With a reputation of sprawling superstores, low prices and cutthroat business practices, Wal-Mart is now looking to increase its presence in the WNY area. Plans to build a behemoth 217, 000 square-foot Wal-Mart Superstore are in the works, with a re-zoning vote pending by the Amherst Town Board. The proposed site is on a 67-acre piece of land in North Amherst on the corner of New Road and Millersport Highway, designated in 1974 for the future construction of a shopping center. With several Wal-Mart stores in and around Buffalo, the question is, do local residents and shoppers really want another one?

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Name: William Dixon

Occupation: Student

What do you think of the prospect of a Wal-Mart superstore opening on Millersport Road? The store opening on Millersport would probably be a great idea because it’d bring a lot of customers into the area.

What effect do you think Wal-Mart will have on the local economy? It might bring a little bit of heavy traffic, for which they’d have to probably put in a few traffic lights.

If the proposed Wal-Mart does get built, will you shop there? Why or why not? I would probably shop there because it’d be closer than going down Transit Road. They have good prices, and their items are good.

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Name: Joanne Ryder

Occupation: Restaurant employee

What do you think of the prospect of a Wal-Mart superstore opening on Millersport Road? I don’t think they need one there. It’s too congested now, and there are already enough stores close enough that people can go to.

What effect do you think Wal-Mart will have on the local economy? It’ll help some, but I don’t think it will help completely.

If the proposed Wal-Mart does get built, will you shop there? Why or why not? It depends on the quality of the merchandise, and that’s all I have to say [laughs].

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Name: James Kanutsu

Occupation: Grocery store employee

What do you think of the prospect of a Wal-Mart superstore opening on Millersport Road? I know that there isn’t a demand for it and, therefore, there shouldn’t be one – simply for that reason. I’m against it.

What effect do you think Wal-Mart will have on the local economy? That’s tricky. I think that there’s no demand for it, but if there is a Wal-Mart out there people won’t go to a Wal-Mart farther away just to spite them. I think it’ll have no effect.

If the proposed Wal-Mart does get built, will you shop there? Why or why not? To be honest with you, I don’t shop at the one that’s already built…If a new one is built, I wouldn’t shop there, because the one that’s up [on Transit Road] is closer anyway.