Walmart’s controversial plan to open its first New York store in East New York is no more, Crain’s reported. The huge retailer and developer Related Cos. could not come to terms. The talks “broke down over financial issues,” said the Journal. Instead, ShopRite grocery, a New Jersey-based cooperative with union employees, struck a deal Friday to move into the space. The planned Gateway II shopping center will be 630,000 square feet. United Food and Commercial Workers Union Local 1500 applauded the development. “ShopRite will bring quality food to this area of Brooklyn as well as good jobs with an economic impact that will be felt throughout the five boroughs. I welcome this company’s newest location with its history of responsible business practices, supporting its workers and the communities they serve,” the Journal story quoted Christine Quinn, city council speaker, as saying. For its part, Walmart said it “remains committed” to opening locations in New York City.
ShopRite Deal Means No Walmart [Crain’s]
Brooklyn Walmart Taken off the Table [WSJ]
ShopRite Takes Walmart’s Rumored Location [TRD]
Rendering of Gateway II Mall Via TRD


What's Your Take? Leave a Comment

  1. Expoiting the poor by giving them food/clothing etc at lower prices than anybody else? Better they should pay more at ShopRite or local bodega huh? How nice of you all high and mighty in North Slope to ‘fight’ for the poor and make them spend more $$$$ so you can have your political/union fight.

  2. Taget,Kmart,Kohls etc etc etc sell the same stuff that Walmart does – most of it is made in China. You’re probably using iPhone,iPad or another Apple product made by ‘slave labor’ in China but thats OK, right? Why should lower income residents pay higher prices for food/clothing just because of the pro-union lobby?

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