AN EDUCATION ON WALMART

It seems that the Pro-Walmarters' only ammunition is to do alot of name calling. If that's all they've got, then we'll provide them with some facts. We encourage them to get an education, and see just a few resources listed below.

But first, please remember that the Russo/Martin request for rezoning change isn't for "just a Wal-mart". The site plan includes the following other NINE buildings , in addition to the 155,000 square foot building for Walmart. (To put this in perspective, the ENTIRE Ames plaza was 106,330 sq ft)

Also, please remember that although Wal-mart will only have ownership of this one building, it is written in their contract that they will have control over what other businesses are allowed or not allowed in the other buildings on the property. Does this sound like free enterprise to you?

These other businesses currently included:
retail-90'x80' (20 seats)
retail-90'x50' (4000 sq ft)
retail-90x50' (4000 sq ft)
retail-110-x91 (10,010 sq ft)
donut shop 90' x 60' (20 seats)
restaurant 100' x 60' (150 seats)
office (unlisted dimensions)
office-90' x 40' (3600 sq ft)
retail- 130' x 70' (10,000 sq ft)

It's perplexing to us, why some local restaurants would support this project, when two national chains will be their competition.

One of our main concerns is our local businessman/woman. He or she lives here, is raising their family here, worships with you. Maybe this project wouldn't "put them out of business completely", but how much business can they afford to lose because you want a Wal-Mart?
Ten percent? Twenty percent? When they have to lay off some of their employees will you help him or her to make their mortgage payments? insurance payments? feed their families?

So many of those business people privately tell us that they don't want this project to happen, but they are forced to keep quiet for fear of losing your business if they tell you how they really feel. Don't you see how important your business is to them? So either they lose your business now or lose it later.

How can you be so callous and be responsible for destroying the livelihood of your neighbor who has invested his or her life savings in establishing a business in this community, just so you can have the convenience of shopping for EVERYTHING in Alden.

Are you willing to say that if this project is approved that you will never leave this town for anything? That you will never go to the Galleria Mall again? Don't you enjoy the "getting out" to other communities? Of course you do.

The ARRG is diligently working on finding smaller retailers to fill the void. We've compiled a list of items not currently available in Alden, and the list isn't really all that big. Contrary to popular belief, socks are available in Alden. Dollar General is doing a really great job at trying to fill the void. Give them some credit. Tell them what else you need, and they'll see if they can get it. Other businesses will do the same. If you'd like to help us in our search to find other small retailers, please contact us.

Locally Owned vs Chain: The Local Premium
http://www.newrules.org/retail/local.html

Hidden Cost of Wal-Mart Jobs
http://www.dsausa.org/lowwage/walmart/2004/walmart%20study.html

The Wal-mart You Don't Know
http://www.fastcompany.com/magazine/77/walmart.html

What do We Know About Wal-mart?
An overview of Facts and Studies for New Yorkers
www.brennancenter.org/dynamic/subpages/download_file_8414.pdf

Impact of Big-Box Stores on Existing Jobs
www.bigboxtoolkit.com/images/pdf/Jobs.pdf

The Economic Impact of Locally Owned Business vs Chains
www.newrules.org/retail/midcoaststudy.pdf

Big-Box Economic Impact Studies
http://www.newrules.org/retail/econimpact.html

The True Cost of Mega-Retailers and the Fight for America's Independent Businesses
http://www.bigboxswindle.com/

Why Should You Support Local Business?
http://www.tradelocal.org/why_local_bus.htm

Area Wal-Mart stores generating crime waves
www.smarterfairfield.com/page5.html

The High Cost of Low Prices
http://www.walmartmovie.com/


We have a limited number of No-Walmart Signs available.

Please contact us if you would like one (or two or three).

And keep those letters coming to the Alden Advertiser. Help educate those who don't know the facts. Knowledge is power. To the ARRG members, you should be congratulated for standing up for your beliefs. Don't give up, we're making progress everyday.

BE VOCAL AND BUY LOCAL