U.S. Cities Follow Californian Opposition To Wal-Mart

20 June 2007 - 10:00am

Many cities are following the lead of various municipalities up and down California that are using any and all possible powers to prevent Wal-Marts from moving in. But despite the growing opposition, business is booming.

"Urged on by unions, supermarkets, and small businesses, other cities and towns across the state are giving Wal-Mart a frostier reception than ever before. The California Supreme Court backed up such a stance earlier this month, saying that cities and counties can place restrictions on what sort of stores can open in their communities."

"Elsewhere in the country, as Wal-Mart continues to move beyond its rural and Southern roots, Wal-Mart has recently faced challenges to its expansion plans in several cities – including Chicago; Tucson, Ariz.; and Spokane, Wash."

"Is it the beginning of the end of Wal-Mart's astonishing growth? Its critics hope so. But even as some cities and towns pull away the welcome mat, Wal-Mart is both surviving and thriving."

Source: The Christian Science Monitor, June 19, 2007
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These practices are also inequitable since they force non-drivers to subsidize parking costs, reduce travel options for non-drivers, and reduce housing affordability.