Walmart recently opened a "Neighborhood Market" concept store in Washington Shores, ending what many area residents have described as drought in terms of fresh food offerings.
Although many people are critical of Walmart and other "big box" chain stores, it cannot be denied that it is a good thing that Washington Shores residents now have access to food that is healtheir than what one would find at a fast-food restaurant.
The 41,000-square foot Neighborhood Market will have a drive-thru pharmacy, a deli and a full grocery department.
Washington Shores, which has about 1,300 residents, was established as Orlando's neighborhood for blacks. Residents who have lived in the area say that for years, they have not had any choice but to shop for "groceries" at corner markets; since many do not have cars or have other mobility issues, they cannot venture far out of the neighborhood and make it to a proper grocery store.
Not everyone is happy that Walmart is coming into the neighborhood. Some social justice activists have criticized the chain for paying low wages and driving local stores out of business.
It is difficult to pay too much heed to such criticisms, though, when local elected officials and many area residents are so jubilant about the store's arrival.
The reason we are writing about this is that it seems like an interesting intersection of commercial real estate, public policy and urban issues. Since we often work with commercial real estate clients, we have often witnessed what impact a given store or business can have on its community.
Source: The Orlando Sentinel, "Washington Shores rejoices over first Walmart grocery," Mark Schlueb, June 27, 2013
