Can't fight the Wal-Mart anymore

Whether we like it or not, Wal-Marts are coming. 

Portland's adversity toward the big box chain has kept the mega company and it's low prices and controversial/alleged low-waged-underpaid-discriminated employees, mostly outside the cities limits.  With the exception of SE 82nd and the one in Cornelius.  But not any more.  Wal-Mart is anouncing, not just plans, but acquisitions, and lease-ups in 10 identified sites already.  And plans for 7 more. 

Those 2 near Portland must be doing very well, for Wal-Mart to want to expand that big, and that fast.  Below is the list of sites you can expect to see a Wal-Mart pretty soon.  One could be right in your neighborhood.  Don't be fooled by their strategy to call these new stores "neighborhood markets".  They are just smaller versions of the BIG BOX. 

I guess on the bright side, they will create a lot of jobs.  Or replacing jobs.  Look at what they are replacing.  We've lost a lot of Hagen's, Zupan's and Gi Joes.  Even the famous empty WHOLE FOODS in Lake Oswego will be a new Wal-Mart!!!  Do you think these same employees are going to put on the blue apron?  Do you think the same clientele that attended these shuttered stores will be walking right into the sliding doors of hospital white floors and aisles of anonymity?  Probably not. 

I guess I am just sad, that our economy has gotten so bad, that we are replacing character with that sterile sameness.  It's so mid 70's.  

1. Raleigh Hills: Ex-Zupan’s at Beaverton-Hillsdale Highway and Apple Way.
2. Lake Grove: Ex-Whole Foods at Boones Ferry and Jean roads.
3. West Linn: Ex-Lamb’s Thriftway at Highway 43 and Hidden Valley.
4. Gresham: Ex-QFC at 182nd and Powell and ex-Food 4 Less Powell and Burnside.
5. Beaverton: Ex-Haggen’s at Southwest Murray and 147th.
6. Vancouver: Ex-Fred Meyer at Fourth Plain and Grand; and ex-Winco at Highway 500 and Thurston Way and land parcel in the Salmon Creek area at 134th and Interstate 5.
7. Oregon City: Land at Molalla Ave. and South Beavercreek
8. Tigard: Southwest Greenburg Road and Highway 217.
9. Oak Grove: Ex-G.I. Joe’s at Southeast McLoughlin and Concord.
10. NW Portland: Ex Ashley Furniture.  173rd and Cornell.