Name:   Talullahhound - Subject:   No it isn't Date:   5/28/2021 6:02:02 PM

When you consider the quality of what they sell.  I'm very particular about the food I buy, and as it is, every week, I drive to Auburn and go to the Publix.  If that isn't important to you, well Walmart won't be going anywhere.  

The thing is this - AC has to improve their demographics to attract jobs and attract people with higher incomes that will increase it's tax base.  Part of that has to do with creating an environment that will attract those kind of people and businesses.  AC has finally woken to the fact that developing 280, which is the first impression of AC to those passing through, is going to be critical.  Additioanally, they want to develop tourism on the lake - and to do that, they need to make the lake attractive to tourists.  Hence, the new Golf Course and a future eye to developing a resort.  This is $$$ to Alex City.  Additionally the pandemic saw more people moving to the lake full time.  People are retiring here.  People who don't necessarily see Walmart as a shopping option.  Don't forget that Catherine's Market has managed to survive, so there is a base of people who are willing to spend on food.  

The development that might include Publix does not threaten WalMart.  There are plenty of people that will continue to shop there.  But think about this, Publix has a great customer relations training program.  And that could feed into a career in the hospitality industry, which will be necessary if they are going to get the tourism.