Sprawl-Busting: Wal-Mart Scales Back

Forbes Magazine has called Al Norman Wal-Mart's number one enemy.

What does he do?

He's the founder of Sprawl-Busters.

He mobilizes grass roots groups to fight urban sprawl. Have a new big-box store moving in? Call Al. 

I live in a pleasant neighborhood. A local Wal-Mart was planned. Opposition arose. The plans were put on hold. Three years later I have three Wal-Marts within five miles. We could have used Al. I don't oppose Wal-Mart per se. I do, however think it's unwise for any one business to create its own competition. In a word- cannibalism... but, in this case, of an economic nature.

It appears however that the Wal-Mart is re-thinking the strategy. 

There's an excellent article in the Huffington Post that offers the reasons. I highly recommend you read it.

About this topic, urban sprawl, I'd like to comment with regard the the Wal-Mart news.

Wal-Mart has scaled back.

In the past year they’ve scuttled plans for 45 projects.

Beyond this, 19 stores have been shot down by citizen’s groups. What’s behind this?

It’s difficult to say.

With regard to citizen groups it’s made plain. Locals object for a variety of reasons:

• They don’t want one retailer to drive local stores out of business.
• They want a variety of retailers.
• They’re concerned about side factors: rise in traffic, potential rise in crime, lack of competitive options.

With regard to Wal-Mart, it’s more of a mystery. Store cancellations are usually announced with little warning or fanfare, the explanation hidden in a vague press release.

The reality is this: Wal-Mart’s aggressive expansion has met one reality- their sales are hurting… especially in areas where they are their biggest competitor. Wal-Mart is cannibalizing their own sales.

Chuck Willman is the founder of USA Vest- a group of investment minded individuals who share an interest in commercial and residential real estate.

The opinions stated here are his own.