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The Die Was Cast

Guilford received some unfortunate news recently, our local Walmart is closing soon, for good!

How convenient it has been having local access to such a range of products at reasonable prices and somewhat focused on Guilford’s needs. And what a pleasant store it has been, so much so that it has always attracted customers from outside this community. It is a little ironic, and definitely regrettable, that this happens just as many are trying to limit their travel in the face of exploding gas prices. We will now be forced to drive a distance when shopping, so will need to plan carefully to avoid unnecessary journeys.

Sadly, the die may have been cast when the store opened twenty years ago. At that time, having Walmart come to Guilford was seen as controversial and was opposed by some. I believe a compromise was reached where the store footprint was much reduced, and a proposed garden center eliminated. This may have impaired economy of scale in operation, and in this economic environment we know businesses are suffering.

Similarly, when Costco proposed a store on the Rockpile, there was opposition, despite the promise of architecture sympathetic to Guilford sensibilities, which caused them to look elsewhere. Now we will have the benefit of neither store and I fear a knock-on effect to other businesses in the Shoreline Plaza, as shoppers travel to other towns to find their needs.

There is no doubt that my wife and I will miss Walmart, we have made innumerable purchases there over the years. We have also noted that many of the staff have been with the store for a long time, and we wish them well for their futures.

David Roberts

Guilford