Walmart: Altadena Businesses Suffering Since Store Opening

Before Walmart Neighborhood Market opened March 1 at Lincoln Avenue and Figueroa Drive in Altadena, some local businesses feared the new store would hurt them while others, including Altadena Chamber of Commerce President Ed Meyers, welcomed the increased foot traffic into the community.

See photos from the Walmart Neighborhood Market grand opening here.

“While the new Walmart Neighborhood Market in Altadena is driving new customers into the neighborhood, so far, it appears the big winner is ... Wal-Mart and the customers seeking out lower prices,” noted KPCC Monday.

Some Altadena businesses—from Webster’s Fine Stationers* to Poncitlan Meat Market—are suffering and say they cannot compete with Walmart’s lower prices, KPCC reported.

Dozens of shoppers crowded the Walmart Neighborhood Market parking lot before the store opened its doors at the grand opening while others in the community vowed to boycott the store.

Bruce Wallace told Patch at the grand opening that he and his wife, Marian, have lived in Altadena 40 years and were “really excited” for the new Walmart market, which is walking distance from their house.

The Wallaces usually drive to the Rosemead Walmart or the Ralphs on Lake Avenue to get groceries and CVS or Walgreens for prescriptions so Bruce said the one-stop shopping was a “true blessing.”

The store has been open less than a month, but time will tell how Altadena’s business landscape is ultimately affected. 

*Editor's Note: Webster's Fine Stationers informed Patch that they were taken out of context in the KPCC piece and their business has declined 20 percent in the past year, not 20 perecent since the Walmart Neighborhood Market opened.

What do you think of Altadena businesses claiming that they are suffering since the Walmart Neighborhood Market opening? Do you shop at Walmart, local businesses or both? Share your thoughts in the comments.