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Thursday, Mar 28, 2024

Walmart Has Undisclosed Plans for Burbank Location

Walmart, the world’s largest retailer, is eyeing a 12-acre property in Burbank’s Empire Center shopping complex. The company recently acquired the property for an undisclosed amount from Sears, parent company of The Great Indoors retail store, which is located at the center and is slated to close at the end the month. Though the purchase deal has been finalized, questions abound over exactly what Walmart plans to do with the property. “We’ve held several meetings over the past several weeks with Walmart and there’s been no decision as to how they want to develop the parcel,” said Burbank Economic Development Manager Mary Hamzoian. Options for the property reportedly include Walmart building a supercenter store or smaller discount store or leasing it to another retailer. The Bentonville, Arkansas-based company already has significant operations in the greater San Fernando Valley region with stores in Porter Ranch, Stevenson Ranch, West Hills, Panorama City, Simi Valley and a pair, one of which is a Supercenter, in Santa Clarita. For Burbank, a high-volume Walmart store translates to additional tax revenue. But the store also could siphon business away from surrounding retailers. Several other big-box retailers occupy space in the 900,000-square-foot shopping center, such as Target, Costco, Best Buy and Lowe’s. According to Walmart’s Senior Director of Community Relations, Steve Restivo, the company has had several conversations with elected officials and community leaders in Burbank to discuss the possible opening. When the final plans will be made public is “yet to be determined,” Restivo said. But when the decision is made, Walmart will schedule a series of community meetings to sound the public’s views, he said, noting that’s customary before any Walmart store opens. “We think it’s important to listen to what the people in the neighborhood have to say, share information about how we operate and address any ideas or concerns they might have about the perceived impact our stores might have on the local community,” Restivo said. Some area residents already are voicing their opposition on a “No Wal Mart in Burbank” page on Facebook. One user recently posted, “Move along, Walmart. I know where to find you if I need you.”

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