Archive for Monday, February 9, 2009
Sixth Street Wal-Mart to open on April 29; 235 to be hired
Lawrence's newest Wal-Mart Supercenter at Sixth Street and Wakarusa Drive is set to open April 29, the retailer announced Monday.
February 9, 2009, 11:20 a.m. Updated February 9, 2009, 4:50 p.m.
Advertisement
Wal-Mart looks to open new store April 29
The date has been set for the opening of a big addition to Lawrence's retail scene. Enlarge video
Lawrence’s newest Wal-Mart at Sixth Street and Wakarusa Drive is set to open April 29.
Where to apply
Wal-Mart on Wednesday will open a hiring center at 2540 Iowa to begin accepting applications for the approximately 235 positions at its new Lawrence store.
The center will be open from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Once the center opens this week, it will be open Monday through Friday.
Employees at the store are expected to begin work in late March to begin preparing for the store’s opening.
Wal-Mart and west Lawrence soon will have an opportunity to get better acquainted.
Lawrence’s newest Wal-Mart Supercenter at Sixth Street and Wakarusa Drive is scheduled to open April 29, the retailer announced Monday.
“We’re very excited,” said Ryan Edwards, the newly appointed manager for the Lawrence store. “We’re excited about getting folks hired.”
The store is expected to employ 235 people, with a mix of full- and part-time positions. Edwards said he couldn’t yet say what the mix of full- versus part-time positions would be, and he couldn’t give a range of wages that will be offered.
“But we’ll be hiring everything from cart-pushers to managers within the store,” said Edwards, who comes to Lawrence after serving in a Wal-Mart management position in Clinton, Mo. “There will be a little bit of everything.”
Same goes for the store’s merchandise. As a Supercenter, the store will include a full-line grocery department, Edwards said. He said consumers should expect the same range of products that are offered at Wal-Mart’s other Lawrence store, which is on south Iowa Street.
The west Lawrence store, however, will be significantly smaller than the south Lawrence store. The new store is about 100,000 square feet, or a little less than half the size of the south Lawrence store.
The smaller size was part of a legal settlement between Wal-Mart, developers of the property and city commissioners. The settlement ended more than five years of lawsuits, which began when neighbors in the area contended the new store would produce traffic problems and went against the city’s long-range plans for the intersection.
“It has been a long haul, but it is gratifying to see a lot of work by a lot of people coming to fruition,” said Bill Newsome, a member of the Lawrence development group that proposed the project. “And with the economy being the way it is, I don’t think the timing could be better for the community.”
Newsome’s group currently is trying to find other businesses to locate on six lots adjacent to the Wal-Mart store. Three lots are designated for retail stores or restaurants, and three are set aside for offices or banks.
Work also is under way to expand the Dillons food store at the southeastern corner of the intersection. Dillons previously had announced a 37,000-square-foot expansion of the store, and had said it would add at least 75 employees. Dillons spokeswoman Shelia Lowrie said that expansion — which includes a new bistro and indoor eating area — is scheduled to open in the new few weeks.
More like this
- Area residents seeking jobs with Wal-Mart 53 comments / February 11, 2009
- Store wins final OK 177 comments / January 9, 2008
- Wal-Mart's New York plans dropped February 25, 2005
- Owners: a 'Lot of interest' in moving in by new Wal-Mart 6 comments / April 26, 2008
- Wal-Mart expected to draw businesses to west Lawrence 48 comments / September 2, 2008
Top ads RSS
- Floor Tech/Floater Sun.-Thurs., 2-4 hrs. per night, start at 5:00 ...
- Grant Writer Spencer Museum of Art, University of Kansas seeks ...
- IT Manager Medium sized, multi-state service company has opening for ...
- Schwans Home Service now hiring starting at $32,000 a yr. ...
- Tonganoxie Nursing is now hiring for: LPN-Part Time 2PM-10PM & ...
Marketplace
Arts & Entertainment · Bars · Theatres · Restaurants · Coffeehouses · Libraries · Antiques · Services
- Two arrested after altercation at Henry's November 29, 2009 · 20 comments
- Poll: Should the Kansas Legislature pursue opportunities to privatize or outsource some government services? November 27, 2009 · 25 comments
- Suicide numbers climbing November 29, 2009 · 9 comments
- Jobless recovery will haunt Democrats November 29, 2009 · 26 comments
- Lawrence leaders offer thoughts on what makes a good board of directors November 25, 2009 · 4 comments
- Miserable ending November 29, 2009 · 25 comments
- Blog: Who Is To Blame For Inaction On Climate Change? November 9, 2009 · 65 comments
- On the street: With the retirement of U.S. Rep. Dennis Moore, what characteristics would you like to see in a new congressman? November 29, 2009 · 23 comments
- 'Science as a Contact Sport' probes global warming battle November 29, 2009 · 11 comments
- Mangino not living on his knees November 29, 2009 · 24 comments
- Two arrested after altercation at Henry's November 29, 2009
- Behind the Lens: Zoom lenses drop in price and shed some pounds November 29, 2009
- 'Science as a Contact Sport' probes global warming battle November 29, 2009
- KU teams hone ultimate Frisbee skills November 29, 2009
- Miserable ending November 29, 2009
- Lawrence women's chorale announces holiday concert November 29, 2009
- Leaving Las Vegas: Sin City on losing end of rough economy November 29, 2009
- Reese's Pieces: Kitty Reese screen-prints designs with a darker ‘Holly Hobbie Country Rainbow Brite’ aesthetic November 29, 2009
- Downtown lights up with holiday spirit, Santa Claus November 28, 2009
- Papa does preach: Call to ministry can run in the family November 28, 2009
9 February 2009
at 11:27 a.m.
Suggest removal
Permalink
cthulhu_4_president (Anonymous) says…
Can't wait. Bring it on.
9 February 2009
at 11:29 a.m.
Suggest removal
Permalink
Informed (Anonymous) says…
Woo Hoo! Now I can save gas and not drive across town when I need to go to Wal-Mart.
9 February 2009
at 11:29 a.m.
Suggest removal
Permalink
flux (Anonymous) says…
Dont forget Marion!
9 February 2009
at 11:30 a.m.
Suggest removal
Permalink
Andini (Anonymous) says…
What time will the first plastic bag blow across 6th Street?
9 February 2009
at 11:36 a.m.
Suggest removal
Permalink
bluerose (Anonymous) says…
whoopeeeeeeeeee!more minimum wage jobs!!
9 February 2009
at 11:41 a.m.
Suggest removal
Permalink
Jean1183 (Anonymous) says…
So……..which do YOU prefer: minimum wage or no wage?
9 February 2009
at 11:45 a.m.
Suggest removal
Permalink
just_another_bozo_on_this_bus (Anonymous) says…
I wonder how many will be laid off at the S. Iowa Wal-Mart— not to mention other retailers it puts out of business.
9 February 2009
at 11:46 a.m.
Suggest removal
Permalink
jonas_opines (Anonymous) says…
Undercover at Walmart, because you know when an article starts like this:”Some people, usually community activists, loath Wal-Mart. Others, like the family of four struggling to make ends meet, are in love with the chain. I, meanwhile, am in awe of it.”… then you're going to get nothing but honest and objective information from the author, with plenty of analysis of all sides of the issue.
9 February 2009
at 11:49 a.m.
Suggest removal
Permalink
cthulhu_4_president (Anonymous) says…
Bluerose and gumbipika are confusing me: I thought more jobs was a good thing. And come on, Bozo. Wal-Mart has never put another retailer out of business. The people who chose to shop at one place over the other are responsible for the demise of private retailers.
9 February 2009
at 11:50 a.m.
Suggest removal
Permalink
TheOriginalCA (Anonymous) says…
And a standing ovation for capitalism and the strong that make it work for all of us.
9 February 2009
at 11:59 a.m.
Suggest removal
Permalink
Marion (Marion Lynn) says…
No, I have a better idea.Follow the advice of the WalMart haters; close the store and force all the employees to unemployment compensation.
9 February 2009
at 12:09 p.m.
Suggest removal
Permalink
questionthings (Anonymous) says…
And why is this breaking news? Who really cares?
9 February 2009
at 12:12 p.m.
Suggest removal
Permalink
nbnozzy (Anonymous) says…
From the quality of some of the posts I see on these boards some of you would be lucky to make minium wage. 253 new jobs will occur and it's a positive. For you Wally bashers, I encourage you to open up a business and pay a living wage. Then your heckles may hold some validity. Otherwise, kindly shut your yap.
9 February 2009
at 12:25 p.m.
Suggest removal
Permalink
questionthings (Anonymous) says…
How many out of the 253 new employees will get scheduled to work 40 or more hours a week to qualify for the company insurance policy?
9 February 2009
at 12:26 p.m.
Suggest removal
Permalink
justforfun (Anonymous) says…
nbnozzyI agree!! Lot of people have lost their jobs and and need something. So people if you don't like Walmart don't shop there .
9 February 2009
at 12:35 p.m.
Suggest removal
Permalink
Fatty_McButterpants (Anonymous) says…
Oh, darn that evil Wal-mart for bringing jobs to Lawrence. Hello?? If you don't like the minimum wage, petition Congress. I'm sure there are about 700,000 Americans within the last month that would like to have a shot at being one of those 235 people.
9 February 2009
at 12:39 p.m.
Suggest removal
Permalink
number1jayhawker (Anonymous) says…
Actually, an employee does not necessarily have to work a full 40 hours per week to qualify for benefits.
9 February 2009
at 12:39 p.m.
Suggest removal
Permalink
Wallythewalrus (Anonymous) says…
Questionthings: So I question why should any company be forced to even offer a health insurance policy? I would argue that it is health insurance that might be the single greatest cost of doing business.
9 February 2009
at 12:40 p.m.
Suggest removal
Permalink
A_J_Hawk (Anonymous) says…
Is that a trailer park going in just east of there?
9 February 2009
at 12:43 p.m.
Permalink
just_another_bozo_on_this_bus (Anonymous) says…
This comment was removed by the site staff for violation of the usage agreement.
9 February 2009
at 12:44 p.m.
Suggest removal
Permalink
mom_of_three (Anonymous) says…
nbnozzy - this is a forum for comment, so let people comment. If you don't like what they have to say, don't read it, and don't comment. just makes you sound like one of those posters you continue to bash.
9 February 2009
at 12:49 p.m.
Suggest removal
Permalink
SettingTheRecordStraight (Anonymous) says…
Wal Mart is capitalism, free markets, and fair trade at work. That's why I own their stock, and that's why I shop at their stores.
9 February 2009
at 12:51 p.m.
Suggest removal
Permalink
supercowbellninja (Anonymous) says…
Can't wait till April when I won't have to drive across town to get my Hannah Montana fishing tackle any longer.
9 February 2009
at 12:51 p.m.
Suggest removal
Permalink
A_J_Hawk (Anonymous) says…
Nice post mom_of_three. I agree 100%.I'm especially glad that they will be opening closer to home. My 80 year old mother will now be able to walk to her job as a greeter instead of taking the EmT.
9 February 2009
at 12:53 p.m.
Suggest removal
Permalink
blue73harley (Anonymous) says…
Great news! The south store will be less crowded.
9 February 2009
at 12:58 p.m.
Suggest removal
Permalink
Andini (Anonymous) says…
Nobody likes to shop at Wal-Mart. Nobody. The other shoppers hurt you, sometimes very badly. First you shop because your father wants you to. Then you shop to get the girls. If you keep on shopping, you do it for scholarships, and to get the girls. Then you shop for the money and the girls. Then you get to just watch the shoppers, and that's fun. But nobody likes to shop at Wal-Mart. Nobody.
9 February 2009
at 1 p.m.
Suggest removal
Permalink
thetagger (Anonymous) says…
supercowbellninja (Anonymous) says… Can't wait till April when I won't have to drive across town to get my Hannah Montana fishing tackle any longer.That comment is so full of win. +2 internets for you!
9 February 2009
at 1:01 p.m.
Suggest removal
Permalink
Defender (Anonymous) says…
“only idiots shop at wal-mart.”And only an uneducated, hateful moron would make such a generalization. Wow, grow up you little wuss.
9 February 2009
at 1:02 p.m.
Suggest removal
Permalink
Liberty_One (Anonymous) says…
bozo, You complain about a “race to the bottom” but your poicies turn into a race to the unemployment line. It seems all you care about is high wages. If people have higher wages they can afford all the things they want. But what about lower prices? If prices decrease and wages remain the same, won't that achieve the same result? And Wal-Mart didn't ship any jobs to China, statists like yourself priced those jobs out of the country.
9 February 2009
at 1:03 p.m.
Suggest removal
Permalink
Pywacket (Anonymous) says…
I despise WalMart as much as anyone…That said, why is it a store's fault, Andini, if the piggish customers allow the shopping bags (or any other trash) to become litter? Blaming the stores for the plastic bag litter is like blaming Obama (or Bush, Clinton, etc. as far back as you care to go) for the post-inauguration trash on the national mall.Sadly, we are a country of slobs. I will carry trash around rather than throw it on the ground, but I know a lot of people think nothing of just letting it fly. It's hard to justify blaming the stores or even the fast food outlets for the glut of paper, plastic, & styrofoam blowing around. We need to clean up our act & teach our kids not to litter. Mine know I'd skin them if I ever caught them trashing the landscape.
9 February 2009
at 1:07 p.m.
Suggest removal
Permalink
Andini (Anonymous) says…
I never said it was Wal-Mart's fault Pywacket. I will just hate to see all of the trash that will blow into my neighborhood once wal-mart opens. I prefer paper or cloth.
9 February 2009
at 1:11 p.m.
Suggest removal
Permalink
cthulhu_4_president (Anonymous) says…
““i just saved two dollars on a pair of socks…..” its actually pretty sad to see Kansans fall for this-I expected as much out of Missouri-but Kansans? c'mon people, wake up.”–––Oh come on, dragon. I can save way more than $2 on socks at Wal-Mart! 3 pairs for $6, maybe!Can't wait!
9 February 2009
at 1:14 p.m.
Suggest removal
Permalink
luvtocamp (Anonymous) says…
I wish they would of built a new k-mart. Its sad that this town has a warehouse for k-mart but does not have a k-mart to shop at.
9 February 2009
at 1:16 p.m.
Suggest removal
Permalink
questionthings (Anonymous) says…
Wallythewalrus: A company is not forced to offer health benefits, but Walmart choose to offer it. If they choose to offer it then, why not offer it to all employees at a cost they can afford on the minimum wage income?By the way most employees there don't even make it above the poverty line!http://www.wakeupwalmart.com/facts/
9 February 2009
at 1:23 p.m.
Suggest removal
Permalink
ClearSkies (Caitlin B) says…
How old do you have to be to work there?
9 February 2009
at 1:24 p.m.
Suggest removal
Permalink
supercowbellninja (Anonymous) says…
Wal-Mart PR person: “We were all set to debut our latest Wal-Mart shopping center and location until we read the anonymously authored comments on a small-market Lawrence, Kan., Web site. Upon reading this flurry of anonymous remarks that detail how much we suck, we wish to inform you that, effective immediately, Wal-Mart will cease to exist and the world will flourish again. Thank you, you insane, anonymous ljworld commenters. The ability to say anything without having to reveal your face or name has truly paid dividends for society at-large today.”
9 February 2009
at 1:29 p.m.
Suggest removal
Permalink
questionthings (Anonymous) says…
Walmart just helps the government take money out of pockets to pay for the government assistance to those employees making below the poverty level. Lawrence just added to more government assistance employees of Walmart and never less during an recession.Just because, we need another Walmart full of crap that we all need to buy! So everyone, lets all just go on supporting and buying from Walmart and feel our lives with useless crap!
9 February 2009
at 1:45 p.m.
Suggest removal
Permalink
beawolf (Anonymous) says…
Wal-Mart is the single most successful capital venture in history. For it or against it, nobody can deny that fact. For those of you against it, you are also against the basic form of capitalism that this country's strength is based upon. You can't have it both ways. With capitalism you vote with your dollar and the majority of Americans have voted for Wal-Mart.I hate shopping there. But, I did buy a TV from them last year and saved $150. I also saved money on a car battery, vacuum cleaner, paint and a lawn mower. That makes my disposable income go further and benefits the economy.
9 February 2009
at 1:46 p.m.
Suggest removal
Permalink
questionthings (Anonymous) says…
tempting_butnothanks: Statistics, you can find statistics all kinds of statistics. Yes, I made inferences based on statistical data gained from a few web sites one is actually Bureau of Labor Statistics. I am going to being so kind to give you a direct link to Occupational Employment and Wages, May 2007 for Cashiers. Take a look around and see what you think. While you do just think how many are cashiers at Walmart.http://www.bls.gov/oes/2007/may/oes412011.htm
9 February 2009
at 1:48 p.m.
Suggest removal
Permalink
staff04 (Anonymous) says…
I'm sure China thanks the supporters of this store for their contributions to their economy.
9 February 2009
at 1:53 p.m.
Suggest removal
Permalink
cthulhu_4_president (Anonymous) says…
beawolf 1:45 wins.I'm loving these paranoid rants about China. If we are indeed helping China's economy, then maybe that will keep them from calling in our bar tab (e.g. national debt) for a little bit longer. It seems like a win-win situation! They get to keep making cheap stuff, and we get to keep on with business-as-usual ponzi-economics for awhile more!
9 February 2009
at 1:58 p.m.
Suggest removal
Permalink
britt408 (Anonymous) says…
Those of you who are criticizing wal-mart for the way they treat employees and for paying minimum wage need to get your facts straight. Have any of you ever worked at wal-mart?? I have and I was treated great…I started well over minimum wage (and was only 19 years old), not to mention the stock options, health insurance, extra holiday pay, and discount card. And no, you don't have to work over 40 hours to get benefits. In comparison, I know that other big retail businesses in Lawrence DO start at minimum wage and no one is whining about them. Imagine how many people would be on unemployment if it weren't for wal-mart. Just stop complaining and if you don't like it, don't shop there, it's that simple.
9 February 2009
at 2:02 p.m.
Suggest removal
Permalink
badger (Anonymous) says…
Woo hoo!More cheap plastic Chinese crap for everybody!Wal-mart's a great place for short-term thinkers, yes it is. You pay 75% of the cost for an item that lasts half as long as one of better quality, so that for the same amount and duration of utility, you spend 50% more, waste twice as much time shopping, and take up twice as much landfill space. You ignore the fact that most of their stuff is made in sweatshops in Asia, never minding that the pollution and safety controls in places like China mean a growing problem with air quality and human rights violations. You welcome a couple hundred jobs at or just above minimum wage, without realizing that minimum wage puts most people below the poverty level and leaves them eligible for food stamps and other social welfare programs so it doesn't reduce the burden on social services, and those minimum wage employees (if they have kids) will qualify for plenty of tax credits so your city doesn't see a dime of their income tax, just the sales tax on their tiny little purchases (by the way, since they qualify for food stamps, their food purchases don't even generate sales tax…). You think working at Wal-Mart means you're buying a house and paying property taxes? Not hardly.You know, there was this time not even all that long ago when conservatives were about being smart with your money and thinking in the long-term, fiscally, when they actually made economic decisions based around sound principles like living on one's income instead of one's capital, investing in and supporting businesses likely to provide more value to a community than a few low-paying jobs, and being able to understand the larger picture that goes with getting what you pay for.But hey, everyone needs more cheap Chinese plastic crap. Because, for some reason, it just doesn't last very long…
9 February 2009
at 2:09 p.m.
Suggest removal
Permalink
packs_of_wild_dogzz (Anonymous) says…
It always amazes me how you can count on people on this forum to complain. You can bet on it….mention walmart and everyone is a clever smart***. Nevermind that 235 people who potentially have no job will have a job, minimum wage or not! Just how stupid are you people? Parrot boy you are an idiot. And badger, i guarantee you walmart carries a lot more than cheap chinese crap.
9 February 2009
at 2:17 p.m.
Suggest removal
Permalink
Pywacket (Anonymous) says…
Sorry, Andini— I guess I was seeing an implied blame that you didn't intend. WalMart and many other stores are now selling very inexpensive cloth bags at the check-out lanes, so maybe it's a matter of time before the general population will be retrained toward using fewer disposable bags and littering less. Meantime, it sure would be nice if litter laws could be enforced.
9 February 2009
at 2:18 p.m.
Suggest removal
Permalink
red_devil (Anonymous) says…
here's the bottom line on walmart and the walmart haters. it has become the in thing to bash walmart. most people on here spew crap about things they have no idea about, from walmart to city government to engineering to emergency medicine. there's always an abundance of people who know it all. some people don't know any better, some people know they are anonymous, and some just hate their lives. and i'll bet that more than a few people talking bad about walmart will go there when it opens but will never admit it.
9 February 2009
at 2:21 p.m.
Suggest removal
Permalink
feeble (Anonymous) says…
this comment section has super cow powers.
9 February 2009
at 2:31 p.m.
Suggest removal
Permalink
Pilgrim2 (Anonymous) says…
just_another_bozo_on_this_bus (Anonymous) says…OK, I'm ready for yet another chorus of “baaaaaaaa!!!”*************************************Funny, that's what I'm hearing from all the anti-capitalists like you in this thread. Must be your echo you're hearing.
9 February 2009
at 2:31 p.m.
Suggest removal
Permalink
autie (Anonymous) says…
flamingdragon, your comments are going on the assumption that Missourians even wear socks, right? RCJ
9 February 2009
at 2:32 p.m.
Suggest removal
Permalink
questionthings (Anonymous) says…
Why does Lawrence need two Wal-marts? Hip hip hooray!!! Two Wal-marts in Lawrence!!!Breaking News: The second Wal-mart in Lawrence, Kansas is opening on April 29th. Yes, that's right, another Wal-mart is opening during a recession to bring not only 235 jobs, but jobs that pay their employees so little that most are below the poverty income level. Just to bring you more crap that we need to buy and fill our lives and homes with.Wonder why fires in Australia that have killed over 150 people is not breaking news!
9 February 2009
at 2:38 p.m.
Suggest removal
Permalink
cthulhu_4_president (Anonymous) says…
I must ask a question to the people who keep saying that Wal-Mart's paycheck will “put people below the poverty level”:What do you think was the income of those people, relative to the poverty line, before they took their position at Wal-Mart?(The answers to choose from are: above or below)
9 February 2009
at 2:41 p.m.
Suggest removal
Permalink
KU_Dude (Anonymous) says…
I'd like to be the first one to Welcome all the additional “white trash” that will be coming to Lawrence on April 29, 2009 to shop at Wal-Mart. Welcome.
9 February 2009
at 2:41 p.m.
Suggest removal
Permalink
TheYetiSpeaks (Anonymous) says…
Top 10 things that bring out people who talk like they know things…but really dont: 1- Global Warming, i.e. climate change, i.e. temperature differentiation, i.e. somewhat sudden change in wind direction, etc. 2- Wal-Mart and its plot to destroy humanity. 3-sexual proficiency 4-city politics, or pretty much politics in general. This includes most of the talking pieholes on CNN and Fox news. 5- car trouble 6- The definitions and differences between socialism, communism, fascism, etc. 7- basketball, specifically how the head coach of the local college team is a yammering buffoon who couldn't coach his way out of a wet paper bag (lawrence edition, usually following a KU loss). 8- Yellow House poetry readings 9- The Humane Society and what it is they actually do there. 10-Any subject that Marion decides to pontificate on.
9 February 2009
at 2:54 p.m.
Suggest removal
Permalink
rumor_man (Anonymous) says…
I heard that wal-mart will be starting a shuttle service to and from the homeless shelters.
9 February 2009
at 3:24 p.m.
Suggest removal
Permalink
Akreed (Anonymous) says…
All the talk of walmart being terrible aside, it is good to see news of some jobs coming into the market instead of just news of jobs lost like we've been hearing. I hope these jobs help some people out that need it in these hard times.
9 February 2009
at 3:25 p.m.
Suggest removal
Permalink
flux (Anonymous) says…
just_another_bozo_on_this_bus has posted 11,518 times. Walmart, please offer this person a job.
9 February 2009
at 3:31 p.m.
Suggest removal
Permalink
badger (Anonymous) says…
For all those of you saying, “Hey, what would those 235 people be making if Wal-Mart wasn't hiring them?”Well, I guess the answer to that depends on whether something else would have gone into the space, something that paid its employees better and provided a better working environment. Because what a lot of the rah-rah folks don't seem to get is that that *something* would have gone into that space, and there's a possibility that if people weren't so all-fired to get more cheap plastic Chinese crap (yes, you're right, wild_dogzzz, they also sell cheap Mexican crap, cheap Indian crap, and cheap crap from Thailand. They're *multicultural*), that the something that went there might have been a better option.It's not 'Wal-Mart or nothing', as much as Wal-Mart's advocates would like you to believe that. It's not like that space was going to sit empty if, ultimately, after all the years of fighting, Wal-Mart decided not to build there. It might have been a different large anchor chain, like Lowe's or Home Depot, or it might have been a warehouse, it might have been a cluster of smaller stores with no anchor store. But it wasn't a choice between Wal-Mart jobs and no jobs, because anything going in that space would probably have resulted in the same net number of jobs for Lawrence (we still haven't heard how hours or jobs will be affected at the store across town, by the way, which should be expected to cut people's hours as their business slows down). It was a choice between Wal-Mart jobs and trying to woo other jobs, and the Lawrence City Council did its usual fine work of settling for the easy solution instead of working hard for better options.
9 February 2009
at 3:45 p.m.
Suggest removal
Permalink
beawolf (Anonymous) says…
“but jobs that pay their employees so little that most are below the poverty income level.”….. As does Sears and every box store on Iowa. As does McDonalds and every fast food restaurant in Lawrence. As does every restaurant period. What's your point, “questionthings”! You seem to rant but have nothing positive to add.
9 February 2009
at 3:45 p.m.
Suggest removal
Permalink
jumpin_catfish (Anonymous) says…
Damn that evil Wal-Mart. Providing goods and services and pissing off cool-aid drinkers everywhere. Hope I can be the first customer. ha ha ha ha hahhhhh
9 February 2009
at 4:11 p.m.
Suggest removal
Permalink
Danimal (Anonymous) says…
This is great news for Lawrence because no one else is hiring. Bringing 235 jobs in, low-paying or not, is huge right now.
9 February 2009
at 4:28 p.m.
Suggest removal
Permalink
jonas_opines (Anonymous) says…
“And badger, i guarantee you walmart carries a lot more than cheap chinese crap.”True, some stores also sell food.
9 February 2009
at 4:31 p.m.
Suggest removal
Permalink
wslady (Anonymous) says…
Welcome, WalmartThank you for not giving up and bringing jobs to our city. Thank you for providing management jobs along with jobs for students and other workers full and part-time.Wish you the best as you help boost our economy..
9 February 2009
at 4:34 p.m.
Suggest removal
Permalink
beawolf (Anonymous) says…
I highly recommend this to all the Wal-Mart naysayers. It may or may not change your perceptions, but at least it's a factual representation.http://boingboing.net/2009/02/01/life-at-walmart.html
9 February 2009
at 4:37 p.m.
Suggest removal
Permalink
bangaranggerg (Anonymous) says…
For those of you who want to criticize WalMart but aren't sure how, there is a very informative article on Wikipedia: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Criticis… it's really not for people who want to sound more crazy, so don't know how useful it'll be here. IMHO, these comments demonstrate a social movement with personal motivations rooted in basic human psychology. Hating Wal-Mart permits a person to feel better about themselves for three main reasons: They “don't run a greedy international conglomerate”, they aren't Wal-Mart workers, widely considered “low-skilled, minimum wage drones”, and they aren't Wal-Mart customers thought of as “toothless, welfare-getting hillbillies.” All of these sentiments are demonstrated in the above comments.
9 February 2009
at 4:37 p.m.
Suggest removal
Permalink
Pilgrim2 (Anonymous) says…
Two hundred thirty-five new jobs. Two hundred thirty-five people will have a job or will have a better job. Either way, it's a win-win for the local economy.
9 February 2009
at 4:38 p.m.
Suggest removal
Permalink
Wallythewalrus (Anonymous) says…
“While you do just think how many are cashiers at Walmart.”Okay I did the poverty level for a family of three is 17,600.00. at 8$ an hour working 40 hours a week for 52 weeks = 16,640. So, I guess a single mother with two kids better get one of the young ones a paper route like I had when the training wheels came off. Besides how much education does a cashier need to swipe an item through a scanner and ask :”did you find everthing ok?” Hell I used to run a cash register, the old fashion kind and had to know how to actually make change. All for 1.10 an hour. So whinners get a life and grow up a little.
9 February 2009
at 4:56 p.m.
Suggest removal
Permalink
BigEdSr (Anonymous) says…
To all os you wonderful posters here in the infalmed anti-walmart blog; I am not only a Missourian, but happen to work at the wonderful world of wally. I can almost guarantee that I probably make more than many of the walmart bashers posting here, and I am only a lowly stocker. In my many years there, I have seen a lot of people just like you; screaming I'll never shop there, and at the next sale, here you are, picking up what you can afford to buy here but not at your choice of retailers. My advice to you is keep up the bashing, and I'll see ya here next week…LOL!
9 February 2009
at 5:06 p.m.
Suggest removal
Permalink
kmat (Anonymous) says…
I have just one question to all the people that say they worked at WalMart and it was great.If is was so great working there, then why does everyone seem to be so unhappy, give really terrible service, never smile and generally appear to hate their jobs more than life itself?I only go there when I have to get something that only they have. My family refers to it as visiting hell.If they are so great to work for, then why was I last week, while there to purchase an expensive tv that unfortunately I couldn't get at Best Buy or NFM, not given any service at all? Three people standing around in electronics. After waiting, and waiting and waiting, I finally had to inturrupt their personal conversation to get help. You'd think someone spending a nice chunk of cash on a tv might get some service. I was treated like I was interrupting their very important work to have them get me the tv. I was very polite, but wanted to bash some heads in.So, why are the employees so rude and unhappy if it's so great to work there? Oh, and if you don't think all they sell is cheap Chinese cr*p, then go in there and try to purchase the things you would normally get (not groceries) and see how much of it you can get that isn't Chinese.
9 February 2009
at 5:13 p.m.
Suggest removal
Permalink
saticon (Anonymous) says…
Hi all. I continue to laugh at the Wal-Mart haters out there for many reasons. First, my family couldn't afford to purchase all of our clothes or houshold needs from Kohl's, Target, and various downtown stores and still keep our budget in line. It's just a fact. Secondly, those who complain about Wal-Mart pay should take a job downtown and try to get starting pay equal to most of Wal-Mart's jobs, or even try to get a raise for that matter. Thirdly, lack of insurance is always a slam at Wal-Mart. Well kids, my wife has worked there for 23 years and has had better insurance than offered by my employer (the state of Kansas) all along. Her having the kids on her insurance was 1/3 the cost of what it would be for me to add them to mine, and it's better coverage. Finally, all the folks who complain about women getting overlooked for better paying jobs/management need to talk to people who still work there. My wife has been asked numerous times to go into the management program because she's a hard worker, but she has chosen not to because of her committment to our family. Are there problems with the Wal-Mart company? Yes. Are there problems with Kohl's? Yes. Are there problems with various businesses downtown? Yes. So don't call Wal-Mart the Evil Empire for it's “bad” business practices. I tend to look at the success of Wal-Mart as a result of our changing economy and family structure over the last 40 years.
9 February 2009
at 5:19 p.m.
Suggest removal
Permalink
akt2 (Anonymous) says…
I literally shop at Wal-Mart once a year. I might spend $100. I just don't care for it. But I say more power to the Wal-Mart shoppers. Enjoy your new store. Spend your money anywhere you damn well please. I know you will, and I know that the parking lot will be packed everyday and every night.
9 February 2009
at 5:31 p.m.
Suggest removal
Permalink
KUGreenMachine (Anonymous) says…
Few things:-I think that this Walmart will stay busy, but not to the extent of the other Walmart in town. I don't think it will have the business that the Walmart execs are hoping for. -Also, do you really think that other businesses would want to move into any of that real estate over there? Yes, it's a nicer side of town, but look at a good number of businesses on the other side of the street. Numerous restaraunts can't even stay in business over there. I think its too much of a risk, especially in this economy.-Why would Dillons add on a huge expansion? Did you know that certain vendors won't even deliver to them because of the lack of business that store does? I guess it doesn't matter because they are owned by a giant coorporation of Kroger, so theres nothing to lose, but I think they are going to seriously regret that decision in the future when it comes time to pay the bills.-As much as I dislike Walmart, I do have to say that if you are comparing their wages to any other retailer out there that employs cashiers, it is about the same. A majority of cashiers consist of high school to college students who are not living on their own and are supported by their parents. They have jobs normally as extra spending money. If not, normally cashiers have two jobs, meaning they are only working part time. Full time cashiers are rare about anywhere. Lastly, being a cashier takes no skill what so ever, other than learning how to check…which takes about an hour. Therefore, the majority of jobs which happen to be cashiers, get paid the least due to the tiny amount of skill actually required to perform that job.-If you want to save jobs in your city you will merely not buy groceries at WalMart. Grocery stores employ more people than all of the other businesses combined that are in direct competition. So, go buy your cheap bathroom gear, and your paint, and your gold fish food at Walmart, just don't buy their groceries….Think of it this way, Wal-Mart is getting food from the cheapest bidder..Is that really what you want??
9 February 2009
at 5:52 p.m.
Suggest removal
Permalink
JayCat_67 (Anonymous) says…
Flaming Dragon'That's not a glove… Might cover a thumb or couple of fingers though…
9 February 2009
at 5:54 p.m.
Suggest removal
Permalink
TomShewmon (Tom Shewmon) says…
Thank Hillary Clinton for Wal-Marts' success. Wal-Mart wants to reach out to the looney left. Give them a chance loons. Peanut butter and jelly are a whole lot cheaper there than at The Merc you know.
9 February 2009
at 6 p.m.
Suggest removal
Permalink
local_support (Anonymous) says…
^^^Any idea what this guy is talking about? I can't make sense of his gibberish.
9 February 2009
at 6:09 p.m.
Suggest removal
Permalink
Solomon (Anonymous) says…
Would one of the looney leftists explain why 235 jobs, some paying minimum wage, is worse than no jobs?
9 February 2009
at 6:09 p.m.
Suggest removal
Permalink
TomShewmon (Tom Shewmon) says…
Logrythmimic, why do you hate the American Dream so much?
9 February 2009
at 6:14 p.m.
Suggest removal
Permalink
local_support (Anonymous) says…
The American Dream is to work a minimum wage job at Wal-Mart?
9 February 2009
at 6:17 p.m.
Suggest removal
Permalink
TomShewmon (Tom Shewmon) says…
Wal-Mart the corporation is the American Dream. Not every Wal-Mart employee is a front line worker. And they pay even front liners more than min. wage you moron.
9 February 2009
at 6:38 p.m.
Suggest removal
Permalink
monkeyhawk (Anonymous) says…
A few years ago I did not like to go into WalMart much. I want to thank those in our community who are so opposed to this particular chain for showing me the errors of my ways. I now shop at WalMart frequently just to spite the merrills of Nutland. I will never support any of their haunts or causes, and I actually gauge which candidates and issues to vote against based on whom and what the merrills advocate.
9 February 2009
at 7:06 p.m.
Suggest removal
Permalink
Liberty_One (Anonymous) says…
How much money do you people think stockers and cashiers make at other stores? These smaller stores that lose customers to Wal-Mart don't pay big bucks, and forget about benefits of any kind. Wal-Mart probably attracts better employees with its better pay, benefits, opportunities for advancement and working conditions.
9 February 2009
at 7:27 p.m.
Suggest removal
Permalink
rusty2 (Anonymous) says…
Liberty One - wishful thinking…..WalMart is absolutely NOT known for benefit packages or high pay rates.
9 February 2009
at 7:55 p.m.
Suggest removal
Permalink
jkilgore (Anonymous) says…
People save enough money at wm to offset some job losses. And the world itself is made safer when a country with 1.3b have employment. I've read that through wm, whose business practices are sometimes suspect, people have saved 2T in lower cost goods. It's a trade off. When it's bad for Americans WM won't exist. I think that this is a nonissue. AND I'm a liberal democrat.
9 February 2009
at 8:10 p.m.
Suggest removal
Permalink
Liberty_One (Anonymous) says…
rusty2, you are completely wrong. The fact that Wal-Mart offers any benefits at all already puts it ahead of 4 small businesses that I worked for in Lawrence. Tell me again how great the benefits are for cashiers at other businesses? Try getting health insurance working a register at a gas station or one of the stores downtown. Good luck.
9 February 2009
at 8:47 p.m.
Suggest removal
Permalink
Marion (Marion Lynn) says…
OK, you WalMart haters!What would you like to see in place of Wally World?
9 February 2009
at 8:53 p.m.
Suggest removal
Permalink
srj (Anonymous) says…
Checkers does not pay anything, does anyone care? Wal-Mart is probably the “greenest” company out there and the left does not care. If you don't like it, don't go. If you want to pay more for your “stuff” to support a better wage for workers, go to HyVee or Dillions.
9 February 2009
at 9:42 p.m.
Suggest removal
Permalink
gerbilsniper (Anonymous) says…
not gonna read all the posts…but long story short:Dont like Wal-Mart…dont shop there thenDont like making 7 bucks an hour…get a masters degreei buy my food at Checkers, my paint at Westlake, and my toilet paper at wal-mart.
9 February 2009
at 9:57 p.m.
Suggest removal
Permalink
saticon (Anonymous) says…
“WalMart is absolutely NOT known for benefit packages or high pay rates”Rusty2 - have you talked to anyone who works there? Did you read my note above? They have multiple insurance plans to choose from, profit sharing (good deal for my wife and I since they are a high-profit company), quarterly bonuses for employees based on the profit of the store (one of which we used to go to Colorado last fall), employee discount on products, matching 401K deposits, Christmas bonuses. Gee, what a bad benefits package. Guess my wife should look elsewhere.
9 February 2009
at 11:16 p.m.
Suggest removal
Permalink
knowyourfacts (Anonymous) says…
good lord. people in lawrence complain way to much.You Walmart bashers should atleast know what you are saying before bashing it. Considering I used to work there, id like to enlighten you all.- You would be surprised to know that management there makes incredible money. Store managers make 100 plus, Co-Managers make around 80000. And assistant managers are in the 60 range. There is always management positions open making it easy to move up in the company. not bad for a company that doesnt pay good wages.-To the moron that said all profit goes to china..haha ya not even close. Quarterly profit is split up amongst the hourly workers at each store. Again, know what your talking about.-If you dont like what WalMart stands for, dont shop there. Although I know most of the bashers on here have spent money at walmart in the past month.-Back to the wage point….janitors make 9.50. enough said.- The company pushes and pushes its associates to sign up for health benefits. If an associate working there doesnt have it, its only their fault.Do I need to keep going? People in Lawrence just love to complain about anything and everything. Get over yourselves. Rant over.-
9 February 2009
at 11:48 p.m.
Suggest removal
Permalink
blue73harley (Anonymous) says…
Lawrence is sure an exciting place…Most controversial articles of 2009.1. The evil empire of Wally World2. The great squirrel hunt of Tonganoxie3. The Neverending Story(of the SLT). Whew, I sure am glad no one here has to worry about whether they have a JOB.Oh, wait. This is Lawrence. Homeless is the ultimate cool! Who needs a job?
10 February 2009
at 2:48 a.m.
Suggest removal
Permalink
bmaestas (Brad Maestas) says…
Can't stand the place. Haven't set foot in one in over six years. I was hoping that they wouldn't build another one but this IS Wal-Mart we're talking about. I was elated when the borough of Queens told them to shove it and I don't miss them here in Brooklyn either. You'd think one would be enough for a city the size of Lawrence but it is at least slightly comforting that the new store will be much smaller than originally planned. A few weeks ago I watched “Wal-Mart: The High Cost of Low Price” and while I kind of knew what to expect, it was still a very sobering look at the voracious appetite and horrible business practices of this bloated giant.
10 February 2009
at 2:53 a.m.
Suggest removal
Permalink
jackbinkelman (Anonymous) says…
What came first? The trailer park or the walmart? No, that's too mean. I honestly don't mind trailer parks. Walfarts seems like a good idea until you have to Find a parking spot, [one not a mile away from the door, and one that six months ago was perfectly fine dirt], fight the crowds, hope you don't have to confront some “person” whacking a grubby, screaming kid. Spend thirty minutes to get from one side to the other while being forced to listen to a deafeningly loud cell phone conversation, that instead of words are a series of grunts and hollars. Wait in an endless line, with the slowest cashier in the state, to finally get out, as quick as possible so not to inhale the piped in bakery smells at the doors and add another 10 pounds. Having to tramp all the way out to your car, if you can find it, playing hopscotch with the oil slicks, and fighting traffic for the exits on the way out of the lot. like you're all gasping for air. All the while hoping and praying you don't get slapped in the face with the incessantly blowing white plastic bags, and that your soul isn't draining out behind you like a slugs trail. All to save 13 cents on the dollar.
10 February 2009
at 3:09 a.m.
Suggest removal
Permalink
Liberty_One (Anonymous) says…
jack, sounds like you shop at walmart all the time.
10 February 2009
at 8:25 a.m.
Suggest removal
Permalink
fu7il3 (Anonymous) says…
“Well, I guess the answer to that depends on whether something else would have gone into the space, something that paid its employees better and provided a better working environment. “Like what? There are empty buildings all over Lawrence where businesses could go in to. 253 positions would make that store alone the 18th largest employer in Douglas County according to the chamber of commerce website. I find it hard to believe you can claim something else would have just as many jobs.As far as work conditions and pay, how many of the stores down on Mass pay all of their employees a living wage and give them full benefit packages?If you are going off customer service, I've gotten just as bad on Mass. Some of you are being blinded by your own loathing for Wal-Mart and capitalism in general.253 jobs are available that weren't before. How can you argue against that? Maybe they aren't great jobs, but they are jobs. Are they under the poverty line? I really don't know. But I do know that if your income is zero, you are definitely below it.
10 February 2009
at 10:20 a.m.
Suggest removal
Permalink
was_freashpowder2 (Alexander Neighbors) says…
325 part time jobs with no benifits …………awesome did i mention minimumwage…..
10 February 2009
at 10:27 a.m.
Suggest removal
Permalink
xbusguy (Anonymous) says…
Walmart, where the fat lady goes, and she always knows the fat lady going the other direction, while I wait.
10 February 2009
at 11:59 a.m.
Suggest removal
Permalink
Pilgrim2 (Anonymous) says…
jackbinkelman (Anonymous) says…What came first? The trailer park or the walmart? No, that's too mean. I honestly don't mind trailer parks. Walfarts seems like a good idea until you have to Find a parking spot, [one not a mile away from the door, and one that six months ago was perfectly fine dirt], fight the crowds, hope you don't have to confront some “person” whacking a grubby, screaming kid. Spend thirty minutes to get from one side to the other while being forced to listen to a deafeningly loud cell phone conversation, that instead of words are a series of grunts and hollars. Wait in an endless line, with the slowest cashier in the state, to finally get out, as quick as possible so not to inhale the piped in bakery smells at the doors and add another 10 pounds. Having to tramp all the way out to your car, if you can find it, playing hopscotch with the oil slicks, and fighting traffic for the exits on the way out of the lot. like you're all gasping for air. All the while hoping and praying you don't get slapped in the face with the incessantly blowing white plastic bags, and that your soul isn't draining out behind you like a slugs trail. All to save 13 cents on the dollar.*****************************************Your stuffy elitism is overwhelming, bub. But to quote John Bender, “B-O-O, H-O-O.”
10 February 2009
at 12:34 p.m.
Suggest removal
Permalink
Liberal (Anonymous) says…
How much was 6th & Wak paying in property tax on the ground that Wal-Mart is sitting?…next to nothingHow much is Wal-Mart going to be paying in property tax?…Probably around a two hundred thousand dollars plus.What is the budget for the Prairie Park Nature Center?
10 February 2009
at 12:56 p.m.
Suggest removal
Permalink
Informed (Anonymous) says…
How much time did you waste, wildsun22, while you were driving around with your shopping list? Oh, and by the way, all your green friends will be *so glad* to know how much you increased your carbon footprint by driving all over town to compare prices. Yeah, I know, there's a possibility that you didn't actually drive, but then I figure you would have boasted about that as well.And, jackbinkelman, you must shop at a different Wal-Mart. I've never had the horrific experience you so painstakingly describe.Save 13 cents on the dollar? Heck, yeah, I'll take that. That's $13 on $100… $130 on $1000. If you say those amounts mean nothing to you, you're a d@3#$% liar!
10 February 2009
at 1:02 p.m.
Suggest removal
Permalink
kmat (Anonymous) says…
I'm still wondering if any of these wm employees that say it's so great will explain why in the store they seem miserable, are always grumpy and treat the customers like cr*p. None of them will respond to that.And they wouldn't need to hire that many employees if they weren't always standing around doing nothing. There's never a time I go there that you don't see employees standing around talking to each other, ignoring the customers. And I will say their produce their sucks. It goes bad way before anything I get at Dillons.
10 February 2009
at 1:19 p.m.
Suggest removal
Permalink
Andini (Anonymous) says…
kmat (Anonymous) says… And I will say their produce their sucks. It goes bad way before anything I get at Dillons.––––-Of course it goes bad. It's because they have to bring it all the way from China.
10 February 2009
at 2:52 p.m.
Suggest removal
Permalink
newshound25 (Anonymous) says…
It would be interesting if Wal-mart unionized if then there would be so many Wal-mart haters. Also, Target sells many of the same items made in foreign countries and I don't hear nearly has much negative comments on that store. Though, I don't believe Target is unionized either. Why are so many people against success? Just a thought.
10 February 2009
at 3 p.m.
Suggest removal
Permalink
lounger (Anonymous) says…
The Air is ripe for this sort of mistake. Bad economy doesnt mean Wal-mart. This is very sad. Lawrence Does NOT need this! Another s*itty Wal-mart in town. Moving out to the country is looking better and better…
10 February 2009
at 3:25 p.m.
Suggest removal
Permalink
Informed (Anonymous) says…
Oh, wildsun22, you sure told me. I have seen the error of my ways. I repent of my wanton Wal-Mart ways.By the way, did they have a dictionary at any of those stores you visited? If so, you might be wise to buy one the next time your (sic) in any of them. Perhaps a grammar primer would help, as well.
10 February 2009
at 3:55 p.m.
Suggest removal
Permalink
Informed (Anonymous) says…
wildsun22: “sorry you pissed me off!”If your skin is that thin, you shouldn't be posting on forums.=====================wildsun22: “oh, i'm 10.”Yeah. Right. Care to try again?Like, maybe you were 7 1/2 or 8 when you started posting?How 'bout this one:wildsun22, 1/5/09: “when i was a boy i was one of those scouts headed to new mexico. it coudn't have been more fun i loved it and everything seemed to run smooth. sense then i have become a paraplegic. a girlfriend and i were going to take the train to st louis. we got on the same car then they took her to another car. and told me to back my wheelchair up against the wall. and that was my chair. what the hell. this will be a fun 5 hours. haven't been on one sense. i love the idea but wow. the trip there and back flat out sucked”Or this one:wildsun22, 12/29/08: “i drive a subaru and live in lawrence. everybody wants a free range something to eat. can't get more free range than wild. i'll take the table for two by the window and some nice red wine to compliment my venison. thank you!”There's more, but I'll stop here.
10 February 2009
at 4:17 p.m.
Suggest removal
Permalink
Andini (Anonymous) says…
^^^ Web Rage ^^^
10 February 2009
at 5:24 p.m.
Suggest removal
Permalink
Informed (Anonymous) says…
Oh, Andini, you hurt my feelings… Where's the love? *sniff**sniff*I call out your lying and *I'm* the trip, wildsun22? I'm thinking you've been smoking a bit too much weed. But, maybe you can get your papers at Wal-Mart, on the cheap.
10 February 2009
at 5:57 p.m.
Suggest removal
Permalink
jonas_opines (Anonymous) says…
“I call out your lying and *I'm* the trip, wildsun22? I'm thinking you've been smoking a bit too much weed.”Are you suggesting that weed smokers don't shop at Walmart? I think I've spotted some there from time to time.
11 February 2009
at 2:18 a.m.
Suggest removal
Permalink
black_butterfly (Anonymous) says…
I agree with Kmat. Although Target is more expensive than Wal-Mart, I prefer to shop at Target because Wal-Mart employees are either rude or just look down-right unhappy. They are not helpful at all. If you go in the store anytime after 9 p.m. watch out because the stockers will be working and they act like you are in their way if you try to shop while they are stocking those shelves!!! They won't even move their carts of boxes if they see you need to get to a product. It's great that they are bringing more jobs to Lawrence.I don't think that they pay minimum wage. I think they start out at $8. an hour, however someone needs to tell their employees to at least smile at customers.
11 February 2009
at 7:02 a.m.
Suggest removal
Permalink
Informed (Anonymous) says…
No, of course not, jonas. Stoners love to shop at Wal-Mart. I have no problem with that. They can get a munchie fix and save a buck at the same time!