Wal-Mart isn't bad (7/23/04)

To the editor:

I am writing in response to Ms. Gillespie’s letter that a Supercenter is bad for Portland. Why do you blame the ceasing of the retail businesses on Wal-Mart alone? Did it ever occur to you or anyone that some of these businesses fail because of poor judgment?

I don’t understand how some of the businesses in Portland expect to survive when the stores are only open when it is convenient for the owner/operator to be there. Then there is the fact of price. The products have to be affordable and of good quality. I think some of the businesses in this town forget that most of the people of Jay County work and there are times when you need things here and you just can’t get them because nothing is open when you are able to go there, or you just plain out can’t afford them here. The failure of retail business is not always that of a bigger or better store. I for one do shop at many stores in Portland and will continue to do so even if a Wal-Mart Supercenter does come to town.

However, we do drive to Muncie or Bluffton to shop at their Supercenters. You ask if Portland needs two groceries. Well there was a time when Portland supported several groceries from what I am told. LoBill didn't think too much about monopolizing when they took over Gerber's. You ask these questions about other stores like Dollar General and Family Dollar like the people around here are stupid. If you are a smart shopper now, you will continue to be a smart shopper in the future. There is no rule that says if a Supercenter comes to town that is the only place people will shop. I would shop at the Supercenter, but continue to buy the cheaper products at Dollar General, just like before, only I will save myself a good hour and a half in travel time. I will also continue to shop at the Old Fort IGA, just like I do now. The fact is, you make it sound like no one will patronize the stores they already go to just because there will be a Supercenter in town. I for one think it would be great in the winter not to have to travel so far just to get groceries, not to mention the fact I can use my lunch hour to shop for my kids when they are in school.

You ask if people have told LoBill that they are unhappy with them. They don’t care, they don’t have any competition. I for one get tired of no selection. Then there is this thing with not enough help. You would think they would have plenty of help being the only grocery in town, but I have been in there many times when the lines are blocking the aisles, and you either sack your own groceries or you wait while a frustrated checker half half-heartedly does it for you. I expect to sack my own groceries at Aldi’s, that is part of getting the better deal. That is not the case at LoBill. If you happen to get behind someone buying alcohol, which is their privilege, there are a lot times you have to wait for someone old enough to check them out. The prices are never consistent, so it is hard to plan a grocery budget when you shop there.

I know there are many pros and cons to this subject, but I for one am very much for a Supercenter and I welcome one to Portland. No the grass isn’t always greener on the other side, but you have to be a smart business person, just like you have to be a smart shopper. I will continue to shop at the small businesses in Portland for scrubs, prescription drugs, Internet service, movies, dining out, jewelry, etc., but I welcome and have waited for a Supercenter for the other things I want and need for my family. Choice is a good thing. Life is full of choice.

You mention growth. It is great for Heritage Commons, FCC, and Jay County Hospital. So why is it not great for Wal-Mart to grow? Who is to say that the growth of others will not bring about the same kinds of questions you pose for Wal-Mart. These kinds of things come with any type of growth or expansion, no matter who or what it is.

If you don’t want a Supercenter, then don’t shop there, but for the rest of us, we welcome the opportunity.

Jodi McDavid

Portland[[In-content Ad]]