Hallelujah! Walmart's Coming to Burbank!

One thing I find synonymous with an advocate of Wal-Mart is ignorance. If you are a customer of Wal-Mart you will have to "google" advocate to learn what it means.  

WE DON'T WANT WAL-MART IN BURBANK!!!!!
WE DON'T WANT WAL-MART IN BURBANK!!!!!
WE DON'T WANT WAL-MART IN BURBANK!!!!!
WE DON'T WANT WAL-MART IN BURBANK!!!!!

I'm an advocate and a customer for Wal-Mart and I'm far from ignorant.  What I found ignorant is the fact that you are opposed to a place coming in that can give jobs to people in Burbank (and to be honest, there are not many places with employment opportunities in the Burbank area).  I know many people that work for Wal-Mart and it's not as bad as the people who oppose Wal-Mart make it sound.  Heaven forbid a store that has great prices and doesn't just cater to the upper class come into Burbank.  What oh what will we ever do?  I think Burbank needs a kick in the pants that Wal-Mart can give it.

I WORK 4 WALMART in panorama city its a great part time job not as bad as you all think we do get great benefits because we sell alot and it pays my bills , i got alot of ecperience since panorama city overflows with customers on a regular day basis, hopefully this will open jobs to other college students as well good luck job hunters 8).
xoxo n

This is Awesome. I am A Star Wars nerd, and the main 3 places to find collectibles is Target, Toys R Us, and Walmart. As A Burbank resident, I've always said "man, if only there was A Walmart nearby, this would be the perfect area for my hobby. There is no way I can be driving to Van Nuys Or Porter Ranch at 6 in the morning to try and find A "Walmart Exclusive" collectible (Target & Toys R Us and even K-mart get thier own exclusives too, by the way.) or just something the others don't have in stock. That Penn and Teller show "Bull$#!+" did an episode about Walmart that pretty much convinced me that all this "evil Walmart" stuff is bunk. As far as traffic, I go to Empire Center all the time and never had a problem parking. Now all we need is an Arby's and Burbank will be complete.    :)

Hurray!!  Finally, a Walmart that is close!  They're no different than Target, so I don't know why people have their panties in a bunch about them coming to Burbank.  I don't think I've ever seen a Walmart be so close to a Target, though.  I wonder which one will win out over shoppers?  Target can take a hike, though, since we've already got one in Glendale. 

Price surveys show Target sometimes beating Walmart, so I don't think they have to worry.  Target also is a little more "upscale" in their product mix.  Since Target put in groceries, I have found they no longer carry some products I use, so when Walmart opens I will probably pick those things up there (instead of going to the dump that is the Burbank Kmart.)  Otherwise, I will shop at Target where I get 5% off with my Red Card.  I will actually spend less at Walmart than I do now when I have to make a "Walmart run" and end up buying more than I planned.

I live in Burbank and work in Cerritos. I always shop at the Walmart in Cerritos due to their competetive prices, easy to find items and friendly staff. I consider Walmart a good option to local shoppers. To those opposed to Walmart coming to Burbank you are always gonna have the choice not to shop there. People panicked and opposed the Home Depot on Flower before it was built and if you ask local residents it's turned out to be a good neighborhood store. I see Cerritos residents quite happy and benefiting from Walmart extensive variety of products. Burbank stopped being a small mom and pop shopping town a long time ago. Residents should welcome companies that will bring jobs, income and opportunities to many people who truly need it specially during these tough economic times. 

Walmart is another corporation that doesn't care about anyone. I don't have an opinion because we don't have a say. They paid off the Burbank city officials the average person can't choose. Their prices for food is a lot cheaper than the competors but it doesn't matter because half the people LA are on food stamps and don't pay for food out of pocket like us working slaves. I don't see anyone crying over the loss of ULTA who has money for expensive furnishings. 

I don't think it will affect Lowe's because there is another Walmart in a pretty nice shopping center in the city of PIco Rivera along with a Lowe's.  They have both been in the same shopping center for a few years and Lowe's continues to do good business in the Pico Rivera shopping center.  Traffic though might be a big question mark!

I agree - I don't see Lowe's being impacted significantly by Wal-Mart.  Now as for Target - that is another matter. In my years of shopping both stores, I find similar merchandise at Wal-Mart for less money (absent a specific sale). 

As for Greg's comment below about quality, I don't agree. Wal-Mart's huge success is its offering of quality products at reasonable prices.  Sure, you can find junk at any store - but name brands are almost always less at Wal-Mart. 

It will be great not having to trek to Santa Clarita or Porter Ranch.  I do think that your comment on traffic is a valid concern.  The issue as I see it is how long it will take for the city to complete modificationsthat need to be made to the access routes into the Empire Center. 

Aside from potential traffic issue (albeit temporary), I absolutely welcome Wal-Mart to Burbank.  Oh - and the store manager I spoke with at their open house hinted that Arby's might be the food restaurant there!  That would be a first for Burbank.  We have enough McDonald's and Taco Bells already.  It would be neat to have something new in the city.

Probably not. Lowe's and Walmart aren't exactly direct competitors. They do have some products that "overlap," but I think the relative quality of the products will be enough to steer people away from buying much from Walmart.

Weekly I shop at the target in that center and I don't mind having a walmart added.  The next closest walmart in panorama city is not exactly in a good neighborhood.  I don't know why people are saying it will put mom and pop stores out of business when all the other stores in that mall are huge retailers.  And while it is true the traffic is bad under the railway bridge, you can always drive around the block on bunea vista like I often do.

The mom & pop stores will go quickly. That's how Walmart operates. They make it a point to get rid of the Mom & Pop stores--or anyone else small enough to be crushed without enough resources to fight back. The other "big box" stores are sturdy enough and/or don't compete directly with Walmart to be affected so much. Grocery stores suffer bad. After a couple of years, anyone left will probably continue on.

Of course wages will level off or drop at all the businesses in the area...once the Walmart Effect takes hold. Walmart is notorious for that. On the bright side, they'll probably be hiring at the unemployment and welfare offices nearby!

Just what mom and pop stores are you talking about?  There are none within a couple of miles of the Empire Center, and most of the small stores I can name in Burbank will not face any competition from Walmart.  This is a highly developed suburban area with lots of shopping choices -- including Walmarts in Panorama City and Porter Ranch (a 15 minute drive.)  There is already competition.  As for the grocery stores, they pretty much made themselves irrelevant in the strike several years ago when people started shopping at Costco, Trader Joes, Jons and Smart and Final.  They never recovered their market share, and not Target carries groceries too.

There had been no "Walmart Effect" in the Greater Los Angeles area because there was already large "big box" stores and diversified shopping patterns.

Rejoicing? Not so much - checkout the "No Wal Mart in Burbank" Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/Burba...

hope this doesn't happen ,wake up burbank !!!

at the very lest the parking lot will be full of employees and the women working at the WallMart will be paid less than the men or is that law suite going to change that?

Why aren't all you watermelons calling for a MetroLink stop there?

There are two MetroLink stops within a couple of miles from the site, turnip.

not to mention Costco. They better make it super as in 24hr SUPER. What makes these big box stores any worse than the 99 cents only or dollar tree stores that have even worse stock product liability reputation? The stuff that just gives my skin the rashes. Brought to you by the unholy alliance of thoughtless American consumerism and Chinese Communist middle-class ascendancy...

and warner bros isn't?

evidentally, I've got a lot to say

Say it~

what's at walmart that costco and target don't already have?  I've never gone to walmart and probably only go to the other two 3 times a year when my toilet paper or laundry detergent runs out.  There's too many big box stores down there already...people who live in Burbank can afford not to shop there.  Are they expecting people to drive from all over the valley?  That will help the environment!  When I go to visit my parents, I can't even get off at Burbank Boulevard anymore.  Its so jammed up at all hours.  They say they want to help traffic, but keep on making decisions that will only make it worse.

I've never shopped at Walmart.  Don't plan on it.  What does Walmart have that costco and Target don't have anyway?  I probably go to those other places 3 times a year, when my toilet paper or laundry detergent runs out.  There's too many big box stores down there.  Are people really going to be driving from all over the valley to go to walmart?  People living in Burbank can afford not to shop there.  When I go to visit my parents, I can't even get even get off the 5 at Burbank Blvd. anymore as traffic is always jammed up.

They say it's easier to get a camel through the eye of a needle than for a Burbank resident to get into the Empire Center from the south at peak hours. This will certainly not help.

I go up Buena Vista, never had a problem.

I was at the Empire Center the other day visiting the Largest Target store i have ever seen. This being said, what other business is there that can fill that empty big box space. there isnt any and Walmart know this..they have the city of Burbank just where they want them,desperate for any jobs and tax revenue.

Cabela's!!!!!

Now there's an idea...

[Comment Removed by Original Poster]

Just way too damn easy....

I'll like it only if it IS 24 hours - then at least I will have a local grocery, etc store open 24 hours a day that isn't surrounded by homeless people (CVS on San Fernando)

You'll shop there...eventually. Either because you can save a few bucks on some Walmart model of something you've been wanting or because all the other surrounding stores have closed up. They know what they're doing...you'll shop there.

Michele McKinnie, Empire Center's property manager, emailed concern about increased traffic plus negative impact on other businesses in the center, like Lowe's and Target, should a Walmart open its doors.

I know of a 24hr Walmart located within 1/2 mile of a Lowe's, Target, Staples and a Bed Bath Beyond and they all do booming business.

I cannot for understand how anyone would not welcome more paying jobs in this economy.  

However, I do agree about the parking and would encourage Walmart offer some solutions.

I think you're missing his point there, buddy. The infrastructure there is an issue because with a Walmart, the traffic flowing in and out of there will increase at least ten folds.

That road leading there is already taxed enough with traffic back ups around the costco. I can't imagine how bad it will be after this place comes about.
 

The "paying jobs" they constantly talk about aren't new jobs--they're the same jobs that people used to have at the surrounding businesses before they went out of business...except they pay less, have no benefits and force the workers to sign up for food stamps and other assistance just to survive.

Everything Walmart sells is the cheaper crappier version of what is sold elsewhere (that includes the food too.) but it will be a few cents to a couple dollars cheaper...and that will be just enough to put the squeeze on the surrounding businesses--until they close up, then the prices will magically start to climb at Walmart to higher than they used to be when there was competition in the neighborhood...

Then when the first store starts to do well, they'll put up another one, and another one and so on until there is nowhere else to shop.

Please list the surrounding businesses this proposed Burbank Walmart has forced out of business.

No one is forcing people to work at Walmart.  As with any other job, they are free to look for employment elsewhere.  There many Americans working part/full time at other companies and collecting food stamps.  I personally know several people who've had to sign up.  Not to mention the thousands of military families.  It's a tough economy out there.

Have you ever even stepped foot into a Walmart?  Doesn't sound like it.  

The products are not "crappy".  They are the same products you'll find at a Ralphs/Vons, Target, etc. only priced cheaper.  And your bullshit argument about Walmart raising prices is just that ...bullshit.  

There is a Walmart in my dad's hometown with no grocery competitor.  I've shopped there for him many times and he's never once complained about their prices.  In fact, he said they were comparable to the commissary prices at the nearby military installation.  I see active duty members shopping at his Walmart all the time.

If you don't like Walmart, fine ...don't shop there.

Just don't force other people to go without jobs and pay higher prices because you're a snob.

I'm not a snob. Just remember, there are no choices once all the options have been eliminated.

It sure is a tough economy out there, I agree. I hope it works out for you and the rest of the people in Burbank. Go ahead, shop there, work there, hang out there if you want, but don't expect any miracles.

Sounds like you don't really understand what you're talking about so there's not much sense in discussing it further. You should look into the effects that a Walmart has on surrounding businesses, neighborhood economies, their labor practices, their "Walmart exclusive" products, etc. and then re-evaluate.

Good luck!

I'm not a snob.

Sounds like you don't really understand what you're talking about so there's not much sense in discussing it further.

Whatever would we ignorant flyover country hillbillies do without you good knowledgeable folks.

God bless you.

I should be thanking you! After reading your words I'm liberated from the skepticism that used to bind me!

I know now that Walmart is really just looking out for me (and everyone else) and only wants what's best for all of us...because, deep down, aren't we all just consumers together? You, me, Walmart, everyone?

Gorsh! Let's all just have a big group hug!

I don't particularly care about the existence of Walmart in Burbank (although I never shop there).  However, the traffic situation at the Empire Center is already unbearable.  With Walmart there, I can't imagine how much worse it will get.  The infrastructure is simply not there to handle an increased volume of cars.  Hopefully the powers that be have thought of this, and will be modifying the pothole ridden two lane road that leads into the center from the south, but I'm not holding my breath.

They should make wal-mart rebuild the RR bridge that strangles the street between costco and Empire landing as a condition of entering the community.

Although I honestly would prefer if they don't come at all, but knowing their history, it's going to be tough to hold them off.

As a Burbank resident of 50+ years, let it be known I have never prayed for a local Walmart.

 Frankly I am disgusted that they squirmed their way into Burbank. They are the corporate version of the mafia and I for one would be glad to see them go under.

Anyone who is complaining about this must like driving to the ghetto Van Nuys store and shopping there.  Hallelujiah is right!!!!

You're right Mattaze, let's bring to ghetto to Burbank instead.

It's on Van Nuys Blvd., but technically it's Panorama City just to clarify

Well, if this Burbank store is built maybe the stress on the Panorama City store will let up long enough for them to do the remodeling they have been wanting to do there for a while. Maybe it will be less "ghetto" then.

I can't believe the elitism in this set of comments. Some people don't want WalMart in Burbank because Burbank's too good for WalMart, others don't want to mingle with "dirtbags" and still others welcome a Burbank WalMart so that they don't have to slum it in Panorama City.

I will have you know that Panorama Mall was in danger of just folding up and dying before WalMart went in to the old Broadway space. WalMart might have cost us a couple (at worst) mom-and-pop stores, and Home Depot was more responsible for killing the indie hardware store on Van Nuys Blvd, but WalMart basically SAVED the Panorama Mall, they attracted La Curacao, and every year around Christmas the whole mall is at full tenancy. 

Frankly I'm not a fan of WalMart, and note that their pernicious influence in other neighborhoods is well-documented. I am just stating that right here, in Panorama City, WalMart was a good influence and a help to the working-class community here. 

Walmart destroys neighborhoods.  They pay minimum wage with no benefits.  Then they run classes teaching their under payed staff how to go on food stamps and other government funded programs.  All products sold at Walmart are made in Communist China (child labor, slave labor).  The only people Walmart helps is the Walton family.  Please read about Walmart's business practices.

You say this as though there are no options other than shopping at Walmart.  I haven't shopped at a Walmart in years, and I'm doing just fine.  

I've only been to Wal-Mart twice. The first time back in December of 2006 - when I found out they were the only store in a 30 mile radius to have 2 Nintendo Wiis. Went there, bought it, have never been back. I did look around, but there isn't anything there I would want anyways - and it was at 11AM on a weekday so there wasn't anyone there. The only other person was a guy who also bought a Wii - the very last one.

The second time I was on my way to Disneyland (via the 210) last year, and I had a headache - decided to stop by the same Wal-mart for advil. I waited in an express line for about 5 minutes while people in front of me had way more than 15 items(regular lines were worse). Behind me there was a lady with a child which she(the mom) eventually hit with her shoe. Yes, her shoe, because the kid kept punching her. I put down the advil and walked away, went to a further in Azusa, where I paid maybe $2 more for the advil.

I am more than happy to pay a higher price and not have to be around questionable people and/or dirtbags.

Nope. Wal-Mart has nothing for me.

Not wanted!

I shopped at Wal-Mart growing up and in college and, truth be told, if one was accessible I'd probably shop there now. I'm excited by the prospect of one coming to Burbank. That said, parking at the Empire Shopping Center is already a cluster-you-know-what and this will not help in that respect.