| Subject: Re: WALMART OR NOT? |
Author:
Roland W.
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Date Posted: 19:37:56 02/29/04 Sun
In reply to:
Pamela
's message, "Re: WALMART OR NOT?" on 16:01:53 02/25/04 Wed
I've spent a lot of time thinking about this issue and can see arguments on both sides. I am usually the type of person who would prefer to see a cute little downtown with lots of mom and pop shops instead of a place like Riverdale, which is the epitome of boring (to me). But I will have to say, as much as I like to keep my money in Ogden, I go to Wal-Mart in Riverdale quite often. There just doesn't seem to be anyplace in Ogden where I can conveniently get so many of the things I need.
So here's my question. What businesses in Ogden will be hurt by having a Wal-Mart here? Really, people keep giving this as a big reason not to have it, but I want to hear some specifics names of some Ogden businesses that will be hurt by having a Wal-Mart on Wall?
Pizza Runner really shouldn't be worrying, WM won't take any of their business. Ruby & Begonia or Olive & Dahlia shoppers want something artsy and sophistocated. Wal-Mart will not give them any competition in this area. Maybe a dollar store or two will see some decline in business. But I would actually rather have one WM than 10 dollar stores in downtown.
When I drive around downtown now, there are just so many dead buildings, so few surviving businesses. I don't think any rational person can say that a WM down there won't at least bring people. These people will likely want to grab something to eat. Karen's Cafe and Zenger's should hardly worry that the hot dog stand at WM will take business from them -- in fact, I'd bet lots of money that it would bring them business. Wal Mart will help businesses in downtown Ogden.
Wal-Mart should also not be likened to the Ogden City Mall. It is, for so many reasons, not the same thing.
Downtown Ogden needs -- more than anything -- people! Wal-Mart has shown time and time again that it can bring people. Now how local businesses respond to this influx of people and whether or not they are able to take advantage of the crowds will be up to them, but the people will be there. If I had some capital money to invest, I'd open a restaurant or specialty shop downtown right now and expect to really make a return on my investment only when Wal-Mart starts bringing in the people. The area surrounding a WM is prime business real estate.
This is really how most big, successful cities work. There is a mix of different kinds of businesses (big and small, high-end and low-end). This mix meets people's needs and therefore, people are drawn to the place that offers this mix.
If all fantasies could come true, Wal-Mart would not be the solution for Ogden's downtown. But right now, it seems to be realistic solution.
>>Then why did the Mayor say (on Ogden TV channel 17
>interview, which was quite ridiculous) that most
>businesses wanted Wally World. I have talked to
>business owners on the Street and have not found one
>in favor. Where is this information coming from?
>There has been much said about if Wal Mart should come
>>to downtown Ogden. There are good arguements for both
>>sides. Polls show that a majority of folks do not want
>>it here. Many feel it will be the cheapening of our
>>downtown area and continue to drain business and
>>revenues from local downtown merchants. Others feel it
>>will increase traffic and bring bodies downtown and
>>perhaps increase traffic for all businesses. What is
>>right? Who knows? Don't we wish we had a crystal ball
>>to look into. If so would we have ever had the Ogden
>>City Mall? And what other things would we still have
>>or not have. Give us your thoughts on this subject and
>>perhaps we will print them in another forum in this
>>ezine or in our next issue of STREET, if it is not too
>>late. Speak up and be heard. That is what democracy
>>and free speech is about. And it is important to get
>>involved in your community to help steer and make
>>decisions as to what the community wants at large.
>>SPEAK UP!!!
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