Albetson's prevents Walmart from becoming Super Center

The Rexburg Walmart is remodeling, but the next door Albertson's is possibly preventing it from becoming a Super Center.

"The entire store. New registers, new counters, new paint job. Our big focus is to have a more open floor plan," explains Mike Bullard, the Walmart store manager.

Bullard continues, "Our main focus is probably electronics, because that's growing."

I was kind of sad that there wasn't a new produce section, but everyone seems to have a different explanation.

"We're trying to get this store looking as good as possible. Super Center? I think that's what you're trying to ask? I don't know... But right now our plans are to make what we have work for us," said Bullard.

I went to City Hall to begin my investigation, "So there are rumors circulating that the city is preventing Walmart from expanding. Is that true?"

"(No.) Those are rumors, that's not true. As a matter of fact, we do everything we can to encourage business development and expansion."

And to further encourage Walmart to expand, the city has rezoned surrounding land as commercial property.

That left only one remaining rumor, that Albertson's is preventing Walmart's expansion because they own the strip.

I asked Albertson's corporate public relations, "Did you find out if its true does Albertson's have an agreement with Walmart, that they won't bring in food products beyond a couple of aisles?

"We go to markets very differently. We don't take a cookie cutter approach," answered Lyla Rodriguez.

I interrupted, "Excuse me, do you have an agreement with Walmart or not?"

"You've got my answer," said Rodriguez.

I asked again anyway, "Why wouldn't Albertson's admit to a policy they have?" But her answer was just repeated.

Since I didn't get an answer from Alberton's store manager, or corporates public affairs, and everyone is speculating about an agreement, I'll let you as the viewer make a conclusion.

Walmart's new pharmacy will open this week, and as some construction projects complete, others will begin.

Category:

News & Politics

Tags:

• Walmart
• Super
• Center
• Albertson's
• controversary
• food
• produce
• rexburg
• idaho
• steven
• pope