Wal-Mart Competition

WTVM - Columbus - October 10, 2005

It's what many small businesses fear -- one day a big competitor like Wal-Mart will come in and wipe them out.  It's called the Wal-Mart kill zone. But is there any truth to it?  Ron Hinze, VP of small and minority businesses says,"there are no absolutes,".  Meaning it just depends. On one hand, some small retailers around Wal-Mart have been run out of business.  On the other hand, small businesses like this watch shop near the Wal-Mart on Airport Thruway have flourished.

"With our business here I don't think it will bother us because we specialize in something Wal-Mart does not," Mark Lewis, Rings of Time.  He is a jeweler who specializes in fixing all sorts of watches.  In fact he says Wal- Mart refers dozens of customers to his shop. Luckily he's found a niche -- something other businesses may have to do to stay afloat.  "The way you're doing business is going to change. It's only a matter of time so how you react is really one of the greatest things about being a small business person -- you can turn the ship very easily. Even more than a Wal-Mart for example,"says Hinze.

The Columbus chamber of commerce points out small businesses are doing better in Columbus now than ever before -- despite several Wal-Marts in our area.  Later today a recommendation to build a Wal-Mart Super- Center in Midland is expected to go before Columbus City Council.

By Jade Hindmon

For information on Wal-Mart Competition go to:  www.michaelbergdahl.net

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