A new Wal-Mart in LeRoy could create 200 permanent jobs by next summer

Posted by Philip Anselmo on February 27, 2009 - 7:55am
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People often debate the benefit of big box stores moving into "hometown" neighborhoods. Books have been published on the subject of Wal-Mart, in particular, running locally-owned shops out of business and replacing what may have been well-paying jobs with minimum wage, "exploitation" labor.

Whether or not you believe Wal-Mart is a malignant or beneficial force in a community, it is too much of a presence not to alter the overall figure. With a 111,000-square-foot Wal-Mart store expected to be up and running by June, LeRoy will soon learn what it's like to have the retail megalith in town.

From an article in the Democrat & Chronicle this morning:

A spokesman for Wal-Mart said the Genesee County store, which could open in spring 2010, would create 200 new jobs, plus another 100 jobs during construction.

The store will be a smaller version of a Wal-Mart Supercenter, with the same variety of products but smaller quantities.

The standalone building will feature a full retail section, groceries, an optical center, a pharmacy and a garden center, said the spokesman, Philip Serghini.

McCulley said he believes most residents support the project. "There was some dissent against it, but it was a small minority," he said.

"People are looking for options of shopping locally. People don't want to travel too far to do their shopping."

Posted by Howard Owens on February 27, 2009 - 9:35am
I'm again Wal-Mart coming into town in principle. They do tend to suck a lot of money out of the local economy.

And Wal-Mart's often devastate small town downtowns. But LeRoy's village already has so many open store fronts, I wonder if it's possible in this case Wal-Mart might actually help. If the more jobs, more traffic to LeRoy might actually create an environment that would encourage specialty shops in town.
Posted by Gabor Deutsch on February 27, 2009 - 10:19am
It sounds good in theory but I dont think our walmart has encouraged many specialty shops. I know it did create more shopping traffic but quite a few people from LeRoy came to our Batavia walmart.
Posted by Chris Olin on February 27, 2009 - 11:45am
I don't see how 200 minimum wage jobs is supposed to help anyone financially, aside from high school students.
Posted by Andrew Erbell on February 27, 2009 - 12:24pm
Because they're not all minimum wage jobs. I know several people working at the Batavia WalMart. None of them are in management and all of them started out above minimum wage.
Posted by Chris Olin on February 27, 2009 - 2:07pm
Okay, minimum wage plus a few bucks. If it's such so wonderful, why don't you go work there?

Sure, it'll employ part of the local high school students, but look at what will happen in the long run. Local businesses will start losing money, local businesses will start going out of business, people will start losing jobs.

Don't get me wrong. Wal-mart is an okay place to shop and have, but it's a job killer, in more ways than one. Especially in a small town like Le Roy. The scenario I gave is just an example.

In addition, you can't support yourself (rent, utility bills, insurance, gas, etc), more or less a family, on minimum wage plus a few bucks.

Basically, Wal-mart hurts more than it helps. Just my two cents.
Posted by Howard Owens on February 27, 2009 - 4:52pm
Seems like I read some place that Wal-Mart pays its managers pretty well. When the company finds good managers, it's profitable to ensure they stick around.
Posted by Lori Ann Santini on February 27, 2009 - 5:08pm
They do treat thier employees better then other companies do in this area. My sister in law works at one. Along with a decent rate of pay due to her years of service, she also gets an employee discount. Some of the other big box stores located around our Walmart don't do that at all. I have asked out of curiosity. The discount isn't a one time thing either. They get it every time they swipe their employee card. Not a bad deal if you can get 5-10% (it may be more I think if I remember correctly from years ago) off on your purchases. Because they are superstores now you can buy nearly everything you need in one stop shopping. A penny saved is a penny earned.
Posted by Andrew Erbell on February 27, 2009 - 9:26pm
"If it's such so wonderful, why don't you go work there?"

Great comeback, for a five year-old.

I wouldn't go work there because I'm too busy running my own business and overseeing my own employees. But hey, that's just me.

LeRoy doesn't have to worry about all the mom and pop stores closing due to WalMart, because for the most part, they already have been for some time. You've got a variety of specialized Arts & Crafts/Collectibles/Antiques Stores, two hardware stores (one of which is hardly in the village), Shelby Jewelers (closed more than open and on the few times I've tried shopping there the standard response is; "We don't have that in stock right now but I can order it"), LeRoy Electronics (if any merchant is directly affected by WalMart, it would be this one), plus two chain grocery stores and a Dollar General. With or without WalMart coming Rite Aid and Eckert are in serious financial trouble at a Corporate Level and are doubtful to survive the year. Walgreens isn't open yet but I'm inclined to think they'll be fine based on their location. The LeRoy I enjoyed as a youth is just that, nothing but a memory.
Posted by Sean McKellar on February 27, 2009 - 10:26pm
I'm ambivalent about the encroachment of the almighty Wal Mart. The traffic that it will bring past my little shop will be great. Hopefully it will increase the value of my property as well. I just hope that it will not ruin the the other little guys in Leroy.

It worries me slightly.
Posted by Sean McKellar on February 27, 2009 - 10:32pm
Andrew, what is your business exactly? I will patronize you if you can provide any of my needs.
Posted by Howard Owens on February 28, 2009 - 4:30am
Sean owns Fastec Automate LeRoy and was the very first to sign up to advertise in .