By Staff
We've all watched it rise on U.S. 31 with a mix of wariness and excitement, but the new Walmart Supercenter will open this week with great fanfare.
Make no mistake, Walmart can be a controversial retailer. It seems to have invented the big-box format that has in the past put mom and pop shops out of business.
But look at the history of Walmart in Brewton. At least 18 employees have worked there 18 years, making a career out of serving their fellow Brewton residents.
The company is among the largest contributors to the city's sales tax coffers - which mainly fund the city's services - and the store has also been the kind of corporate citizen that makes donations to organizations and education.
Walmart's expansion here in Brewton has brought new jobs - mainly employing local residents. And the new store is almost certain to draw out-of-town shoppers and keep local shoppers here at home.
That will increase the amount of money coming in to our community at a time of economic uncertainty throughout the country.
Not only will those shoppers from surrounding areas stop at Walmart, they are likely to buy gas, food and other items in our community.
And those who normally went out of town to shop will likely stay here at home - for the convenience of shopping at Walmart and to save gas. Their dollars are also more likely to be spent in other businesses and shops.
We welcome Walmart's expansion in our community. We believe there will be room for all of us.