Wal-Mart Markets face opposition in northeast Mississippi

TUPELO, Miss. — Some Tupelo businesses and residents aren't too thrilled about the possibility of Wal-Mart Stores Inc. building three of its smaller-format Wal-Mart Neighborhood Markets in the city, but they may not be able to halt what appears to be inevitable.

The retailer is quickly making good on its pledge to open 300 Neighborhood Markets across the country this year, and four of them will open in northeast Mississippi.

Wal-Mart has started hiring about 30 employees for each of its stores in Belmont, Mantachie, Nettleton and Walnut. The stores, at about 11,000 square feet each, are opening "this winter," according to company officials.

The proposed stores in Tupelo would be about 40,000 square feet. The Wal-Mart Neighborhood Markets include a grocery with fresh produce, health and beauty aids, pet products, cleaning supplies and a pharmacy.

Tupelo First is nonprofit organization that's pushing Tupelo city leaders to stop additional forays into the city by the world's largest retailer. Supporters point out that Tupelo is home to two supercenters, and additional Wal-Marts — even if they are smaller — will pull business away from locally owned businesses.

Wal-Mart hasn't officially said it is seeking to open the smaller stores in Tupelo, but did say it is only responding to customer demand as it considers locations.

"We have a great customer base in Mississippi, and we are glad to provide our customers in the area convenient and affordable shopping options," said Amanda Henneberg with Wal-Mart Public Affairs. "Many factors go into the decision to choose a location for a new Walmart store, but the main consideration is meeting the needs of our customers. We look for spots where we can offer customers greater selection of merchandise, convenience and affordability than they had before.

"In some cases this means a new store in a new community. In other cases it means an additional store in a different neighborhood or on the other side of town. Our customers tell us they prefer to shop close to where they live and work. It saves them time and money."

Tupelo Development Services Director Shane Hooper said Wednesday that the company has yet to file anything officially with the city, but added that the retailer "is doing its due diligence."

Hooper said, "There are no rules prohibiting Wal-Mart from being here, but the mayor has given clear directions that we won't be providing any economic incentives to them.

"Also, it's important to know that we aren't actively recruiting Wal-Mart," he said.

Because of Tupelo's status as a micropolitan and the retail and financial center for the region, businesses of all sizes flock to the area.

"It sets the stage for many national chains to be attracted to the city," Hooper said. "When we talk about being a micropolitan, we're including Itawamba, Lee and Pontotoc counties, so the interest goes beyond Tupelo."

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