Here are a few examples of communities where Wal-Mart has faced opposition to its development plans, along with the outcome or current situation:
Littleton, Colo.: City council members narrowly approved a plan for a Wal-Mart that would be located alongside a popular park, despite heated opposition. Community activists are now gathering signatures for a proposed referendum.
Bend, Ore.: Wal-Mart lost its initial bid to build a Supercenter in this central Oregon town following community opposition. Wal-Mart plans to submit a new application.
Woodland, Wash.: Community members are opposing a proposed Wal-Mart in this southern Washington state town in part over concerns the project will cause traffic backups that hurt nearby businesses. A decision is expected this month.
St. Petersburg, Fla.: Wal-Mart withdrew plans to build a store in this Florida city following opposition. The company says it couldn’t resolve traffic concerns.
Chicago: Activists lost a bid to force big box operators, including Wal-Mart, to offer better wages if they wanted to operate within city limits. A Wal-Mart store is now open in the city.
San Diego: Retailers successfully spearheaded a pre-emptive effort designed to stop Wal-Mart from operating some of its largest stores within city limits. Activists cited environmental and business concerns. Similar restrictions are in place in the California cities of Turlock and Long Beach.
Marina, Calif.: Community activists sought to keep Wal-Mart from opening a store in a shuttered Kmart building, saying smaller businesses would be a better fit with the city’s efforts to become more of a tourist destination. They lost the bid and Wal-Mart opened its doors in November.
Concord, Calif.: City council members narrowly turned down Wal-Mart’s request to build a store in this northern California city after members of the community mounted a campaign citing traffic and environmental concerns, and the potential threat to downtown revitalization efforts. Wal-Mart is evaluating its next move.