Wal-Mart Goes After New York City

The world's largest retailer Wal-Mart Stores Inc. has announced that it will end profit-sharing contributions that have been automatically distributed since 1971. (Robyn Beck/AFP/Getty Images)

NEW YORK—It is no secret that Wal-Mart has been trying to open a store in New York City for many years, but now America’s biggest private company has launched its most aggressive effort yet to take a bite out of the Big Apple.

Wal-Mart launched a website on Monday called “Wal-Mart New York City,” and is sending out mailers. The website has a subtitle reading: “helping NYC live better and save money.”

The website touts a poll conducted by Douglas E. Schoen, LLC, finding that 71 percent of New Yorkers favor having a Wal-Mart in New York City. The poll showed that Wal-Mart is wanted most by African-American residents, followed by Hispanics, and is most wanted by residents in the Bronx, with 80 percent there in favor.

The City Council is set to have a hearing on Wal-Mart on Wednesday.
Citing its negative effects on small business and low pay, the council has previously not been positive toward Wal-Mart.

“Wal-Mart is something I am not supportive of,” Speaker Christine Quinn told the Daily News in December. “I’m always going to stand with small businesses, and that’s why I’m going to stay consistent in this position.”

Wal-Mart is also criticized for its low-quality products often made in China.