Altadena Businesses Divided on Walmart’s Effects

Is the Walmart Neighborhood Market coming to Altadena a good thing?

While residents are divided about the presence of Walmart, as reported in previous Patch pieces, local businesses also have differing opinions about the chain and are not unanimously opposed.

“It will actually bring in more traffic to the area," Jim’s Burgers owner Amir Siddiqi told Southern California Public Radio in a series about the anticipated effects of Walmart on Altadena businesses. “More traffic means … people shopping more and getting more aware of Altadena."

But other Altadena businesses fear the worst.

Williams Perera, who owns Agua Pura Vida on Lincoln Avenue, expressed to SCPR that since the bulk of what he sells is water, soda and ice and Walmart sells all of that and more, the shop he and his wife opened five years ago could be history.

Altadena Chamber of Commerce board member Daniel Harlow challenged Altadena’s Walmart opposition in a Patch blog on Friday, echoing that the new store could help bring more foot traffic to other businesses.

“Seeking to stimulate business growth in Altadena while opposing the Walmart Neighborhood Market is disingenuous,” said Harlow.

“Altadena needs small businesses that reflect the personality of our neighborhoods, however that just isn’t possible without a mix of larger chains to provide the initial draw. Just look at Old Town Pasadena or the South Lake Shopping District—not only do you have small businesses thriving, but you also have major national retailers as anchors.”

Do you think the Walmart Neighborhood Market will be a positive or negative thing overall for Altadena businesses? Do you think it will help bring in more foot traffic?