Not long after I roughed out the first draft of Trouble in a Big Box, a Walmart store tried to move into an adjacent neighborhood, take an existing church property and use it for one of their stores. The neighborhood erupted in fury, sending loud protests to the City Council and the Zoning Commission. It wasn’t so much that residents objected to Walmart, but they wanted it to conform to an urban village plan, which calls for old-style buildings that front on the street and have lots of windows to highlight activity inside and draw pedestrians in, something the residents felt was essential to the revitalization of the area.
Reality follows fiction. In Trouble in a Big Box, Kelly O’Connell organizes a neighborhood effort to keep a big-box store from moving into Fairmount, her beloved, older, inner city neighborhood. She organizes the neighborhood association protest and works with volunteer lawyers and real estate experts on zoning laws; the case goes to the Zoning Commission and, because it would involve demolishing structures in a local historic district (not to mention the National Register of Historic Places), to the Landmark Commission.
It’s a battle being fought on many fronts across the country. Opponents of big-box stores, be they Walmart, Best Buy or a grocery chain, argue that they edge out the mom-and-pop stores and destroy the sense of community and neighborliness. Small towns were particularly affected by the early appearance of big-box stores: they were often built out on the highway, and Main Street suffered a real decline in business when customers opted for one-stop shopping with a huge selection of merchandise at cheaper prices. When big-box stores moved into established urban areas, they often resulted in the demolition of well-established businesses and homes. Kelly argues that big-box stores belong in urban shopping centers, and neighbors fear that they cause traffic problems and are a magnet for petty criminals, such as pickpockets and purse snatchers.
Advocates claim the presence of a Walmart store will spur growth of other businesses nearby, but opponents think it drives them out of business.
In Fort Worth, the Zoning Commission refused the rezoning request. Walmart then applied to the City Council for a waiver. After initial rejection and much negotiation, a divided council approved the plan but would not sanction a fuel sales at the Walmart Neighborhood Market.
What happens in Trouble in a Big Box? Of course you’ll have to read it to find out but suffice to say there is murder and mayhem involved. This is after all a mystery. But both the fictional case and the real one provide a classic example of the power of neighborhoods working together to maintain their integrity and the atmosphere characteristic of the neighborhood.
Kelly O’Connell Mysteries are all about neighborhood, Fairmount to be specific. Fairmount is an older inner city neighborhood with houses built mostly in the teens and twenties, many of them in the Craftsman architectural style now treasured today for its historical significance and the unique characteristics of each individual structure, from extensive use of natural materials such as wood and stone to the leaded windows and built-in cabinets, arched doorways, and use of open space throughout the house. Commercial streets feature individual buildings of the same vintage as the homes. Stores front right up on the sidewalk, with windows that invited passersby in. They were built in the days when people walked rather than drove every place, and today their charm is well preserved.
For a while in the sixties and seventies, Fairmount began to deteriorate into rental property and many structures suffered from deferred maintenance. But around the turn of the twenty-first century, young professionals discovered the beauty of these old houses and the neighborhood’s proximity to downtown and the city’s major hospital district. Thanks to a strong neighborhood association and the dedication of a handful of dedicated residents, renovation of the neighborhood began in an orderly and controlled fashion. New did not replace old. A big-box store would stand out like a sore thumb. I for one am a huge fan of old neighborhoods and old houses, and I only wish we still had the corner grocery, the shoe store run by the man who used to x-ray your feet (what did we know about radiation back then?), the independent bookstore.
What about you? Do you shop at Walmart?
A note to this story: my editor for Trouble in a Big Box lives in Wales, and she didn’t understand the title at all. She thought Kelly was going to come home and find a big box on her doorstep. It took some explaining and reassurance that readers in the States would get it.
Website: http://www.judyalter.com
Blogs: http://www.judys-stew.blogspot.com; http://potluckwithjudy.blogspot.com
20 comments
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October 15, 2012 at 8:04 am
Polly Iyer
I confess, I shop at Wal-Mart. I shop at Costco too. Bottom line is I hate to shop, for everything, so when I need something, I want to get it over as quickly as possible. I rarely go to a department store, mainly because I really don’t need what they have to offer anymore. Where I live doesn’t have a big inner city like where I’m from, so there aren’t many small grocery stores around. They, too, are all big stores. It’s a different world than when I grew up, when life was slower and people shopped in stores within walking distance in the neighborhood. I think it’s great that you have been able to keep that small town atmosphere in your city, Judy.
October 15, 2012 at 8:11 am
laurelrainsnow
Back in the 1970s, I was part of a neighborhood group that diligently banded together to prevent the destruction of our neighborhood. In that case, the county wanted to move some of their offices to a vacated hospital. We prevailed, and a senior citizens housing center went in instead.
I really don’t like Walmart….and I’m glad groups are managing to retain their neighborhoods.
Trouble in a Big Box sounds intriguing. Thanks for sharing!
October 15, 2012 at 8:45 am
christytilleryfrench
Like Polly, I shop at the big-box stores simply because of the convenience and lower costs. I live in a rural area and there aren’t any mom-and-pop stores nearby. However, downtown Knoxville has been revitalized and features these shops. They’re charming and draw in many visitors. The Craftsman style of house is my favorite, Judy. I like the premise for your book and look forward to reading it. Thanks for joining us today.
October 15, 2012 at 9:17 am
Suzanne
I have never shopped at a Walmart; the nearest one is 40 miles away. I do, however, shop at my local Costco because as a senior on a fixed income, getting good quality at the best prices is crucial. I do prefer local shops, farmers’ markets and such for the rest of my shopping because I also prefer variety of selection and love to shop.
Trouble in a Big Box sounds like delightful reading and is added to my list. I, too, am a lover of old, well-maintained neighborhoods. The Craftsman home is one of my favorites.
October 15, 2012 at 9:17 am
Nikki Andrews
I most emphatically do NOT shop at WallyWorld. How can you bemoan the loss of “Made in America” and then patronize the one company that has done the most to force American companies to China? Walmart is a bully, treats its employees badly, and *reins in her high horse and dismounts* Sorry, I do get carried away.
Trouble in a Big Box sounds intriguing. I’ll have to read it soon. It gives me a push to polish Rocky Road, which I wrote after successfully opposing the expansion of a gravel pit in town.
October 15, 2012 at 10:51 am
radine
Wow, does this hit home with me! Can’t wait to read it.
1. I live fifteen miles from Walmart Headquarters in Bentonville, AR
2. There are now Walmart-connected “McMansions” all along our used-to-be country road. Population boomed when Walmart suppliers had to move near headquarters to sell their goods.
3. Our county is home to some of the wealthiest people in the United States–and some of the poorest of working poor.
4. It stands to reason I know many people who work for Walmart. (“Don’t ask, don’t tell.”)
5. One of the new experimental mini Walmart stores came to two small towns near us. These towns had/have pharmacies in addition to groceries. So do the new mini-Walmarts. The locally-owned grocery in one town has closed. The one in the second town is holding on by a thread. One pharmacy has closed. Two are holding on, partly because of loyalty, partly because their customers know local friends who are pharmacists will help guard their health and be sure prescriptions are correct and prescribed medications don’t fight each other. (This does not mean WM pharmacists are incompetent.)
6. The Nehrings go in a Walmart (of any kind) maybe twice a year when need for a product makes that unavoidable. Otherwise, we shop elsewhere.
Big box stores have led to the decline of so much, especially in small town life. Convenience? Maybe. Low prices–not necessarily. The local grocery chain where we shop often has lower prices. Clothing? Early on we discovered items purchased didn’t hold up, even when name brands were the same as products bought at Penney’s or another department store. Have wondered if lower prices don’t mean mdse has been cheapened. No proof except our own experience. No recent WM purchases to use for research.
Sorry. Rant over.
October 15, 2012 at 7:24 pm
Gloria Alden
I rarely shop at Walmart. I do shop at small dollar stores, though, for small items like toothpaste, laundry soap, etc. I hate what Walmart has done to small businesses in small communities. I live in a rural area, but the town closest to me had already experienced urban shopping plaza sprawl before Walmart moved in, North of me in a small town surrounded by farms, many of them Amish, small businesses including a hardward store that had been a family business for over 100 years was forced out of business. I don’t think Staples would exactly be considered a small business, but I go the extra miles to get my printer ink cartridges there instead of Walmart even though the price is about the same.
October 15, 2012 at 7:49 pm
judyalter
Gloria, I so agree about what WalMart and others have done to small communities. In the city, it’s a bit different but the effort to preserve the integrity of small communities is much like the effort to revitalize small towns. And in the city we’ve lost the mom-and-pop stores, although the Ace Hardware seems like a local family-owned business. I think it’s a franchise.
Nikki, I didn’t realize WalMart had so much effect on the area around Bentonville. Hate to see McMansions in the midst of lovely urban communities. Maybe I’m a Luddite.
October 16, 2012 at 8:29 am
christytilleryfrench
Nikki, I always check the product manufacturer before I purchase. If it’s made in China or any foreign nation, I refuse to purchase it. China-made products are inferior and at times poisonous (such as dog treats). I always search for American-made products. As a small business owner, it is imperative Americans support America by buying our products. Thanks for pointing that out.
October 16, 2012 at 8:54 am
judyalter
Christy, strongly agree about buying American-made products. Stephanie, WalMart isn’t the only villain in this story. In this case I sort of made them a symbol of a larger problem. But they sure are getting all the flack!
October 15, 2012 at 12:31 pm
CTHodges
I shop at Walmart too for the convenience and the lower prices…but I try to limit what I buy there and there’s nothing I love more than going to our local farmer’s markets for produce or to our beautiful historic downtown which has been completely renovated. We were just there yesterday (a Sunday) and it thrilled me to see the number of people strolling around with their dogs or sitting outside the coffee shops and restaurants or simply sitting on a bench and enjoying the nice fall weather.
Thanks for joining us today, Judy. I look forward to reading Trouble in a Big Box!
Caitlyn
October 15, 2012 at 12:56 pm
Eloise Hill
Love the title and the concept of your blog. I grew up in a small village where local businesses thrived and it ‘s hard to see the effect Walmart has had on many small retailers. The documentary about the store and its policies and treatment of employees: The HIgh Cost of Low Price really made me reconsider ever going inside one. I do occasionally darken the door of a Target or an Old Navy or Trader Joes, if I can’t what I’m looking for nearby, but I try to make sure at least 50 % of my consumer spending is localized. I live on an island next to Oakland, CA and across the bay from SF, so I do have a fair number of options, but many of the local merchants in my town are part of the Localize It movement where a $10/yr membership gets you discounts on purchases. I’d like to see more of that and less Big Box. Lots of Craftsmans in my neighborhood, too…I will check out Trouble In A Big Box:)
October 15, 2012 at 2:44 pm
judyalter
Nikki, love your patriotism–outsourcing manufacturing is a great reason to avoid WalMart. Radine, love your rant–and agree. I think several of you show that there is a tend back to smaller stores, farmer’s markets, etc Those of us who can choose such shopping are fortunate. Suzanne, agree about Costco. It’s just not in my beaten path, and I’m a creature of habit, plus some of the quantity items are too much for me.
Thanks all for your comments. I hope you enjoy Kelly’s fight with the big box.
October 15, 2012 at 5:41 pm
radine
Nikki, you reminded me of something. When second rights to DEAR EARTH sold to a Chinese publisher I was curious how the text in the English and Chinese versions compared. In other words, how would the book sound if a Chinese reader translated from Chinese to English for me without any reference to the original English? (Have wondered that about other languages, too, but, well, Chinese seems so . . . inscrutable.) I was told to let an acquaintance who had connections at Walmart take my book there…there were many people from China working in their home office and many coming and going between the two countries, one of them would probably be glad to help me. (I never accomplished this. Person asked seemed squeemish about helping me make a connection.)
October 15, 2012 at 6:03 pm
judyalter
Radine, it’s really really hard to get books into WalMart. They only want bestsellers they can get at a high discount.
October 15, 2012 at 8:45 pm
jodylebel
Haha…yes, we understand ‘big box’. I love how different cultures and places have their own lingo. Someone from the UK told me just recently that her brother was doing the Queen’s pleasure. Well, of course I immediately thought about sex…lol. But that meant he was in jail.
October 15, 2012 at 9:31 pm
judyalter
Jody, that’s really funny! I did have a few other tangles with my editor over usage she didn’t get. One of the things I like about Deborah Crombie’s novels is that she gets Brit-speak so right!
October 16, 2012 at 7:42 am
radine
I didn’t state that clearly. I wasn’t trying to get Walmart to sell the book…I was told there were many Chinese citizens working in the home office and one of them might enjoy reading a few paragraphs of my book aloud to me as they translated it directly from Chinese (Mandarin). I was only curious how translation might change what I wrote originally. (And, as to having books or a signing there — whoa, no way. In fact, it can be dangerous territory for a small author. A friend, welcomed inito his local WM for a signing, later got a huge bill from them for using their space. I assume he brought his own books since, as you say, they have a book supplier with tough rules.
October 16, 2012 at 7:52 am
judyalter
That’s amazing that he got a bill from WalMart! Good to know. It would be nice to have someone read the translation to you–never know what is lost, added etc in the translation process.
October 16, 2012 at 8:22 am
Stephanie
I agree. Walmart is devastating our state of Nebraska. All over that American greed. Shame on them. Lets take them down and make all their stores a refuge for the Americans in need of food, shelter, water and keeping their American families together. A place to rebuild their/ our lives.