First impressions of Pittsfield Township's Walmart
Last night I was wondering what this morning’s Opening Day at the Walmart in Pittsfield Township would bring. Long lines to get in? Grouchy protesters blocking the entrance? Big unannounced door-buster sales? Any circumstance was sure to be interesting, so I headed out, with my shopping list in hand, to take a look.
Upon entering I was greeted by not one but two friendly greeters, as well as a representative from the in-house salon passing out coupons and freebies. A few steps forward, and an employee was cutting and serving the third sheet cake to an attracted crowd.
Freebies and goodies were being shared throughout the store. While there, I was offered fresh pineapple, a chicken “drummette”, a free loaf of bread coupon, a Twinkie from a giant Twinkie-man, apple cider, eye glass cleaner, hair gel, and a fortune cookie. The samples were being offered throughout the store by vendors and employees. I have to admit it led to a party-like atmosphere. The hundreds of shoppers were already excited to see what this superstore had to offer, and the attentive goody-givers did a nice job of making it feel celebratory.I saw many customers were greeting each other by name and chatting about what they liked about the store. Here are some of their comments:
“I have been waiting for Walmart to open for a very long time,” said Cindy Gochin of Saline. She came in to “check out everything” and was making her way around the store. She is excited about the convenience of having the Walmart close to Saline.
“The aisles are nice and big, everyone is friendly, and there are lots of good prices,” said Donna Jordan, also of Saline. She was excited to get a chance to come in and shop for a lot of things that she needs. She started her Christmas shopping, and was excited to find and purchase clothes, boots, toys, MP3 music players, and even a vacuum cleaner.
“I love the food department; that was awesome, everything is very clean and well spaced out,” said Cheryl Cummell, who works at Saline High School and says this location will be convenient for her.
Michelle Hopson has lived in the Ann Arbor area for about a year and a half. “It is so convenient, my children go to school here at Harvest, and I can zip right across here, and I don’t always have to go out to Ann Arbor to shop.” Hopson said she is from the South and has never lived in a town that didn’t have a Walmart. “I am excited. It’s very clean; nice and new, I’m liking the convenience.”
Lead retail blogger Angie Smith will hunt for deals and dish on the latest in retail in Ann Arbor. Readers will learn about great deals, and store happenings in and around the city. To report a news item or tip, contact her at angieannarbor@gmail.com
Comments
braggslaw
Sat, Oct 17, 2009 : 10:21 a.m.
America is great we can all make the choices we feel comfortable with. Those who do not like Wal Mart do not have to shop there. Those who like the prices of Wal Mart have the ability to shop there. God Bless America
Oceans 11
Fri, Oct 16, 2009 : 1:02 p.m.
THANK YOU to the dear lady that found my purse in a shopping cart outside Wal-Mart opening day and turned it in to customer service. You have renewed my faith in the kindness and honesty of humankind.
applehazar
Fri, Oct 16, 2009 : 7:30 a.m.
Now we don't like ads in newspapers - gee - isn't that why the Ann Arbor News went out of business? - low advertising. Everyone chill - at least there are no potholes at 12 and State. Has anyone been on Ann Arbor Saline road lately over 94? Maybe we need a Costco there so the orads can get fixed - they won't get fixed any other way as the politicians have absconded with all our tax money. Go Business in Pittsfield! - by the way many need a map - Walmart is outside of the City limits of Saline.
libnana
Thu, Oct 15, 2009 : 8:29 p.m.
There is a price to pay and it is huge. I would not shop at Walmart ever. Read people read! Also the huge ads they put in newspapers, the ones that tote "feed your family for less than $2.00 per person", and then show an example. The foods shown are mostly calorie ladden sugar and corn with little or no fiber. Junk!! The foods shown are of NO nutritional value what so ever. I've seen them take out several small town operations which was their intention in the frist place.
English CORE
Thu, Oct 15, 2009 : 6:35 p.m.
Angie, I wish you were so sad over the arrival of Walmart that you'd choose to ignore them completely, rather than load up on stuff that for a slight amount more, would help pay employees fair wages and perhaps some healthcare. Ann Arbor & Washtenaw county needs to keep our retail buying power local...what a shame too many folks won't remember what true power is--the power provided by our purses. I'd urge folks to avoid "Evilmart" and support local businesses.
Mel
Thu, Oct 15, 2009 : 6:14 p.m.
Boo! Boo! If you haven't gotten the memo on Walmart yet, it's a waste of breath. However remember A2's heritage was always its own town of community businesses and not much support for chains beyond Briarwood. I hope A2 isn't whoring itself for cheap short-term satisfaction.
BigSexy76
Thu, Oct 15, 2009 : 2:50 p.m.
Busch's will survive folks
Brenda
Thu, Oct 15, 2009 : 9:33 a.m.
Some Saline residents have very short-term memories. Also I believe all of the Pittsfield Township officials that allowed this awful monster of a store to be built were voted out by the residents. The construction on the roads and the snarls have been awful. Good bye to the beautiful country side. My dollars will continue to go to Meijers, Buschs, Country Market, Hillers, and the farmers at the local farmers markets.
Barb
Thu, Oct 15, 2009 : 8:40 a.m.
Anyone who thinks Wal-mart is *helping* in this economy obviously doesn't understand how we got here. The wal-marts of the world are making things worse. You will pay more in the long run, I promise. I suggest folks start figuring out how our global economy works instead of just thinking in such simple, selfish terms.
Ted McMullen
Thu, Oct 15, 2009 : 8:05 a.m.
I would like to add that the meticulous planning that went into this Walmart truly shows. The efforts made by the previous Pittsfield Township administration and the requirements they put on Walmart have added a lot to the overall site. Their partnership with the Washtenaw County Road Commission resulted in excellent traffic flow and this place looks better than any Walmart I have seen. No matter what stance people have in favor of or against Walmart, I would like to thank those involved with its planning for doing the most possible to benefit our community.
applehazar
Thu, Oct 15, 2009 : 7:01 a.m.
Yes - thanks for coming - Walmart - in this economy a deal is a deal - and Walmart has great prices. Lately the local "deals" have been sparse and pricey - maybe this competition will help. If you are lucky enough to be wealthy - the opening of Walmart will not affect you anyways - the rest of us are thankful for the "low price leader" arriving. It is a very nice, clean, store employing many locals who are more than anxoius to be helpful and courteous. Walmart also treats their employees well - good benefits. Yes - Walmart is Arkansas based - last I knew that is in the US - This will also help the local Saline economy and spur many more local shops opening nearby in the abandoned fields on route 12 that could not be developed. Maybe now Costco and others will also come.
Pablo
Thu, Oct 15, 2009 : 6:37 a.m.
No thanks on this out-of-state controlled business, importing so much from out of this country...I want to shop locally...we do not wish to see another Big Box store putting out our local businesses/neighbors out of business. Long live locals.