Doing The "Walmart Wait" in Carson Valley, Nevada

Doing The "Walmart Wait" in Carson Valley, Nevada. 

Walmart is coming to our small town.  We have a big one and a nearby Costco at the north end of the Valley, about 15 miles north of Gardnerville, and one in Carson City, about 8 miles north of that, but they are building another down our way.

Rumors abound about a construction start date, but so far all that has been done is offsite and some onsite improvements.  Every 6 weeks, or so, there is an article in the paper giving a status update on the permit draw and estimated start date.

So how are the local merchants preparing?  The oldest grocery store in Carson Valley, Raley’s, has done an extensive remodel, both interior and exterior.  New façade, new floor, ceiling, display cases and lighting.  There are even three different types of check out available now.  You can check yourself out, get in a line and unload your own basket, or get in another and have the checker unload the basket for you.

There’s a new hardware store in town that has taken the expansion route.  They have expanded their showroom several times over the past few months and added substantial inventory.  Their inventory is such that they will have good separation from what is typically offered at a Walmart store.

The cost savings is substantial on many items when shopping at a Walmart.  It used to take a contemplated decision to determine if it was worth a trip to the store.  Would the travel expense be justified by the savings.  Now, however, Walmart is bringing the savings to the Carson Valley residents.  They will be in our backyard staffed by neighbors and friends.  Hard to say, "no".

Each time we’ve had a new store come in to our tiny community the old stores have made adjustments to compete, including reducing their pricing.  It is disappointing to see that they can not only survive, but thrive with the reduced pricing.  What were they doing to us all those years?  Competition is good, capitalism at its finest. 

We will support the businesses that support us, our youth sports, and our community.  Thus the hardware store will be unnamed as they were reluctant to help a local youth sports program. 

Too bad ... a small town is like a large family!

When it comes to choosing professionals to assist you with your real estate needs ... Experience is Priceless! Lisa Wetzel and Jim Valentine, CDPE, SFR, RE/MAX Realty Affiliates, 775-781-5472 carsonvalleyland@hotmail.com, www.carsonvalleyland.com

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