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Study: Supercenter could have a huge drain on Lodi retail

By Chris Nichols
News-Sentinel Staff Writer
Thursday, October 18, 2007 6:42 AM PDT

Comments (88 comment(s))

The opening of a Wal-Mart Supercenter in Lodi could initially drain sales by almost half at all of the city's other general retail shops.

That's the conclusion of a new study released this week examining Wal-Mart's economic effects.

Should the retail giant gain approval for its 226,000 square-foot Supercenter — proposed at Kettleman and Lower Sacramento Road — it would also likely drive Cherokee Lane's Big Kmart out of business, the study found.

A San Joaquin County Superior Court Judge in 2005 required the additional analysis, overturning the city's initial approval of the project.

Emeryville-based Bay Area Economic, a private consulting group, conducted the analysis.

"It's a big deal," said Randy Hatch, the city's chief planner, of the report's findings. "The BAE documents adequately that there will be economic effects — people will lose their jobs."

He noted that, in time, those jobs would be replaced and the city would see a net gain.

The study is a supplement for Wal-Mart's previous environmental impact report. It did not suggest the city take any measures to address the possible slide in sales at other stores.

Care to sound off?

The public is invited to give their input on the report by sending written comments to the Community Development Department at 221 W. Pine St., Lodi, CA 95241, or e-mail to rhatch@lodi.gov. The deadline for written comments is Nov. 30.
A public hearing on the supplemental report is set for 7 p.m. Nov. 14 at Carnegie Forum in Lodi.
The report is available online at http://www.lodi.gov.

That's because the effects won't lead to urban decay, the California Environmental Quality Act standard by which the study evaluated the project.

Stores may close, but they would likely be replaced with non-retail operations, the study found.

Still, city leaders can require Wal-Mart to pay a fee for the initial retail losses it causes, Hatch said.

Officials have been particularly concerned about big-box stores drawing business from the revitalized Downtown core.

Hatch noted he will recommend city leaders impose a per-square-foot fee to offset Downtown losses.

Developers of the Reynolds Ranch project — a commercial and housing development in south Lodi — were charged the same fee.

Hatch expects such a fee could net $1 million from the Supercenter.

City planning commissioners will take comments from the public at that meeting. They'll make a recommendation to the City Council on the Supercenter project by late January.

A public hearing on the supplemental report is set for 7 p.m. Nov. 14 at Carnegie Forum in Lodi.

A final decision by the council would follow. likely in February or March.

Contact reporter Chris Nichols at chrisn@lodinews.com.

Reader Feedback

Lodian wrote on Oct 30, 2007 3:45 PM:

" sam: You go to Wal-Mart daily? "

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sam wrote on Oct 30, 2007 11:37 AM:

" I LOVE Wal-Mart. I go there daily. "

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Brian wrote on Oct 30, 2007 8:41 AM:

" TO ANTI SUPERCENTER PEOPLE, The grocery unions need to stop accepting bribes from wholesalers who control the prices at the stores. Wal-Mart has control over the wholesalers. The only way the union shops can compete with Wal-mart is beat them at their own game. Blaming Wal-Mart for their effectiveness in this market is shortsighted. Many choose to ignore the corruption that exists in the grocery unions. The grocery unions could do a much better job in keeping the prices down if they weren't so greedy. "

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to TO ANTI wrote on Oct 30, 2007 12:34 AM:

" Get ready for the mass exodus of illegals and welfare recipients on their way to the new Wal-Mart. This kind of concentration of people does not do anything for a town. "

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Caspian wrote on Oct 29, 2007 7:15 PM:

" To:Anti-supercenter people. Should there be a soical contract in this nation as it relates to business and employees and the nation? Think of the social contract after WWII; that is what make this nation great and created the middle-class. "

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TO ANTI SUPERCENTER PEOPLE wrote on Oct 29, 2007 12:35 AM:

" THE NEW WAL-MART IS AN IMPROVEMENT OF THE OLD W/ THE ADDED CHEAPER GROCERIES! THE GROCERY STORES ARE AGAINST IT, THEY DON'T WANT TO LOSE BUSINESS... THE SUPERCENTERS DO HAVE QUALITY BRANDS SOLD EVERYWHERE ELSE! THEY DO HAVE A STORE BRAND "EQUATE" JUST LIKE TARGET HAS THE "TARGET" BRAND AND LONG'S HAS "LONG'S" BRAND, I GUESS THAT MEANS THOSE STORES ARE BAD TOO? PEOPLE HAVE A CHOICE OF WHERE TO GO & IF YOU WANT TO WASTE MONEY ELSEWHERE THEN GO FOR IT! I PREFER TO SAVE MONEY & I AM FAR FROM BEING A WELFARE RECIPIENT... "

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Caspian wrote on Oct 28, 2007 7:50 PM:

" Commonsense, one-stop shopping means we are driving past other places of business. West Sacramento is an example to watch. It is already rumored that one of the national grocery chains is going to be closing a store. This would put over 85 people out of work (until they can utilize their seniority). Yet, someone down the line will be displaced or have their hours cut (sure candidates for social programs). These people make a livng-wage. "

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Caspian wrote on Oct 27, 2007 5:38 PM:

" Wages in general for goods and services. Wal-Mart or not, employeers would love to use the Wal-Mart wage model...yours and mine alike. As for social programs, they are a result of our empathy for those less fortunate, which could be due to those woring for less dollar wages. as the less fortunate (Illegeals) increase, we need more money to support those living within the poverty level, which could be passed on to use, the taxpayers. "

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Lodian wrote on Oct 27, 2007 12:34 PM:

" I like Wal-Mart. "

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Commonsense wrote on Oct 26, 2007 7:56 PM:

" Caspian, I'm confused, not offended. Why would your employer or anyone else's reduce wages if Wal Mart came to town? Are you suggesting "union wages" would go down, thereby increasing the amount of money we all pay for social services? Just think, a Super Wal Mart could reduce global warming by reducing emissions from cars not traveling so far to shop! "

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Caspian wrote on Oct 26, 2007 7:32 PM:

" Commonsense: any employer would love to lower wages to a Wal-Mart level; that would put more money in their pocket. I would venture to say your employer is no different. For a business/employer, it is all about trying to increase their bottom line. Please, I am just the messenger. "

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Chuck wrote on Oct 26, 2007 4:08 PM:

" And that means what???? "

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Midtowner wrote on Oct 26, 2007 12:24 PM:

" Those of you who don't want WalMart in Lodi need to dump your retirement stock immediately, that includes you, Lodian. I'll be there with my checkbook to purchase any of the unloaded stock for my retirement. Put your money where your mouth is! "

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To Lodian wrote on Oct 26, 2007 12:18 PM:

" Which quality products are you referring to? Those made by, Proctor & Gamble, Sony, GE, Kodak, Olympus, Kraft Foods, Best Foods, Sara Lee, Frito Lay, Coke, Panasonic, HP, etc.? "

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sam wrote on Oct 26, 2007 11:39 AM:

" I like the quality Wal-Mart offers, Lodian. It's the best. I buy almost everything at Wal-Mart. I can't wait for the new super center to open. I'll be the first one there. "

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Lodian wrote on Oct 25, 2007 9:30 PM:

" My chief concern with Walmart expanding is the poor quality it offers. Sorry if it offends some of you, but my family deserves better. "

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Caspian wrote on Oct 25, 2007 7:31 PM:

" Commonsense:I thought so. Sorry you took offense to my question. I for one could not afford my lifesytle if I was working for wal-mart level wages. And yes, you would save if my employeer did lower my wages. Yet, you would pay for my existence within society in other ways: socail programs, county health care, social assistance...yet you save. "Ground contol to Major Tom" "

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no walmart wrote on Oct 25, 2007 5:43 PM:

" This bigger WalMart will just bring in more illegals and welfare checks to the area. Who wants that? Not me. This will be just a bigger trashy store than the one that's there now. What a disappointment. Lodi doesn't need to pull in more illegals and welfare cases. "

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Observer wrote on Oct 25, 2007 3:59 PM:

" Thank you T&C for making my case. You are absolutely right. The new Super Center will have no more economic effect that the current store. This should not be an issue and Walmart should be allowed to improve their store like any other business in town. Why are they being treated differently? "

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To T&C wrote on Oct 25, 2007 10:03 AM:

" Wal Mart going to the county? I'm sure you're not suggesting Wal Marts proposed new site would be on county property. Maybe too much stubby twinkie cream? "

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T & C wrote on Oct 24, 2007 8:58 PM:

" What's Lodi going to do when Walmart moves to the county, taking their revenue along with them and shuttering that little strip mall they're in now? "

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T & C wrote on Oct 24, 2007 8:54 PM:

" How do you figure a bigger Walmart with groceries is going to produce more revenues? Groceries aren't taxable so why is this issue even brought up. They want the FOOD STAMP government money and the area around their "new" store will bring that welfare element into that neighborhood. "

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Lodian wrote on Oct 24, 2007 2:08 PM:

" Twinkies? Are we talking about food? ;-) "

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To to brian wrote on Oct 24, 2007 1:58 PM:

" You guessed it. Wal Mart twinkies are more stubby and they use old over-run cream filling from regular twinkies. I must admit, I'm a little concerned about the lower specifications creating problems with Wal Mart condoms. "

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Commonsense wrote on Oct 24, 2007 1:52 PM:

" Caspian, this isn't rocket science. My employment has nothing to do with this. What Lodi employer is going to reduce or increase their current wages to Wal Mart level? If you are a single parent with numerous kids and you are skilled and educated to do something else, Wal Mart is not for you. However, Wal Mart prices could benefit this same person. "

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To: Brian wrote on Oct 24, 2007 11:27 AM:

" Hey Brian, are you saying that Twinkies at Walmart are different than the Twinkies at Raley's? :) "

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Brian wrote on Oct 24, 2007 8:14 AM:

" And with this huge buying power comes compromises. Wal-Mart is known to have products that are specificly made for them that are of lower quality because the manufacturer has to cut costs somewhere to meet the demands of Wal-Mart. I can't say how much of the groceries have this distinction but I know that door locks are known to be sub-standard at Wal-mart "

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Brian wrote on Oct 24, 2007 8:08 AM:

" Most of the grocery stores in Lodi are union shops. Although the prices are higher than Wal-Mart this doesn't mean the union shops are raking in the profits. I asked one of the managers at Raleys some years back where all the money goes. He said after they pay all the bills and payroll they are happy if they make 10 percent or break even. Wal-Mart takes a totally different approach to the grocery business. They have control over the wholesale market when buying. With the others it's the opposite. Wal-Mart has huge buying power in the wholesale market. "

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Observer wrote on Oct 24, 2007 7:23 AM:

" I don't know how I missed this article earlier. Where do people come up with reports like this? This report is written as if there isn't a Walmart already in town. I agree with the earlier comments that this opposition is solely backed and funded by the grocer's union. I don't blame them .... just be up front about it. "

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Brian wrote on Oct 24, 2007 7:20 AM:

" Lodi has done pretty well in limiting the construction of big box . I can't say Phoenix has fared as well. In this metro area there sits dozens of large strip malls with their anchor store gone. And they keep building. Lodi should be grateful the construction industry isn't over half the economy like it is here in Phoenix. And many if not all on the worksites are Mexican. With a good portion of these illegal who commit crimes on the side. It's hard to prosecute illegals. That's why the crime rate is so high here and in California. "

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to Missy wrote on Oct 23, 2007 11:38 PM:

" And you don't think the employees at wal-Mart are "clueless and rude" too? Come on! Those people can barely point to where the check out is located. "

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Caspian wrote on Oct 23, 2007 10:24 PM:

" Commonsense: my query was,'could you live on Wal-Mart wages? And, 'what would I save if your empolyer cut your wages to a Wal-Mart level?" I fail to see how you compared Wal-Mart to your list of other places of employment. I think we are perhaps on two different avenues of thought. "

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sam wrote on Oct 23, 2007 5:57 PM:

" I love the clothes at Wal-Mart. "

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Missy wrote on Oct 23, 2007 5:53 PM:

" I could care less if Kmart closes from a Super Wal Mart opening here, that shopping center needs an overhaul and the employees are clueless and rude anyway. The fact is that the groceries at Wal-Mart are so much cheaper and that is what will hurt over-priced Raley's and Safeway. Although I prefer to buy meat & Veg at Raley's, the Supercenter has all the same brands of other groceries at MUCH LOWER PRICES, so I am all for it! "

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Lodi Mommie wrote on Oct 23, 2007 5:45 PM:

" I am not really sure if I want the Supercenter here in Lodi but I will have to admit I do shop at the one in Stockton (avoiding the 1st of the month & weekends!) & save A LOT of money on groceries. I can buy the same brands at the Super center and save over $50. I still go to Raleys when I need just a few things. I think it would be OK as long as the old building is not left vacant, & maybe those other grocery stores need to lower their prices anyway! "

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Buying from China wrote on Oct 23, 2007 4:47 PM:

" If they don't build the Walmart, where will I buy my poisoned medicine and lead filled toys? I want to buy the cheapest krap available, even if it kills me. "

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Commonsense wrote on Oct 23, 2007 1:37 PM:

" Caspian, which employers do you think would reduce wages to compete with Wal Mart? I hope you're not suggesting grocery clerks at Wal Mart make considerably less than union clerks? By the way, you didn't answer my question, "What business downtown would be displaced by Wal Mart?" Because of education level, first job, etc., Wal Mart is where you start. "

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Metric Time System wrote on Oct 23, 2007 7:35 AM:

" The businesses that are whining about Walmart should be thankful there wasn't the current nonsensical environmental impact analyses when YOU came to Lodi, or else all the Mom & Pop stores YOU ran out of business would have kept YOU out of town. "

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Raj wrote on Oct 22, 2007 10:21 PM:

" Exactly! Trader Joes doesn't want Lodi, even though Lodi wants Trader Joes. What does that tell you? "

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dogbark wrote on Oct 22, 2007 10:21 PM:

" only half the myths about Walmart's competitive practices are true. "

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Caspian wrote on Oct 22, 2007 6:50 PM:

" To Caspian...you still did not answer the question. Could you? how much would I save if your employer cut your wages to a wal-mart level? Surely there would be a savings to someone. Perhaps you could work at two or even three of the places you mentioned. "

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To Lodian wrote on Oct 22, 2007 4:47 PM:

" As you know, building a Trader Joe's in Lodi is an old subject. As in the past, Lodi doesn't meet Trader Joe's minimum demographic requirements for level of education, income, etc. It is their opinion a Trader Joe's will fail in Lodi. "

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To Lodian wrote on Oct 22, 2007 4:42 PM:

" Quit making a spectacle of yourself. "

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Lodian2006@yahoo.com wrote on Oct 22, 2007 4:15 PM:

" Too bad we can't get a Trader Joe's on that location rather than "another" Wal-Mart. TJ's is a much nicer/better place to shop for groceries than Wal-Mart. TJ's would be bombarded with Lodians in no time. --Lodian "

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Lodian2006@yahoo.com wrote on Oct 22, 2007 4:12 PM:

" to: Lodian2006@yahoo.com (Oct 21, 2007 12:15 PM): You have been reported for using my personal information to post your own comments. This is a clear violation of the use of these message boards. I will persist on this issue. --Lodian (cc: Lodi News Sentinel) "

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Lodian2006@yahoo.com wrote on Oct 22, 2007 4:07 PM:

" to: Unbelievable!: My position on this is that one Wal-Mart seems to be enough for Lodi. Personally I don't care to see a huge Wal-Mart center in town. I don't think we need more Wal-Mart stuff. We have enough. Too bad we can't get some other retailer in at that location.But, like another poster said... the people have spoken. I seem to be in the minority on this issue... so be it. "

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Caspian wrote on Oct 21, 2007 6:26 PM:

" Midtowner has a point. "

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Lodian2006@yahoo.com wrote on Oct 21, 2007 12:15 PM:

" Why should I be forced to shop at a local grocery store when it's WAY overpriced? Wally World is the way to go when raising a family these days.--Lodian "

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To Caspian wrote on Oct 21, 2007 10:56 AM:

" First, Wal-Mart is already here. Second, are you suggesting we rid Lodi of McDonalds, Wendy's, Coco's, Chili's, Burger King, Denny's, Jack-in-the-Box, Taco Bell, 31 Flavors, Subway, Stadium 12 Theaters and on and on? Lastly, who would you replace them with? Certainly you must know of a few high-paying companies, the city has been trying to keep out of town. "

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Unbelievable! wrote on Oct 21, 2007 10:38 AM:

" Lodian, what makes you think a Super Center will attract a different clientele of people that the current store? I see it offering more variety to the current clientele than attracting new customers. It's not going to change anything other than increase sales tax revenues and offer groceries at competitive prices. What's wrong with that? If we're going to subsidize downtown why don't we include Vintage Square, Lakewood, K-Mart, etc. "

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Chuck wrote on Oct 20, 2007 12:05 PM:

" Midtowner, pay attention, or sit at the kiddies table, the point is that it is too late for revitalization, downtown has gone through several incarnations, and will continue I am sure, BUT as far as solid established businesses staying there, only time will tell, it does NOT look good... "

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Caspian wrote on Oct 20, 2007 5:01 AM:

" To those still working...could you afford your lifestyle on Wal Mart wages? Or for that matter, can the average American? "

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Lodian2006@yahoo.com wrote on Oct 20, 2007 1:48 AM:

" Unbelievable: I don't think you understand. The new Wal-Mart will be a "super" center. It will be much different than the Wal-Mart we have now. They are not just moving the current Wal-Mart across the street. It will be an enormous super center. A huge difference from the current store. Go check out the one in Stockton. --Lodian "

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Midtowner wrote on Oct 19, 2007 5:38 PM:

" Chuck: you are DEAD wrong! Downtown is alive and well, go down there tonight (10/19) and see how many people are there. Even during non-event functions there are plenty of people and socializing. Enjoy, life is good! "

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Josh wrote on Oct 19, 2007 3:57 PM:

" The voters said YES!!! Whats the hold up??????????? "

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sick & tired wrote on Oct 19, 2007 1:48 PM:

" WalMart was voted for, so get over it. Why should taxpayers keep funding the downtown businesses, we don't fund the other businesses in Lodi, just this bunch of crybabies! "

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Chuck wrote on Oct 19, 2007 7:06 AM:

" It has already been established, down town is DEAD... it is too late, why do we continue talking about it? "

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Walmart Supporter wrote on Oct 18, 2007 8:56 PM:

" Anyone who shops at K-Mart now will not drive clear across town to shop at the same type of store. Give me a break! As far as lost jobs, they can work at Walmart. Besides, you already have a Walmart, they are simply moving it across the street. Whats the big deal? Now we know what the Galt residents are going to be dealing with. Maybe Galt's city coucil could get Walmart to pay $1 million to cover the impact of lost jobs "

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to Oooph wrote on Oct 18, 2007 8:48 PM:

" If my memory serves me right the figures published last year showed that the superstore would bring approximately $650,000 about what the store does now. There are no taxes on groceries. Where's the increased revenue promised by the CC? "

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To "Commonsense" wrote on Oct 18, 2007 8:23 PM:

" Ya, those unions are screwing the general public! Like the police and firefighter unions who get to retire at age 50 with over 90% of their HIGHEST yearly wage! And of course the evil teacher`s union needs to be reigned in! "

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Stocktonian wrote on Oct 18, 2007 3:39 PM:

" I don't ever shop super walmart. I shop target. I don't like the emense amount of people it attracts. "

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Shopper wrote on Oct 18, 2007 3:37 PM:

" I agree with WEG, Mr. Silva, and Commonsense. The offerings at WalMart won't stop me from shopping both venues. I will still go to the movies, jewelry stores, antique stores and restaurants downtown BECAUSE they offer something I WANT that WalMart doesn't have. BUILD Away! I'll be shopping. "

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Commonsense wrote on Oct 18, 2007 2:04 PM:

" I'm with WEG and Mr. Silva. What in the world do I purchase downtown, that I would purchase at a Super Walmart? The only "ox" that may get gored here would be grocery stores. Reality is, very few of us that are happy shopping at Raley's or Safeway will switch to Super Walmart. Perfect example of how unions are screwing the customers. "

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kilio wrote on Oct 18, 2007 1:52 PM:

" Why does this city still think the "downtown" is viable. Who goes there to buy anything. The best thing that could happen is the entire thing gets razed and rebuilt. Keep on taxing the people CC and eventully they will stop coming... "

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Unbelievable wrote on Oct 18, 2007 1:40 PM:

" This report is just unbelievable. How in the world would the relocation of the current store have any more effect on local businesses that it does now? I hope the City didn't pay for this report. This is just pathetic. "

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Washington wrote on Oct 18, 2007 12:55 PM:

" WalMart can be engaged. They lead "green development" and can adopt to new technologies with surprising speed for their size. Given Stockton's hostility towards big boxes, Lodi has a classic opportunity to laugh all the way to the bank. We all know that the issue is with the grocery part being non-union. I certainly would like to see a more modern WM than the existing store which will be converted to another use. "

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CDawg wrote on Oct 18, 2007 12:27 PM:

" When you are talking about peoples pocketbook there is no consideration of what businesses will be affected. This is called competition; other businesses need to step it up. People who are on a fixed or low income will travel to the stores that will accommodate their needs; it does not matter where you put the Super Wal-mart. Some real facts would be nice… "

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Local Biz Owner wrote on Oct 18, 2007 12:14 PM:

" Time to move away from here or at least take my business to a place that will stand up for me and not think of their own pockets. If we all lose our business's and Wal-Mart is here, What will your Downtown area look like? A GHOST TOWN! Way to think things through City of Lodi! "

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jqq wrote on Oct 18, 2007 12:10 PM:

" A super Walmart will not close Kmart down, Food 4 Less / Rancho San Miguel did not close Safeway down, and Lowe's did not close OSH down. People on the east side will continue shopping at Kmart, Rancho San Miguel, and OSH because they will not / cannot / don't want to travel to the other side of town! Our demographics and town layout will allow all of these retailers to coincide together as they have be for the last few years. "

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Local Biz Owner wrote on Oct 18, 2007 12:05 PM:

" I love it. The city could impose a per sq ft fee on Wal-Mart to regain the lost revenue from other business's lost revenue or them going out of business. WAY TO WATCH OUT FOR YOUR DLBP MEMBERS THAT MAKE UP YOUR DOWNTOWN! You have to wonder why our city council is not liked by most business owners. They watch out for themselves and not the people that actually live, work and try to own a business that's in their precious downtown area. "

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JPof Adobe wrote on Oct 18, 2007 11:54 AM:

" How many of the City Planning Commissioners are actually the owner's of businesses in the revitalized Downtown core. Sounds like more concern could be personal than for tax paying consumers of Lodi. I'd love to have more choices of where I make purchases. "

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to OOPHH wrote on Oct 18, 2007 11:15 AM:

" You say it all well! Keep this horrible monopoly from taking Lodi over! One site is more than enough for blight in town "

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They Gotta Build Walmart wrote on Oct 18, 2007 11:09 AM:

" Where else am I going to buy lead filled toys and poisoned medicine for my kids? "

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Eileen wrote on Oct 18, 2007 10:57 AM:

" Why all the fuss about Wal-Mart. The voters approved the store. Let Wal-Mart do its thing. Businesses have time to step up to the plate and diversify their offerings and give more personal service. Lakewood Drug met the challenge with the arrival of Walgreen's. It is much easier to be positive than to be so negative all of the time. "

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Well duh wrote on Oct 18, 2007 10:46 AM:

" Nothing new in this report that hasn't already been said over and over. The voters have voted. Respect the will of the people. Build it. "

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WEG wrote on Oct 18, 2007 9:53 AM:

" What is going to go out of business downtown if Walmart opens a Supercenter? A hair salon, a bridal shop, photographers, restaurants, movie theatre, boutique clothiers, bars, banks, upscale furniture store, barbers, insurance companes, lawyers, frames, outdoor sporting goods, copy machines, fancy cooking gadgets, etc. Last I checked those items are not sold at Walmart. If you dont want it, just say we dont want it. "

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Crown wrote on Oct 18, 2007 9:21 AM:

" This Supercenter will be Wal-Mart`s "crown jewel" of west coast supercenters. This one will show all the other cities what they could get. Lodi will then be known as the Wal-Mart capital of California. Just change our city motto to "Low Budget Lodi" now folks. "

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MJ wrote on Oct 18, 2007 9:12 AM:

" Will it matter if we give our input? The City Planning Commissioners do what they want anyway. I voted for the WalMart Superstore in Lodi. Guess I'll still have to go to Stockton and keep giving them my money instead of keeping it in Lodi. "

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Joe Silva, Sr. wrote on Oct 18, 2007 8:37 AM:

" What in the heck would you buy at the new Walmart that you were previously buying downtown??? "

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Mad Dog wrote on Oct 18, 2007 8:17 AM:

" Simply requiring WalMart to pay fees to the City of Lodi to offset the loss of jobs and businesses in town will not make any difference. That money will go to the City- not the people that lose their jobs or the business owners that will have to close down. The WalMart Supercenter will make Lodi the "leaveable town that we used to love". "

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W wrote on Oct 18, 2007 8:16 AM:

" I am all for the Walmart if it promises to do away with K-Mart "

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Weezer wrote on Oct 18, 2007 8:11 AM:

" noted that, in time, those jobs would be replaced... in time? For how long? "

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Midtowner wrote on Oct 18, 2007 8:07 AM:

" This report is bogus. If I want to shop at WalMart, I will shop there and purchase a product with less quality and experience little or no service. If I choose to spend my money downtown or a privately owned business, I expect to own a superior product with excellent service. Consumers generally know what they are getting when they elect to purchase a product or service. This survey is deeply flawed and obviously tainted and sponsored by a WalMart competitor. "

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The Fear Tactic... wrote on Oct 18, 2007 7:49 AM:

" Finally, let me say that I am a disabled veteran and unlike those who can work, do overtime, or even take dual jobs, my disability check is all I have to live on. My quality of life is very good because of the items I have purchased at Walmart and the dollars I have stretched further.Target would have given me less. The bottom line is this! If you DO NOT LIKE WALMART for whatever reason, DON'T shop there! For the rest of us, let us decide where we will shop! "

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The Fear Tactic... wrote on Oct 18, 2007 7:47 AM:

" As for GROCERY STORES.... I will continue to grocery shop at Food 4 Less, because I am happy there! Customers who shop at Raleys, S-Mart,and Safeway who like to shop there will continue to shop there! There will not be a massive exodus of NEW customers to the Walmart Super Center! Opponents of Walmart WANT YOU TO BELIEVE THAT! "

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The Fear Tactic.... wrote on Oct 18, 2007 7:44 AM:

" K=Mart FAILS in all of these areas! The only thing holding K-Mart from going out of business is that Walmart layaways have been ALL sent to K-Mart! Customer service sucks at K-Mart! Brands are poor, prices high, you can't find a employee to help you and they many times have just (1) Cashier! I don't have to preach to you about K-Mart...anyone who shops at K-Mart knows I speak the truth! "

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The Fear Tactic... wrote on Oct 18, 2007 7:41 AM:

" Is what the opponents of Walmart Super center love to thrust onto the public who reacts to what they read without realizing immediately that it is just a ploy! The grocery stores are the ABSOLUTE backers of this propaganda! Sure K-Mart may be hurt but guess what? Competion and free enterprise is the WAY OF AMERICA! Compete with product, price, quality and service or you won't retain customers! "

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Oooph wrote on Oct 18, 2007 7:24 AM:

" Funny how Stockton, the city that never met a developer they didn't like, is banning big box stores. Lodi is clueless. As for that new found sales tax revenue; Lodi already has a Walmart folks. The new store will undoubtedly bring in more tax revenue but how much more than they already bring in? Also consider that the groceries that will be sold, undercutting several other existing stores, don't generate any sales tax! It amazes me how quick Lodians are so quick to harm existing businesses and jobs to save a few pennies at Walmart. "

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