Wal-Mart looks for NYC space

Wal-Mart is searching for potential New York City locations, particularly in the outer boroughs. The company’s executives say the recession has created an opportunity for Wal-Mart to enter the New York City market. The company is likely to look at neighborhoods where there is a high demand for jobs and supermarkets, according to Crain’s. Wal-Mart tried to open stores in Queens and on Staten Island several years ago, but labor unions blocked the move, worried that the store would hurt unionized and small retailers. Union leaders and elected officials said that, despite recently created Wal-Mart policies designed to improve employee health care and green initiatives in stores, they were unlikely to support any move into the city.