DELANO - With a jobless rate near 30 percent, Walmart is looking to capitalize in Delano with hundreds of new jobs at its new superstore. The retail giant will open its doors in less than two weeks and small business owners are preparing for the worst.
The new Walmart Superstore on Woollomes Avenue comes with hundreds of new jobs, but some small business owners fear the chain will put them out of business.
“I've never worked at a retail place where you get so many customers,” said Corrina Morales, a cashier.
Morales is one of 300 new employees undergoing training at the new 200,000 square foot Walmart Superstore in Delano.
For the last four weeks, they have been stocking shelves and freezers for the store's grand opening on August 14th.
“We've had associates in the store 24 hours a day,” explained Chris Fulmer, Manager.
That is welcome news for some in a city dominated by part-time and seasonal jobs in agriculture.
“About 90 percent of our people here come from the local community too,” continued Fulmer.
The store will be part of the Delano Marketplace Shopping Center. The 45-acre development will include other stores and restaurants.
The center was on hold for years after a citizens group sued the city, claiming Walmart would drive local businesses out.
“When large box stores come in they always say there will be more jobs, but in fact more jobs are lost,” said Mark Wolfe, an attorney for Concerned Citizens in 2008.
Some said the retail giant will destroy more jobs than it creates, as shoppers ditch smaller stores on Main Street for lower prices at Walmart.
“It's a little bit cheaper,” explained one shopper.
Ileana An says Walmart will likely put her downtown clothing store out of business after 20 years.
“I feel terrible. I don't want to close the store. I will probably have to. I’m not sure,” she said.
As Walmart prepares to open its doors, An said she will focus on how to keep her doors open and stay competitive with the billion dollar retail giant.
“Not impossible, but it's difficult, very difficult because of the prices,” she explained.
The new Walmart Superstore is still hiring. The store will open August 14th at 7:30 AM.
The new Walmart Superstore on Woollomes Avenue comes with hundreds of new jobs, but some small business owners fear the chain will put them out of business.
“I've never worked at a retail place where you get so many customers,” said Corrina Morales, a cashier.
Morales is one of 300 new employees undergoing training at the new 200,000 square foot Walmart Superstore in Delano.
For the last four weeks, they have been stocking shelves and freezers for the store's grand opening on August 14th.
“We've had associates in the store 24 hours a day,” explained Chris Fulmer, Manager.
That is welcome news for some in a city dominated by part-time and seasonal jobs in agriculture.
“About 90 percent of our people here come from the local community too,” continued Fulmer.
The store will be part of the Delano Marketplace Shopping Center. The 45-acre development will include other stores and restaurants.
The center was on hold for years after a citizens group sued the city, claiming Walmart would drive local businesses out.
“When large box stores come in they always say there will be more jobs, but in fact more jobs are lost,” said Mark Wolfe, an attorney for Concerned Citizens in 2008.
Some said the retail giant will destroy more jobs than it creates, as shoppers ditch smaller stores on Main Street for lower prices at Walmart.
“It's a little bit cheaper,” explained one shopper.
Ileana An says Walmart will likely put her downtown clothing store out of business after 20 years.
“I feel terrible. I don't want to close the store. I will probably have to. I’m not sure,” she said.
As Walmart prepares to open its doors, An said she will focus on how to keep her doors open and stay competitive with the billion dollar retail giant.
“Not impossible, but it's difficult, very difficult because of the prices,” she explained.
The new Walmart Superstore is still hiring. The store will open August 14th at 7:30 AM.