Since the closing of Albertson’s, Gottschalks, and Mervyn’s it’s been slim-pickings here in Tuolumne County as far as shopping opportunities go. The drive to Oakdale is not always a welcome trip but it beats the alternative.
Wal-mart might see itself as the saving place, with their new ad campaign, “Save money. Live better.” I don’t happen to agree. Every appliance I’ve purchased at our local Walmart has died just past the warrantee period (of course).
As technology consultants, we reguarly purchase computer parts at our local Staples, they have been good to us. On the occasion Western Digital hard drives were not available at Staples, we have purchased them up at Walmart. What a big mistake that turned out to be. Western Digital hard drives are the most reliable on the market, but where they are purchased does matter. Even Western Digital drives failed within a few months when purchased from Wal-mart.
So, you can image my distress when I learned that Walmart had decided to expand their operation into a SuperWalmart Store. I am concerned that their so-called low prices, would cause even more stores to go under. Fortunately, I know that we are not the only family that avoids Walmart whenever possible, which gives me a good feeling.
The good news in all of this is that shortly we could be shopping at Kohl’s Department Store at the Junction Shopping Center. Apparently, Kohl’s has been checking out the old Gottschalks space in the Junction. You can read more about it on My Motherlode. I for one will look forward to future developments. I will look forward to having new, local shopping opportunities.
I just wish we could convince Chick-fil-A to open up shop here.
On a side note: Traffic on Highway 108 was backed up again near Soulsbyville, today causing some major delays. It is unclear how much longer traffic on Highway 108 will be affected by road crews. Be sure to allow extra driving time and stay safe.
Twain Harte, CA