vg550

Wed, Oct 14, 2009 : 6:50 a.m.

I just wonder how many of the "Walmart Bashers" are driving AMERICAN MADE CARS. The store is creating jobs in our state. Be thankful!

eagleman

Tue, Oct 13, 2009 : 8:33 p.m.

More mindless corporation bashing from the unproductive elements of our society. It is a sign of our prosperity that people have the ability to have careers as "activists" instead of real jobs. It is clear to anyone who is not a fanatical Union member or Neo Socialist that the concerns expressed are either minor or the fantasies of warped minds. Wal Mart is not perfect, but then no company is.In fact, no creation--tangible or otherwise-- of man is. Freemind(oh, the irony!) and Alan Benard would have you believe that Wal Mart is the spawn of the Devil, but you have to wonder what these folks are doing to find ways to reduce the 15 percent unemployment in Michigan. In fact, what are the UAW, Micheal Moore, the AFL CIO, and the rest of the sanctimonious blowhards on the Left, doing to get Michigan working again? What are they doing to make sure people have jobs do they can feed their children? What the anti-Wal Mart people don't seem able to grasp is that without jobs, all the issues they raise simply do not matter. People ultimately want to be able to feed and shelter themselves and their loved ones. This is something that the Left is incapable of doing.

treetowncartel

Tue, Oct 13, 2009 : 11:50 a.m.

I think most of the disdain comes from the actions of the company, and not the origin of its goods. Cheap things used to be made in Japan, then the Japanese learned about customer loyalty and branding and started creating more highend and quality products. So, China rightfully stepped in to fill the void. Globalization is here to stay, and rightfully so. Anyone looking for a good vacume should go with a german product, Miele. Germans make very precionally crafted things.

ChelseaGirl

Tue, Oct 13, 2009 : 10:30 a.m.

I have a neighbor who bashes WalMart, but then runs to Cabela's and makes a bunch of purchases there. Most of that stuff is made oversea's too

InsideTheHall

Tue, Oct 13, 2009 : 10:27 a.m.

Good luck WalMart perfect time to open. The liberal lemmings have destroyed this state and we can all use some everyday low prices. At least some jobs are actually being created as the Socialist Obama drives the economy right into the ground.

cantleaveAA

Tue, Oct 13, 2009 : 9:30 a.m.

Because Meijer is a local (Michigan based) business, proceeds are reinvested in the state. Plus it supports local farmers by purchasing fresh area produce when possible.

wuttha

Tue, Oct 13, 2009 : 8:57 a.m.

Meijer stores have everything. How come no one accuses them of driving out local businesses?

cantleaveAA

Tue, Oct 13, 2009 : 8:09 a.m.

Wal-Mart is a disgusting corporation. Is it worth saving 10 cents on a tube of toothpaste knowing you are supporting a company who encourages a high turnover rate in order to keep wages down? This is the actual language from a memo to the board of directors. "Given the impact of tenure on wages and benefits, the cost of an Associate with 7 years of tenure is almost 55 percent more than the cost of an Associate with 1 year of tenure, yet there is no difference in his or her productivity (Exhibit 2). Moreover, because we pay an Associate more in salary and benefits as his or her tenure increases, we are pricing that Associate out of the labor market, increasing the likelihood that he or she will stay with Wal-Mart." Link to the actual memo: http://www.nytimes.com/packages/pdf/business/26walmart.pdf See you at Busch's.

Basic Bob

Tue, Oct 13, 2009 : 6:50 a.m.

Interesting that the company calls it the Saline store. Sure, they have a Saline zip code, and they are in the Saline school district. Same as the people who have been hostile to this store since it was first announced. Now that Pittsfield will be collecting higher property taxes here, I hope that the money can be directed to controlling the blight and empty commercial space which is developing on Carpenter Road. Our township officials seem to be obsessed on the "Saline" part of the township at the expense of the rest of us.

Smilin-Milan Dad

Mon, Oct 12, 2009 : 10:27 p.m.

Wow! Community destruction, shady corporate policy, environmental unfriendliness, abandon properties, unbalanced labor practice, medicare leaching, hidden media agendas, subliminal sales practices, low end lawn mowers and dumpy people... I've just got three unanswered questions: 1) What time do the doors open on Wednesday? 2) Will there be super grand opening price reductions and free snacks? 3) How is Ms. Boyer going to prevent idiots from parking directly in front of the main entrance?

debling

Mon, Oct 12, 2009 : 10:15 p.m.

My prediction. The opening of Walmart will start a real boom in business along the US12/State and will be a big positive to the Saline area. Oh by the way, the store will be packed opening week and I will be sure to say hi to all the Walmart gripers on this blog!

treetowncartel

Mon, Oct 12, 2009 : 9:44 p.m.

Nobody should make more than the President!

huh7891

Mon, Oct 12, 2009 : 8:10 p.m.

I'm not trying to be rude, this is simply my experience and observations. ( and yes I am a reasonably intelligent person) I cannot stand Walmart, it is crowded, filled with a "odd" caliber of people..dumpy..would describe them best. That fill up their carts with crap they don't need, just because they got it at a low price and can say they have the latest gadget or electronic item. I prefer to shop at Target, the prices are comparable, if not better.

PJ

Mon, Oct 12, 2009 : 8:06 p.m.

Rosewater - Walmart has already given money to Saline Area Schools, Saline Summerfest and maybe some other events. The sad thing here is that more people have commented on the WalMart than most other issues on AnnArbor.com, except for maybe sports stories. If you don't like WalMart, don't shop there plain and simple. I shop at Sam's and Costco for bulk items because I have a family of six. I shop the sales at Busch's and Meijer. I like Country Market deli because they slice your meat and cheese while you wait, don't take it out of a bin. I get fresh fruits and vegetables at farm markets during the season. As you complain about WalMart exploiting Chinese labor for cheap prices - how many of you attend NCAA events where our athletes are exploited everyday? Couple hundred bucks to see Michigan take on Ohio State - no problem!! Pay an NFL quarterback 100 million dollar contract - no problem!! I'll pay $75 bucks a seat for that!! Admit it - America's values are screwed up - because that is the American way. Oh by the way, the President of the "greatest country on earth" makes $400,000 plus benefits. Think about it.

rosewater

Mon, Oct 12, 2009 : 7:21 p.m.

Thanks for the info on Better World Shopper. As you mentioned, Walmart and Sam's Club received an "F" on social and environmental responsibility while Target received a C+. With all Walmart's profits you never hear them doing anything in the community. Why is that?

Big Daddy

Mon, Oct 12, 2009 : 6:30 p.m.

As an employee of the new WalMart, I gotta say that the negative comments here are just...wrong. The wages, though not spectacular, are in line with similar businesses. The benefits (medical insurance included) are good. The merchandise is no different than Meijer or Target or wherever, but the prices are lower (I won't bore you with examples, but I certainly could). The store is clean and bright and well-organized. The managers do not beat us or lock us in the back room. I suspect the naysayers, if they give the new store a try, would be pleasantly surprised.

slyde734

Mon, Oct 12, 2009 : 5:31 p.m.

Wow...more cheap crap from China. YIPPY. Thanks Walmart

BigSexy76

Mon, Oct 12, 2009 : 4:55 p.m.

The Saline/Ann Arbor area has businesses that offer goods and services that Walmart cant compete with. I personally think the Walmart will draw more traffic into the area so ALL grocery stores(Busch's,Whole Foods) can prosper. Being community oriented and innovative always wins at the end of the day.In this case..The war was won before it even bagan:)

JoyRide

Mon, Oct 12, 2009 : 3:38 p.m.

Hey Harleymama. You're so right. I can't afford to shop in the over-priced shops in Saline, prices are unbelievalbe! Thank goodness there are places like Walmart where the average person can afford to shop at. If it doesn't appeal to you or you're offended by the type of person that shops there, don't go. JoyRide

Lynn Liston

Mon, Oct 12, 2009 : 3:26 p.m.

@treetowncartel, you make a very valid point. Let's face it, we're a nation of 'thingists' and we are hooked on having lots of pretty things, and that's how places like Walmart make huge profits. They're full of things, things we don't need, things that we don't have room for, things we get tired of in a day or so...I see people complaining about the prices at locally owned independent merchants. What's cheaper- going to Walmart, succumbing to their clever merchandising and coming out with 5 things you didn't want, or going to a local store and buying the one thing you need? That local store pays a living wage to help support a local family, who then spends their money within the community. Your money, for that higher priced item, circulates 7-9 times within the community. More than 60+% of your purchase money wiil remain in the community. Shopping at Walmart will see that 60+% leave the community and the state forever. What remains will be paid out in low-wage, dead-end, part-time paychecks. How does this help a community maintain a thriving local economy? Check out this site to learn more about how locally owned businesses contribute to the community: www.thinklocalfirst.net.

John Galt

Mon, Oct 12, 2009 : 3:25 p.m.

Glad to see a business opening in the area. And to those who don't like it.....it's called freedom to chose. Don;t shop there. Those that chose to shop there will determine it's success or failure. Low prices for the identical merchandise is seen as attractive to some people. Low wage jobs n a State with 15% unemployment is still a job. It is very easy to be critical when you have a good paying job and can impress your friends with your trendy purchases and hangouts. If you live with a tight budget, Walmart is a good option.

treetowncartel

Mon, Oct 12, 2009 : 1:19 p.m.

Here is a good read, even though it is 5 years old. Mr. Orwell may have been Sam's visionary. http://www.nytimes.com/2004/11/14/business/yourmoney/14wal.html Sorry I do not know how to hyperlink it.

treetowncartel

Mon, Oct 12, 2009 : 1:07 p.m.

There is something cheaper tham Walmart with the ability to get a quality product that has not been dumbed down, shoplifting. Seriously though, Walmart is a store of last resort in my book. I've been in a Super Walmart up north and the quality of their fresh food is not that good, especially when you compare it to the local market and stands up there. It really is not that "super'. Their textiles are on par with K-mart, Target and Meijer. You can get better stuff for the same price at places like TJ Maxx and Home Goods. Again, as others have pointed out, the draw of all of these big box do everything stores is to get you to spend more money than you would had you gone to a store that specializes in the thing you actually needed that day. They want you to run in for a pack of diapers and leave with 5 more things you really don't need, like some new bedding, anew mop, maybe that 8 year old movie on DVD for $4.99, some candles and something that is only costing you 50 cents, whatever it is. They spend milions of dollars studying consumers spending habits. So, the real question is, are you going to let Walmart play for you for a fool? Can you just run in for a gallon of milk and nothing less? That is the real way to get back at Walmart. the only way they want you buying one item is if it is a big ticket item. Thanks for the info on Sam's club, but I find club's to be quite elitist. Gordon's food is another good place to go.

braggslaw

Mon, Oct 12, 2009 : 12:43 p.m.

If you don't like Wal Mart don't shop there. America is great because we can all make our own choices.

Salineman

Mon, Oct 12, 2009 : 12:39 p.m.

I really wish they had built the Walmart in downtown Saline. I would love to wake up in the morning and jog to the Walmart for some new underware. It's a shame as it would look nice along with that US Storage facility at the entrance to Saline.

harleymama

Mon, Oct 12, 2009 : 12:14 p.m.

I can't give you concrete examples, shopping at Walmart vs ToysRUs or Target at Christmas time has always been a huge savings to me. If they brought back lay-away as K-Mart and Sears have there would be even more reasons to shop at Walmart.

American Family

Mon, Oct 12, 2009 : 11:55 a.m.

harleymama: I think that person knows where it is, but you never know :) So I helped. My Civic duty you know. And if that person was just being sarcastic, oh well....

Bill

Mon, Oct 12, 2009 : 11:53 a.m.

@treetowncartel, Sam's Club is a bulk store, (like Costco if you're familiar with it.) It generally has less of a bad reputation than Walmart does but they are the same company.

harleymama

Mon, Oct 12, 2009 : 11:51 a.m.

American Family... Do you honestly think treetowncartel doesn't know what/where Sam's is?

American Family

Mon, Oct 12, 2009 : 11:44 a.m.

To treetowncartel: It is a couple or so miles East of the new Walmart. On the same road. Corner of Michigan Ave and Carpenter Rd. Next to US23.

treetowncartel

Mon, Oct 12, 2009 : 11:34 a.m.

What is Sam's club?

harleymama

Mon, Oct 12, 2009 : 11:31 a.m.

So, all of you people against the new store won't be shopping at Sam's Club anymore either? Come on, let's be real here. I used to live in Saline and would hear all the time about how bad Walmart was going to be and how "undesirables" would be coming into the area to shop. These are the same people I would see at Sam's Club. Same company people! You elitist snobs are the real "undesirables" in the area!

American Family

Mon, Oct 12, 2009 : 11:26 a.m.

"We need more local businesses, not more Walmarts." People will decide with their wallets. Simple fact. If a local business fails, it either charged too much for the same products, or did not know how to evolve in the current economy. I really believe in buying from a local store, with locally made products. However, I will not spend $21 on an item at a local store, when I can get the very same item at a Walmart for $13. Only a rich person, a ideological zealot, or a fool will reward a company that charges a significantly higher price for the same item. Why do you thing Henry Ford did so well, and put out of business many of his competitors? He built an item that people wanted,and at a lesser price then the other guys. That is why Ford is here today still. The Walton family knows how to run a business. Well. Change and compete, or wither away. It is the Capitalists way. IT is the American way. It is not the "PC" way. Thank God.

EasyE

Mon, Oct 12, 2009 : 11:07 a.m.

right on freemind. not only are the wages and benefits AWFUL but most of the money spent at this walmart by people who appreciate more "consumer choices" (cheap, low quality brands) will be heading out of the community and out of the state. Walmart is a national corporation and their interests will not be the Saline Community. We need more local businesses, not more walmarts.

Freemind42

Mon, Oct 12, 2009 : 10:51 a.m.

To the comment about the "positives" if a walmart opening, the local jobs created include rock bottom wages, horrible benefits and drive out locally owned business. Also, how is one store that does everything poorly going to increase customer choices? Walmart leaves a wake of misery everywhere they go.

American Family

Mon, Oct 12, 2009 : 10:29 a.m.

Note to "Wendyy" comment: Prove your statement. Show me. As for finding bargain basement labor costs overseas; Help them, Walmart, and for that matter any American company find such labor here in the USA. I am sure that there are many many people willing to WORK here at lower rates. Lower pay is better then no pay at all. People overseas (and illegal Immigrants here) know that. Why don't we? Finding a way to make a product at less cost, and sell at a higher cost is how business works. If a business fails to do that, it fails. Then NO ONE has a job.

Otto Mobeal

Mon, Oct 12, 2009 : 10:16 a.m.

Wallmart is here! Wallmart is Here! Horay! Walmart is a benefit in the long run, all though it can hurt in the short run. Lower costs in these tough times are a good thing for the people of the area. Sure the smaller stores can't compete on tee shirts and low end lawn mowers, but they probably weren't making any money these mundane items anyway. This is the opportunity to change business models, to offer what Walmart can't or won't. I have always been impressed to how Barnes ACE has changed to answer the big boxes. Others can do the same and should do the same.

treetowncartel

Mon, Oct 12, 2009 : 10 a.m.

I agree Top Cat. Although, it would be interesting to see what happens with Walmart's space out on Ellsworth and the other stores in that strip mall. The grocery store, which started out a Busch's and then Sheenas has been closed for a while now. Maybe the folks here can do a follow up on that next spring. Save A lot should open up in Saline. They are a good deal on some staples and would get some market share from all of the grocers out there.

Pat Ivey

Mon, Oct 12, 2009 : 9:58 a.m.

Whatever negative implications opponents may cite regarding our new Saline area Walmart store opening, let's appreciate two positive ones: (1)local jobs created, and (2)more consumer choices.

Alan Benard

Mon, Oct 12, 2009 : 9:56 a.m.

@ Paula Gardner -- It is encouraging that you will look at the closed stores information. I have respect for Larry Oesterling and Jim Chaconas' knowledge in their areas of expertise, but ask myself if their statements might be coming from one place which may be the same place. Maybe we need information from some other places.

Alan Benard

Mon, Oct 12, 2009 : 9:50 a.m.

@ Paula Gardner - Thanks for your reply. One can't read everything, but I will read that.

wendy

Mon, Oct 12, 2009 : 9:37 a.m.

Note to "American Family" comment: if you want to talk about corporate welfare, you might want to look into Walmart's practice of instructing their employees how to qualify for Medicaid, since their insurance is so bad (or not offered at all). They have a long record of using government resources to their benefit, as well as finding bargain basement labor costs overseas.

Arboriginal

Mon, Oct 12, 2009 : 9:26 a.m.

Oops! peopleofwalmart.com

treetowncartel

Mon, Oct 12, 2009 : 9:21 a.m.

Just make sure you are clocked in before the morning pep rally. I hope you got paid for all your "extra time."

Arboriginal

Mon, Oct 12, 2009 : 9:20 a.m.

peopleofwallmart.com Cue up Sayleen!!!!!!!!!

Paula Gardner

Mon, Oct 12, 2009 : 9:18 a.m.

Alan Benard, Be sure to check out Sunday's story on the opening for much more information, including comparative real estate data for how Walmart drives rental rates for stores in its immediate vicinity - info that didn't make it into the print story, but is online. You can either follow the link in this story or go to: http://www.annarbor.com/business-review/walmart-opening-will-transform-pittsfield-township-corner-into-regional-shopping-destination/ I'll check out the data on the closed stores, but I've also done some reporting on that and hope to complete that today. Some real estate brokers point to Walmart's success in filling that space (an example from Howell: Elder Beerman). One reason is that Walmart's cost per square foot is negotiated to extremely low rates for any market they're in - simply b/c they're traffic drivers for the rest of the development. So when the store sublets, they've got bargain space on their hands. Large space, but with lots of room to cut a competitive deal.

Chris 8 - YPSI PRIDE

Mon, Oct 12, 2009 : 9:08 a.m.

As an associate of this store, I must say it's been a fun two months of opening delays. I did meet some awesome people. As someone new to the area this means alot to me. The extra time was far from wasted. This store is spotless inside. Also the extra time we all had training is going to make this one of the best Wal-mart stores yet. Come check it out! It is a great accomplishment and the team spirit within the associates is how it was done.

Alan Benard

Mon, Oct 12, 2009 : 9:08 a.m.

When will annarbor.com stop printing verbatim statements from spokespeople and copying press releases and actually provide us with a range of facts regarding long-standing news stories?

Alan Benard

Mon, Oct 12, 2009 : 9:06 a.m.

http://walmartwatch.com/issues/environment/"Wal-Mart leaves empty buildings behind. It is estimated that Wal-Mart alone has abandoned over 300 of its stores across the country in order to build newer and larger supercenters, all the while leaving empty concrete shells behind resulting in over 500 million square feet of unused retail space, the approximate amount of industrial space in the entire city of Atlanta,. [Erin Zeiss, "Wal-Mart devastates the environment," Eco-Mind, UVM Environmental Council, 1/23/07;" http://www.southeastrebusiness.com/articles/JUN05/cover2.html]

American Family

Mon, Oct 12, 2009 : 9:04 a.m.

This story is well done. I hope that this store does well, and that it "works and plays" well with the other stores in the area. Yes Walmart is a superstore, but it can't have everything. That is were the other stores in the area fill in the missing niches. I will shop at this store often. Sam Walton knew the American Dream. He knew how to achieve it. Some other companies in the country don't get it, or forgot how to do it. I really don't want to hear how big bad Walmart is using other countries to produce items to sell in the USA. Lets produce them here then. At the same costs. The reason we don't, is because people here want $20 an hour to turn a screw, or dip a widget in a bucket of paint. While others will do the same work for $10 an hour. From a business stand point it make no sense to pay twice as much to get the same work done. No American company has ever did well that way. Make a profit, or go the way of the Dodo. The "PC" crowd wants corporate welfare. No can do in America. Only the US Government will pay a person to sit on their butt to do nothing, or very little. With YOUR hard earned Tax Dollars by the way. And in time that will change also. You can only steal from the wealthy, or working class for so long until they are also broke. Then what?!? So lets hope that Walmart does well, gets us nice items for a low cost, and that the items work well for the cost. When people's wages are going down, the Walmarts of the world will do well. Remember, places like Walmart helps us stretch the Dollar a little more. No one can gripe about that. If they do they are either very rich, or full of doodie.

Alan Benard

Mon, Oct 12, 2009 : 9:03 a.m.

http://walmartwatch.com/issues/environment/ Is Wal-Mart Really a "Green" Company? While Wal-Mart has taken some commendable steps forward during the past year, the company has a long way to go to reverse the damage it has inflicted and show it is serious about its environmental efforts. PDF format: http://walmartwatch.com/img/blog/environmental_fact_sheet.pdf

Alan Benard

Mon, Oct 12, 2009 : 9:02 a.m.

Better World Shopper (2007)http://www.betterworldshopper.com/r-retail.html :BETTER WORLD SHOPPER is a site dedicated to providing people with a comprehensive, up-to-date, reliable account of the social and environmental responsibility of every company on the planet AND making it available in practical forms that individuals can use in their everyday lives. Coming out of more than 5 years of intensive research, this work is based on a comprehensive database of over 1000 companies and utilizes 25+ reliable sources of data to cover everything from the environment to human rights, community development to animal protection. Walmart's grade for social and environmental responsibility: F

Freemind42

Mon, Oct 12, 2009 : 9 a.m.

I hope it fails and the region can survive the destruction usually brought by Walmart.