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To gain more acceptance, Wal-Mart needs to shrink its Supercenters


Wednesday, November 14, 2007 6:44 AM PST

Comments (53 comment(s))

At a September 2004 Lodi City Council meeting, then-Lodi Community Development Director Rad Bartlam stated in no uncertain terms that, "I will not issue a building permit for the proposed Wal-Mart Supercenter until I have in my hand a lease agreement for a new occupant at the existing Wal-Mart site."

That statement has since been rendered moot after a lawsuit by a citizens group calling itself Lodi First filed suit in San Joaquin Superior Court.

Lodi First attorneys argued successfully in court that the project's Environmental Impact Report did not sufficiently study the fiscal and economic impacts of the proposed Lodi Supercenter in conjunction with other existing and proposed Supercenter sites in and around Lodi.

The EIR, and with it deals made by the city in regards to the future of the existing Wal-Mart, were in effect, disavowed.

Much has been made of Wal-Mart's attempts to enter the California retail market. The company has not been secretive at all about its intention to build Supercenters all up and down the Highway 99, I-5 corridor. The Lodi City Council in fact voted 4-1 to approve the Lodi Supercenter project. With sitting council members Larry Hansen, Bob Johnson and JoAnne Mounce voting in favor of the project, and Susan Hitchcock the lone dissenting vote in 2005, the councils' approval during this round of legal maneuvering appears, on the surface at least, to be a foregone conclusion.

The future of the existing Wal-Mart site at this time is unknown. A flier was distributed at Mayor Bob Johnson's State of the City Address Nov. 8.

This flier it states that there was an agreement to locate a Home Depot at the current Wal-Mart site, but Home Depot has since tired of waiting for the SC to gain final approval and backed out of that commitment.

The good news is that the flier says that Home Depot has agreed to build a store in the Reynolds Ranch project. At the time of this printing, DGP Land Management would only say that they are in contact with six potential anchor retailers for the two available sites.

The city manager's office has been aggressive in negotiating concessions from developers wishing to do business in Lodi. A new round of negotiating by Blair King's team is expected to be seeking upwards of $1.2 million for the right to build the new Supercenter at the corner of Kettleman Lane and Lower Sacramento Road. This amount is close to what the city extracted from the Reynolds Ranch developers.

Wal-Mart, over the last several months, has been actively seeking private meetings with each one of our five Lodi City Council members, and have asked, for reasons unbeknownst to anyone, that no city staff be present at these meetings.

If Lodi does indeed eventually agree to build the proposed massive 227,000 square foot Supercenter, it would appear to be bucking the trend of other nearby cities. To the north, the Galt City Council recently passed a bigbox ordinance that actually bans retail stores over 140,000 sq. ft. that dedicate over 10 percent of retail space to non-taxable goods. And those stores seeking to build between 100,000 and 140,000 now have had the extra layer for approval added of obtaining a conditional use permit.

Directly to the south, the Stockton City Council voted 6-1 on Aug. 14 to impose even more stringent restrictions on big-box retailers. Their ordinance effectively bans stores over 100,000 sq. ft. that contain full-sized grocery stores.

With the current trend of California city's trying to limit the size and scope of "big-box" retailers like Wal-Mart, it seems to me it would be in Wal-Mart's best interest to scale back the size of their Supercenters. Smaller versions would be much less controversial and be approved much easier.

The answer to why they don't may be a simple one. Greed.

Editor's note: J.Kurt Roberts is an occasional contributor to the News-Sentinel editorial page. He is employed by a large regional supermarket. He can be reached at jkurtroberts@sbcglobal.net.

Reader Feedback

to webmaster wrote on Nov 21, 2007 12:13 PM:

" There are 4 blogs in the "top blogs" section relating to wal-Mart. Will you be adding the latest comments anytime soon? If there are going to be so many Wal-Mart blogs at least get the posts up or just take them down. "

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Lodian wrote on Nov 20, 2007 5:51 PM:

" T&C: Ya got that right! "

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Lodian wrote on Nov 20, 2007 5:51 PM:

" Lodian(10:07am): Why do you feel a new Wal-Mart "might be kinda good"? "

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Lodian wrote on Nov 20, 2007 10:07 AM:

" On the other hand... a new Walmart might be kinda good "

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Lodian wrote on Nov 20, 2007 9:15 AM:

" T&C: Indeed. "

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OMG wrote on Nov 20, 2007 8:58 AM:

" Now T&C has an "organization". Is there a secret handshake? How about a decoder ring? You continue to amaze my organization. We've been tracking you for months. We know who you are, where you hang out and how much coffee you drink. "

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Commonsense wrote on Nov 19, 2007 8:37 PM:

" Lodian, just responding to your 11/17 post. No mistaking the "I'm better than Wal Mart shoppers" attitude. Where would you suggest these shoppers go? When you say Wal-Mart prices are not cheaper than other retailers, is insulting even to a half-wit. Your answer is for folks to wait around for another retailer to put items on sale. You're putting us on, right? "

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Big Deal wrote on Nov 19, 2007 7:28 PM:

" Dixon "T&C" Flynn is a joke... who cares what he has to say? "

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T & C wrote on Nov 19, 2007 4:48 PM:

" Lodian, those dry beans do strange things to one's way of thinking. "

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Lodian wrote on Nov 19, 2007 9:34 AM:

" Commonsense: You are so dramatic. Why do you call rude people "unwashed, low-class citizens"? "

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Lodian wrote on Nov 19, 2007 9:32 AM:

" Commonsense: Why should my opinion matter less than yours? Why would you say when I feel unsafe it's because the area is beneath me? That doesn't make sense. So, I need to be accepting of a dumpy place to shop and an unsafe area for you to consider my opinion as valid and not just being a snob? Wow, you are twisted. Do you tell your wife this too? If she tells you she feels unsafe in any particular setting do you just tell her to stop acting as if it's beneath her? Gee, what a man you are.(not) "

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T & C wrote on Nov 19, 2007 9:10 AM:

" Thanks for the heads up, Daniel! Do you still really think that was T & C you really met downtown? You're a bigger fool than we thought. The organization we represent has you figured out and warned us away from you long ago. "

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Thanks Daniel, wrote on Nov 18, 2007 9:34 AM:

" Thanks for the insight on T&C. I can't say it surprises me. I feel sorry for the miserable old goat. He must be ready for another vacation and we won't have to listen to his bizarre rants. "

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Daniel wrote on Nov 18, 2007 1:24 AM:

" Curious: I don't think T&C knows what he's doing or talking about. "

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Daniel wrote on Nov 18, 2007 1:23 AM:

" Curious: T&C has met me face-to-face, but now I regret the time and energy I put into it. T&C had my telephone number, and he could have called, but he put in some of the most disgusting racism I have ever seen; and, he used his wife as a secretary to screen my call. "

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Daniel wrote on Nov 18, 2007 1:21 AM:

" Wal_Mart doesn't need more public acceptance. They get plenty. They don't need to shrink to be accepted. It would be less profitable. "

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Commonsense wrote on Nov 17, 2007 11:12 PM:

" Lodian has found shopping at Wal-Mart is beneath her. She compares the customers to "rats" and just doesn't feel safe in the shopping center. Therefore, our fair city shouldn't have a Super Wal-Mart. Boy, am I glad you're here watching out for the unwashed, low-class citizens of Lodi. I may take a death defying trip there tomorrow and see if I can get out alive. "

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to curious wrote on Nov 17, 2007 7:05 PM:

" I'm sure those "dignitaries" you know personally are going to tell you themselves what crooks they are. You're one of them yourself. "

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To Gillespie wrote on Nov 17, 2007 7:01 PM:

" You know the chances of T&C calling you to get accurate information is slim and none. This moron wouldn't know or care about the honest truth if it hit him in the face. T&C has never succeeded at anything and will continue to blame those that have, i.e. attacking Geweke and Snyder. How stupid is that? And, Lodian attacking Wal-Mart product quality is another joke. Both idiots. "

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Average Citizen wrote on Nov 17, 2007 7:00 PM:

" I respect your opinion.....I hope you respect mine. "

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Lodian wrote on Nov 17, 2007 12:53 PM:

" Average Citizen: Some, such as yourself, enjoy the Wal-Mart atmosphere/offerings. Personally, I can spend about 10 minutes in there before I "have" to get-outta-there. Too many rude people scampering about for crap on the shelves like rats after cheese. Employees that don't understand a word I'm saying and a parking lot where I need to bring my husband along with me to be safe? No thanks. That place is a mess. And, no, their prices are not that much lower than anyone else...especially when you consider the sales elsewhere in town. I don't think it's a good choice for Lodi. "

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Average Citizen wrote on Nov 17, 2007 10:12 AM:

" I shop at Walmart because I can buy the exact same items for about 25% less than other stores in town. That's not something I can afford to thumb my nose at. The employees are extremely nice and helpful to me. I don't necessarily get that same help when I shop elsewhere. I'm guessing that most of you who criticize have never shopped at Walmart or think you're too good to shop there. Try it, you might like it. "

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Curious wrote on Nov 17, 2007 7:45 AM:

" I'm curious T&C. Do you personally know any of these people you constantly blast in these blogs. Have you ever talked to them face to face. I know several of them and they are some of the nicest people I've ever met. They've donated a lot of time and money to LOCAL organizations and continue to do so. I don't mind that you may disagree but can't you do it without being so nasty and personal. It makes is really difficult to take you seriously. "

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Lodian wrote on Nov 16, 2007 11:01 PM:

" To: To Lodian: I just asked the question here. Do I need to rephrase it for you? "

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T & C wrote on Nov 16, 2007 8:54 PM:

" Gilllespie, that's why the chamber is the toilet organization that it is. People like you and Patrick bled it for every possible penny to bring low paying and under the table jobs and illegal labor here to Lodi to satisfy your own financial gains. If you're so upstanding, why do you bring others to Lodi to make the backdoor deals under different names and businesses for you instead of just using one name and hiding your true identity and intentions? "

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T & C wrote on Nov 16, 2007 8:48 PM:

" When Snyder became mayor, that's when Lodi went to hell in a handbasket. He and the Geweke family own most of that land and they're the two major players that orchestrated this plan years ago. They still dominate and control much of what happens in Lodi. Gillespie is just their lap dog. Gillespie and his investors use different names and companies to camouflage their real identities and intentions. "

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To: Lodian wrote on Nov 16, 2007 12:52 PM:

" Why don't you stand at the entrance to Walmart and ask the thousands of Lodian's who shop there. "

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Lodian wrote on Nov 15, 2007 7:37 PM:

" What is the real reason some of you want the new Wal-Mart Super Center so badly? I'm basically addressing the average citizen that doesn't have financial gain involved in this place. As a life long Lodian I just can't see the need or benefit. "

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Lodian wrote on Nov 15, 2007 7:34 PM:

" Oh, no! Please, not another "Dollar Store"! "

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Let's be Really Clear wrote on Nov 15, 2007 10:55 AM:

" Please, Measure R was all about Walmart. Don't insult our intelligence by telling us something different. The property was sold several years ago to the company that owns the current Walmart site and my understanding is that Walmart has already purchased their property. The only hangup on this deal has been the bogus lawsuits that have been filed by the grocer's union disguised as environmentalists and concerned citizens groups. "

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to to informed wrote on Nov 15, 2007 10:18 AM:

" That's the whole problem with the Walmart issue. They can't find anyone interested in leasing or buying that building. They can't let it sit empty and pay taxes and upkeep because that'd cost them money. Their only solution to satisfy their agreement is to demolish the building. Wouldn't that strip mall look like a ghost town then. That's the dilemna, bottom line. And besides, what competitor in their right mind would start a business across the street from Walmart besides another Dollar Store? "

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wakeup lodi wrote on Nov 14, 2007 9:33 PM:

" " What's wrong with the walmart you have now? Are you one of the investors that stand to lose their shorts if this new store is rejected? How about supporting your own local owned businesses and get some personal service and the pleasure of knowing your hard earned money is kept in Lodi and not wired to Bentonville EVERY evening and not benefitting our own community? It'd be nice if they'd use a few of those billions at our local banks that invest in our local community. Or just even millions. " "

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Dale N. Gillespie wrote on Nov 14, 2007 8:03 PM:

" TO: 'to you know': As a Chamber Board member, (and proud of it!), #1. The City of Lodi, nor any other public entity, subsidizes or pays money to the Lodi Chamber of Commerce; #2. During the years I have been involved in the Lodi Chamber, it has never taken a stance regarding minimum wage or unions. I would be happy to discuss further if you like-please call me at 333 3400. "

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To informed wrote on Nov 14, 2007 7:00 PM:

" Informed you are not. Try using a little commonsense. Do you think for one moment that other national retailers won't step in to replace Wal Mart? If you think that shopping center is going away, Wal Mart or no Wal Mart, you need to sit down and take a reality pill. "

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Measure R wrote on Nov 14, 2007 1:26 PM:

" opponents were almost totally funded by Wal-Mart which fights limits of ANY kind. Wal-Mart outspent the Yes on R group by an over2-1 margin, basically buying the election. "

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to you know wrote on Nov 14, 2007 1:25 PM:

" Then why not bring some jobs in here that will pay even half of what Union members make? Your Chamber MAMU is in Costa Rica trying to sell wine and then going to China for who knows what. I'll bet those trips bring a lot of businesses to Lodi. Our CC shouldn't even subsidize an organization like this, who is openly anti-union and minimum wage oriented. "

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Unions R Bad! wrote on Nov 14, 2007 1:21 PM:

" Everyone knows that Kurt belongs to one of those hated unions! Just like those other bad people, you know, Police Officers Union, Firefighters Union, and those teachers! Don`t get me started on the teachers! "

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informed wrote on Nov 14, 2007 1:20 PM:

" I'm assuming this walmart deal is being pushed now because the land sale option date is drawing near and in this days real estate market, that corner isn't worth as much as it was when the option was signed, and one of our ex-city dignitaries stands to lose millions. Just my inside opinion. The grocers' Union will bring out these facts as the isuue gets more heated. "

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Learn from Stockton wrote on Nov 14, 2007 1:18 PM:

" Stockton OKd the Hammer Ln supercenter. After waiting and seeing what it has become, the Stockton City Council wisely realized that they had made a mistake and tried to correct that mistake to the best of theri ability. Thus the 100,000 limit. Any questions? "

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sarcasm intended wrote on Nov 14, 2007 1:17 PM:

" The grocer's union has more power and money then your little groupie of good old boys and you really don't want to make them madder than they already are. They're going to expose that whole EIR and land deal for the corruption that materialized it and the party and developer that cheated some of the legalese through. the new walmart needs to go on the eastside and no south american groceries and meats! "

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Lets be clear wrote on Nov 14, 2007 1:15 PM:

" Measure R was voted down by Lodi voters, that much is true. R would have simply made large retailers over 125,000 sq. ft.get a vote of the people to build. Wal-Mart was NOT on the ballot and its defeat did NOT ok anything as huge as 227,000 sq ft Supercenter. "

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No witnesses wrote on Nov 14, 2007 1:12 PM:

" No city staff=no witnesses "

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to bob johnson wrote on Nov 14, 2007 1:11 PM:

" congratulations, you've learned how to use spell check. by the way, if you've noticed, we already have a walmart. and one of the good old boy lodi families stands to lose a bundle if this land deal doesn't go through. build it on the eastside, where it's needed, and leave the old one where it's at. twice the revenues and the strip mall it's in now wont go belly up. "

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caveman wrote on Nov 14, 2007 12:02 PM:

" mayor bob, most citizens don't want to pay for their water meters or pay higher rates for water and electricity, does that mean we aren't going to have to pay? sarcasm intended "

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Observer wrote on Nov 14, 2007 11:53 AM:

" Of course Stockton already has a Walmart Supercenter that may Lodian's patronize. Kurt, I know you are a member of the grocer's union and it's your union that has aggressively fought this battle under the disguise of environmentalists and no-growther's. Walmart has been in Lodi for over ten years and the downtown has been improved immensely. It is absolutely criminal in what Walmart has had to respond to. "

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You Know... wrote on Nov 14, 2007 11:20 AM:

" The Big Grocery unions have behind trying to stop Wal-Mart from growing in Lodi since DAY 1. They want us held hostage to high cost groceries while their employess live a high lifestyle at super high union wages! Too Bad, so Sad! Competition is what America is Built on! Compete honestly and you can grow! Lower your union wages and you can compete! Lower your dang prices! "

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Seems like wrote on Nov 14, 2007 11:17 AM:

" Is it me or does it seem that Mayor Bob is a tad bit nervous and defensive? "

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Ya right wrote on Nov 14, 2007 11:15 AM:

" The unions own the city councils? Gimme a break! Most city councils are just smart enough to not want to be associated too closely with these monstrosities. "

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Gimme, gimme! wrote on Nov 14, 2007 11:12 AM:

" Hi my name is Shamuel Walton, I want every dime of disposable income that every person in the United States has. "

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Major Ben Johnson wrote on Nov 14, 2007 10:40 AM:

" If you note in the blocking ordinances, they mention a percentage of the store devoted to non-tax [food] items. This shines light on the real motivations. The grocery unions are behind every one of these ordinances. "

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Bob Johnson 2 wrote on Nov 14, 2007 8:26 AM:

" Please don't ready anything nefarious into the comment about WalMart representatives meeting individually with council members. Citizens ask me for meetings all the time and I don't drag the city attorney along. "

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Bob Johnson wrote on Nov 14, 2007 8:23 AM:

" In his well written oped piece Kurt omits one important item. The WalMart opponents forced a ballot initiative which failed when the citizens voted to support big box stores. We may be "bucking" other local trends but this is what most Lodians said they want! "

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NAGOB wrote on Nov 14, 2007 7:33 AM:

" The powers that be all complain about Lodi not having a large enough tax base and there is no money coming in. Not even enough money to get rid of the weeds in the center dividers or along the city's easements. Lodi is not a friendly town when it comes to businesses that is why most people have to travel outside of Lodi to work or shop. They all want to keep Lodi small but it is too late. Have you ever tried crossing Kettleman? "

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