Walmart Breaks Ground In St. Albans Today

[Henry]

Well, its been a long time coming - I believe a lot of people of here in Northwestern Vermont will be very happy - I personally don't go to Walmart that often, but with it being so close by I am sure I will be visiting it.  Should be a lot in the News tomorrow about it and the long struggle to get here.

[mkr]

YEAH!!!

[Henry]

I never thought I would see the day and I bet Aunt Tee will enjoy it too

[Razzle Dazzle]

I don't go there often either.  But this one will be closer for when I have the need.

[Dick Brown]

Henry  ...Looks like a good thing is happening for Franklin County , at last . I remember the numerous discussions about this franchise since the days that I served on the FCIDC and still remain positive that WalMart has a place in our area , that it will bring more shoppers and business to St. Albans , and that it will not pose a threat to local vendors who have provided good services in the past . ( For example , Fairfax , Westford and Cambridge residents will not abandon J & L Hardware to meet their needs , but will have better shopping selections for other misc. purchases. )  Not wanting to open up old wounds , but I think it will be win-win for Franklin County. Down here , we old farts view it as a choice not an end-all .

[Henry]

So glad to see you back on the forum again - Welcome Back

[al brodeur]

well a lot of things have to be answered is it to be a "super Walmart" with a full grocery section and an auto service unit too? if it is a lot of smaller grocery stores will be hurt
plus auto serviceing outlets. It all depends on the type of store, Walmarts big push now is into banking and groceries and bigger is not always better. Another thing check where the item is made.

[mkr]

Al, I am pretty sure I read it was not going to have a grocery store, but be similar to the one in Williston.

It is great for Franklin County, considering my $$ now go to Chittenden county minus J&L and the local stores in Fairfax and Georgia.  We desperately needed a replacement for the Woolworths/Ames in St. Albans.

I can tell you when I head to work, which is later in the day than most.  I am usually surrounded by many Canadian plates driving to Chittenden County. So not only will it generate the locals to head to St. Albans instead of Burlington, but the Canadian traffic as well!

Anchor stores are key to local small businesses.  It generates traffic and I am more apt to stop in their stores if I am already in St. Albans.

[gasman353]

Restaurants, shopping, people actually coming to Franklin county, brining their money here. Wow what a great idea! I think the small businesses will be fine as long as they cater to their customers, personal service is hard to find at a large store. They don't know your name like the local stores. A good example of a local business thriving from Walmart coming in is 4seasons garden center, or as it is now known gardeners supply, they built that beautiful property and cater to their customers.

[mkr]

Excellent point Sean!  Customer Service is everything.  A perfect example in town: I am always stopping at J&L before I ever think of leaving town to shop as their customer service is stellar and I get great advice when doing a project.