Walmart Expansion Stalled in DC

Extra Extra… read all about it, “ Walmart delays plans for DC” , “The delay apparently was caused by resistance from activists and opponents..” says the Washington Post reported. http://www.washingtonpost.com/business/capitalbusiness/wal-mart-delays-stores-planned-for-the-district/2012/04/06/gIQAfo5g4S_story.html

Respect DC says they have stalled but not stopped Walmart’s plans to conquer DC. "With this new occurrence, comes more opportunity, to inform and engage our community and to strengthen our coalition." said a Respect DC represenative. The coalition plans to host a 99% spring training later this week as a build up to further action aimed at getting Walmart to the table with DC community leaders.

Here is their statement below:

Walmart’s announcement that it will delay the opening of five of six planned stores in the District of Columbia is further proof that the company has not won over city residents. Our coalition talks to community members every day, and they express concerns and reservations about Walmart opening stores without signing a legally binding Community Benefits Agreement, or CBA.

As city residents ourselves, we worry about Walmart’s potential impact on existing small businesses. We are asking the company to commit in writing to support local small business and hire local residents at a living wage.

Walmart would not be altering its original timeline if company executives did not believe it needed more time to convince District residents that low-wage poverty jobs that can force workers to rely on public assistance are what D.C. needs.