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Posted on Tue, Apr 2, 2013 : 5:56 a.m.

Walmart in Ypsilanti Township could be expanding to become a 'Super' Walmart

By Tom Perkins

WalMart_1.jpg

Walmart is planning a 38,000-square-foot addition onto its Ypsilanti Township's store's west side.

Tom Perkins | For AnnArbor.com

The Ypsilanti Township Walmart could soon become a “Super” Walmart.

Township Planner Joe Lawson said he was pleased with a preliminary meeting with Walmart engineers and the site plans could be in front of the Ypsilanti Township Planning Commission at their May meeting.

The 38,000-square-foot addition onto the existing 128,000-square-foot building at 2515 Ellsworth Road mostly would provide additional space for a full grocery store under the same roof as the general retail.

The addition will be on the building's west side.

“It sounds like a pretty good expansion,” Lawson said. “It would be good for the neighborhood and the immediate area.”

Lawson said figures on the total investment weren’t available yet because architectural plans won't be available for three weeks, though he said he is pleased that there will be a significant boost in the property’s taxable value.

Lawson didn’t have any figures on how many jobs would be created and no Walmart representative returned calls for comment on the project.

The nearest Super Walmarts are on Belleville Road in Belleville and at 7000 E. Michigan Ave., in Saline.

Lawson said Walmart officials told him the Ypsilanti Township store has a high volume of customers and there have been requests for expanded grocery.

The next nearest grocery store is in the Meijer at the intersection of Carpenter and Ellsworth roads. The plaza once held a Busch's before it changed to a Sheena's Market. That shut down several years ago.

“We are excited about the expansion,” Lawson said. “It’s going to be a great service and commodity to the community.”

Comments

katmando

Thu, Apr 4, 2013 : 1:52 a.m.

Just what we don't need more part-time low wage jobs, with no health-care or retirement benefits. that they can dump onto the local welfare rolls.

E. Daniel Ayres

Wed, Apr 3, 2013 : 1:49 p.m.

Why can't the management simply take over the space which is open and available and already configured for food a few stores away rather than building a new 30,000 square foot addition? The old Bush's location a very easy walk down the sidewalk could be 1/2 of the WalMart operation, and the current location the other half? Ever since they tried putting food into the existing space, the current location has gotten more and more cluttered. The two locations are close enough that one management team could run them both and the distinction between a "food store" and an "everything else" store would not be a bad thing... It might even make it easier for the Health Department to keep tabs on them. I can't believe it is cheaper to build new than it is to lease empty space.

genetracy

Wed, Apr 3, 2013 : 4:33 a.m.

WalMart = The Mark of the Beast

mady

Wed, Apr 3, 2013 : 10:57 p.m.

yes, yes, yes!!!

Nicholas Urfe

Wed, Apr 3, 2013 : 3:13 a.m.

If this happens, I promise to stuff four pillows under my shirt and in the back of my pants, and wander the super wide aisles of the store mumbling "Get in my belly! Get in my belly!"

Thaddeus

Wed, Apr 3, 2013 : 2:31 a.m.

A thought on some of the comments that have been removed from this discussion today. Could it be that as some of these comments suggested that Wal-Mart is actually a better place to shop than (one of multiple Michigan-based companies) mentioned in discussion here - is because that Michigan-based company is an advertiser on this site....?

brian

Wed, Apr 3, 2013 : 2:14 a.m.

Please go through with it. I live in Downtown Ypsi and the nearest grocery store is Kroger on Michigan ave which I will not shop at.

ypsireader

Wed, Apr 3, 2013 : 3:20 a.m.

i live near downtown, and the kroger on michigan ave is my favorite place to shop. just wanted to put in a good word for it. the staff is friendly and the lines are never long. my least favorite is the kroger on whittaker, since it takes forever just to park. if you're looking for a really close place though, you could try the ypsi food co-op at river and cross, which has good food but is a little pricy for every day.

Greggy_D

Tue, Apr 2, 2013 : 11:12 p.m.

This location is called Ghetto Mart for a reason.

rutrow

Tue, Apr 2, 2013 : 9:23 p.m.

As one of the nation's premier bad corporate citizens, WalMart will get 0 cents of my money forever. And I encourage more people to boycott it. If you buy in bulk, try Costco, which happens to be one of the nation's best corporate citizens.

mady

Wed, Apr 3, 2013 : 10:56 p.m.

amen, rutrow, waltmart is the antichrist!!

Amber Coleman

Tue, Apr 2, 2013 : 9:13 p.m.

For the record Meijer and Kroger do not pay their workers a fair wage either. Their in store workers make just over minimum wage and have to pay union dues out of that. A raise of 5 cents after a year isn't spectacular (kroger). If you want to have cheap groceries and care about employees go to Aldi's. They start at 11 for their employees.

Michael

Tue, Apr 2, 2013 : 9:09 p.m.

I don't understand how people can shop at Walmart. It's such a terrible company. Like other people have stated, there's a Meijer just down the road, which is actually a Michigan company, as well as a recently renovated Target, which is a significantly better company than Walmart. I'm really surprised this Walmart didn't go out of business already.

julieswhimsies

Tue, Apr 2, 2013 : 8:55 p.m.

I have not, and will never shop at a Walmart. Their employees are paid slave wages...many are on food stamps or Medicaid. I find that repugnant. Meijer, on the other hand pays their employees a fair age, and it is also a Michigan company. I will continue to shop at Meijer and Costco. Costco workers are paid very good wages, and receive benefits. I would pay more to shop at a store that treats it's employees fairly.

Sully

Wed, Apr 3, 2013 : 2:22 p.m.

I can't speak for Costco, but the wages Meijer pays aren't any better then what Wal-Mart pays, plus you have to pay union dues out of your minimum wage salary.

Cash

Wed, Apr 3, 2013 : 11:38 a.m.

Costco For Sure!!! A company that treats it's employees like human beings!

brian

Wed, Apr 3, 2013 : 2:17 a.m.

Never own a business.

mady

Tue, Apr 2, 2013 : 7:58 p.m.

There's a well-researched book by author Bill Quinn titled, "How Wal-Mart is Destroying America(and the world), and What You Can Do About it". If this person had her way, it'd be required reading in every high school across America, but hey, that's just me.....

mady

Thu, Apr 4, 2013 : 7:57 p.m.

Brian, I am not trying to tell you where to shop/not shop, just plugging a well-written book. shop where you want to, it makes no difference to me!

brian

Wed, Apr 3, 2013 : 2:16 a.m.

I'll decide where I want to shop not you or anyone else.

fjord

Tue, Apr 2, 2013 : 5:32 p.m.

If, by "It's going to be a great service and commodity to the community," you mean that it will force a lot of small local businesses to close because they can't compete with Walmart's ability to demand ever-lower prices from their suppliers and pay the lowest wages to their employees that they can legally get away with (and sometimes lower), all while providing the worst-quality products that they can convince their customers to buy, then I suppose you may be right ... but you've also got a pretty twisted view of what "great service ... to the community" is.

music to my ear

Tue, Apr 2, 2013 : 5:17 p.m.

well if walmart wants to one up meijers, they should start doing double coupons at certain locations, since meijers as of march 31 st quit doubleing coupons .therefore sending me and my coupons self to krogers.great news walmart and I wont miss the long lines at meijers, maybe now meijers will have more money to have staff on hand,(BUT I doubt it.).

music to my ear

Tue, Apr 2, 2013 : 8:54 p.m.

thanks RSS

rs

Tue, Apr 2, 2013 : 5:50 p.m.

locals crack me up with adding an "s" to business names. Cheers to all of those that work at Meijers, Krogers and Fords!

grimmk

Tue, Apr 2, 2013 : 4:27 p.m.

There is nothing Super about Walmart. It needs to GO. And Big Lots as well.

music to my ear

Tue, Apr 2, 2013 : 8:53 p.m.

@ annenglish yes big lots do have great deals and the employees are really nice and friendly. on carpenter rd.

Ann English

Tue, Apr 2, 2013 : 7:17 p.m.

I've been happy to buy $5 waterproof watches and 12-cup muffin pans at that Big Lots. Last week, I bought canned tomatoes for 50 cents a can at the Lohr Road Big Lots, 9 cents less per can than Aldi sells them for.

music to my ear

Tue, Apr 2, 2013 : 5:22 p.m.

duh big lots gots some deals perhaps you dont need to save, money cleaning products, and food and some specialty foods, gluten free, and some nice furniture.no big lots must stay.

KateT

Tue, Apr 2, 2013 : 4:15 p.m.

When my daughter was about 4, we accidentally found ourselves in the middle of a "guns drawn" police stakeout in the front of the Ypsilanti Walmart store. That kind of memory is hard to shake. Since she works at Taco Bell, I stop in for black uniform socks or whatever, and the store is somewhat cleaner now. With an empty grocery store on the site, though, building a new one seems a bit odd. For quality, friendliness price and selection, Meijer's produce, cheese and bakery sections are splendid. The new, much-touted east side Target produce section is some kind of cruel joke. Apples, oranges and potatoes, essentially, really??

Ann English

Tue, Apr 2, 2013 : 7:13 p.m.

Their employee break area was fine when I went there on summer Sunday in 2011. With a tornado siren on Hewitt Road so near, it was BLARING from the entrance doors outside. Over the PA came, "Code Black," meaning, "Take cover." All the cashiers left the checkouts for the back of the store (the break area) and we were told we could join them there until or IF an "all clear" were given for the area. If we wanted to leave sooner, we could without our intended purchases. I don't see how a Meijer, Target, Busch's or Kroger could have responded better to a tornado warning than this Walmart did. New Boston to the southeast got hit with a funnel cloud instead. Meijer's own brand of dairy has long left a bad aftertaste in my mouth, whether it's milk, cottage cheese, or other cheese. The other brands sold there taste better, but Kroger often sells milk and its own brand of shredded cheese for less.

Kevin & Lucas

Tue, Apr 2, 2013 : 4:09 p.m.

I was in this Wal-Mart a few years ago and had to use the bathroom. The scene in there reminded me of the movie Saw.

Ann English

Tue, Apr 2, 2013 : 7:01 p.m.

Hopefully, there was a sign on the door going out of that bathroom that said they want to know if you found the bathroom unsatisfactory.

YpsiLivin

Tue, Apr 2, 2013 : 4:03 p.m.

I was hoping that this Walmart would close when the one in Pittsfield Twp/Saline opened, but no such luck. When someone can tell me why Busch's, Farmer Jack and Kroger all closed stores in this area, and why Sheena's and the other independent grocery store where Big Lots operates now both failed, then we should talk about building more grocery stores here.

TooT

Tue, Apr 2, 2013 : 3:53 p.m.

Great, then they will have 38,000-square-feet more floorspace that they won't clean. There are much better Walmarts...

JRA

Tue, Apr 2, 2013 : 3:37 p.m.

So, Lawson thinks this is a fabulous idea, and great for the community, although he doesn't have figures on the total investment that will be made, or figures on how many jobs will be created. In my opinion, this expansion will only make that mall more of an eyesore.

UpperDecker

Tue, Apr 2, 2013 : 2:54 p.m.

I remember they said they were going to do this a few years ago, all they did was paint the outside of the building a new ugly color.

dancinginmysoul

Tue, Apr 2, 2013 : 2:45 p.m.

Gag. I don't support them, and I never will. Save money? Yeah right. I've seen products at Wal Mart for higher costs then other stores (like Target & Meijer). Live better? How exactly will Wal Mart make my life better. Go away Wal Mart.

amazonwarrior

Tue, Apr 2, 2013 : 2:25 p.m.

To all the commentors who say the store is filthy I ask, when was the last time you were in Walmart? Any time I've been there, which is about once a week, the store is clean, the shelves are well stocked and organized. Yes, the parking lot needs some work, but I'm certain they will take care of that in due time. Meijer, Target and Kroger (where I refuse to shop) are about 10+ miles from my house, then at Meijer and Target I have to take a 5 mile hike through the store to get the 1 or 2 items I need, then stand in line for 15 minutes to check out. (I REFUSE to use the self-serve checkouts, because all that's done is put cashiers out of work.) The area needs a grocery store and I'm looking forward to the expansion, as well as the jobs it will create for the area. The rest of you, if you don't like the store....don't shop there, it's that simple.

djacks24

Tue, Apr 2, 2013 : 5:57 p.m.

"(I REFUSE to use the self-serve checkouts, because all that's done is put cashiers out of work.)" Wal-Mart itself has almost single handedly put American made manufacturing out of work (or at least largely contributed to it's steady decline). But you are worried about preserving Wal-Mart cashiers jobs? Just WOW!

dading dont delete me bro

Tue, Apr 2, 2013 : 5:38 p.m.

amazon, you don't get out much do you?

UpperDecker

Tue, Apr 2, 2013 : 4:58 p.m.

I have never seen cold beer in the ypsi walmart and if I did it would most certainly be a gross macro-lager. All organizations are going to have bad employees, the difference is a good one will handle situations like you saw in a more professional manner. Overall I think it would be difficult to show that walmart treats its employees better.

amazonwarrior

Tue, Apr 2, 2013 : 4:14 p.m.

UpperDeck...you obviously haven't been in Meijer when a manager/supervisor has been berating an employee in front of the customers. I don't call that treating their employees better. As for the warm beer....I think Walmart has beer in the cooler for those of you who have to have a cold one while still in the parking lot.

UpperDecker

Tue, Apr 2, 2013 : 2:53 p.m.

uhhh unless you want frozen food and warm beer there is nothing you can even buy at the walmart in Ypsi. You say you refuse to use self serve checkouts but would rather support walmart when we all know that Meijer treats its employees better regardless.

leezee

Tue, Apr 2, 2013 : 2:12 p.m.

I lived in that area when the Walmart first opened. Even then it was a dump. Merchandise all over the floor - including clothing which just sat there accumulating dirt and dust. My experience then made me choose to never again step foot in a Walmart and I plan to keep that way......even if it became a super-duper Walmart.

Ann English

Tue, Apr 2, 2013 : 6:53 p.m.

I wonder which year it opened? I found it without looking for it, but I remember the big, white apital letters saying, WAL-MART when I first saw it. It was the health and beauty products that drew me there originally and keep me shopping there. Relatives have sent me there for a blender and furnace filters, and the purchases have been satisfactory.

Mitch

Tue, Apr 2, 2013 : 2:09 p.m.

Yuck, more of Wally world.

Woman in Ypsilanti

Tue, Apr 2, 2013 : 2:07 p.m.

The last time I was at WalMart, they actually demanded to check my receipt when I left. I refused of course but that was the last time I set foot in a WalMart. That was over a decade ago.

mady

Tue, Apr 2, 2013 : 8:04 p.m.

not surprised, these people treat their employees like dirt.

Dog Guy

Tue, Apr 2, 2013 : 2:03 p.m.

By default, Harbor Freight Tools is the anchor store in that mall.

hawkhulk

Tue, Apr 2, 2013 : 1:43 p.m.

I rarely shop at Walmart, and then only for items not available elsewhere. The store is not spectacular in the least, and it can't touch the Meijer store down the road on Ellsworth and Carpenter.

Ann English

Tue, Apr 2, 2013 : 6:46 p.m.

For foot care (molefoam padding and bunion cushions), Walmart is 20 cents cheaper. Meijer's own brand of coal tar shampoo can't compete with the Equate brand coal tar shampoo sold at Walmart. But this Walmart does not sell Ultra Swim, and Meijer does, for over $1 less than CVS drugstores do.

vintagetimes4me

Tue, Apr 2, 2013 : 1:36 p.m.

Yes!! This store needs the face-lift! I do hope along with the facelift it will give a little more space. Its always a tight squeeze in the isles. Many of them are like a one way street. Now with the expanded store its my hope not so closed in. I have missed Bushes since they left -- now with the Burger King closed I was afraid it was going to slowly be a dead zone in that plaza. Lets hope this incurages other businesses to move in here!! Great News!

vintagetimes4me

Tue, Apr 2, 2013 : 9:12 p.m.

About a month back. Its 'sister store' on Washtenaw is still open. I was told the owners are letting the Buried King on Ellsworth go. Would be nice to see a larger sit down restaurant come in there!!!

Hmm

Tue, Apr 2, 2013 : 2:19 p.m.

When did Burger King close??

Laura

Tue, Apr 2, 2013 : 1:17 p.m.

The Sheena's was without a doubt the worst food store I have seen. I watched an employee double dip a carrot stick in the dressing at the salad bar as she walked by. That Walmart is filthy, and I do try to avoid the store for it's policies, but as someone who lives near, I do hope that some TLC will make it a better anchor for that large shopping center.

Basic Bob

Tue, Apr 2, 2013 : 2:01 p.m.

We went into Busch's frequently, but they had a huge employee turnover when it opened as Sheena's. We would have continued shopping there if not for the miserable workers.

dexterreader

Tue, Apr 2, 2013 : 1:32 p.m.

You must've never been in the grocery store that used to be located in the Gault Village plaza. I can't remember the name of it now, but it was closed by the township a year or two ago. It was filthy and needed to be closed. It was far worse than Sheena's.

Doug

Tue, Apr 2, 2013 : 1:14 p.m.

I hope this Walmart isn't like all the rest. They always want to take my picture and post it in the internet.

Doug

Tue, Apr 2, 2013 : 7:12 p.m.

I'm glad the censor apprciated my sense of humor!

Hmm

Tue, Apr 2, 2013 : 2:17 p.m.

Stop wearing your day glo biker shorts and pink tutu Doug. Easy fix ;)

aatownie

Tue, Apr 2, 2013 : 1:12 p.m.

This store is filthy and shelves look like a bomb hit them..

glimmertwin

Tue, Apr 2, 2013 : 1:05 p.m.

If groceries are to be sold at that site I have to cringe. That store is a filthy mess and I would consider it a risk consuming anything that was in it.

glimmertwin

Tue, Apr 2, 2013 : 3:29 p.m.

It has been a couple/three months. But looking at the responses - there are many, many that seem to share the same feeling about the store's cleanliness, or lack there of.

amazonwarrior

Tue, Apr 2, 2013 : 2:06 p.m.

When wwas the last time you were in the store? It must have been a long time ago, because I shop there frequently and the store is clean and well organized.

Pablo

Tue, Apr 2, 2013 : 1:05 p.m.

Y'all please note that the nearby Meijers is a Michigan company. A Michigan company. It's well known that Meijers treats its employees much better that than Walmart. Also, we like to shop "locally" when we can, and not support a company like Walmart that has a poor reputation for sub-par treating its workers. When the mega-stores move in, that many times casts a deathknell to small mom-and-pop stores...our neighbors.

Basic Bob

Tue, Apr 2, 2013 : 1:59 p.m.

There is no mom-and-pop grocery store in the neighborhood, unless you consider Rose Market.

Chase Ingersoll

Tue, Apr 2, 2013 : 12:56 p.m.

There's no comparing a 20+ year old Walmart with the ones built in the last 10 years. Since they are right on top of Ypsilanti and the interstate, this only makes sense and will improve the entire shopping center. Yes, there is a big difference in the "abilities" of both the customers and the sales associates at the store in Saline and the store in Ypsilanti. Ypsilanti experience can be downright painful.

Silly Sally

Tue, Apr 2, 2013 : 12:51 p.m.

Part of the reason why Sheena's Market failed was it did not look like a big supermarket and it had a poor sign, making it appear from the outside to be a amall ethnic grocery store of 5,000 sq ft. instead of actually being 6 times larger. Inside it was just like the old Busch's, and was good. It was a shame that it failed. Ypsi really needs a supermarket where th old Farmer Jacks once was or even further east, by US 12 and Ford Road, or down by Grove Rd over 94.

Ann English

Tue, Apr 2, 2013 : 6:33 p.m.

Wasn't there once a Chatham grocery store down by Grove Rd over I-94? It may have closed less than 32 years ago, but that's when I saw it from eastbound I-94.

Silly Sally

Tue, Apr 2, 2013 : 12:48 p.m.

"Not very clean" and "people in line to cash checks" are great code words for I'll avoid the rougher Ypsi crowds. I find this Walmart just fine. It is easier to get in and out, just as the smaller Korger on South Industrial is. Perhaps this expanded Walmart will draw some of the crime away from the Kroger on Carpenter. Walmart's produce goes bad very quickly

Ann English

Tue, Apr 2, 2013 : 6:21 p.m.

Vintagetimes$me, In 2011 or 2012, some people tried to shoplift a whole cartful of meat and baby formula from the Carpenter Kroger. They didn't escape the parking lot with the meat and baby formula.

Z-man

Tue, Apr 2, 2013 : 6:09 p.m.

Perhaps "not very clean" is code for "dirty." That particular store is older and not very well maintained.

beardown

Tue, Apr 2, 2013 : 2:20 p.m.

Generalize much there Sally? I used to shop at Kroger on Carpenter all the time and never saw an instance of crime. I would imagine it's no more or less than any other grocery store.

vintagetimes4me

Tue, Apr 2, 2013 : 1:43 p.m.

What crime at krogers on carpenter? I shops there at all hours & have never had a problem. I would like to know what you are talking about so I can be on the look out and stay safe. Thanks!

jmac

Tue, Apr 2, 2013 : 12:35 p.m.

Agree that this Walmart really needs some TLC; it is run down and I generally avoid it and go to the one in Saline instead. Also agree that the proximity of Meijer's might make the grocery aspect meaningless but might also add some competition which could work to keep prices down.

Ann English

Tue, Apr 2, 2013 : 6:15 p.m.

Let's see how their prices on shrimp compare. Will this Walmart sell what the Saline Walmart calls, "colossal" size? Now and then Meijer has a shrimp sale that is a better bargain that Aldi's shrimp.

EyeHeartA2

Tue, Apr 2, 2013 : 12:05 p.m.

Given the "quality" of the current Walmart, I expect the "super" version to be a lot more like the one at Ford Rd and Southfield than Michigan and State St.

OLDTIMER3

Tue, Apr 2, 2013 : 12:20 p.m.

Everyone who shops there should watch the video THE HIGH PRICE OF LOW COST I think the name is. It tells how they drive the mom & pop stores out of business . How they always build just outside of city limits to avoid certain taxes.

cricketrunner

Tue, Apr 2, 2013 : 12:01 p.m.

With a Meijer just down the road and a newly remodeled Target with food and produce next to Meijer, I don't find this remodel necessary. But as Napalm.Morning said, any attention from HQ would be a bonus for this Walmart. It's dirty, unfriendly, and in need of a total makeover. If I need to go to Walmart, I drive the extra distance to the one in Saline.

Lovaduck

Tue, Apr 2, 2013 : 4:13 p.m.

Couldn't agree more. I've always been so disappointed in it, EVEN FOR A WALMART!

local

Tue, Apr 2, 2013 : 3:58 p.m.

Agree and the Target renovation with more groceries was very well done. They added a Starbucks as well.

Tom Perkins

Tue, Apr 2, 2013 : 11:39 a.m.

@rs Thanks. The story has been corrected.

norainnorainbow

Tue, Apr 2, 2013 : 11:16 a.m.

I hate Wal-Mart. I never shop at this store or any others.

brian

Wed, Apr 3, 2013 : 2:53 a.m.

Then shop somewhere else and leave me alone.

rs

Tue, Apr 2, 2013 : 11:15 a.m.

The grocery store in that plaza closed down a few years ago wasn't a Kroger, it was a Sheena's Market.

Greg

Tue, Apr 2, 2013 : 10:54 a.m.

Really isn't a grocery store anywhere close to where this store is for the people who don't have easy transportation. Probably be a good thing for them. Seems from the volume of shoppers there, there is plenty of demand. Those who don't like Walmart will still not shop there and that is fine, they do not have to.

Ann English

Tue, Apr 2, 2013 : 6:06 p.m.

Meijer is nowhere near the expressway. Walmart conveniently is near one, with entrance/exit ramps, which really makes it convenient. Apartment complex across Ellsworth from it, within sight of each other. The Center Valley Drive homes and Coachville mobile homes are on the Babies R Us end of that strip mall off Carpenter, not on the Meijer end.

dading dont delete me bro

Tue, Apr 2, 2013 : 10:49 a.m.

does this mean the store will be clean? this store is gross.

TheDiagSquirrel

Tue, Apr 2, 2013 : 10:42 a.m.

There is a Meijers right down the road that has everything a Super Walmart would have, with the added bonus of supporting a Michigan company that treats its workers much better. I, for one, won't be shopping at this Walmart.

DaGooden

Wed, Apr 3, 2013 : 2:34 a.m.

From the Wiki page Meijer was founded as Meijer's in Greenville, Michigan by Hendrik Meijer, a Dutch immigrant. In 1962, the modern format of Meijer was started, with a store at the corner of 28th Street and Kalamazoo in Grand Rapids. The Thrifty Acres stores, now under the leadership of Fred Meijer, became a success and were renamed Meijer in 1986.

TheDiagSquirrel

Tue, Apr 2, 2013 : 9:25 p.m.

Ann English- I'd need new, comfortable shoes too, shopping at a Walmart with an awful layout and standing for 15+ mins just to check out... And yes, I am a lifelong MI resident, and it is "Meijer", lol

Ann English

Tue, Apr 2, 2013 : 6:01 p.m.

If you're right about Meijer selling everything that a Super Walmart does, then a Super Walmart won't sell tea balls, silicone whisks unless other big stores do, or Danskin wide width walking shoes. I don't buy any of the three at Meijer, but have bought all three at the current Ellsworth Walmart. I stopped buying shoes at Kmart in 2011, but have never found affordable ones at Meijer.

fjord

Tue, Apr 2, 2013 : 5:26 p.m.

Do you work at Fords?

roadsidedinerlover

Tue, Apr 2, 2013 : 4:47 p.m.

it's MEIJER...No "S"...lol! You know someone is from Michigan when they add an "S" to everything! LOL!

djacks24

Tue, Apr 2, 2013 : 1:51 p.m.

We are pretty much sticking with Meijer. Got to support a MI based company that's been at that location as long as I can remember. My grandparents used to shop there.

CW

Tue, Apr 2, 2013 : 1:45 p.m.

I agree Meijer is a good company, but they have their issues as well. A five minute stop often takes half an hour, full grocery stop for a family of four? Ha! See you next week! I would welcome affordable groceries nearer to home and with a more efficient layout.

sportsfroma2

Tue, Apr 2, 2013 : 10:36 a.m.

I remember the Busch's in this shopping center....

brian

Wed, Apr 3, 2013 : 2:52 a.m.

I remember sheehans and I love that grocery store.

Ann English

Tue, Apr 2, 2013 : 5:52 p.m.

I can instantly recall those blue signs that hung over the aisles, telling shoppers the categories of each aisle's contents. But I just now remember that the shopping carts there were BLUE.

Lovaduck

Tue, Apr 2, 2013 : 4:12 p.m.

It started out as a nice store which I frequently visited when I lived nearby. But then it went downhill and closed. Shame!

Andy Frazier

Tue, Apr 2, 2013 : 12:57 p.m.

Busch's still owns (or did still own) the property where they had their store. They've rented it out now and then, but it has been empty for awhile now.

A2comments

Tue, Apr 2, 2013 : 10:26 a.m.

I agree that this Walmart isn't very nice. Expanding it will just exacerbate the problem. Products are often out of stock for long periods of time (which they blame on their warehouse), there are very long lines at customer service (for check cashing and sending money - returns have to wait in the same line), etc. We only go to Walmart perhaps 2-3 times a year now for the items that they charge noticeably less for than other stores and we then buy enough to not have to come back for 6 months or so. Most recently, due to stockouts, we shopped at the one in Canton instead.

Napalm.Morning

Tue, Apr 2, 2013 : 10:16 a.m.

Kroger "several years" ago? . . . more like 13+ years ago at least based on my my non-journalistic caliber observational skills . . . any old(er)-timers care to weigh in on AA.com's standard use of throw-away vague assertions in lieu of facts? . The more relevant reporting would note that the plaza had a Busch's for several years (within the past decade), which became a completely forgettable non-chain grocery. . . and which has since been vacant for three or four years(?). . . But ANY attention from Bentonville HQ to the decidely below average (and generally avoidable) Ellsworth Wally world be most welcome to the plaza its general environs. .

local

Tue, Apr 2, 2013 : noon

Agree DonBee, that particular location isn't kept up very well. Maybe this will help out, but overall cleanliness of the facility is poor at best. I would probably drive down Michigan Ave to Saline before stopping in this location. The one in Saline is new, nice, and clean.

Dwight

Tue, Apr 2, 2013 : 11:23 a.m.

Actually, Busch's did not sell the business to an employee. A Detroit based retailer purchased the business and ran it under the "Sheena's" banner for a couple of years before pulling out.

DonBee

Tue, Apr 2, 2013 : 11:16 a.m.

Busch's is a local chain and they sold it to an employee who ran it a first name on it for a few months after they pulled out. If the Walmart was a clean and well organized as the one on Plymouth Road at Middlebelt, or the one on Ford Road at I-275, or even the Meijer down the street, I would consider shopping there for food, but it is not. The Walmart there reminds me of some of the worst K-Marts I have been in.

Tom Todd

Tue, Apr 2, 2013 : 10:13 a.m.

The prices will climb to match saline Walmart.

grimmk

Tue, Apr 2, 2013 : 4:34 p.m.

Oh I hope so.

Ann English

Tue, Apr 2, 2013 : 3:20 p.m.

Their 4-ounce jars of Dromedary Pimentos have always been cheaper than the 4-ounce jars of pimentos sold at the Saline Walmart; a different brand of pimentos are sold in Saline. If the price of pimentos does go up to match the Saline Walmart's price, then Meijer will furnish some good competition regarding jarred pimentos.