Running Away Small Businesses?

The world’s largest retailer is eyeing property in Wakulla County. Wal-Mart wants to build a supercenter off Highway 319 north of Crawfordville, but many small businesses aren't thrilled with the idea.

At Wakulla Sporting Goods in Crawfordville people can find a kaleidoscope of gear at half the price, but this bargain merchandise may disappear if a retailer known as the big bad wolf to small businesses, moves to town.

“It's gonna hurt our sporting goods, it's gonna wipe it out. Wal-Mart carries everything we carry and they can buy it cheaper than we can buy it,” says Billy Porter, owner of Wakulla Sporting Goods.

A common problem for mom and popshops near many Wal-Mart stores, but some say competition is good.

“I'd hate to see small businesses go out of business but I think it will be good for the area,” says Marshall Griffiss, a Wakulla County Resident:

“The only competition I really see is with Winn Dixie, the food, but I like it,” says Becky Shuler, also a Wakulla County Resident

As do hundreds of folks living in the rural county who say a new Wal-Mart would boost the economy, adding some 350 new jobs. Combine job growth with convenience and officials say a supercenter will do super things for Wakulla County.

Wal-Mart still has to obtain a community development block grant for its project which county commissioners support. The retail giant hopes to be up and running in Wakulla County within a year.

Man Shot by FBI Had Spoken with Bombing Suspect

Commenting Policy

Comments are posted from viewers like you and do not always reflect the views of this station.

For more on WCTV’s policy regarding viewer comments or to report an offensive comment, click here.

Today's Events

Thursday May 23

Click Here to Submit and View Events

Tweets by @WCTV