Wal-Mart Enters Cities

A new company initiative calls for over 50 new stores in blighted urban areas, with the promise of help for local businesses and chambers of commerce.

1 minute read

April 6, 2006, 6:00 AM PDT

By David Gest


In the face of recent controversy over entering urban markets, "Wal-Mart Stores Inc. yesterday revealed plans to expand into the nation's cities, where it has encountered widespread opposition from unions and small businesses that accuse it of forcing wages down and driving out competition.

Wal-Mart said that over the next two years it would build more than 50 stores in blighted urban areas, accompanied by promises of help for local businesses and donations to chambers of commerce. The proposal is a major shift in strategy for a company that became the nation's largest retailer by dominating rural and suburban America."

Thanks to Matthew B

Wednesday, April 5, 2006 in The Washington Post

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