NEW YORK—A newly released poll by the Quinnipiac University Polling Institute shows that the majority of New Yorkers want Walmart stores in the city, despite the giant retailer being criticized for hurting local small businesses and for giving employees poor wages and benefits.
Among those surveyed, 74 percent said that lower prices would benefit New York shoppers, while 57 percent said that elected officials should allow Walmart to open stores in the city.
As of now, the majority of New York City officials are against opening Walmart stores inside the city. City Council Speaker Christine Quinn said that one of the many reasons why the company has been rejected is because their stores would “cannibalize” communities rather than support them. Along with violations against labor rules, it is believed that the retailer’s competitively lower prices will hurt local businesses.
Walmart is currently facing a lawsuit for paying female workers less than male workers.
“This is a union town, but New Yorkers will put their money where their mouth isn’t,” said Maurice Carroll, the director of the Quinnipiac University Polling Institute.
“Voters agree that Walmart can be tough on its employees and on its mom-and-pop competitors, but even voters in union households say 63-34 percent they'll shop there anyway,” said Carroll. The Institute’s poll shows that 47 percent agree that Walmart doesn’t pay its employees enough.
“The results affirm what we have been hearing for months: New Yorkers want Walmart. Whether it’s physically leaving the city to shop our stores, responding favorably in polls or just voicing their opinion on Facebook and at neighborhood rallies, city residents show their support for Walmart every day,” said Steven Restivo, Director of Community Affairs for Walmart.
“With too many communities living with double-digit unemployment and limited access to affordable groceries, we continue to evaluate local opportunities that will allow us to do what we do best: open stores, create jobs, stimulate economic development and lower the cost of living for customers,” said Restivo.
Among those surveyed, 74 percent said that lower prices would benefit New York shoppers, while 57 percent said that elected officials should allow Walmart to open stores in the city.
As of now, the majority of New York City officials are against opening Walmart stores inside the city. City Council Speaker Christine Quinn said that one of the many reasons why the company has been rejected is because their stores would “cannibalize” communities rather than support them. Along with violations against labor rules, it is believed that the retailer’s competitively lower prices will hurt local businesses.
Walmart is currently facing a lawsuit for paying female workers less than male workers.
“This is a union town, but New Yorkers will put their money where their mouth isn’t,” said Maurice Carroll, the director of the Quinnipiac University Polling Institute.
“Voters agree that Walmart can be tough on its employees and on its mom-and-pop competitors, but even voters in union households say 63-34 percent they'll shop there anyway,” said Carroll. The Institute’s poll shows that 47 percent agree that Walmart doesn’t pay its employees enough.
“The results affirm what we have been hearing for months: New Yorkers want Walmart. Whether it’s physically leaving the city to shop our stores, responding favorably in polls or just voicing their opinion on Facebook and at neighborhood rallies, city residents show their support for Walmart every day,” said Steven Restivo, Director of Community Affairs for Walmart.
“With too many communities living with double-digit unemployment and limited access to affordable groceries, we continue to evaluate local opportunities that will allow us to do what we do best: open stores, create jobs, stimulate economic development and lower the cost of living for customers,” said Restivo.
