According to management, this is the 2nd largest Wal-Mart plan that they build in the country.

The one at 65th & State was the only one people could get to by bus...and now it's gone.

I must say I am really excited about the New Wal-mart. No more running to Shawnee or Bonner Springs. Although I am concerned about the access of this store to the bus riders. As much as I hated the old store it did do a service for some.

I think we could have used a new Wal-Mart, but I also think it was a dumb move to close the one on 65th and State. Although it wasn't the most fancy, it was close and cheap. I know that my local Family Dollar will be getting more business from me, because unless I am in the area, I won't go out of my way just to shop at Wal-Mart. I also think the Dollar Generals and K-Mart will definitely see a business boom!

BTW, Nick, don't sound so excited!! =)

Closing the Walmat at 65 & State is not a good ideal. Why not have a Walmart in the inner city as well in the western part of Kansas? It is easier for some people to get to 65 & State verses 110th and Parallel. Its good to have a new, big and better Walmart but was much thought taken into the fact that the old Walmart was easy access for the inner city community.

The new Wal-Mart is still on the bus route, just a longer route to get there. Currently, the metro stops across the street and one block away at the Legends McDonalds.
I do agree though, it is further out, but this is one of the largest in the country and mixes the Wal Mart items you found at the 65th&State location with the grocery (very large grocery). This store is very similar to the store in Leavenworth (same size I think) andif you've been out there, the store is larger, wider aisles and stocked.
I do not frequent Wal Mart much, but for those who do, the store will have more in one place than the old location did, and is easily accesible from the highways and bus system.

I'm tickled ****less! With the condition of the structure and parking lot at 65th, not to mention the beggars and thieves it will be worth the change. It is a fact that if you let property detoriate it attracts dispecables. Hopefully a new environment will prevail a better shopping experience. I am also sure the UG will install Busing within or closer when the demand is present. Have you seen the benches and gazebos at the far-end of the parking lot? Must be a reason!

It is great that they built the new Wal-Mart, but why did they have to close the one on State? There are too many people, especially the elderly that can't shop in those big stores because they can't walk that much. They have to walk a long way to get the basic staples, and if they want to get pet food, which a lot of elderly people have pets, they have to walk to the other end of the store. I think it is sad that there are no small grocery stores around. It looks like K-Mart, Dollar General and Family Dollar will pick up more business. I feel sorry for the people that don't have cars and can't get to these new stores. Maybe Wal-Mart should start a shuttle service for the nursing homes and apartments, etc. And with an anchor store like Wal-Mart leaving what is going to happen to that strip mall? They city talks about wanting to build up the inner city, doesn't look like they are caring too much about us.

All of the western WYCO grocery stores will probably take a 10 plus percent decrease in sales when this juggernaut opens. The existing stores just have not stayed updated and unfortunately, they will pay a price. Chas Ball had the right idea-- He invested in a beautiful, innovative new store for the inner city, and should be insulated from this.

I might add. The Fred Balls stores abandoned their 55th& Leavenworth Rd location because of profit issues. I worked for Sydney&Molly Ball(founders) with great respect but Fred&Company does not care about us, just money. So why should we continue to support them? Besides "Happy Foods" renovated the existing building and gave us a much cleaner and a economically priced store, they also have a 2nd location on K32, just south of the old Walmart location. Chas Ball(different ownership and not an affiliate of Balls) on 18th will also gain biz and deserve it. I do believe both of these proprietors will prosper with the old Walmart closing. As to the Strip Mall owners- they should of kept up the structures and lot to hold on to their tenants. Bring on the New and Out with the old.

Several of the nursing homes run shuttles to stores. Most do go to KMart due to size of store and it has been kept simple. (I shop there more than WalMart)
I do get annoyed with WalMart because they build new and abandon the old and the property sits empty.

I hope K-Mart can hang in there. I do hope something good happens to the old Wal-Mart. We don't need another Indian Springs.

One reason they opted to close the WalMart at 65th is due to excessive structure problems (water leakage, drainage problems) and the fact that they did not own the building it was under lease. I feel bad for the inner city and wonder at what point will the community step up and take some action to have a "discount" store in their area.

Sure the new Walmart is on a bus route but you're telling me it's okay for the elderly and single parents with small children to stand outside in the elements of the seasons (snow, ice, rain and harsh heat) to catch the bus? Yes, the 65th & State location was not the best but surely they could have remodeled it as well as opened the new. It's nice to have a nice, new and huge Walmart out west but don't forget the east! Afterall, as someone so nicely put it the theives, beggars etc. went to the one on 65th...guess where they will go now! So if you don't want to see "those type" of patrons, why close their neighborhood store? You're only going to make "them" come to your neighborhood.

At least on the bus route by Legends they have added covered bus stops. Bringing up the outside elements doesn't pan out in your argument LT since the problem existed when it was open at 65th, unless your pointg is to bring chnage (a needed change) to add covered stops.

FYI- Bus 101 goes downtown to Legends without need of transfer.
What this city needs is an expanded public transit system to benefit the entire city. I grew up using THe Bus from my house to Indian Springs all for $1 roundtrip (that was years ago...) but would love for that same option to be available for all.

I don't see where the new Wal-Mart will be any safer then the old one. I read the crime report in the Kansan every day and see all the crimes happening out in the Village West area. Where there are people there will be crime. Thieves will travel anywhere and out west is no different. Wal-Mart could have kept up that store if they wanted. And on a Sunday I called to talk to the store manager about an incident that happened in the parking lot and he told me the parking lot security didn't come into work until 7:00 PM. If that's the case, the new parking lot won't be any safer.

From what I understand... The old Wal-mart was leasing. They did not own the building. A close friend of mine was a manager there and has now moved to the new location.

Thanks Shawna.

K-Mart is hopping with business. I stopped by the service desk and asked if biz has increased? Response was quite a bit and it began about a week before the Walmart closed due to no supply there.

Yep. I saw good for KMart. It was one of the first discount stores and personally, I'd hate to lose KMart in our area.
BTW: the best service person at KMART works in electronics and right now I cannot remember his name, but we love him.

Your right D. I know who you are talking about, but I can't remember his name either. He always has a smile and asks if he can help us find anything, regardless of what department I might happen to see him. I just wish they would teach the young people at the checkouts that it's rude to chew/pop gum while waiting on a customer. When I worked retail gum was not even allowed on the sales floor, it was an automatic write up.

Yep. A smile goes a long way. There are a few service oriented people there...they need more.

Excellent point D Thompson. The outside elements wasn't a very good argument. However, the problem is still the same. Those on 10th street now have to travel to 108th street in order to go to Walmart in their county. That just doesn't seem fair. Yes, those individuals could go to Kmart instead; but all would agree that you just can't beat the everyday low prices at Walmart. I guess now those with less income will just have to spend more at Kmart.

The new WalMart is a MESS anyway. I hope it was just because it was new that it has been so packed. It's pretty bad when you hear the employees saying that they couldn't even find a place to park to go into work. I opted to take my money elsewhere when I saw the lines wrapped around the front end. Hello Target!! Hello Kmart!!

Another option for folks downtown is the Walmart over on Roe just past I-35, about the same distance for someone on "10th" ST to travel compared to 64th&State and nearly an exact duplicate shopping expierence as the old one without coming to the Supercenter.

Wal-mart this morning was just fine. Not crowded but busy. Not messy at all. Everything looked great. Must have been the grand opening that made it such a distress for you. I personally think that the K-mart has the worst customer service ever. If you can ever find anyone to help you that is. It's convenient for some "Sears" type goods....but that is about it.

We checked out the Wal-Mart Friday. Pretty impressive store. It will give the grocers out west a run for their money. Also- The cashier told us they will be open 24 hours- That will be a nice amenity.

Must have been because it was halloween or something. I will revisit after it's been there for a month. Kmart does have poor customer service, but there are a few good people there that are genuinely customer service oriented. I am a little bias to Target for some reason. I just like the atmosphere. Good to know that our Walmart will be open 24 hours, does that include the pharmacy?

I absolutely love the new Wal-mart, open 24 hours and wide aisle! Great selection on products and even seen lower prices on somethings that were at the old Wal-Mart. Maybe theft will go down! YAY! The drive-thru pharmacy is an awesome amenity too!

IT IS SO BIG MY FEET HURT WHEN I GET DONE SHOPPING!

But I love the store.

Oh my, you must have walked every square inch Fred! You better be gellin' the next time you visit. LOL

I checked out the new WalMart last Friday. As I was leaving the "greeter" stopped an elderly woman who was using the WalMart scooter and asked if she could ride it to her car to carry out her groceries or could someone help her. The greeter said "It's against our policy" She was rude. I wish now I would have said something to remind her who she was there for. It was cold- windy and chilly and here is this frail woman asking for assistance and you threw policy in her face?
The greeter changed her tune when she noticed the group of witnesses, all speechless at what she said to the woman.
Cheeky hiefer.