Walmart: About 500 show up for Pittsfield Township store opening
Shoppers started arriving at 6:45 a.m. for this morning’s grand opening of the Pittsfield Township Walmart, forming a crowd of about 500 people by the time the store officially opened at 8 a.m.
The early birds participated in the opening ceremony, then headed into the 177,000-square-foot store that was years in the making and is redefining the corner of State and Michigan just east of Saline into a retail hub.
Related:Â First impressions of Saline's Walmart
Store manager Karen Boyer led the opening festivities, which took place in the front of the store.The ceremony fit the Walmart pattern with plenty of local touches: The Saline Middle School choir sang the National Anthem and an invocation was given by Lou Velker, who works at the Washtenaw Christian Academy, located across Michigan Avenue from the store and one recipient of Walmart $20,000 in local corporate donation.
Vendors were in the store until late last night, stocking the shelves in the 30 different departments that comprise the Supercenter version of the world’s biggest retailer.
Beverly Dootz of Ann Arbor arrived at 7 a.m. and stood outside until they opened the doors to let people in for the presentation.
She came for the excitement of the grand opening.
“It’s kind of like when people go Christmas shopping to look for that special toy,” she said. “It’s the excitement of being out there with the crowd. I came just for the fun of it.”
Wednesday is her day off, so she planned to shop after the grand opening, “for nothing in particular.”
She likes the prices and variety, but infrequently goes to Walmart - making just a couple of visits in Florida and one to the Ypsilanti Township store.
Jamie Hughes joined the crowd at 7:45. He’s a regular Ypsilanti Township store shopper, but now plans to shift to the Saline area store because of the grocery section.“They have the whole, complete store,” he said. “Now I can get everything in one spot.”
He’s also a longtime Walmart fan.
“I’m from Tennessee and Walmart was the only store I knew before I came to Michigan,” he said.
That was in 1983. As stores were built in the region, he’d travel to the closest.
“I always come back to Walmart,” Hughes said.
Larry Osterling, president of the Saline Area Chamber of Commerce, gave a welcoming comment at the ceremony. He noted that this is the Saline area’s first experience with a large chain.
“Having this type of store is inevitable,” he said. “We need to work together to have a positive relationship.”
Bob Kwiecinski, vice commander of the Saline American Legion Post 322, joined other members of his group on stage.
He said he’s impressed with Walmart so far because both the U.S. and Michigan flags are displayed at both entrances.
“I’m very impressed right off the bat,” he said. “They are headed in the right direction to do the right thing.”
Comments
David Briegel
Sun, Oct 18, 2009 : 7:34 a.m.
Neo, read my comments above. I hope you don't work 40 hr week with Vac and Sick Pay and benefits that you would NEVER get from any employer were it not for unions and progressive who preceded you.
Neo
Sat, Oct 17, 2009 : 9:02 p.m.
"People commenting here are really bent on maligning Wal-Mart and I fail to see a valid reason why." CooLJJ, the real reason why people are bent on maligning Walmart is because they are non-union. Union workers have spread their poisonous lies about Walmart and they are determined to organize the workers.
GoblueBeatOSU
Sat, Oct 17, 2009 : 2:50 p.m.
tracyann sorry but you are wrong when you say..." guess my biggest problem is the fact that the citizens of Pittsfield Twp. made it clear that they did not want a Walmart at that location."... there was a very small vocal group that claimed to speak for everyone when they said they didn't want the Walmart. Truth is, the majority of the people in Pittsfield did want the Walmart. Don't assume all of us support the small vocal group. I never gave that group permission to speak for me.
David Briegel
Sat, Oct 17, 2009 : 1:26 p.m.
Our nation sacrificed over 50,000 of our finest to stop the spread of Communism. Their names are on that wall in Washingtion. They really did die in vain. We were told by Soviet Premier Nikita Kruschev that they "would bury us with their goods". Every day we prove those words prophetic by purchasing those goods made by the hands of the enslaved peoples of that ideology while mouthing platitudes about "freedom and democracy". The Godless Chinese Communists are the obvious victors of Ronnie Reagan's "Cold War". Walmart enables their victory. Three cheers for Communism, our nations "Christian value"!
tracyann
Sat, Oct 17, 2009 : 9:40 a.m.
I guess my biggest problem is the fact that the citizens of Pittsfield Twp. made it clear that they did not want a Walmart at that location. Did Walmart back down such as Costco did with the Zeeb Rd. location? Nope. They plowed right on ahead to get approval, which they did get. Then, as if to add insult to injury, Walmart decides that it instead wants to build a superstore and not just a regular Walmart, as was the original plan. I know it's a business and wants to expand and all that, but there is a Walmart not too far from the new location. But, oh! That's right. It's not a Super Walmart. Whatever.
Marvin Face
Sat, Oct 17, 2009 : 9:01 a.m.
Congratulations! This may be the first reference to Godwin's Law at annarbor.com!. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Godwin%27s_law
eagleman
Fri, Oct 16, 2009 : 8:13 p.m.
Dadoo, get a grip. Referencing Hitler in this debate tells me you are not intelligent enough to make a legitimate point. The Nazis were an amalgam of Left and RIght wing thought.They were pro business, but they also operated a planned economy. They singled out certain groups for persecution, but also had a populist message for those who fit their ideal German. The ultimate irony is that by trying to tie those whon differ from you ideologically with Hitler, you are using a technique that the Nazis also used--that of demonization in order to marginalize a specific group.
PaperTiger
Fri, Oct 16, 2009 : 5:40 p.m.
Give Walmart a break, please. Who wouldn't buy the same, exact item for 2 or 3 dollars cheaper than elsewhere. Doesn't take a rocket scientist to figure that out. Instead of complaining about Walmart, take a look at HOW they are so competitive and copy that example. Period.
GoblueBeatOSU
Fri, Oct 16, 2009 : 3:53 p.m.
wow..treetowncartel...I didn't know that Walmart sold drywall!...I wonder, does Walmart know they sell drywall? Ok everyone...treetowncartel made a good point...don't buy drywall at Walmart...assuming of course you can find it there..
DadooS
Fri, Oct 16, 2009 : 1:12 p.m.
CoolJJ - I hadn't thought about in those terms, but, now that you mention it, do you really think there's a "conspiracy" of support for Walmart!?!
treetowncartel
Fri, Oct 16, 2009 : 9:29 a.m.
For those of you touting the joy of cheaply made Chinese products. http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/20091015/ap_on_re_us/us_chinese_drywall
Gemini27200
Thu, Oct 15, 2009 : 7:08 p.m.
Who attended the VIP event on Tuesday?
CooLJJ
Thu, Oct 15, 2009 : 6:42 p.m.
Tracyann says "And the prices are reflective of the quality of the products they sell." I agree with GobueBeatOSU, who says, And please...based on my own research by walking the Walmart yesterday...Walmart for the most part sells the same stuff as Target/Meijer and Country Market...so I don't believe that Walmart's products are any worse than the other stores. The products are the same...... Tracyanns comment is an overly broad generalization. Wal-Mart has thousands of suppliers, as well as does Meijers, Target, Busch's, Krogers, and Country Market. A lot of the suppliers between the stores overlap. By painting Wal-Marts products as reflective of the quality of the products they sell, you also malign these other stores which sell some of the same exact things. Ive bought dozens of items at Wal-Mart and other stores with the same quality and low return rate. Ive also grocery shopped at Kroger, Meijers, Country Market, Buschs, Whole Foods, Giant Eagle, and Plum. The quality and taste of the food is no different between any of these places. Where I end up shopping is largely a matter of convenience whether Im traveling or staying home. All of these stores offer a good product and I have no deep seated personal need to malign some company. People commenting here are really bent on maligning Wal-Mart and I fail to see a valid reason why. I only see people citing reasons that amount to confirmation bias and to perceived wrongs that are really the fault your own. Concerning your confirmation bias, every company has had a recalled product or quality assurance issue. It happens, its life, and nothing is perfect. There is no conspiracy to hurt people with defective toys, flip flops, or whatever. Concerning the perceived wrongs, every company wants affordable labor and to make a profit. There is no conspiracy to hurt people or doom them to failure. Success is entirely your own responsibility, not an entitlement that you can demand for unskilled labor. If you want good pay and benefits, EARN it. DadooS says, " An inspirational quote for the Walmart spin doctors (hope you're well paid)... Make the lie big, make it simple, keep saying it, and eventually they will believe it. - Adolf Hitler". Oh, you are so witty and clever. When you can't win in the arena of ideas, just accuse your opposition of being paid shills and then invoke Hitler... Likewise DadooS, likewise. Keep repeating your spin... No rational argument or facts. Just accusations of being paid shills and invoke Hitler like there is a conspiracy to fool people. Just shameless. Its such a shame that personal responsibility has eroded to the point we are at today that people feel entitled to so much for nothing, and that people develop a deeply held personal vendetta against a company for not giving away these perceived entitlements, and then grasp at straws to malign them for it. This sense of entitlement and demanding that they be met hurts communities more than what you perceive Wal-Mart to do. Entitlement discourages self-improvement and increases demand for more and more entitlement. It rewards failure and doing less.
Big Daddy
Thu, Oct 15, 2009 : 4:32 p.m.
The store was jam-packed yesterday and today. I had many many many people say, "I live and Saline and I am so glad you're here." Also had several confess that they're "supposed" to be boycotting, but they came to check things out and liked what they saw. Heh. And those who say, "Wal-Mart evil, Meijer angelic" should dig a little deeper into Meijer corporate practices.
jlkddd
Thu, Oct 15, 2009 : 2:13 p.m.
"The problem with all us "snobs", is that we all paid a premium to live here. We pay high taxes and high home prices in Saline, so we can live in a nice, quiet, safe area. Now, we are giving some of that up so some people can save a couple bucks and Pittsfield can get some more taxes. I hope Walmart pays for the extra police officer needed just for their parking lot! " There it is! I was waiting for it! I heard through the grapevine that the MAIN reason that Saline didn't want Wal Mart to be put in Saline wasn't because of Wal-Mart's practices or the store at all, but in fact it was about bringing the "undesireables" to the town. WOW. This just proves the comment that I made earlier about Saline. What a horrible little bubble to be a part of.
DadooS
Thu, Oct 15, 2009 : 12:24 p.m.
An inspirational quote for the Walmart spin doctors (hope you're well paid)... Make the lie big, make it simple, keep saying it, and eventually they will believe it. - Adolf Hitler
Paula Gardner
Thu, Oct 15, 2009 : 9:34 a.m.
I posted this column today about the Ypsilanti Township Walmart and its future: Nothing definitive from the company or the real estate "clues" out there, but readers of this story may find it interesting: http://www.annarbor.com/business-review/paula-gardner-column-oct-15/
jns131
Thu, Oct 15, 2009 : 9:25 a.m.
With 15% unemployment rate in the state of Michigan? I'd be happy with $7 an hour. I make 2 times that and you know what? All jobs suck, all jobs have some slave labor involved and you know what? Go union. Maybe some of you who hate WalMart? Tell em to go union. Things could get worse or get better. But at least they have a job. Canton just opened one this week. I do plan to shop there. Especially when we go north or into Canada. At least we can find what we need when we are not at home. They do sell stuff the others don't.
GoblueBeatOSU
Thu, Oct 15, 2009 : 9:23 a.m.
"They do have lower prices." Sorry CoolJJ..I have to disagree with you on this. Joey Houghton is correct when he stated "The problem is that people think it has lower prices, so they shop there instead of elsewhere. Contrarily to a belief that Wal-Mart is much cheaper than anywhere else, it is not. " We went over with a list of the thing we buy on a regular basis. For the most part, we found that prices at Walmart were the same or higher than Target, Meijer and/or Country Market. Sure, on some products Walmart might have been a little cheaper, on other products Country Market was cheaper. As a whole..if you looked at the things we buy as a group...Walmart is NOT cheaper. Joey is right...people need to know what they are buying and what the price is. I'll shop Walmart..but most of the time it will be in the off hours when the other stores are closed. I do like having a 24 hour store close to me. On a regular basis, I'll be at Country Market or Meijer. And please...based on my own research by walking the Walmart yesterday...Walmart for the most part sells the same stuff as Target/Meijer and Country Market...so I don't believe that Walmart's products are any worse than the other stores. The products are the same...... What I did notice was that cereal that is very high in sugar...Captain Crunch for example...was cheap at Walmart...if you want to argue that Walmart encourages people to be unhealthy...I might agree with you on that point.
tracyann
Thu, Oct 15, 2009 : 8:42 a.m.
And the prices are reflective of the quality of the products they sell.
CooLJJ
Thu, Oct 15, 2009 : 8:31 a.m.
"The problem is not that it will drive out businesses based on lower prices. The problem is that people think it has lower prices, so they shop there instead of elsewhere. Contrarily to a belief that Wal-Mart is much cheaper than anywhere else, it is not." They do have lower prices. The other grocers have lowered their prices as a result of the competition. If they are not competitive with the other players in the market, they don't stay in business.
CooLJJ
Thu, Oct 15, 2009 : 8:20 a.m.
"I disagree. There is a Busch's and a Country Market in the same vicinity. Why do we need another grocery store?" It was needed because it is more than a grocery store. I like the fact that I can get it all done at one place. Busch's and Country Market don't have mens/womens/childrens clothes, electronics, dvds, music, music players, computers, lawn and garden supplies, arts and crafts supplies, automotive supplies, tools and hardware, and probably a hundred other things I can't think of right now.
ownrdgd
Thu, Oct 15, 2009 : 8:15 a.m.
Shop at Meijer! Their neck and neck with Wall Mart for buying slave labor crap,and just like Wall Mart there produce is grown in Michigan
Joey Houghton
Thu, Oct 15, 2009 : 7:53 a.m.
The problem is not that it will drive out businesses based on lower prices. The problem is that people think it has lower prices, so they shop there instead of elsewhere. Contrarily to a belief that Wal-Mart is much cheaper than anywhere else, it is not. But the problem that it will eliminate small businesses because people think it is. People need to be more aware of the actual prices and less aware of the flashy SALE signs.
tracyann
Thu, Oct 15, 2009 : 7 a.m.
"The Super Wal-Mart at this location is needed because the one you are talking about doesn't have a grocery section." I disagree. There is a Busch's and a Country Market in the same vicinity. Why do we need another grocery store? People use the price argument, but Country Market also has really low-priced groceries and nothing I've ever bought there has been past its "Best By" date, as another poster suggested. Of course, I check that before I buy it.
GoblueBeatOSU
Thu, Oct 15, 2009 : 6:12 a.m.
Ok, checked out Walmart last night to see what all the fuss is about. This is a view from a non-Walmart shopper. In summary: 1) There is nothing special about the store. It is just a warehouse. In fact, the outside looks better than the in side. 2) We compared prices on a lot of different items. Compared to Meijer, Target and/or Country Market the Walmart prices aren't anything special. In fact, in some cases Walmart is very high priced. If you shop at Meijer/Country Market already, I can't see how you can save any money shopping at Walmart. (Did you see the price of milk before the so called mark down? What is that all about. Milk for over $3/gallon. 3) Walmart sells the same thing as Meijer and the other stores. There is no difference in many of the products, size or otherwise. There is nothing special here. Although I do like the hours. Since Walmart is open 24 hours I will be going there on the off hours. For the most part it isn't going to change where I shop. Oh, the one major problem. The traffic flow into and out of Walmart. Who designed the traffic pattern? It must have been a 1st grader. It seems the road folks let us down again....
CobraII
Thu, Oct 15, 2009 : 12:54 a.m.
A couple of questions. So why didn't all the WalMart haters in Saline get together & buy the land & pay the taxes? If WalMart is such a bad place to work then why does anyone work there?
LGChelsea
Wed, Oct 14, 2009 : 11:09 p.m.
Just curious...How many parents who were outraged that their children were asked to watch the President of the United States deliver a message during school hours are NOT upset that their children are performing at a WalMart opening during school hours?
Ryan Munson
Wed, Oct 14, 2009 : 10:03 p.m.
Hm...think this. We outsource our jobs to China and many other countries. China and many other countries hold our nation's debt. Is that a double negative? For the same reason I don't shop at these large stores (unless absolutely necessary). Most money made there doesn't stay in the community! Doi!
Voyager
Wed, Oct 14, 2009 : 9:19 p.m.
Shop At Meijer. At least they are a local company. Meijer was founded in 1934 as Meijer's in Greenville, Michigan by Hendrik Meijer, and has it's Headquarters in Walker, Michigan. Fred Meijer also has been known to have philanthropist hues.
Ann English
Wed, Oct 14, 2009 : 7:13 p.m.
I went this afternoon to see what they sell which the Ypsilanti location does not, and was impressed with the varieties of ground beef and shrimp. I will continue shopping elsewhere for squash, suphedrine, ice cream, granulated Equal, and kale. The last two aren't sold at the new supercenter. But to see Frieda's brand shallots and Crystal Farms cheese sticks there! The new store is giving Kroger and Hiller's some competition, selling those brands!
CooLJJ
Wed, Oct 14, 2009 : 6:38 p.m.
"Sorry, that Ypsi store will be closed in a year! Look at the history of Walmart... it's what they do." My goodness, like this is profound or conspiratorial. It's what any business does. When a business is unprofitable, it closes. When states or cities make it unprofitable to do business, businesses relocate. When unskilled labor demands rock star treatment and salary, businesses look elsewhere for labor.
An
Wed, Oct 14, 2009 : 6:32 p.m.
Other Saline businesses have gotten the tax breaks that WalMart is getting. I got LAID OFF from one of those businesses after having my picture in the paper with a write up about how the company was using the money it saved with the tax abatement to hire new people, create new jobs. Some of us were laid off at the first sign of financial issue with that company...are they evil? (No, I don't think so, I think they evolved to survive, just like all other businesses do...businesses exist to MAKE MONEY.)
goodthoughts
Wed, Oct 14, 2009 : 6:29 p.m.
Well put CooLJJ And may I add that just because the Ypsi Walmart is not as clean as it could be, someone mentioned that earlier, I lived in the Ann Arbor area when it opened originally, and it went down hill FAST-so don't blame recent trends. Also I have been in few Walmarts around Michigan and it really seems to depend solely on the community they are in as to how clean they are.
CooLJJ
Wed, Oct 14, 2009 : 6:22 p.m.
"People who shop at Walmart don't connect the dots....WM supply chain that is always overseas use people of all ages and are exploited using child labor, unfair and not living wages. Hope you WM shopper sleep well at night know what you just purchased cheaply was born on the back of todays corporate slave trade!!" Just pitiful rhetoric. I hope you sleep well at night knowing that you spread falsehoods concerning the wages they earn voluntarily, keep them from starvation, prostitution, the sex slave trade, organized crime, etc.
CooLJJ
Wed, Oct 14, 2009 : 6:13 p.m.
"It's about the fact that a Walmart at that location is not needed. If you need to shop at a Walmart so bad then drive a few miles more down Michigan Ave toward Ypsi and you'll find one." The Super Wal-Mart at this location is needed because the one you are talking about doesn't have a grocery section.
CooLJJ
Wed, Oct 14, 2009 : 6:05 p.m.
To all the people whining about Wal-Mart wages and benefits and Wal-Mart driving away businesses and jobs overseas, welcome to the real world. As long as you are working in jobs that entry level workers can do, you will not be paid handsomely or have job security. This is pathetic that I feel like I'm lecturing people that are adults and probably twice my age, but being an associate cashier, associate stocker, dept. sales associate, or maintenance associate is not a "career". These are entry level workforce jobs that inexperienced high school/college students should be entering and then moving from once completing their education. This is the USA, among one of the most educated countries in the world and there is no reason people should be clinging to jobs at Wal-Mart as a career choice, let alone bloviating that they need higher pay, more benefits, or a union to collectively bargain with Wal-Mart so they can extort from them a "living wage". Unless you are in a higher management/technical/business position at Wal-Mart, you have no basis for a "living wage". If you want more pay and better benefits, apply yourself and aspire to something higher by educating yourself, or at the least vote with your feet and work somewhere else. If it is so bad working for Wal-Mart, you would see people quitting in droves and wages rise in order to keep people working there, yet that is not happening. If Wal-Mart pays so low, why do people take the job? Why do they stay once there? If being employed by Wal-Mart is so crappy why does anyone stay even a week? Life is too short to be unhappy, yet thousands are employed by Wal-Mart. As for jobs being pushed overseas and claims those factories are hiring low paid slave labor, sorry, but again, welcome to the real world. As long as you are working in jobs that entry level workers can do, you will not be paid handsomely or have job security. Further, you are using emotionally charged rhetoric and outrageous claims to cling to your low skill jobs. Firstly, laborers working voluntarily and being PAID, is NOT slave labor. How about this for outrageous rhetoric? By arguing, voting, forming unions, and lobbying for low skill jobs to stay in the USA you are being racist and jingoistic by discriminating against Chinese, Indonesian, and Indian among other people for your own self interest. Without these jobs, these people are often left with nothing to turn to for survival but prostitution, cyber crime, extortion, organized crime, and ultimately terrorism and war. Arguably a higher price society would have to pay so that you can continue NOT using your mind and cling to your low skill, low mental capacity job. At least these people in third world countries appreciate what they do earn and use it to better themselves and their children. This is the USA, where risk is low for entrepreneurship and education at a two year community college or even a trade school is dirt cheap. There is no excuse for not bettering yourself. If you labor manually with your hands and feet you will only be rewarded with what third world countries will pay for labor and come eventually, no job at all. But, if you use your mind, the sky is the limit. However, if you want to cling to your career choice in unskilled labor, and you dont want to better yourself, live with it. Live with the boring monotonous work. Live with the low pay. Live with no benefits. Live with it, and quit whining. Quit screwing companies and people that make life better.
GoblueBeatOSU
Wed, Oct 14, 2009 : 5:21 p.m.
During the whole Walmart affair leading up to days opening, the anti-Walmart folks kept saying how bad it would be to have Walmart located near the schoolshow awful it would be for the people involved with the schools. Well guess what.AnnArbor.coms own reporting has shown otherwise. According to AnnArbor.coms article, school employees and parents of schoolchildren are enjoying the new Walmart today. Once again it seems that the anti-Walmart crowd claim to speak for everyone when in reality they are only speaking for their own little minority world. Check the article out for yourself. The quotes seem to indicate some very happy people. Or is that the problem, people are happy http://www.annarbor.com/business-review/first-impressions-of-salines-walmart/
An
Wed, Oct 14, 2009 : 5:15 p.m.
Wow, how very judgmental. To the person who said that people should use birth control, well, some people might have religious objections, some may have health issues and SOME (me included) may have had our children BEFORE we were laid off and ended up surviving on our 401k monies (what was left of them). I am so utterly ashamed to be from Ann Arbor right now. This is supposed to be a city of diversity but we show a little bit of racism (hotrod) and a little bit of snobbery (ok, a lot of snobbery) and a whole bunch of judging. I'll shop at WalMart. Check out NIKE's practices. How many of you snobs wear their stuff?
uawisok
Wed, Oct 14, 2009 : 4:38 p.m.
People who shop at Walmart don't connect the dots....WM supply chain that is always overseas use people of all ages and are exploited using child labor, unfair and not living wages. Hope you WM shopper sleep well at night know what you just purchased cheaply was born on the back of todays corporate slave trade!!
whodat
Wed, Oct 14, 2009 : 3:44 p.m.
If the Ypsi store were to close, resulting in some nice blight, don't be suprised if Wal-Mart buys the land just to keep competition from entering their market. It's happened in the past. Can you see your home values falling Wal-Mart supporters???
hotrod1965
Wed, Oct 14, 2009 : 3:18 p.m.
Sorry, that Ypsi store will be closed in a year! Look at the history of Walmart... it's what they do.
hotrod1965
Wed, Oct 14, 2009 : 3:05 p.m.
The problem with all us "snobs", is that we all paid a premium to live here. We pay high taxes and high home prices in Saline, so we can live in a nice, quiet, safe area. Now, we are giving some of that up so some people can save a couple bucks and Pittsfield can get some more taxes. I hope Walmart pays for the extra police officer needed just for their parking lot!
OldHuron
Wed, Oct 14, 2009 : 2:44 p.m.
As many have said, if you don't like Walmart, don't shop there. If you don't like them as an employer, don't work there. It's very simple. All the Walmart haters are just making me want to shop there even more!
tigfan96
Wed, Oct 14, 2009 : 2:31 p.m.
Walmart sucks!!! Meijer fan for life. Made right her in Michigan. Doesn't get any better then that!
treetowncartel
Wed, Oct 14, 2009 : 2:26 p.m.
Its corporate from Bentonville doing all the posting Chesire
cheshirecat
Wed, Oct 14, 2009 : 2:24 p.m.
I call BS on anyone who can't afford to shop at Kroger. I grew up in Superior Township next door to two crack houses and you know what? We all shopped at Kroger. Also, it strikes me as a bit ironic that you're all so bogged down in poverty that you can't afford the Spartan brands that Busch's sells or the food at Kroger and yet you can afford not only internet access but also to sit around on AnnArbor.com all day calling other people elitist just because they care about the future of their local communities.
treetowncartel
Wed, Oct 14, 2009 : 2:11 p.m.
Look for the union label....
pbspirit
Wed, Oct 14, 2009 : 2:09 p.m.
Has anyone heard their ad on 107.1? The announcer tells us to shop at their new store in "Say-Leen". So much for caring about the community. They care so much, they can't even pronounce the location correctly.
tracyann
Wed, Oct 14, 2009 : 1:42 p.m.
I don't think it's about being snobby. It's about the fact that a Walmart at that location is not needed. If you need to shop at a Walmart so bad then drive a few miles more down Michigan Ave toward Ypsi and you'll find one. I find it "interesting" that Walmart fought so hard to get approval for the regular store and when they finally got it they decided they wanted to build a superstore instead. Pretty sneaky, Walmart! And, by the way, I am also on a limited income but I refuse to shop at Walmart. Look on snopes.com and search "Walmart and flip flops". Crazy stuff.
John Galt
Wed, Oct 14, 2009 : 1:24 p.m.
Just glad to see a business opening in this State (with a 15 percent unemployment rate). Affordable merchandise, many from the same national brands, are sorely needed in these hard times. As for those who dislike Walmart--don't shop there. Standing on your soapbox and complaining about the free choice of others to shop there makes you sound elitist and arrogant. You may have enough money to shop at more expensive "local" businesses. Good for you. It is your choice in a free market economy. But understand that you come across as the stereotypical Ann Arbor snob, with your save the world "I know best" mentality.
ownrdgd
Wed, Oct 14, 2009 : 1:18 p.m.
Ca-ching,Ca-ching,Ca-ching.I can hear all those cash registers sucking all that slave labor crap and I am just drooling at all those large Wall Mart Stock dividend checks I get each quarter.Keep complaning folks it just drives more people to the store.Good job Sam Walton Family
roadsidedinerlover
Wed, Oct 14, 2009 : 1:17 p.m.
FYI...jns131...Have you shopped at IKEA and checked their labels? They are made in China! The only hings there from Sweden are the frozen foods and ligonberry jam. What bothers me about these posters who are so pro-Walmart is their blindness and the fact that none of them have ever worked there. My brother worked there as a manager and only made $7 an hour (this was over ten years ago) I worked at the Walmart in Ypsilanti in 2004 and so many illegal things happened there. Recently, I got a leer from the attorney who is suing Walmart for unpaid wages, lockins, working for free,no breaks...you get it. So next time before you go kissing the backside Of Walmart, ask a former employee.
Feat of Clay
Wed, Oct 14, 2009 : 1:16 p.m.
It is not elitist to point out that the money you "save" at Wal-Mart is money you will pay out elsewhere (or later) as society deals with the ramifications of their business practices. There are costs beyond the numbers you see at the checkout, and I'm not just talking touchy-feely ones. Thinking "bigger picture" isn't snobbish; it's what we wish more of our bankers, CEOs, stockholders and money managers across the country would have done more of in the past few years.
ownrdgd
Wed, Oct 14, 2009 : 12:58 p.m.
Unless your living on another planet (all of you complainers)about slave labor crap everything YOU buy NOW from your hat to your shoes and ALL electronics is and has always been purchased by YOU is made in a foreign country.So get a life and get on your rocket ship and head back to your planet
redtruck70
Wed, Oct 14, 2009 : 12:54 p.m.
It is very sad that the snobbery of the granola chomping, Prius driving Ann Arborities and there gratuitious holier than thou attitude are so against development, bringing in tax revenue to the township...and by the way...an affordable place to shop for us lowly Pittsfield residents who cannot afford our daily staples at Whole Foods/Plum Market and my clothes at REI and Bivouac. Although the anti-Wal-Marters who run up their credit cards, foreclosed on their homes and in debt up to their ears should be the one shopping there. Save money..live better!!!
jrigglem
Wed, Oct 14, 2009 : 12:54 p.m.
Whoever made the comment about the snooty Ann Arborites is referring to the negative comments directed about anyone and anything that isn't like them. Like how all the low-income people shop at Wal-Mart and how they're going to need to build low-income apartments because the poor doesn't own a car. Or how anything east of 23 is nothing but a bunch of drunks and troublemakers or theives. I've seen these comments numerous times on other articles. Wal-Mart is trying to make shopping affordable, and why does it matter where it comes from? Do you go into CVS or any other store around the Saline area and look at where the products are made before you buy them? Chances are no. You all seemed to be excited about the IKEA store in Canton and all those products are made in Sweden. How is that any different? Wal-Mart pays their employees based on experience, and any lawsuits that are being pursued against Wal-Mart are unjustified. Being a former employee I recieved notice of a lawsuit about employees not receiving breaks, in Michigan, you are not required to receive a break or a lunch. Secondly, if you were smart, you would just go, not wait for one. The only people hurting the image of Saline are those of you who refuse to open your mind and look around you.
ffej440
Wed, Oct 14, 2009 : 12:45 p.m.
I'm glad to see that the public is getting educated about Walmart.The "small" group on here that oppose Walmart are showing a NO shopping vote of 42% of 485 votes cast.If 42% of us voted No why did Pittsfield ram this store down our throats? Tell anyone that will listen- Walmart Bad For America Always!
jlkddd
Wed, Oct 14, 2009 : 12:41 p.m.
I think it's really interesting that the people that are strongly against walmart and everything that they are are saying things in their comments like "ain't" and "walmarts" (I mean come on, you were only talking about one store, not multiple). This is exactly why I hate Saline. They think they are so above everyone else. I went to school in Saline and I will NEVER move back there, and I will NEVER send my kids to school there. You all will continue to shop at busch's because you have so much money you don't know what to do with you. Meanwhile take a look at your kids, do you know what they did with all that money you just gave them to get out of your way? Why don't we focus on more important things in life then whether or not someone wants to shop at Walmart.
loser
Wed, Oct 14, 2009 : 12:35 p.m.
i think im going to go to wall mart & buy some of those american flags, you know, the ones made in china
Barb
Wed, Oct 14, 2009 : 12:33 p.m.
"... there is a very small group of very vocal people in the area that believe they can enforce their beliefs on others..." It's not about beliefs. It's about being informed and aware of who your money's going to. If you're OK handing over your hard-earned money without caring who gets it, God speed. I'm not one of those people, though. I want them to have earned it.
jns131
Wed, Oct 14, 2009 : 12:26 p.m.
Up in the UP of Michigan they have really well maintained super stores. We were totally impressed with their prices and selection. Even their chicken was priced well. We did stock up and brought back some with us. Copper Harbor is where the one we shopped at and quite frankly? I will be shopping there more often. I have discovered that Krogers produce is way over priced. I have been shopping more at Hillers because I can find cheaper produce. I am hoping that WalMart has same. Can't wait to check out the new super WalMart. You will find them in Canada and out in the wild woolies of Michigan. I just hope the service in Saline is better then the one in Ypsilanti. Every time I have gone there, nothing but problems. I will be there this weekend.
cantleaveAA
Wed, Oct 14, 2009 : 12:25 p.m.
Great site for doing research on the kind of quality Wal-Mart brings to a community! http://www.peopleofwalmart.com Can't wait to see what the Saline store will have to contribute!
emu2009
Wed, Oct 14, 2009 : 12:21 p.m.
We all have a choice here, shop there or don't. Just as companies like Vlasic have a choice. They can choose not to sell to Wal Mart and sell to the smaller competition. You don't like it? Open your own store. You don't like it? DON'T SHOP THERE Its that simple.
Mumbambu, Esq.
Wed, Oct 14, 2009 : 12:16 p.m.
It seems like a lot of liberals and conservatives can't remember which side of the argument they are "supposed" to be on with regard to Walmart :)
hotrod1965
Wed, Oct 14, 2009 : 12:14 p.m.
Just wait.... within a year or so, they will close the Ypsi store... Then within 5 years the new WAlmart will look like the Ypsi one does now....
Marvin Face
Wed, Oct 14, 2009 : 12:09 p.m.
I've never been to a WalMart but based on what I have now read, I'm goin' down there right now to get me a giant 1-gallon jar of pickles!
PittsfieldTwp
Wed, Oct 14, 2009 : 12:09 p.m.
Is a Walmart employee better off than the average employee elsewhere? Maybe not. Is Walmart partially responsible for cheaper quality in our products? Probably so. However, Walmart was created within the rules of our society that we accept,vote for, and build our personal wealth (or loss). To opponents of Walmart - your battle should be directed elsewhere and not an individual thriving company.
EasyE
Wed, Oct 14, 2009 : 11:54 a.m.
gobluebeatosu, you seem to not be aware of monetary practices of big businesses like wal-mart compared to small, local businesses. Big businesses donate less to local communities and more of their profits are sent out of state. Local businesses donate more to the community and keep way more money invested in the community. If looking down on bad business practices that damage communities is being a snooty ann arborite, then that is exactly what i am.
GoblueBeatOSU
Wed, Oct 14, 2009 : 11:31 a.m.
Congrats to Walmart.seems like the opening of the Saline store was a HUGE success. Based on the success of the opening it is clear the majority of the people in the area are grateful to have you (Walmart). Ill be there shortly. Seems like there is a very small group of very vocal people in the area that believe they can enforce their beliefs on others. Now that the Walmart is open it is time for this small group to move on. The majority have spoken and have won.as it should be. Special thanks to Walmart for asking the middle school students to be involved in this stores opening. Not to mention the donations that Walmart has made to the local area.
hiphopopotamus
Wed, Oct 14, 2009 : 11:31 a.m.
The Wal-Mart vs. Vlasic Pickles story... http://www.fastcompany.com/magazine/77/walmart.html And don't worry, Pittsfield residents will never have to worry about footing the bill for Wal-Mart's lost property tax revenue. Because I'm sure Pittsfield Twp gave Wal-Mart a 15 year tax stipend to help grease the wheels. And have no fear Milan, Chelsea or Manchester. You may be next. Because in 15 years when Wal-Mart has to start paying taxes they'll just shutter the old Pittsfield location and move elsewhere to a tax-free locale. What's that? Can't think of a Wal-Mart that's closed it's doors within the last 15 years? Keep your eye on the Ypsilanti Twp Wal Mart on Ellsworth Rd at the Roundtree Plaza. Judging by the condition of that store, Wal-Mart has had this plan in mind for quite some time.
ffej440
Wed, Oct 14, 2009 : 11:04 a.m.
Unopened cereal has a shelf life of 6-12 mos easy, the date is a "best used by" to ensure the product is not stale.I would be more concerned with cerals like Walmarts "Great Value Berry Crunch" recalled last month because almonds were NOT listed on the contents.This is a mistake that could put someone in the hospital. Seems like every recall from flaming DVD players to mislabeld food involves Walmart..
oldblueypsi
Wed, Oct 14, 2009 : 10:58 a.m.
Will these anti-WalMart crusaders in Pittsfield Township ask their Board of Trustees to return WalMart's property taxes each year because the funds were "ill-gotten gains"?
treetowncartel
Wed, Oct 14, 2009 : 10:58 a.m.
Daddo, its called indoctrination, everybody's doing it, its the new rage.
DadooS
Wed, Oct 14, 2009 : 10:50 a.m.
The occasional savings customers find at Walmart is more than offset by the corporation's miserly employee benefits program and how this spins through all industry. Everyone gets paid less, healthcare is increasingly rare, and retirement an illusion. Customers save a few pennies while supporting the monster that is dragging down everyone's financial well being. BTW, in what way is it appropriate for a public school choir to support a corporate business open!?! Bizarre evil stuff!
adameichner
Wed, Oct 14, 2009 : 10:44 a.m.
The folks who are making the argument not to shop at Walmarts because it exploits poor people in other countries, and, takes away jobs that could be held by working class americans here are being SNOBBY? C'mon top cat and Wolverine. How do you figure that? Sounds like they are trying to care about the common folk everywhere. Maybe you can have Rush shoot me a memo on how that's snooty, when he finishes his cigar.
Janet Miller
Wed, Oct 14, 2009 : 10:20 a.m.
Walmart will be open 24/7. They'll close for Christmas.
treetowncartel
Wed, Oct 14, 2009 : 10:19 a.m.
These huge stores are great places to take your kids to in the winter months and let them stretch their legs.
BigSexy76
Wed, Oct 14, 2009 : 10:07 a.m.
Busch's will do just fine because they offer goods and services that Walmart cant compete with. We need to put Michigan businesses and products FIRST!!
Barb
Wed, Oct 14, 2009 : 9:50 a.m.
Wolverine3660, do you have anything specific to say that would further the discussion of did you just want to just mention how Ann Arborites are snooty?
A2D2
Wed, Oct 14, 2009 : 9:40 a.m.
I for one enjoy shopping at Country Market in Saline, but to tell you the truth, I constantly find that they sell close-dated and very outdated merchandise throughout the store. My latest experience has been in the cereal aisle (I have cereal-eating kids). I bought a box of Kelloggs cereal with a rebate couon inside that expired back in July. A week later a bought two other boxes of Kelloggs cereal that expired back in MAY. These are two examples of weekly occurances. We have to be on-guard.. So, it seems to be a little bit naive to think that Wal-Mart will be the sole seller of poor-quality merchandise in Saline.
ffej440
Wed, Oct 14, 2009 : 9:37 a.m.
I am VERY disapointed to see the Vets at this event. Over 80% of Walmarts suppliers are based in China, a Commie country that opposes the freedoms that YOU fought for.I guess I'll remember this on Poppy Day (Maybe those are made in China also)
Wolverine3660
Wed, Oct 14, 2009 : 9:36 a.m.
Hating WalMart, and acting like Ann Arborites are oh, so much better than folks who shop at Walmart seems to be the fashionable thing to do these days, eh? Politically correct, elitist BS, I say.
Billy
Wed, Oct 14, 2009 : 9:16 a.m.
"Last time I checked the small antique stores in Saline don't have the same products as Wal-Mart." Last I checked small antique stores in Saline are DEFINITELY not representative of the businesses that wally world will put out of business. Just wait, 5 years from now...long after you've forgotten about this...see how many small business that aren't niche business still exist in Saline and the surrounding areas.
Barb
Wed, Oct 14, 2009 : 9:16 a.m.
Dear Mom of Three: As a mom of 4, I know there are plenty of other options besides Whole Foods and Wal-Mart. I suggest reading about what "inexpensive" really gets you and the world around you. The Wal-marts of the world are creating a scary place for our children. It ain't about making ends meet. It's about what saving a few bucks on pickles does to other people. Yeah, pickles. Google "pickles and walmart" and learn something about why this isn't the sort of business that's good. You don't save anything in the long run. And you're naive to think it does.
ffej440
Wed, Oct 14, 2009 : 9:13 a.m.
What antique stores in Saline? Most of them went under long ago. If you REALLY shop in Saline you know the the ones that will hurt are the grocery and hardware/variety stores. You can have your Walmart food, I'd rather spend a little more for food that won't be on next weeks recall list. I think I would rather pay a little extra for kids toys that have no lead paint and are not made by child slave labor. Thats why we live here- Freedom of choice. Choose wise- Walmart Bad For America Always!
Arboriginal
Wed, Oct 14, 2009 : 9:11 a.m.
How long until the Walmart in Ypsi closes? How long until Walmart finds a more suitable tax situation in another location and closes the Pittsfield location? Just asking.
MotO
Wed, Oct 14, 2009 : 9:07 a.m.
What are the Store's Hours?
Mumbambu, Esq.
Wed, Oct 14, 2009 : 9:05 a.m.
I'm anxiously awaiting the comments on this story!
Corey
Wed, Oct 14, 2009 : 8:44 a.m.
To actually think that Wal-Mart will put the small businesses of Saline and Pittsfield out of business is beyond naive. According to basic economics for a giant business like Wal-Mart to put a business out of business it must be competition. Last time I checked the small antique stores in Saline don't have the same products as Wal-Mart. Get a clue people.
mom of three
Wed, Oct 14, 2009 : 8:35 a.m.
I don't know about you all, but I have three kids and two dogs to support. I can not afford to shop at Whole Foods, or Red Plum. I HAVE to find the best deal on groceries, toys, supplies, whatever we are needing. In this economy, especially in Michigan, I can not believe that people are STILL putting Wal Mart down. They supply inexpensive groceries, clothing, household items. You may be able to throw your money away, but I can't. And I won't.
mermaid
Wed, Oct 14, 2009 : 8:29 a.m.
Topcat sounds like a contented, happy, and overpaid Walmart employee. And, if Walmart displays BOTH the U.S. and the Michigan state flag, then we all may be assured that Walmart is ".......headed in the right direction to do the right thing."
a2huron
Wed, Oct 14, 2009 : 8:10 a.m.
Why aren't these kids in the photo in school? Today is a school day, isn't it?
whiteraven6670
Wed, Oct 14, 2009 : 8:03 a.m.
As far as I am concerned, this is the beginning of the end for Pittsfield Township and Saline. Expect all of the local business to slowly fade. I am a citizen of Pittsfield Township, and I fought very hard to make sure that this Walmart wasn't built. Oh Well, Everyone will enjoy buying Slave Labor Made Crap.