Re: “Wal-Mart coming to north Abilene”

I’m a senior, graduating in May, and I will not be around to see the new Wal-Mart or the closing of what is affectionately known to myself and innumerable others as “Ghetto-Wal-Mart,” but I would like to offer my two cents.

I can understand the excitement, as in a town as small as Abilene typically the main things to do are play Hide-N-Seek, Shop-Race, and countless other games at Super Wal-Mart. But I would like to take my stand against this new behemoth of a store.

I live in Riatta Ranch apartments, where my bedroom window, as well as my porch, overlooks Ghetto-Wal-Mart. Rather than be excited about this new SuperCenter, I’m concerned about what will happen to the Ghetto-Wal-Mart when the new one opens. Will they simply close the old one down, leaving the few shops attached to fend for themselves, and leave an eyesore to collect dust, as is common practice for Sam Walton?

If I were staying in Abilene post-graduation, I would severely miss the sounds of the tire shop early Saturday morning, or the voices over the loudspeaker, calling for more cashiers. I am also a frequent shopper of this Wal-Mart, and enjoy the ability to be able to walk fifty feet and have a veritable plethora of low-price choices. What will happen to the current employees of the Ghetto-Wal-Mart, some of whom I have grown to love?

There is a man with a hook for a hand. For like, 6 months, that thing scared the junk out of me. But then a few times I went through his line, and I discovered that he is perhaps the nicest person in our town. I’ll miss that guy.

How about the lady in the electronics who can never find your pictures? These people have been a treasured part of my experience this last year of college.

In spite of the fact that I will not be here to see it, I would like to proudly stand against the SuperCenter taking over my treasured Ghetto-Wal-Mart.

Ricky Cadden,
senior business management and marketing major from North Richland Hills