Henry Raymond

Fairfax News => Current News & Events => Topic started by: Henry on January 22, 2010, 01:32:45 PM

Title: Walmart Wins Case - Can Build In St. Albans
Post by: Henry on January 22, 2010, 01:32:45 PM
 Judge Thomas Durkin issued a ruling Thursday upholding the Act 250 permit issued in April 2008 for JLD Properties and Walmart.

    Barring an appeal, construction of the project could begin as early as April, according to developer Jeff Davis this morning.

    Durkin made some minor changes to the permit incorporating the agreements reached between JLD and the City of St. Albans and between JLD and various parties regarding stormwater.

    Stephen Holmes, of the Vermont Natural Resources Council (VNRC), the leading appellant in the case, said VNRC is still reviewing the decision and consulting with its fellow appellants Northwest Citizens for Responsible Growth, Marie Frey and Richard Hudak.

    “We’re disappointed in the court’s decision,” Holmes said. “We still feel the project violates both Act 250 and the town by-laws.

Read more if you wish by clicking on the following link:

http://www.samessenger.com/NewsView.asp?ID=5799 (http://www.samessenger.com/NewsView.asp?ID=5799)
Title: Re: Walmart Wins Case - Can Build In St. Albans
Post by: ohhman on January 22, 2010, 01:44:20 PM
It's about freakin time!!!! No appeals should be allowed as this has gone on long enough!  Look at the revenue that has been lost in their years of dispute as LOTS of locals have traveled to Williston to shop.  I am one that hopes it FINALLY happens!!!  wooohoooo!
Title: Re: Walmart Wins Case - Can Build In St. Albans
Post by: fletchtb on January 22, 2010, 02:00:27 PM
I will second that. I would like to see Wal-Mart in St. Albans.
Title: Re: Walmart Wins Case - Can Build In St. Albans
Post by: treebeard34 on January 22, 2010, 02:28:30 PM
Wow they must be dancing in the streets( except for the 5 people who held it up this long)
Title: Re: Walmart Wins Case - Can Build In St. Albans
Post by: Henry on January 22, 2010, 04:26:33 PM
I think one of them died, but the other 4, I am sure they are working on an appeal.
Title: Re: Walmart Wins Case - Can Build In St. Albans
Post by: vtoutdoorguymb on January 23, 2010, 01:16:20 AM
I was told at some point that some of the major opponents to the St A Walmart were members of the business association out in Williston... Apparently they were worried about loss of business out there if there is a Walmart put in up here... Seems stupid that people who don't even live in Franklin County were able to hold the project up this long... St A has many businesses, not many of them good, and few who will actually be impacted by Walmart... (Gee, anyone get tuxes, tattoos or bulk oats in Walmart? Don't think so...) If Walmart was in St A I would have no reason to go to Williston anymore... I hope the idiots who are holding this up shut up and let this resource come to our area... think of the people in Fairfield, Enosburg and Sheldon who have to travel 45 mins plus to get a fishing pole, bath towels, or a picture frame... sheesh... Welcome Walmart!
Title: Re: Walmart Wins Case - Can Build In St. Albans
Post by: Mike Raburn on January 23, 2010, 02:11:48 AM
I wonder what the big deal was. The major box stores comply with storm water issues by putting in huge oil water seperators under their parking lots. Google Home Depot, EPA, parking lot.
Personally, I will not set foot in a Walmart.Too damn crowed!!!!!

And too many of this
 www.peopleofwalmart.com. 

See ya'll real soon, eh ya.
Title: Re: Walmart Wins Case - Can Build In St. Albans
Post by: celts79 on January 23, 2010, 07:10:21 AM
edited ...
Title: Re: Walmart Wins Case - Can Build In St. Albans
Post by: Rev. Elizabeth on January 23, 2010, 08:04:35 AM
I have to take issue with your remarks about BFA Fairfax students.  As pastor I have, over the years seen many many youth from the school; as wife of teacher and coach I have met many many young people from the high school and middle school; as habitue of the library I have encountered many more.  All I have met, and will meet--regardless of their academic abilities-- are pleasant, decent, interesting young people who graduate, go on to college, or the military or work.  Undoubtedly there are troubled youth around; but those young people are part of our world and I know the school does its very best to help them with the problems that beset them.
Title: Re: Walmart Wins Case - Can Build In St. Albans
Post by: celts79 on January 23, 2010, 08:26:39 AM
edited ...
Title: Re: Walmart Wins Case - Can Build In St. Albans
Post by: Mike Raburn on January 23, 2010, 08:12:48 PM
Taxes for schools benefit the community.

I am a product of the Anchorage School District.

(Hit me T-Man, ED, anyone else? Let it fly!)
Title: Re: Walmart Wins Case - Can Build In St. Albans
Post by: celts79 on January 23, 2010, 10:37:40 PM
edited ...
Title: Re: Walmart Wins Case - Can Build In St. Albans
Post by: Mike Raburn on January 24, 2010, 03:15:04 AM
Celts,
I was speaking of the OVERALL Public School System. It benefits our society to have an educated population.
What the individuals do after that is up to them.

I am surprised you didn't pick up on the school district I am a product of.
I left an open door there for all.

GO TEAM!!!
Title: Re: Walmart Wins Case - Can Build In St. Albans
Post by: celts79 on January 24, 2010, 07:10:58 AM
edited ...
Title: Re: Walmart Wins Case - Can Build In St. Albans
Post by: slpott on January 24, 2010, 09:23:45 AM
I think in any school district there is something to be learned. In my opinion and my opinion only it is still the parents responsibility. If a teacher is not a good match for your child, make a change. If your child is struggling, seek a change. I have not heard anyone taking any blame except for throwing it on the schools. Go volunteer and make a difference. I have 2 kids with different special needs. Is the school a fix all too. If so they have not done a thing for me because I still have 2 kids with different special needs. It is not up to the school to better my child, it is up to them to teach and up to me to make them ready learning. i,e, staples, medication, therapy. Whateve they need to be ready to learn and the teachers can do that. Manners and respect being one of my most important ones.
Title: Re: Walmart Wins Case - Can Build In St. Albans
Post by: cestreet on January 24, 2010, 10:55:14 AM
I'd like to point out that there are normal, average, every day people who are opposed to the construction of Walmart in St. Albans (myself among them).  I am not an extremist, a whacko, or an unreasonable person.  I will not apologize for my opinion on this, as unpopular as it may be among the posters here.  I want to let you know that it's not just some fringe group standing in the way of "progress." 

Also, I agree with Barbara Murphy's response to Celt in another thread regarding the pot shots at the town government and school on this web site.  Not productive, not helpful, not funny, and unsubstantiated criticism.  It's annoying.

Clarice Streets 
Title: Re: Walmart Wins Case - Can Build In St. Albans
Post by: celts79 on January 24, 2010, 11:00:39 AM
edited ...
Title: Re: Walmart Wins Case - Can Build In St. Albans
Post by: cestreet on January 24, 2010, 11:06:30 AM
Don't worry, I have no intention of trying to stop you from saying anything.  No double standard here.  We can agree to disagree.  I do find your negativity and condescension annoying, but carry on as much as you want.  I'm a big fan of free speech!

Clarice Streets
Title: Re: Walmart Wins Case - Can Build In St. Albans
Post by: celts79 on January 24, 2010, 12:51:53 PM
edited ...
Title: Re: Walmart Wins Case - Can Build In St. Albans
Post by: Stand Alone Defense on January 24, 2010, 10:57:32 PM
Looks like you all ran Celts79 off lol.  I do agree on the negative comments though it's easy to stand back and tell people they're screwed up if your not walking in their shoes.
Title: Re: Walmart Wins Case - Can Build In St. Albans
Post by: mirjo on January 25, 2010, 12:19:57 AM
Wow, miss a day, miss a lot. Although I totally missed it all,  I think it's unfortunate celts79 felt the need to remove the posts. If (his?) opinion was offensive to some (which I gather it was), so be it. He's entitled to think and say what he wants as are those of us who may or may not agree with it are entitled to agree or disagree with it.

Quote
I'd like to point out that there are normal, average, every day people who are opposed to the construction of Walmart in St. Albans (myself among them).  I am not an extremist, a whacko, or an unreasonable person.  I will not apologize for my opinion on this, as unpopular as it may be among the posters here.  I want to let you know that it's not just some fringe group standing in the way of "progress." 

Finally, someone else who is opposed to WM coming in. I'm not an extremest either and although I see and feel the need for a discount department store in this county, I am not a Wal-Mart supporter for a number of reasons, not the least of which being the fact that it is a vile corporation. In all of the hullabaloo over needing it to come here (a store, yes, WM, no) not one person that I have seen has ever questioned why another store similar to Ames was sought after for that vacant space, when Ames left 10-12 years ago?Perhaps there was at the time that I am not aware of, but nothing that I recall specifically. I haven't seen anyone question why WM is such a monopoly in this country, nor has anyone said anything about the fact that WM insists on building new huge stores and refuses to work within existing spaces (meaning, downsize some).  I admit I haven't followed this story too closely, because it's just ridiculous, but I find it disturbing that the majority don't realize what's actually coming.

Surely,  there was a better choice for cheap Chinese imports? I suppose when the store is built, St. Albans will pass its 1% sales tax like the other shopping Meccas in the state and we can all pay a 7% sales tax here too.
Title: Re: Walmart Wins Case - Can Build In St. Albans
Post by: cedarman on January 26, 2010, 06:46:39 AM
Sounds like you have the political process figured out Mirjo.

Walmart is by far the largest retailer in the world (larger the the other top 3 combined) for two reasons:
1) MOST people want the lowest price they can pay for whatever they desire (and they don't care where it comes from or how it gets there);   and
2) WM has the most efficient distribution network in the world - so efficient and well managed that college course study the walmart distribution chain as THE model of efficiency for supplying goods.

Buyer Beware - Walmart is NOT always the cheapest retailer for whatever you are looking to buy.  They might have the cheapest version of what you want, but if you want the brand name sitting next to it, it Might be cheaper somewhere else.
Title: Re: Walmart Wins Case - Can Build In St. Albans
Post by: ohhman on January 26, 2010, 02:37:40 PM
OK! so let's look @ the positive here: more jobs to the area- from construction to employees, more revenue to the city...(certainly WM is paying a high price to build there,) more shoppers will go there rather than Williston & that will help the local restaurants, convenience stores, gas stations, grocery stores, &  also, for sure more variety of products to choose from! People can still shop where they want; if you'd rather go to JCP & pay over $18. for 6 pr. socks rather than buy Haynes @ WM for $7., go for it! You can buy kids Garanimals & Carter's clothes there, Rubbermaid.... many name brands there & I agree shop around, but @ least there will be a choice & for that I am very happy.  Don't give them ideas about tax increase......they are getting a good piece of pie to begin with!  Let's not just knock the store for selling things made in China....that happens all over...ever look @ clothing labels??  many are made in Taiwan or places I've no idea where to heck they are.........that's really our own doings when things can be made so cheap somewhere else- with help from our government too.  Just like the big farms & apple groves that need to employ people from other countries, but yet unemployment here in VT is almost 7%....why is that?  How many sit & wait for their check to come without trying to help themselves because it's easier? Do you see many of these dependents clipping coupons like many of us do??!!  I am not talking of the elderly or physically disabled that can't work...... but MANY times I've been behind young people in the checkout line, (as I'm thumbing through my coupons), that just get the handout & expect it. 
I so love this forum...... from WM to china to coupons to ???????thanks Henry!!!!!
Title: Re: Walmart Wins Case - Can Build In St. Albans
Post by: trussell on January 26, 2010, 02:43:20 PM
Quote
Surely,  there was a better choice for cheap Chinese imports

I don't remember seeing an american car in your yard, Mirjo :D
Title: Re: Walmart Wins Case - Can Build In St. Albans
Post by: JoeT on January 26, 2010, 02:57:15 PM
>>>
nor has anyone said anything about the fact that WM insists on building new huge stores and refuses to work within existing spaces (meaning, downsize some)
<<<

Not often, but it does happen, several times in Vermont, including Rutland.
Title: Re: Walmart Wins Case - Can Build In St. Albans
Post by: Chris Santee on January 26, 2010, 03:10:15 PM
Here's a little story about a Walmart you may not know:

http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/17803920/ (http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/17803920/)
Title: Re: Walmart Wins Case - Can Build In St. Albans
Post by: mirjo on January 26, 2010, 06:50:32 PM
FYI... trussell, my car was built in the US (and likely the parts in it too). I know this because there is a difference in maintenance costs for a Japanese made Honda.

I'm not going to rehash the pros & cons of Wal-Mart. Despite whatever arguments (and I really don't care THAT much, I am just opinionated like everyone else here)  it'll be coming to town. I'd be a hypocrite if I said I didn't shop at Wal-Mart; however, that being said, considering how often I actually go shopping in an actual store, I'm not sure why I get involved in these discussions! ??

Thanks for the lively and entertaining POV's :D
Title: Re: Walmart Wins Case - Can Build In St. Albans
Post by: gpdvt on January 26, 2010, 07:53:23 PM
Not a Walmart fan, so I simply don't shop there. I have many reasons why, but the most basic is I just don't like the atmosphere of the stores. I value service, organization and cleanliiness..all things Walmart, generally doesn't offer at the level I like. They obviously serve a need..just not my needs. Will be interesting though to see how they affect St. Albans in respect to traffic problems, accidents and petty crime..definately a magnet store for shoplifting. Hope the taxpayers in St. Albans have no problems raising taxes to pay for that. While they are charitable(what corporation isn't??) the excuse of job creation is pretty lame. They(and most retailers) tend to keep the bulk of their employees at a "part-time" status, so there are no benefits needed, and at minimum wage its not like they are giving people a liveable income. But, I guess, something is better than nothing.
Title: Re: Walmart Wins Case - Can Build In St. Albans
Post by: DrewCrash on January 26, 2010, 08:53:26 PM

i like green eggs & ham.
Title: Re: Walmart Wins Case - Can Build In St. Albans
Post by: mirjo on January 26, 2010, 10:20:27 PM
Sam I am!
Title: Re: Walmart Wins Case - Can Build In St. Albans
Post by: Formerflatlander on January 27, 2010, 07:35:03 AM
I wonder if Target made the attempt to locate here what the reaction would have been.
Title: Re: Walmart Wins Case - Can Build In St. Albans
Post by: slpott on January 27, 2010, 07:39:26 AM
I remember hearing stories like "so and so gave money" or "so and so helped blah blah blah". Now it seems like an expectation and if you don't do it your on the judgment list. This is not just walmart but idividuals too. I know for us we changed our yearly local contribution and provided Christmas for a friend of ours with 3 kids who was going through a nasty divorce. I felt guilty for not keeping it local but........ I think if we looked at donations and contribution as being kind, we could get away from it being expected. Just because a man works hard and gets paid a good salary does not automatically mean he has to share with the poor. I think it is a given that they share with the less fortunate but in my opinion there is a difference. Not too long ago and for many years my husband and I were somewhat less than fortunate. We were blessed with kindness from others and it made a world of difference. Today I would say that we pay it forward more than not but it would take all the joy out of it if it was expected. One of our favortie ways to help is to do something least expected. Like the family that dreads the oil man coming because they can't pay for the oil to heat their house and they get a paid in full receipt. That is an incredible feeling. Now, if the government or someone else said "you have to fill so and so's tank" I would not want to do it. That is when it becomes "not incredible". Or, the same family expects us to do it. I personally think there is a big difference. One of the reasons I do the "Art in Bloom" is to teach my kids that you need to help if you can no matter what but it is their choice as to where. I chose Fire and Rescue. It all starts at home. While we are preparing our kids to learn at school we should also be preparing them to be a great product of society. We are very fortunate here in Fairfax.
Title: Re: Walmart Wins Case - Can Build In St. Albans
Post by: mirjo on January 27, 2010, 06:45:35 PM
I think Target would have been a welcome change from a Wal-Mart every 50 square miles, but I have heard it doesn't want to come here.?? I don't know how people know these things, but I've heard this rumor. There doesn't seem to be the controversy over Target that there is with WM. It doesn't have the notorious reputation for some reason. Maybe the execs just know how to fly under the criticism radar?

Although both stores are the same type, I think Target has slightly higher quality stuff. The clothing seems to be better made (children with well developed fine motor skills?) and the whole appearance of the stores I've been in (in NH) is much neater than any Wal-Mart I've ever seen from here to Indiana. It's like they actually pay people to straighten stuff on the shelves,  put things away and DUST. Not say hello and give you a cart.

I think as far as discount department stores go--that place that has a little of everything you might need for a reasonable price, I think Target is pretty decent. I don't know why it's a notch above WM, it just is. I don't know why it isn't maligned in the press like it's low-rent counter part, it just isn't.

What I think is an interesting bit of pop culture is you will see Target ads with a celebrity in them singing the praises of Target  and it has been reported in magazines before certain celebs who shop at Target, but never do you see a celeb  hawking a WM store anywhere. If they enter them at all it's very very secret!
Title: Re: Walmart Wins Case - Can Build In St. Albans
Post by: DrewCrash on January 27, 2010, 09:12:10 PM
Was at a 250,000 square foot Cabela's tonight. Imagine that in Vermont. You want to talk about BIG BOX store...

I don't hunt or fish and I have to tell you, I have never been so lost in a single store in my life. If you need a gun, camouflage, a fishing pole, or a bow...this is the place to go.

I am just thankful a Wal-Mart will be in St. Albans and I will be contributing more of my money within Franklin County versus Chittendon County.
Title: Re: Walmart Wins Case - Can Build In St. Albans
Post by: Mike Raburn on January 28, 2010, 03:45:02 AM
Walmart VS Target.

We NOW have 3 Tragets in Anchorage.
They speak English in Target. (sorta)

Title: Re: Walmart Wins Case - Can Build In St. Albans
Post by: Formerflatlander on January 28, 2010, 08:42:30 AM
You Betcha!
Title: Re: Walmart Wins Case - Can Build In St. Albans
Post by: mirjo on January 28, 2010, 09:07:49 AM
So how is it that two stores that have the same basic concept, sell the same basic stuff, serve the same basic demographic, have vastly different reputations? It's a mystery Scooby. Must be the logo is more appealing?
Title: Re: Walmart Wins Case - Can Build In St. Albans
Post by: Shadylane08 on January 28, 2010, 10:13:57 AM
The best part of walmart is people watching!  I bet with a brand new walmart in st. albans we should be able to contribute to the great website peopleofwalmart.com

I can't wait!
Title: Re: Walmart Wins Case - Can Build In St. Albans
Post by: mirjo on January 28, 2010, 11:22:04 AM
I have been to that website and  although it is funny, it is also disturbing and not to mention incredibly mean. My serious, sensible, adult side questions whether there are any legal issues (along with the moral ones) in photographing unsuspecting people, posting their image on the web for the world to see, then making fun of them mercilessly?

Conversely, the degenerate juvenile in me thinks people should be more considerate of others when going out in public and deserve to be picked on. :P
Title: Re: Walmart Wins Case - Can Build In St. Albans
Post by: Shadylane08 on January 28, 2010, 11:37:00 AM
By the look of the people on that website 99.9% of the people have it coming to them haha
Title: Re: Walmart Wins Case - Can Build In St. Albans
Post by: PotterFXFD on January 28, 2010, 08:22:18 PM
 I am not a Walmart,Homedepot or Lowes fan, I find there stores to be crowded, no one around that can help you, and usually only 1 register open. However I do shop there accasionally because of the wide variaty of items they carry. And the HOURS they are open. St. Albans needs Home Depot and too bad the Lowes back out, currently I go to Plattsburg on shopping trips. There are very few stores in St. A, even less that are open after 6pm weekdays, less that are open on saturdays and almost none that are open Sunday's. Being a working person these are the times I can shop. I would love to do any shopping I have in St A I drive by twice aday, BUT they have to have stores that serve the public and are open when WE need them.
Title: Re: Walmart Wins Case - Can Build In St. Albans
Post by: Cat on January 28, 2010, 08:25:41 PM
I have heard that Target has said they would never even try to come to Vermont because of all the hoops a business like theirs has to jump through.
Title: Re: Walmart Wins Case - Can Build In St. Albans
Post by: DrewCrash on January 29, 2010, 12:08:55 AM
I heard that Neiman Marcus and Crate & Barrell are building environmentally friendly, 100% powered by wind and solar, shopping extravaganzas in St. Albans. But I am more impressed with the fact that Range Rover is moving their global manufacturing center to Richford.

I tell you, it's just amazing the things I hear.

Title: Re: Walmart Wins Case - Can Build In St. Albans
Post by: mirjo on January 29, 2010, 08:45:03 AM
YAY, an economic boom! Jobs for everyone!!!

Yes, a little too much coffee and perhaps the need to focus on something a little more constructive.

Will there be extra police/security detail?
Title: Re: Walmart Wins Case - Can Build In St. Albans
Post by: DrewCrash on January 29, 2010, 12:45:48 PM
I heard that there will not be extra security or police coverage. Wal-Mart is looking to eradicate the problems that have plagued there store, such as graffiti and shoplifting, through other methods. As a result of the governments efforts to remove only illegal aliens who are not from Earth, the Ghostbusters are currently unemployed. In an effort to continue to increase tax revenue base and lower unemployment, the Ghostbusters will be hired to enforce Wal-Mart's policies of both fighting crime within the store and its property, and to continue to support Wal-Mart's continued 'roll back' pricing efforts.

According to my sources within the Vermont technology community, the following revision changes to the Ghostbusters' equipment are under way.

1. Proton Packs are now being changed to reduce the amount of semi-controlled stream of protons that are fired from this device, thereby reducing the chance of the criminals from getting cancer, by the ultimate reduction of electromagnetic radiation the intended target receives. The device will also have the ability to alter the target's mind, shifting them from a life of illegal crime to one of legal crime (aka...politician).

2. The most exciting revision will be to their Pyscho Kinetic Energy (PKE) Meter. Once a powerful tool that was used to track ghosts and give reads of Pyscho Kinetic Energy. The new version, being developed by the controversial Institute for Capitalism will be renamed the Price Killing Efficiency Meter. The Ghostbusters will be using this meter to scan products throughout the store to determine if prices need to be rolled back, thereby providing the communities with cost efficient options to shop locally. Newly appointed Wal-Mart Chief of Security Egon Spengler believes this option will lead to the local community shopping locally, versus driving 30+ miles to shop. Mr. Spengler doesn't deny the side effects, as he believes gas service stations and restaurants around existing stores may suffer, as a result of shoppers remaining local and supporting local gas stations and supporting local restaurants.

Peter Venkman, Wal-Mart's new Chief Environmental Office, also reports that the reduced driving will reduce the wasteful consumption of gasoline and decrease the amount of fossil fuels an individual will burn in their attempt to efficiently spend their money. 

Wal-Mart has also announced a local scholarship for the renaming of the Ghostbusters to all Franklin County students enrolled in grades 9-12.

...or so I have heard...
Title: Re: Walmart Wins Case - Can Build In St. Albans
Post by: trussell on January 29, 2010, 04:49:02 PM
Mirjo, I think Drew is drinking more than coffee.  Something tells it it's that "green tea" in his hand!
Title: Re: Walmart Wins Case - Can Build In St. Albans
Post by: DrewCrash on January 29, 2010, 05:05:14 PM

In regards to my green tea, keep your hands away from it!
Title: Re: Walmart Wins Case - Can Build In St. Albans
Post by: Mike Raburn on January 29, 2010, 09:34:47 PM
So how is it that two stores that have the same basic concept, sell the same basic stuff, serve the same basic demographic, have vastly different reputations? It's a mystery Scooby. Must be the logo is more appealing?

I do not get it either.

I go to Target instead of Walmart IF I have to go some place rather than a locally owned business.
Walmart seems "dirty" to me.
No idea why.

I went to a locally owned ACE Hardware here looking for something.
I couldn't find it and asked where it was.

The punk kid said he didn't know but I should go to Home Depot.
I told him IF I wanted to go to Home Depot I would.

I looked on my own for about 10 more minutes and found it.

The computer I built I bought all of the parts from a local guy.
I priced them on New Egg after and I may have saved $40.00 on parts.
The shipping would have been $50.00 UPS.
I'd rather pay a little more and help the locals rather than UPS. Even though UPS has a big hub up here.

Enough Rambling.

SUPPORT LOCAL BUSINESS WHEN YOU CAN!!!!!
Title: Re: Walmart Wins Case - Can Build In St. Albans
Post by: DrewCrash on January 29, 2010, 10:50:26 PM
agreed. KMart got sloppy and it helped Wal-Mart gain massive amounts of market share in the retail industry. Caldor, Ann&Hope, Ames, Zayres, Service Merchandise, Circuit City, Lechmere, and Bradless all faltered in one way or another as national and regional chains. And in the end, the growing Wal-Mart out of Arkansas expanded and consumed market share. The revolt is that people want options which Wal-Mart took away as being so good. KMart cleaned up. They got much better and bought Sears for pete's sake. But their reputation was damaged with shoppers who didn't go back. Target saw the opening and I think they recognized that Wal-Mart was a little 'trashy, dirty, or sloppy' and they are present clean crisp stores with a nice 'atmosphere' to them. Their logo is even appealing. There must be certain people who get paid a lot of money to recognize shopper psychology.  Ultimately I agree that they are the same stores, with one being cleaner and presented nicer inside. Shoppers fall for that, but that's what I like. Either way, still thankful for a Wal-Mart. And yes, supporting local is still good. I buy everything I possible can from J&L; Fairfax Pharmacy; haircut in town too; and I always make a point to fill my gas up at one of the three gas stations. And yes, my car is also exclusively worked on by Rainville's. But sometimes you just need something you can't get locally, like vacuum sealed bags, rubbermaid/tupperware, some new DVDs or video games, low cost/high quality infant formula made in Georgia, VT...

Title: Re: Walmart Wins Case - Can Build In St. Albans
Post by: Mike Raburn on January 30, 2010, 04:25:16 AM
Wat is a DVD?

Drew, you are too literate for me......
You make complete,
sentences.
Title: Re: Walmart Wins Case - Can Build In St. Albans
Post by: mirjo on February 01, 2010, 01:12:38 AM
Quote
According to my sources within the Vermont technology community, the following revision changes to the Ghostbusters' equipment are under way.
...

As an EMT in town Drew, I am concerned that you have perhaps recently spent a bit too much time in the paint isle at J&L while "buying local?" :D

I find your Ghostbusters theory both entertaining and fascinating, you have clearly given this a great deal of thought; meaning you are an ardent Ghostbuster's Fanatic (think: Trekki) or  have  too much time on your hands to watch 80's pop-culture films and adapt  them to modern day situations?

So, help me with this...the proton packs will still suck up PKE or they won't? or they will do it in a newly refurbished high-tech-tmi-to fully-understand-kind-of-way? Will they still make that cool sound (wasn't there a geiger counter type sample that went with that?) AND, what about the Sta-Puff Marshmallow Man?