Walmart: Opposition Doesn't Reflect Majority

The vocal opposition to the construction of a Walmart Supercenter in Suburban Plaza doesn't reflect the majority opinion of their customers, the international retailer said last week.

Walmart released a statement to the Atlanta Business Chronicle for an article about the opposition Walmart faces across the Atlanta metro area as it seeks to move into neighborhoods inside the Perimeter.

From the story:

"Local customers here are already traveling great distances to shop our stores," a Wal-Mart spokesman said in an email to the Atlanta Business Chronicle.

"The louder voices in this discussion just don't represent the majority opinion, as the customer voice on this issue is clear. Many of those who would benefit most from the jobs and lower prices that a Walmart would bring are the least likely to show up with a protest sign."

Walmart added, it has "a solid track record" of working with developers, local officials and residents. In some cases, it went beyond requirements related to store size, parking, traffic and other issues.

"We're moving ahead with a project in Decatur we believe will benefit the whole community... "

The full story is only available online to paying subscribers.

Walmart is referring, of course, to Good Growth DeKalb, an organization created last year to fight the construction.

CORRECTION: This story, in the headline and several parts of the story, said Selig Enterprises, which owns Suburban Plaza, released a statement to the Atlanta Business Chronicle supporting Walmart. The statement, however, was from Walmart. It has been corrected in the story.

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