D.C. Smacks Down Wal-Mart

Wal-Mart Stores Inc. (NYSE:WMT) is scaling back its aggressive building plans in Washington, D.C., thrilling those in opposition to the retail giant.

Wal-Mart’s original plan to open 6 stores in the nation’s capital by 2013 has been dramatically reduced. The company now says it will only open 1 store in the area, at Georgia and Missouri Avenues in the northwest, by the close of 2013.

The company said that other stores required additional regulatory approval as well as the right economic circumstances in order to open. Steven Restivo, a spokesman for the company, addressed local opposition to the stores saying, “While construction time lines are fluid and driven mostly by the developer, we’re using the extra time to further engage with the neighborhoods that surround our stores and build even more support for Wal-Mart.”

Anti-Wal-Mart sentiment has appeared in D.C. with protestors arriving at the Georgia Avenue location during demolition. Wal-Mart has been accused of a multitude of sins include abusive working situations and destroying small businesses.

However, the opposition has had a hard time finding public support for their cause, as the company has chosen to build on private land and without government assistance. Opposition has been stronger in the past when Wal-Mart was building on public land with government funds.