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May 14, 2008

Wal-Mart news likely nixes plans for new retail

The news today that Wal-Mart has bagged its plans to build a supercenter in Clearbrook may have dealt a blow to some retailers that were eyeing Wal-Mart’s current spot on U.S. 220.

The traditional Wal-Mart store on U.S. 220, located about a mile and a half north of the proposed Clearbrook site, would have closed if a supercenter went up.

Rumors and input from some local retail experts surfaced last year that at least one major chain that’s not already in the Roanoke Valley was considering Wal-Mart’s current spot in the Hunting Hills Plaza, since the big box retailer planned to leave.

Now that Wal-Mart has renewed its lease and canceled its supercenter plans, this same space no longer is the running for new retail.

Click here to read the Wal-Mart story.

Comments

# 1

[May 14, 2008 7:21 PM]

dean

I was hoping that Wal-Mart was going to move. The owner's of the plaza should have not let them renew. We need other retailers to land here.

# 2

[May 14, 2008 8:05 PM]

Mike

I say good. How many Wal-marts do we need. We have three supercenters. We do not need another one. I like the walmart the way it is. Small and does not have the hoards of people like the other ones. I can go in get what I need and get out without standing in line for a half hour. I also don't have as much trouble getting around because it's not as crowded. We have enough shopping centers anyway. Keep it on this side of the parkway.

# 3

[May 15, 2008 10:24 AM]

dean

I agree keep the retail on this side. Wal-Mart still wants to put a SuperCenter on 220!! I like to know where. Either leave the store the way it is, or expand its current spot. I am all about progress, but it has to work for both sides.

# 4

[May 15, 2008 1:34 PM]

Other John

From what I understand of development, it's usually far more expensive and difficult to expand an existing store than it is to simply build a new one. Plus there are no logistical issues of re-locating adjacent retailers who would lose their current spots, and all the related messes that go on. Having Wal-Mart move further out in the county would likely help traffic by moving it further away from the congested corridor between 419 and the Parkway...but it could also create a nice little logjam in Clearbrook if not done properly. I'm not sure there is a good option out there for that end of the county given the limited roadways.

# 5

[May 15, 2008 3:52 PM]

shirley

walmart will probably end up with a new store but the next walmart debate is going to be the one at westlake

# 6

[May 15, 2008 10:00 PM]

Hermie Smarm

Property values are down right now with the housing bust, but wait a couple of years when they go back up, and you'll see those signatures flying on the land contracts.

# 7

[May 18, 2008 8:57 PM]

Bonnie

Only a temporary sigh of relief, but I'm glad I can enjoy what beauty is left of the mountain view approaching the Roanoke Valley. They've already destroyed the entrance to the parkway with all the junky car dealerships. One of our great sources of revenue and truly beautiful areas in Roanoke in the fall and year around. I literally cried the first time I approached the valley and saw what they did. The corner of the county will be ugly soon enough. Mill Mountain will be next. They are working on it.

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