Walmart pushes to open in NYC

Retail giant Walmart is launching an aggressive marketing campaign to open stores in New York City, despite resistance from labor unions. Last year, residents of the city spent $165 million last year to buy low-cost products at Walmart’s suburban stores since there aren’t any outlets in the five boroughs, costing the city millions of dollars in tax revenues and hundreds of jobs, according to an analysis obtained by the Post. “We’re evaluating opportunities across the five boroughs,” said Walmart spokesperson Steven Restivo. “It’s clear that New Yorkers want to shop our brand.” City residents now have to travel to Long Island, Westchester or New Jersey to get their Walmart fix. But the store may face trouble from labor unions and the city council, who fought Walmart’s attempt to break into the city in 2005. “Walmart is still not welcome,” said Stuart Appelbaum, president of the national Retail, Wholesale and Department Store Union. “They provide a model for others to follow. Their model is a destructive force.” Supporters of Walmart say that the store will help create new job opportunities and bring more affordable products to consumers. [Post]

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