ARLINGTON, Wash. -- A new Walmart now open at Smokey Point in Arlington is drawing some reaction from the local community.
The controversial box store opened its doors on Wednesday. So far business owners say they are waiting to see what the effect will be.
"It's too soon to tell," says Taylor Jones, owner of Arlington Hardware downtown. "We are hoping that people will realize they can buy things here that they can't get in a box."
Mary Andersen, president of the Downtown Arlington Business Association, says store owners are finding ways to be unique.
"We are really pushing our 'Buy Local' campaign right now," she says.
The new store employs 350 people in the community. Walmart also donated $5,000 total in a donation to the Arlington Police and Fire departments. Other local community organizations also received donations.
During the permitting phase, the idea of opening a Walmart drew heavy criticism from many in the community.
While many are concerned about what the store will do to local businesses, there is also concern about traffic. State Route 531, which runs right in front of Walmart, has always been known as a heavy traffic area.
Walmart was required to expand the road from two to four lanes in order to ease congestion. That project is not completed.
"It may not be bad now, but just wait," says Tony Gutierrez, owner of Gutierrez Family Chiropractic about a block from the new Walmart. "With holiday shopping coming, this area is going to be a nightmare."
Jones says his business made it through the opening of a Home Depot and a Target in the area. Now he says, this is just another challenge.
"We are going to just keep doing what we do best," he says.
To add a comment, please register or login.