Much debate has arisen in recent months regarding Walmart's plans to open up franchises in New York City, where the company has been banned for years due to fears that it will destroy local small retailers.
A recent survey by Gotham Government Relations found 56 percent of retail stores in the Big Apple believe Walmart's emergence in New York would have a devastating effect on the city's small business community.
Now, a new study surveying city residents shows a more mixed reaction to the idea of New York Walmarts. The Quinnipiac University study found 57 percent believe city officials should allow the retail giant to open up, while 68 percent agree doing so would hurt small businesses incorporating in New York.
"This is a union town, but New Yorkers will put their money where their mouth isn't," said Maurice Carroll, director of the Quinnipiac University Polling Institute. "Voters agree that Walmart can be tough on its employees and on its mom-and-pop competitors, but even voters in union households say 63 percent to 34 percent they'll shop there anyway."
Public polling, unions and city legislators have kept Walmart at bay, but the low-cost retailer has been resilient in its push to move into what it sees as a tremendous growth opportunity.
Tags : incorporation news, ny, small business management
Posted: Mar 18th, 2011