We will Survive

Walmart looming in the setting sun. Does the coming of the retail giant signal the setting sun for other retailers in Charleston?

Charleston Businesses on the Square remain optimistic about Wal-Mart Supercentre competition.

Retail business owners on Charleston's Square are treating the competition posed by the new Wal-Mart Supercentre which opened Wednesday, with cautious optimism.

Even though uncertainty pervades the small businesses on the Sqaure, hope is a common word on the lips of business owners. Although none would say definitely whether the Walmart Supercentre will have an effect on Charleston's economy given the threat it poses to small businesses, all said they hoped it would benefit the community as a whole.

"Business is very good," said Nancy Arwine, owner of Twice Is Nice, a clothing store on the Square, Arwine said her shop has a variety of clothing and most of them are of a higher quality than Wal-Mart's. Her business has been on the Square for three years and she intends to "think positive" about the business climate. 

"Everyone in the business community here seems glad that Super Wal-Mart is coming to town,"she said.

"Most people want the Square to stay," Arwine said, pointing to the Square's historical heritage and the sentimental value people attach to it.

Retailers see hope amidst impending arrival of Walmart. 

"We'll have to wait and see," said Carolyn Wells, director of Depot Clothing Pantry Thrift when asked if the Walmart Supercentre will affect her business. 

The depot sells quality used clothing and carries various branded clothing which are not sold in Wal-Mart. Since these are items not available in Walmart, Wells thinks the effect will be minimal.

Jaclie Tarrant, owner of Giraffe, a children's clothing store at 608 Sixth St, said she does not think the Wal-Mart Supercentre will have an effect on her business, but she is mentally prepared if that changes. 

"Competition is good," said Tarrant, " But if it does affect us, we'll just have to work harder."

Tarrant's business wasn't affected when the smaller Wal-Mart moved into town. 

"I stay away from products that Wal-Mart sells as much as possible,"Tarrant said. "If I'd carry the same lines, I'll be out of business." 

Tarrant also provided other services such as allowing customers to call up and place a gift order to their friends or family. 

"There's more than one way to skin a cat," said Tarrant, with a wide grin. 

According to Cynthia Titus, executive director of The Charleston Chamber of Commerce, 35 to 40 percent of the revenues at the Wal-Mart Supercentre in Mattoon came from Charleston, meaning that Charleston residents are actually contributing taxes to residents in Mattoon. 

"We need to look at the big picture here," said Titus, pointing out that besides the Supercentre in Mattoon, there is another one in Paris. "What Wal-Mart could have done is not to have a Super-WalMart here at all.

The Wal-Mart Supercentre in Charleston employs 300 people, which is a significant contribution to the community, Titus said.

Although Charleston residents go out of town for their shopping, the majority depends on local businesses for services such as food, banking and auto repairs. Charleston residents have also been calling for more variety in services. Among the wish list are restaurants, shopping malls, gift shops and grocery stores, meaning it may still be viable for small businesses engaged in these businesses here. However, businesses may also have to be more service oriented or adopt a  specialty niche in order to survive. 

" In general, it can take up to five years to get a business up and running," Titus said, adding that it would not be right to make a sweeping statement that Wal-Mart is driving out local businesses. " A large percentage of small businesses fail. It's tough for small businesses anywhere."

On the other hand, Wal-Mart does keep the local dollars from going to other towns.

"Ultimately, Wal-Mart can be better for everyone," Titus said.

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