patching...
Update: We've just hit 880 Facebook likes! Click here to help us get to 900! »
Welcome back, Patch Blogger!

Greendale Walmart Has Smaller Supercenter Format

The new Walmart will not be mainly a grocery store. It will also carry general merchandise in a number of departments.

 
0 of 0
Photos (9)

Photos

Greendale residents expecting a Walmart with mostly food items will find something quite different when they visit the store after its Jan. 23 opening.

The new store will be like a Supercenter Walmart, though smaller. At 90,000 square feet, it comes inbetween the 154,000-square-foot Greenfield Supercenter on Highway 100 and the 40,000-square-foot West Allis Neighborhood Market, said store manager Jason Steffen.

Greendale Patch toured the store Monday, getting a sneak peek at the location that will carry an array of products including a full line-up of grocery, electronics, apparel, toys, hardware, sporting goods, pharmacy and general merchandise.

Steffen said there is probably less space for food items than what some of the Greendale officials thought there would be. He also said board members have not yet toured the store, but he plans on reaching out to them.

When the Greendale Village Board approved the construction of the Walmart in June 2011, store representatives said 40 percent of the store would be a grocery market. 

The Village has a developers' agreement that says the store has to provide 35,000 square-feet to groceries. Groceries can include items that any other grocery store would include, such as paper products and pharmacy. Village Manager Todd Michaels said he has gone into the store to measure and Walmart is following the agreement. 

Even though the location is currently closed to the public, people have been coming to the store thinking that it’s open during the daytime. Steffen sees this as positive reviews for the store.

Steffen said he has felt welcomed by neighboring businesses and has a developed a good relationship with neighbor Martin Luther High School.

The building was built at the old U.S. Bowling Congress site. Before construction the property was valued at $4 million. Village officials have said that since the site is not a TIF District once development is done the value of the property would go up to $10 million or more, improving the village’s tax base.

Related Topics: Wal-Mart in Greendale, Walmart, and Walmart in Greendale

Bren

5:02 pm on Monday, December 17, 2012

Did anyone honestly believe Walmart would keep its word about being mostly grocery? Not that we weren't all touched by Walmart's sudden concern that Greendale, WI didn't have its very own grocery store. Right.

Walmart's modus operandi is to enter a community, ask for regulation changes that suit them and sue when they are refused, then do basically as they please. Then build a larger store nearby and leave a big box shell behind. If I owned a business in the strip mall next door I think I'd start planning to find a new home within 5-7 years.

In the police reports of other communities that I have read, mall-based wallet/purse thieves frequently head to the nearest Walmart. The Greendale Village board, by accepting Walmart into our community, is providing a real benefit for credit card thieves. We'll see if Walmart's actual contribution to Greendale's tax base outweighs its cost in other areas.

Reply
Comment_arrow

CowDung

9:15 pm on Monday, December 17, 2012

When is the Walmart on East Capitol drive going to move and leave the 'empty shell' behind? It's been there for quite a few years. THey recently did a remodel job--sure doesn't look like they are moving any time soon...

Comment_arrow

Bren

9:31 am on Tuesday, December 18, 2012

Is there a place nearby for the Walmart to move, Cow? That's why they remodeled.

Walmart's business practices are well known and documented. Why are you "apologizing" for them?

Comment_arrow

CowDung

10:30 am on Tuesday, December 18, 2012

Don't know--you were the one that was claiming that as Walmart's 'modus operandi'...

I defend them because they seem to be unfairly targeted. They get grilled for practicing many of the same things that their competitors commonly do without criticism.

Comment_arrow

Bren

2:23 pm on Tuesday, December 18, 2012

Cow, the others aren't much better but Walmart is first and worst. If you want to "talk" about targeting, what about a company that comes into a small community, scopes out prices and stock in the existing stores, then stocks similar items and underprices them to drive away the competition, usually family-owned businesses? Most small businesses can't compete. Does that seem "fair" to you?

But continue to apologize for this example of poor corporate citizenship if you wish, it's a free country.

Comment_arrow

CowDung

11:42 pm on Tuesday, December 18, 2012

What is unfair about it? Walmart didn't start out as a huge corporation. They became successful because they found a cheaper way to get products to market and pass along the lower cost to the customers through lower prices.

It's not much different than Home Depot competing with family owned hardware stores, Best Buy competing with family owned TV shops, or Kohl's competing with family owned clothing stores...

Comment_arrow

CowDung

11:44 pm on Tuesday, December 18, 2012

Would it be unfair for Walmart to charge the same prices as other stores and make a larger profit margin? Chances are, they would still beat out the mom and pop stores because Walmart offers 'one stop' shopping--a feature that is particularly desirable in less densely populated areas...

Comment_arrow

Bren

8:57 am on Wednesday, December 19, 2012

Cow, as I wrote earlier, Walmart's business practices are well documented. I'm not going to waste time trying to convince you. If some simple Google searches (such as Walmart lawsuits, Walmart discrimination, Walmart business practice don't provide a wealth of data to show that Walmart is a poor corporate and world citizen, there's nothing I can add to the discussion.

Remember, Walmart/Walton got a big boost by advertising all American-made goods, until reporters and others took a closer look and that was a lie. Their methodology also includes aggressive targeting of rivals, lawsuits, threats to end contracts if products if jobs aren't offshored (Newell Rubbermaid), and bribery and corruption. But shop there as you wish, it's a free country.

Comment_arrow

CowDung

9:07 am on Wednesday, December 19, 2012

Yes, they are 'well documented' by pro-union groups that are out to destroy Walmart because they are largely a non-union company. Propaganda should not be considered to be documentation, Bren. As I stated before, Walmart engages in the same practices as every other retailer in the business sector, the only difference is that Walmart pissed off the unions.

Nobody is forcing anyone to do business with Walmart. If Newell Rubbermaid can't meet the price that Walmart is willing to pay, then they have a choice to make--either cut their production costs, or don't sell to Walmart.

Comment_arrow

Ross Younger

1:06 pm on Tuesday, January 22, 2013

Bren, I believe that you have been misinformed about Walmart's contributions to your community. Every year, Walmart donates millions of pounds of food to local food banks and food pantries, and consistently provides sizable donations that keep important non-profit organizations going! I am pleased to hear that you were able to attend a previous grand opening ceremony, and am curious if you were able to meet with the store manager? That individual started his career as a Walmart cashier... talk about advancement opportunities! You are entitled to your opinion, and if you prefer to shop at small ma and pop stores I can certainly respect that. To come on here and call Walmart a "poor corporate citizen" however, is a drastic overreach, if not an outright lie.

I am not, and never have been a Walmart employee. I will however, be stopping by after work and loading up a full cart of fresh groceries (on principal of course).

KHD

8:06 pm on Monday, December 17, 2012

And here is Bren again, what a pleasant, pleasant person.

Reply

Greendale Citizen

8:06 pm on Monday, December 17, 2012

Does anyone remember the Village promising us that the Greendale Walmart would have a "neighborhood" feel to it? This article is using the words Super Center to describe it. Awesome...NOT. Duped by our village officials.

Reply

Concerned in Greendale

8:20 pm on Monday, December 17, 2012

I strongly encourage people to stay our of Walmart and let it fail as they have allowed so many smaller businesses to fail over and over again. Take a look at this article in the times if you doubt what I have to say.
http://www.nytimes.com/2012/12/18/business/walmart-bribes-teotihuacan.html?emc=na&_r=0

Reply
Comment_arrow

Bren

2:45 pm on Tuesday, December 18, 2012

That story of Walmart bribery and corruption in Mexico is just sickening. More bad Walmart behavior for Cowdung to defend.

It's a shame that only Congressional Democrats are calling for an investigation. This is the sort of corporate behavior that makes America look like a ruthless/bad business partner and Republicans should also be calling for action.

Danny Noonan

9:23 pm on Monday, December 17, 2012

Then just don't go there. It will leave more parking space for the rest of us. Haters go away!

Reply

Cgraham

11:00 pm on Monday, December 17, 2012

Hmm, spend your money in Greenfield and let that city collect your tax dollars -Or- keep your tax dollars in The village, which finally has a grocery store. No brainer.

Reply

SouthShore Skamp

9:34 am on Tuesday, December 18, 2012

Since Greendale residents didn't fight to keep this store out of the Village in the first place, they get what they deserve now that it's here and not what they were promised by Village and Walmart officials. Hope they are happy now. Or maybe it'll take an increase in crime to get them to realize what a bad decision this was. If Greendale really needed a grocery, why not a Trader Joe's or a Fresh Market? Greendale does not need a Walmart, especially with the big new monster store a few miles away at Layton and 100, but it's too late now, isn't it?! Someone saw dollar signs and was lured in by Walmarts promises. I can tell you I won't ever shop there, and will continue to buy groceries in Franklin.

Reply
Comment_arrow

Friends of Greendale

1:02 pm on Tuesday, December 18, 2012

Shop where ever you want. That's the beauty of free market capitalism! I think it's great the space on 76th is no longer occupied by an empty building and Greendale has a grocery store. Maybe in the future, if that side of 76th is booming we can attract Trader Joe's or other smaller boutique type food stores to the area. Do you shop at the European Market near Grange, west of 76th? I love to give those hard working people my business. Spread it around!

Comment_arrow

Bren

2:15 pm on Tuesday, December 18, 2012

SouthShore, it was basically presented to us as a done deal. Walmart pulled its usual snowjob on the Village board, who told us it was going to be a market with a few extra items (right). We also were supposed to get an attractive, "market" feel (again, right). We all asked for Trader Joe's, Fresh Market, or Whole Foods. But as I wrote, Walmart was basically a done deal and residents were invited to look at color choices (I don't think anyone picked this!).

Friends of Greendale, I would much have preferred that the Village Board had waited until a more suitable purchaser was found for the site. Not sure where Trader Joe's would go now with this eyesore in the choice location.

Bren

9:38 am on Tuesday, December 18, 2012

Sadly there will always be folks who don't understand how Walmart's business practices exemplify what is not going well in our economy. Hiring people at poor wages, mostly part-time, to avoid having to provide benefits (Walmart employees are near the top of the list in accessing state health care programs as a result). Undercutting prices in rural/small communities to drive out competition from "mom and pop" stores. Forcing companies to close U.S. factories and build factories in China (e.g. Newell Rubbermaid). Etc.

I don't shop at Walmart and certainly wouldn't consider entering this one. Look at those photos. How can new construction be so unattractive, especially after the dog-and-pony show they dropped on us last year, showing all the design and color choices?

Yes, this Walmart is the Village Board's legacy and "gift" to historic Greendale. Thanks for that.

Reply
Comment_arrow

Catherine

10:02 am on Tuesday, December 18, 2012

Walmart certainly does exemplify the "historical" significance of Greendale, doesn't it? (Much sarcasm inserted) Just like the digital sign and the arch does. Oh and don't forget the Normal Rockwell statue that now has mysteriously disappeared because it was placed in a "snow dump zone". What good planners we have here in Greendale.

Comment_arrow

sue

2:10 pm on Tuesday, December 18, 2012

I agree the walmart in greenfield looks like nothing but a warehouse its ugly and the layout stinks it takes the enjoyment out of shopping

Catherine

9:55 am on Tuesday, December 18, 2012

Once again, no proofreading of the article: "The building was built at the old U.S. Congress site." I thought the U.S. Congress was in Washington, D.C. We all know that you meant the "U.S. Bowling Congress". However, if someone not from the area was searching for local articles about Walmart, this would be confusing for them. PLEASE, it only takes a few seconds to proofread your copy before submitting.
That said, I'm not surprised that Walmart once again mislead and duped local community government in order to come into a community. The pictures say it all!! The integrity of Greendale is quickly spiraling downward.

Reply

Friends of Greendale

1:11 pm on Tuesday, December 18, 2012

I must admit I was surprised when I saw the Walmart Blue color so prominent on the exterior. I've seen other suburban Walmarts that had more stone and brown colors and seemed to blend in to the landscape better than the blue does. The look of the store is a concern. Any idea why officials in Greendale didn't monitor that? I thought I say renderings that were more attractive.

Reply

Greendale Dad

2:17 pm on Tuesday, December 18, 2012

That was my thought too. I remember all sorts of talk about how this Walmart was going to be "different" and "upscale" and "community," but as far as I can see it looks just like every other WM out there. Looks like we got sold for chumps. I'm sure there's some WM exec laughing at us all the way to the bank.

Reply

sue

2:18 pm on Tuesday, December 18, 2012

What I don't get is there fixing up the mall so it has or looks like it has some class then they make walmart look like it has no class stupid if you ask me

Reply

Friends of Greendale

3:41 pm on Tuesday, December 18, 2012

I have mixed feelings on all of this. Thanks for your comments and insights. I hope the store will be convenient and helpful to some of the area residents and if you decide to shop elsewhere, that makes sense to me too. Not sure where I'll shop, at this point. I saw the building again this afternoon and must agree it will be an eyesore.

Reply

Jason Patzfahl

5:38 pm on Tuesday, December 18, 2012

I was under the impression that the front of the Walmart would face north towards the Martin Luther High School so that residents didn't have to look at the ugly, wide blue WallyWorld facade facing traffic on 76th street. Guess we were duped on that one too.

And let's not forget - After you go to Walmart, have your purse and wallet stolen, then use cash to buy cheap crap made in China by five year olds, you can drive right over to the new Chick-Fil-A and buy a bucket-o-bigotry and a heaping helping of homophobia.... Just not on a Sunday, because the "good folks" who run that company want to allow employees time to go to church on Sundays to pray away the gay....

Reply
Comment_arrow

Lee

10:49 pm on Tuesday, December 18, 2012

You make me laugh. Right, wrong, or indifferent, you always make my day.

Comment_arrow

Jason Patzfahl

7:01 am on Wednesday, December 19, 2012

A "Milwaukee Power Tool" I presume.

Leave a comment