The type of “urban” Wal-Mart that SD Councilman Young is referring to in the article (which fits on a smaller footprint) can be found facing south off Highland Ave in Nat’l City on the southern portion of the site of an old “Gemco” store, which was demolished. I understand his concerns about much of his constituency not having reliable vehicles to go food shopping with so have to buy their food at the corner “liquor store.” Albertsons/Sav-on DID move into the 43rd & “Z” area (Shelltown/Southcrest) in the early/mid nineties but didn’t last long there. There also used to be a “Big Bear” market at the corner of Federal and Euclid (serving City Heights, Rolando and Emerald Hills), which closed in the mid/late 80’s. Since then it has been slim pickings for a huge part of the 4th District SD.
I personally don’t think “big box” stores (incl walmart, samsclub, costco etc) are cheaper to shop in for families under six people. I’ve never belonged to one and none of these places would be cost effective for me to shop in. For instance, it would take me YEARS to use 12 large bars of soap. Why would I buy a pkg like this when I can buy ONE large bar every six months w/ a coupon each time and get it for half-price??
