Merriman's Walmart Alternative?
The News Tribune’s Kathleen Merriman has a suggestion for what to do with the recently vacated South Tacoma Lowe’s building: put a Walmart in it.
With a debate currently raging over the possibility of the infamous “W” company putting in a store on Union next to the Target, and the abrupt departure of Lowe’s, leaving many suddenly unemployed, Merriman sees a fix that kills two birds with one stone. Merriman pragmatically argues that the Walmart could slip into the Lowe’s space with relatively few ripples and possibly even a warm reception from the surrounding neighborhoods, who she says might welcome a Walmart:
Repurposing a nearly new building, instead of building fresh in a neighborhood that does not want it, would bring some green credentials to Walmart’s reputation. Opening in a neighborhood that’s likely to want it, rather than one that’s fighting it, is always good business.
Is it possible that she’s hit on a win-win-win solution? The shopping center gets a productive tenant, rather than a broken-window vacancy; Walmart gets a hassle-free move in, and possible brownie points for re-using rather than building a new big-box space; and the neighborhood gets thousands of always low prices? Could it really be that easy?
Read Merriman’s article on The News Tribune website.
Filed under: Tacoma Business, Developments, Retail, Walmart
14 comments
J Jake October 20, 2011
There is still the question about traffic that a Walmart could bring to that area.
According to the TPD WinCo is causing some major traffic problems just down the street.
“TPD Report: Traffic Congestion: On weekend’s traffic in all directions seems to become an issue at the intersection of S 72nd and S Hosmer. This is due to the increase in traffic flow because of WINCO. Traffic backs up in all directions and on the off ramp of NB I-5.”
If I recall the 84th Street NB exit is pretty short and if the 72nd Street exit is already having problems traffic needs to be a major consideration.
J jamie October 20, 2011
The 72nd/I-5 interchange is officially my least favorite place to drive in Tacoma. That said, the Union/SR-16 area is already somewhat of a clusterfuck too. So…neither place? (Or both?)
R rusty October 20, 2011
One of the things I like about Tacoma is the city’s lack of a Walmart. There are plenty of other places to shop here, and if you REALLY want to spend your money at Wally-world there’s already one in Lakewood— just 4 miles from the South Tacoma Lowe’s site!
There are also two other Lowe’s AND two Home Depot stores within 5 miles of this location, perhaps the reason that it is being shut down? Why would it make any sense to repeat the same mistake again by opening a second big-box chain store less than 5 miles from an existing (and recently expanded) location?
T tacoma1 October 21, 2011
That location is only 3.5 miles from the Lakewood Walmart. Doubt that Wally would want to compete against Wally.
M Mofo from the Hood October 21, 2011
Yeah, Elks Club. Who do you think you are? You risked everything in the 1960’s by constructing a lodge at the intersection of South 23rd and acres of scotch broom. So now you should have the right to a profitable return on your investment?
P Peter Peter October 21, 2011
and shame on Exit133 for this annonymous applause of it.
Mentioning an article’s position without blunt judgment does does not equal anonymous applause. It’s a story that has been put out there for discussion. Given their track record in this town, I doubt the folks at E133 are really looking for a Wal Mart location anywhere in this town.
M Mofo from the Hood October 21, 2011
Maybe the downsized News Tribune should move back to the building that it abandoned downtown at 7th & St. Helens.
That would solve the Elks problem of one meddling neighbor.
C cat October 23, 2011
I shop winco every weekend. and i havent seen ANY traffic jams.. sometimes the turn lanes are full, but thats due to the crappy road design they made.:)
The police are full of crap like always.
Instead of them looking at traffic. why don’t they go arrest all the hookers and drug dealers that have turned pacific ave. from 56th to 112th street into a haven for crime.
Working for walmart.. I can say they like to build close by each other.
As they have told us.
“If one store is bringing in 2 mill a month.
and you build another store and both stores will make at least a mill and a half each month. then when the new store finds its own shoppers they will make their own 2 mill and the people who went to the new store will go back to the old store.”
M Mofo from the Hood October 23, 2011
What about the rights of the Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks? Advocates for justice should pay close attention to the factions within Tacoma that use their political and economic power to increase the standard of living for all. The BPOE (Elks) use their authority to enhance the marketplace of ideas and goods and services within Tacoma and society at large.
What about the discriminatory faction of Merriman & the News Tribune; Mello & the Tacoma City Council; the Central Neighborhood Council & followers? What service to society, what use, what exchange value can be attributed this axis of market interference?
J Jesse October 23, 2011
“If one store is bringing in 2 mill a month.
and you build another store and both stores will make at least a mill and a half each month. then when the new store finds its own shoppers they will make their own 2 mill and the people who went to the new store will go back to the old store.” — cat
Where is this philosophy with Sears, Nordy’s etc when it comes to having another mall in DT Tacoma?
S Squid October 25, 2011
The peopleofwalmart website is the best reason for locating a Walmart somewhere, anywhere in Tacoma. We are being deprived our first amendment or rights of freedom of speech by being denied a venue for expression. I cry CENSORSHIP!!!
M Mofo from the Hood October 26, 2011
There’s a name for what the Tacoma City Council has done: Redlining.
M Mofo from the Hood October 27, 2011
A lot of people think America is great because of all the things one is free to buy.
Other people think America is great because of all the things one is free to sell.
A Altered Chords October 27, 2011
Take a look around you. Tacoma is full of the people of Walmart.
I am having trouble understanding the concern over traffic caused by Walmart or Winco (both have been mentioned here)
Are the commenters suggesting that we only allow stores that no one wants to buy from? That will solve traffic problems.
Winco is difficult to get in and out of. Not sure if the police have noticed that the street behind Winco is closed to all but local traffic due to road construction. Police probably have not noticed the 20 bulldozers and 45 road workers and giant signs.