WHITEHALL TOWNSHIP, Mich. (WOOD) — The new Wal-Mart near Whitehall opened for the first time on Wednesday morning to large crowds. Its long-term impact on the community remains to be seen.
The largest retailer in the country now has a presence in a community where some fought to keep it away. Wal-Mart officials said the store hired some 200 people to operate the new store.
The nearest locally-owned and operated grocery store is less than a mile away. Great Lakes Fresh Market Store management has been bracing for Wal-Mart’s impact for some time.
“It’s not a concern. We have to be aware of it,” Great Lakes Store Director Tony Larson said. “We welcome them to the community.”
He admits that his store may not be able to compete with the well-marketed low prices for which Wal-Mart is known.
“Our game isn’t the price,” Larson said. “You have to know what the customer wants and you do that by talking to them.”
Larson said the president of the company that owns Great Lakes is in the store almost daily and believes customers feel the difference.
Dennis Wilson has shopped at Great Lakes, which was formerly a Plumb’s store, for years.
“It’s kind of a hometown type of thing,” he said while leaving the store Wednesday.
He admits, however, that he’ll be checking out the Wal-Mart down the street.
“Let’s face it,” Wilson said. “Wal-Mart’s got a better price, I’m sure, and money talks.”
Larson, the store director, said he believes the stores can share the area’s customer base and both thrive.
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