Protests, Worries Surround Walmart's Effort to Open in Brooklyn

Scores of people protested Walmart's possible arrival in the city ahead of the afternoon meeting. 

 

The City Coucil was set to discuss the economic impact of Walmart, which has launched a large-scale plan to win over hearts and minds, and after years of false starts, finally open up in the city.  

Walmart is boycotting the hearing, saying they are being treated unfairly since other large retailers like Target have not undergone the same scrutiny.

The largest private employer in the country, Walmart has previously attempted to open stores in New York, scouting locations on Staten Island and Brooklyn. The company's been met with opposition each time.

Now, though, Walmart has reinvigorated its effort to bring a presence to the five boroughs.  

They've created the website walmartnyc.com, which displays large cities similar to New York economically thriving with Walmart stores.

The lead story--"When Walmart Comes To Town: A Chicago Success Story"--draws comparisons between New York and the other union-heavy city, which opened a second Walmart in the city over the summer after making deals with construction unions and politicians.

"After Walmart open in Chicago’s 37th Ward, 22 businesses opened nearby, responsible for generating thousands of new jobs," the site declares.