Wal-Mart locations *ugh* (Seattle, Bellingham, Renton: shop, Walmart, area)

[PencilMeIn]

Stereotyping the typical "Walmart shopper" doesn't sound so "progressive minded" to me. I thought being progressive was being "open minded" even to those who are different in thinking from you. It's all about acceptance.

[jwb123]

Sam's Club is owned by WalMart.

I'm aware. Which is why I mentioned that store. It's also a direct competitor for Costco.

What you see in your region is a result of less friction to the inclusion of a Wal-Mart.

No, it happens here too. Austin is in the midst of fighting one right now.

And in Seattle, Costco has been instrumental in greasing palms to keep Wal-Mart out of prime Seattle land.

Again, I ask for your source.

I am familiar with "business" as you put it, and that "it happens every day". An over-used and obvious cliche... but a no-brainer, thanks. I am just not buying your assertion that Costco is the cause for less Walmart locations. Sorry.

[jwb123]

Originally Posted by samsmom

Stereotyping the typical "Walmart shopper" doesn't sound so "progressive minded" to me. I thought being progressive was being "open minded" even to those who are different in thinking from you. It's all about acceptance.

Absolutely. People may not like to admit it because it's uncomfortable - but if you think it doesn't happen? No place is nirvana. I am not saying that it's the core reason - but you have to realize it factors in.

Look at how people judge the suburbs, big box shopping, McMansions etc. Do you think that's "open-minded"? While the suburbs and shopping at Best Buy might not be right for some, it apparently is right for others. Do you think, in general, Seattle (or other progressive area) doesn't judge those that they consider not-progressive and "open minded"? Right-wing conservatives obviously think differently than the average liberal Seattlite, do you think they aren't judged? (and yes, I am the average liberal Seattlite, now Austinite... I do judge! It's human.)

Judgements still happen, no matter where you live or how progressive you think an area might be. The difference is all in which "side" you are judging, I guess.

[dcoolbro]

I think Walmart could do what Target does in Northgate and build a multi-story complex that blends in with the area. It was kind of annoying not having one close by while living in North Seattle, but Target was sufficient enough I guess. Now here just outside of Houston there are two SuperWalmarts within 3 miles of each other. Crazy.

[pwright1]

Exactly. The Target in the Northgate area is great.
But anything like this in Seattle should be out.

[PencilMeIn]

Originally Posted by Jenbar

Absolutely. People may not like to admit it because it's uncomfortable - but if you think it doesn't happen? No place is nirvana. I am not saying that it's the core reason - but you have to realize it factors in.

Look at how people judge the suburbs, big box shopping, McMansions etc. Do you think that's "open-minded"? While the suburbs and shopping at Best Buy might not be right for some, it apparently is right for others. Do you think, in general, Seattle (or other progressive area) doesn't judge those that they consider not-progressive and "open minded"? Right-wing conservatives obviously think differently than the average liberal Seattlite, do you think they aren't judged? (and yes, I am the average liberal Seattlite, now Austinite... I do judge! It's human.)

Judgements still happen, no matter where you live or how progressive you think an area might be. The difference is all in which "side" you are judging, I guess.

I appreciate your honesty. Three reasons why judging can backfire.

1) My daughter....26 on the track to success (worked hard for it).....lives in the city....wouldn't step foot in a Walmart....Republican all the way.

2) Best friend.....lives in gated community in suburb sprawl of FL....wishes she could live in Walmart (loves it).....die hard Democrat.

3) Myself....I'm a tweener (not in the city, not in the suburbs) Boros.....Shop at locally owned stores as well as big box.....Independent.

I do agree that big box stores should not be in the city.....they can be an eye sore. They just don't fit in there. Leave them in the burbs.....and please keep the parking lots cleaned. So tired of seeing litter everywhere.....now those people I judge. Not what I expected to see out here.

[jwb123]

pwright, the new designs of any Walmart coming into an area don't look like that anymore.

samsmom, Judgements backfire across the board, they are wrong no matter what side you are on or what topic it's about - but people still do it. By "liberal" or "progressive" I didn't specifically mean to refer to politics, or rather, how people vote or what their political affiliation might be.

[pwright1]

Originally Posted by Jenbar

pwright, the new designs of any Walmart coming into an area don't look like that anymore.

Oh now they look more appealing I take it? My point is, giant big box structure with a giant parking lot. That is what we don't need.

[jwb123]

I'm not speaking in defense of Walmart - I am against them on many levels. However, they have *tried* to revamp their "box like structure" style...

giant big box structure with a giant parking lot

Really? Like Costco? There are several within Seattle city limits. Or maybe the Fred Meyer in Ballard?

[pwright1]

I guess I just haven't seen the newer ones. Yes in fact there is a Costco in Seattle but its exactly where it should be, down there south of SoDo in a warehouse district, away from densely populated areas. And Fred Meyer in Ballard? Seattle has a few, but thank god its not overgrown with these monstrosoties.