 p.m.

Emily, get your facts straight before you blab your mouth. It wasn't 250K. It wasn't even a 100K.

Steve Hendel

Thu, Jun 9, 2011 : 1:38 p.m.

It's called "competition," folks. Isn't that what we believe in? After all, no one from Walmart stands outside the store and ropes customers into the place. People are voting with their wallets, and they have every right to do that.

Atticus F.

Thu, Jun 9, 2011 : 7:23 p.m.

John b. she also made about $10/hr. I find it hard to believe costco employees are making $20/hr...Please enlighten us as to where you get your info?

John B.

Thu, Jun 9, 2011 : 7:19 p.m.

...and she still made far less than if she had worked at Costco. By a lot. ...and how large do you think those profit-sharing checks are lately? Zero?

Atticus F.

Thu, Jun 9, 2011 : 5:40 p.m.

John b, my girlfriend used to work at sams club. She usually got a profit sharing check of around $5000-$7000 each year.

John B.

Thu, Jun 9, 2011 : 5:26 p.m.

Walmart's new-employee training sessions include how to apply for foodstamps. They have to, because no one can survive on what they pay. You and I pay for that via our taxes. Look also at Sam's Club vs. Costco: Costco pays their employees about DOUBLE what Sam's Club pays theirs, on average. Costco has very happy, highly-productive employees, therefore, and only needs half as many people per same-size store to operate. And none of those Costco employees need foodstamps to survive.

Atticus F.

Thu, Jun 9, 2011 : 3:12 p.m.

clown fish, the 'trade deficit' is nothing but a fancy way of saying we make a higher wage than the people in China. There's a trade deficit becuase the average Chinese citizen can't afford to buy products made in America. I would be extremely worried if there was no trade deficit.

clownfish

Thu, Jun 9, 2011 : 2:17 p.m.

People do not realize the end costs of shopping there. Ever heard of the trade deficit? To most people it is just some mythical number they her on the radio. The reality is that by buying cheap Chinese crap it costs jobs and causes lower wages, which leads people to want to shop at walmart (which in reality does not always sell for less, another myth)

Hammer

Thu, Jun 9, 2011 : 1:33 p.m.

Country Market's sales declined because a competitor moved in next door. That shouldn't be a surprise to anyone. I'll bet Busch's sales declined when Country Market moved in.

jrm.jr

Thu, Jun 9, 2011 : 6:10 p.m.

I was thinking the same thing

xmo

Thu, Jun 9, 2011 : 1:30 p.m.

"12-store Country Market chain" is having problems with it's store in Saline. Is Walmart the blame? Maybe Country Market needs to get a new marketing manager in the Saline area and come up with a new marketing plan to beat the "Generic Giant".

tdw

Thu, Jun 9, 2011 : 1:29 p.m.

I was just thinking.How many of you " buy local " people drive a foreign car ?

Les Gov

Thu, Jun 9, 2011 : 1:19 p.m.

How funny! Lots of folks talk about buying local or buying MI made products!! Yet the local voters keep electing people that spend our tax dollars for products and services that are from out of state or out of country. I have to ask,why is it ok for our local government to spend our tax dollars out of state but it isn't. Ok for us local people to shop at a store like Walmart or Sam's Club?

Larry Houle

Thu, Jun 9, 2011 : 1:14 p.m.

Goober, you just had to mention taxes. I am retired on fixed income and the top executives at Walmart paid a lower percentage in Federal Income tax on their gross earnings than what I did on mine.

Jack

Fri, Jun 10, 2011 : 6:06 a.m.

Nonetheless, I read the Walmart is one of the few very large corporations that actually paid taxes to the US Treasury. For that, I praise them. Not much else I like about them, though, but I've never been in one, on the other hand. I had read in previous years that they were big on hiring illegals immigrants, paying them low wages, counseling them on how to get welfare and medical benefits, etc., all at taxpayers expense. Not at all a good scenario.

Lac Court Orilles

Thu, Jun 9, 2011 : 1 p.m.

Lost your job yet, keep shopping at WalMart ! How can local citizens be so stupid all knowing that for every dollar spent at WalMart is a dollar spent against themselves. Make a deal with the Devil, and you'll pay and pay and pay forever.

obviouscomment

Thu, Jun 9, 2011 : 4:06 p.m.

you've obviously never had a seriously limited budget...i understand the idea behind buying local...but when someone is living paycheck to paycheck and has maybe $50 a week to spend on food for their family they have no choice but to shop where they can get the best prices for everything...i find it extremely shallow of you to assume that people are just being stupid when they are trying to save money...i don't know what other option there is but it seems that the US has not come up with a better solution for these victims of the fallen economy

Blue Marker

Thu, Jun 9, 2011 : 2:05 p.m.

Freedom of choice is an American value too. I happen to agree with you in that I try and buy local and USA when ever I can. Stadium Hardware vs. Lowe's, that sort of thing. But calling people stupid is no way to get someone to consider your point of view. I never go to Walmart and I never will. I've almost become obsessed with local and USA purchases. Not easy to do these days.

Anna Mae Trievel

Thu, Jun 9, 2011 : 12:57 p.m.

My parents live right near WalMart and Country Market. After they moved in, we started shopping for certain items at Country Market - notably Boar's Head deli meats. As East Coasters, we also enjoyed their fresh bread and rolls selection. We would typically pick up a few other things while we were there. They've stopped carrying Boar's Head, so I've pretty much stopped going there. I will also concur that I was never a fan of their produce. We've been paying more for Boar's Head at Hiller's since they made this decision.

donderop

Thu, Jun 9, 2011 : 12:56 p.m.

Keep all your ridiculous behemoth stores. Aldi has everything I need at a fraction of the price and I don't need hiking shoes and GPS to get through the experience.

jrigglem

Thu, Jun 9, 2011 : 12:52 p.m.

"The Walmart Effect" shouldn't have anything to do with this business failing. Where are all those people that claimed they would never set foot inside of a Walmart and yet everyday the parking lot is full. Country Market is losing its customers because everything in that plaza is now moving across the street. Plus with the high prices and cold atmosphere, the thought of walking into Country Market is a nightmare.

iamwrite

Thu, Jun 9, 2011 : 12:43 p.m.

It is hard to go to Country Markety after they stopped carrying the Michigan brand Boar's Head lunch meat. Kind of reduntant to promote Michigan, yet not carry Boar's Head. Good sales on beer though...

CONCERNED CITIZEN

Thu, Jun 9, 2011 : 12:42 p.m.

I live in Saline and have shopped at all of the grocery stores...Buschs is by far the best but very pricey. I used to shop at Farmer Jacks/Country Market and it was my favorite, however, now it is almost depressing to go into..old, not well kept up etc. Walmart is cheap and you can do alot of different shopping at one location, however, I don't like the fact that almost everything comes from a foreign country and many of the patrons are so classic "walmart people" like the ones you get e-mails about. You have to wonder where these people live? I personally like the convenience of stopping for a few items and getting in and out...not easily done at Walmart. I think the best store in the area is the Meijers on Jackson Road...I wish it was closer to Saline!!!!!!!!!

tneal

Thu, Jun 9, 2011 : 12:31 p.m.

I agree with the other people who commented about the high price and poor quality of the products at Country Market. We stopped in to buy meat that was advertised, but could not get past the smell and browing of the meat in the packages. This did not make me go shop at Walmart, it just made me not want to shop at Country Market.

Carole

Thu, Jun 9, 2011 : 12:26 p.m.

Think local, buy local. That is the only way we will bring our great nation back by supporting those businesses that are right here in the good ole USA -- I know times are definitely tough, but if we all work together, we can do it. Another great way of supporting local folks is shop at the many farmer's markets -- goes right to the farmer. Walmart has a reputation of being "funds for owners" and not a very good reputation with regard to how they treat their employees -- Again, think local, buy local -- USA made "stuff".

Carole

Fri, Jun 10, 2011 : 12:02 p.m.

I have found that my grocery bill was considerably lower shopping at farmer market -- fruits, veggies, and baked goods much fresher and a great deal of less of many items I don't need that when I go to the grocery store seem to find there way into my cart.

Dot

Thu, Jun 9, 2011 : 11:48 p.m.

It's worth repeating - If I had to feed my family with locally grown food from locally owned stores, I know for a fact that we would not eat as nutritiously as we do. I couldn't afford to. Farmer's Market? Been there done that. Not in my budget. Before I prioritize local shop owners and food growers, so the money "goes right to the farmer", I need to prioritize my basic needs fitting into my basic budget. Perhaps local vendors can realize that "times are definitely tough", and "support local" .... BUYERS!

slug

Thu, Jun 9, 2011 : 11:57 a.m.

Boo Hoo. Does the "WalMart Effect" include growth in other industries since their fateful arrival? We never would have shopped or eaten in Saline if it had not been for the Walmart. Now we regularly have lunch or dinner in the area and frequent other stores. As to worrying about Polly's/Country Market, I hope they never opened new stores in areas where they put Mom & Pop small groceries in jeopardy or even out of business. It's called a "food chain" in an ocean sense, where there will always be smaller fish eaten by other fish. Eventually it evens out and the consumers decide who they will support and I can nearly guarantee that there will be more than just the standing.

johnnya2

Fri, Jun 10, 2011 : 1:38 a.m.

I hope you feel this way when you are say 50 and a kid from college say he can do yoru job for half what you can, then nobody hires you because you are too old to compete with a young hungry college kid. That is also the "food chain". In fact, the food chain was alss used int he past to justify not hiring women (like WalMart does) as managers because they might go have a baby and screw up productivity.

keepitbalanced

Thu, Jun 9, 2011 : 11:57 a.m.

People should watch the documentary "The high cost of a low price." Walmart drives down wages, discriminates and leaves people uninsured. Their executives take bets on how long local businesses will last when a new Walmart moves in. I have shopped at Walmart and was sucked into the whole "it's so cheap" idea. I ended up buying items that I really did not need. In conclusion, Walmart just sucks away your money to feed their machine.

johnnya2

Fri, Jun 10, 2011 : 1:35 a.m.

The true problem is WalMart can come in, undercut the current business and then has a mini-monopoly. They also use TAXPAYER dollars to get infrastructure for their massive stores. Why should I pay one single dime of MY money to help fund an expanded road or sewer. If Wal Mart wants to build it there, they can pay all those costs I also have a major problem with a company not offering benefits to employees, or encouraging them to apply for assistance from the state. It is pure corporate welfare. They also LIE when they say they are American in their products. If you advertise one thing and provide another, you are committing FRAUD. Finally, if any person wants to know why the economy has been in the dumps for so long, it is due to the Walmartization of the country. Everybody ants cheap. Gettting cheap means YOUR job will get paid less, and it is a spiral to the bottom. A new hire at GM ($14 per hour) could not afford to buy a GM product. If you pay your people enough, they can spend more money at your place of business.

Dot

Thu, Jun 9, 2011 : 11:41 p.m.

"I have shopped at Walmart and was sucked into the whole "it's so cheap" idea. I ended up buying items that I really did not need" And that, my friend, is a personal restraint issue. Buying items that you didn't "need" because they were "cheap"?? That's another article entirely, and I assure you it has NOTHING to do with the morals of corporate Walmart! "Walmart just sucks away your money to feed their machine" Walmart doesn't "suck" my money away. I know what I need and can buy there that is the best value. I shop at Walmart ... Meijer, and Kroger. Sometimes, but rarely, Busch's. I know what I need and want to buy and if one store offers enough of what I need at a better price - I buy those items there. Whereas I may buy the rest of my food and supplies at another store. Free-enterprise - it's the American way. If I had to feed my family with locally grown food from locally owned stores, I know for a fact that we would not eat as nutritiously as we do. I couldn't afford to.

snoopdog

Thu, Jun 9, 2011 : 11:52 a.m.

I shopped at Country Market when they first opened just to try them out. After several months I noticed their produce department was going south with lousy selections and spoiled product. They lost my business because of that. Wal Mart is great for buying canned goods, non scrip drugs, but their produce department is rather lousy as well. Bush's is the Cadillac when it comes to their produce selection and deli choices but you pay a hefty price for that quality. My family has gravitated back to Meijer because of their weekly specials ( you can always find something on sale) and great prices across the entire spectrum. Their produce selection is good and the workers are friendly. BTW--Wal Mart is not the enemy, they give consumers big bang for their buck and that benefits those with low incomes the most. Good Day

oldblueypsi

Thu, Jun 9, 2011 : 11:41 a.m.

It's always easier to blame someone else rather than to review your own shortcomings. By the way, it is Busch's, not Walmart, that promotes the fact that they feature MI products. That is not a Polly's exclusive. Want to to see some real food competition? Ten minutes from home I have a 24/7 Walmart and a 24/7 Meijer (both supersize) almost side by side, but separated by an Aldi's! Throw in a local wholsale produce purveyor's retail outlet (Ciolino's) across the street and you've got a "consumer's dream". Feeling lost looking for something inside one of the stores? You can ask any employee, but usually they'll notice you first and ask if you want or need help. No pointing or "its in aisle #xx". The employee walks with you to the site to be sure that you get to the area and that the merchandise is available. And, yes, the employees know how to (and do) smile and say "Thank you". My food budget (8 month review)? Meijer's (with coupons) and Aldi's head the leaderboard, with Ciolino's in third place. Walmart brings up the rear, often tied with (or behind) Busch's (fifteen minutes in the opposite direction, but a driveby on the way home from church on Sunday). Walmart effect? I don't think so. Maybe a Polly's effect?

John B.

Thu, Jun 9, 2011 : 5:16 p.m.

...and Aldis' is owned by the same family that owns Trader Joe's (different brothers own each division).

John B.

Thu, Jun 9, 2011 : 5:15 p.m.

"My food budget (8 month review)? Meijer's (with coupons) and Aldi's head the leaderboard, with Ciolino's in third place. Walmart brings up the rear, often tied with (or behind) Busch's (fifteen minutes in the opposite direction, but a driveby on the way home from church on Sunday). Walmart effect? I don't think so. Maybe a Polly's effect?" I agree with you. Saying that Walmart is the cheapest is pure marketing hype. It just isn't so. They have a couple items in each area that they make sure are the cheapest, to get you into the store, then they have many items that are far from the cheapest, price-wise. Overall, not a good deal. I'll continue to shop where I get the best overall deal, thank you very much (as it sounds like you do, and wisely so).

Frains

Thu, Jun 9, 2011 : 12:46 p.m.

Sounds more like a sleepwalking consumer's dream = nightmare. Competing businesses vying to vacuum more capital out of the local economy rather than keeping it growing and circulating locally is the end-game you're experiencing... very short term and unsustainable.

SMAIVE

Thu, Jun 9, 2011 : 11:36 a.m.

I'm not so sure it's just the competition. Old stock, outdated bake goods and spoiled produce do not make for repeat customers.

McGiver

Thu, Jun 9, 2011 : 11:31 a.m.

I love Walmart and so does my 84 year old mother who relies on their lower prices to maintain some standard of living. The mere presence of a super store like Walmart keeps greedy local merchants from gouging local shoppers. They have to compete on price and/or quality or go out of business. That is the good old American competetive way. No one is forcing anyone to shop there. They simply add to our choices of placees to shop. By the way, I think everyone working there is a local.

average joe

Fri, Jun 10, 2011 : 11:02 a.m.

walmart competes with the quality at locally owned businesses??...

tdw

Thu, Jun 9, 2011 : 1:23 p.m.

well said.But there seems to be a lot of folks that would rather see people unemployed rather than working a Wal-Mart.They bla bla bla about the future but can't understand people need jobs now.

Will Warner

Thu, Jun 9, 2011 : 11:31 a.m.

"Everyone knew and talked about the impact Walmart would have on local, small businesses, yet the approval came anyway." I'm no expert, but I think township officials are bound by zoning laws and cannot deny Walmart or any other business the opportunity to hang out its shingle if the business satisfies all zoning requirements. If we want to lament something, lament the fact that most people base almost all their purchasing decisions primarily on price. If Walmart did not offer people what they want (low prices über alles), Walmart would not be successful. So we have met the enemy and he is us.

mojo

Thu, Jun 9, 2011 : 11:23 a.m.

Free markets work wonders. But I agree that focusing on Michigan made items is a good thing - That is a type of competition too - Michigan vs not Michigan. So including the 'prisoner labor' (really slave labor) China uses to make items for Walmart - Buying Michigan is a good thing.

pittsfieldfam

Thu, Jun 9, 2011 : 11:16 a.m.

Good to see that most people on here are in support of buying locally. I am not a huge Walmart fan, but if I can't find something I need locally, I will head that way as a last resort. However, for everyone bashing Walmart, condemning people for not buying locally, just curious? What kind of car do you drive? I like Country Market for it's small town feel, however, does it give jobs to as many people that Walmart has? Does it provide as much of a tax base to the local area as Country Market has. Believe me, I am not supporting Walmart here, I don't like their practices, but think that we all need to look at the big picture and see what revenue Walmart has actually created in the area. Just curious if the gas station across the street has seen an increase in sales, or if the car dealership has had an increase, due to higher traffic in the area seeing the lot? Would have been nice to see a more well rounded article here, showing this.

pittsfieldfam

Fri, Jun 10, 2011 : 12:18 a.m.

Glad to hear those that drive US cars.....I think it is hypocritical of people to say that they buy locally by not shopping at Walmart, but then drive foreign cars......

John B.

Thu, Jun 9, 2011 : 5:09 p.m.

Part of the training for the new poverty-wage-level Walmart employees is how to apply for food stamps. That speaks volumes about their 'system.' And the fallacy that local grocery store chains are so much more expensive than Walmart is just that, a fallacy. Time and time again, studies have shown that the differences are slight, if any, depending on what group of items you purchase at any one visit. Sometimes Busch's costs less than the others, for example....

Dave

Thu, Jun 9, 2011 : 1:56 p.m.

I drive a Chrysler. oh wait. I guess that means I am now part of the problem now huh? Give me a break guys. Businesses are in business to make money and only the strong survive. In the end it makes us all stronger to have the most efficient business models succeeding. Especially in a global market. I know what you are thinking. They took our jobs! So keep up. How about contribute something more than stocking shelves. We all were born with a brilliant minds. maybe we should start using it.

Carole

Thu, Jun 9, 2011 : 1:39 p.m.

I agree with Frains -- and I drive a GM Chevolet --

Frains

Thu, Jun 9, 2011 : 11:29 a.m.

Read Michael Shuman's, Small-Mart Revolution or any of the ample data out there and you'll see the ruse the Walmarts of the big-box world have been pulling off for decades. Despite employment, despite buying from local farmers, and paying local taxes (outside incentives) the net long term effect is to impoverish the local economy and discourage local independents keeping money locally. More support for local independent retailers = more competition because it will encourage other local independents opening and employing people where they know they'll be supported - keeping prices in check. Walmart destroys all that. It's one big vacuum tube pulled up to local resources, sucking capital elsewhere.

Tom Joad

Thu, Jun 9, 2011 : 11:14 a.m.

I've been in another Walmart and their grocery selection is a joke. Unless this particular Walmart has a different selection I don't know. People vote with their pocketbooks. People are broke. They go to Walmart.

muck raker

Thu, Jun 9, 2011 : 11:07 a.m.

We have a Polly's Country Market one mile from our home. We shop there when we have to, not because we want to. Their prices force many consumers to seek a better deal elsewhere. Whether Meijer or Walmart, Country Market cannot compete so long as their prices remain high.

statman24

Thu, Jun 9, 2011 : 11:01 a.m.

Good to see the "I hate Walmart" crowd still strong and active.

eagleman

Fri, Jun 10, 2011 : 1:08 a.m.

Enso, it is our money. We can spend how we want to. Besides, Wal Mart employs many locals. BTw, do you own a TV? Computer? Shirts? Jeans? The fact is that the vast majority of your items come from outside Michigan. Your hypocrisy is blatant and destroys your argument.

Enso

Thu, Jun 9, 2011 : 12:26 p.m.

And I'm glad to see the "it's okay Michigan money goes to China and one family of billionaires" crowd still strong and active.

tdw

Thu, Jun 9, 2011 : 11:36 a.m.

It's the crowd that doesn't believe in the free market.You spend your money where I tell you to

HENRYK

Thu, Jun 9, 2011 : 11 a.m.

What did anyone think would happen, exactly this.I will not go there. That building should have never been built. When you don't support your local business it only hurts you in the end.

eagleman

Fri, Jun 10, 2011 : 1:15 a.m.

Wal Mart employs Michiganders. In fact, they employ more than Country Market does. Try another argument, Henryk, because that one failed.

ferdcom

Thu, Jun 9, 2011 : 12:25 p.m.

Walmart charges me less and a portion of their sales goes into my retirement account. This will help me in the end. BTY, the article says Polly's is a Jackson based business. That's not really a local business. Busch's would be better for those who want to pay more for local shopping.

muck raker

Thu, Jun 9, 2011 : 11:08 a.m.

How does saving money hurt you in the end? Do you have a famly to support, Henryk? Where do you buy your groceries and other goods?

Goober

Thu, Jun 9, 2011 : 10:48 a.m.

Everyone knew and talked about the impact Walmart would have on local, small businesses, yet the approval came anyway. It would be interesting to see if data exists to show that the community is now better off with Walmart versus the community prior to the Walmart affect. This should take into account local employment, taxes paid, etc.

Frains

Thu, Jun 9, 2011 : 10:43 a.m.

Friendly Walmart likes people to believe they can Save More. Live Better - meanwhile, the local economy around their store and people's lives are degraded and systematically impoverished. Instead of money circulating locally, it's vacuumed out to Arkansas, China and other Walmart satellites. Is it so important to save a buck that you'll make your own community poorer?... guess so - that's the neighborly kind of capital-vacuum Walmart creates everywhere they land. Any wonder Michigan's economy's in the dumper when Michiganders won't support their own?

eagleman

Fri, Jun 10, 2011 : 1:14 a.m.

Rubbish, Frains. Walmart is an American company that employs Americans. Bashing Wal Mart because they sell cheap goods is idiotic. It is an even dumber act when one considers the fact that the computer you typed your message on was made in Asia. What is likely going on here is that Ignatz and Frains areUnion activists or sympathizers. They see Wal Mart as a threat to their beloved union and so they launch vituperative attacks upon Wal Mart in order to sully its image. It is clear that is what is going on here. To paraphrase Pro Choicers: Don't like Walmart? Don't buy from them. Just don't tell me what to do with my money.

Atticus F.

Thu, Jun 9, 2011 : 2:50 p.m.

How many people does that local bike shop employ, and what wage do they pay their employees? I'm sorry if a few indavidual local buisness owners wont be making money hand over fist anymore... But forcing people to pay a higher price at a locally owned business reaks of being out of touch with what other people want.

Ignatz

Thu, Jun 9, 2011 : 12:35 p.m.

You sholdn't be surprised. Most people are short sighted.

Gee

Thu, Jun 9, 2011 : 10:39 a.m.

Walmart is doing what Walmart does best - driving small businesses out of the community. The bike shop in Saline has already closed, citing Walmart as a factor by commenting that people are buying their bikes at Walmart now, and then bringing them to the locally owned bike shop for repairs. Also a direct reflection on the quality of merchandise that Walmart sells. Save a few dollars, then spend more on repairs. Buy cheaper jeans, then throw them out after a year or two because they are worn out. Bad for the community, bad for the eco system. No long sighted vision here at all.

Charlie Brown's Ghost

Thu, Jun 9, 2011 : 12:10 p.m.

The person who would buy a bike at Walmart is not the same person who would buy a bike at a bike shop. They are in the market for two completely different kind of bikes. Nobody wants to buy a $300 bike for their kid when he will grow out of it in a year or two. Likewise, the adult who wants a bike that he's going to ride hundreds of miles per week will not be shopping for it at Walmart. Good Night and Good Grief

Walmart effect hits Saline's Country Market grocery store with $1 million sales drop

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