Wal-Mart aims to boost economy in West Plains

After opening earlier this month, a Wal-Mart Supercenter is aiming to create new jobs and boost the economy on the West Plains.

Store manager Laurie Lembcke said the new 188,252-square-foot store on Hayford Road near Airway Heights is expected to generate at least 350 jobs and draw new businesses into the area.

“It sounds like they’ve been waiting for something like this for a long time,” she said.

The Supercenter opened Nov. 7 to an excited community, Lembcke said. The store will offer several service centers, including hair and nail salons, and will operate 24 hours a day.

“It’s been going real well,” she said. “We’re having a great time.”

Airway Heights Mayor Matt Pederson said residents are looking forward to having access to new goods and services without driving into Spokane.

He said state and county departments have been working to expand the intersection at U.S. Highway 2 and Hayford Road to accommodate more traffic into the store and other nearby businesses.

“There will be a higher traffic flow,” Pederson said.

Many area businesses are hoping Wal-Mart will also draw new traffic to their doors, he said. Stores that offer items Wal-Mart does not should see some additional customers.

“I think the majority of businesses are very happy to have Wal-Mart coming in,” Pederson said.

Claude Hicks, owner of Hicks Hardware, said he is preparing for some new business as a result of Wal-Mart, but he would have rather seen another retailer fill the niche.

“I hate to see them out there,” he said. “I hate Wal-Mart.”

He said he knows it will probably help bring in customers, but he refuses to shop at Wal-Mart because of how he views their business practices.

The Supercenter is not likely to cut into his hardware sales after 30 years in Airway Heights, he said, but it could impact other stores like Yoke’s Foods.

Corporate representatives for Yoke’s Foods could not be reached for comment.

Lembcke said she has seen a few grand openings during her 14 years with Wal-Mart. New stores in Shadle and Colville created community excitement and increased traffic.

“Both stores brought in business around them,” Lembcke said. “Lots of new business. Lots of new jobs. It’s really nice to be a part of that.”

Pederson said many residents are happy to see so many jobs popping up in their backyard. They can save money that would have gone to driving to work in Spokane.

“I think it’s going to be a good thing for the overall economy,” he said.

Lembcke said the area will also benefit from $37,000 in donations to area organizations like elementary schools, churches and food banks.

Wal-Mart lists 26 Supercenters throughout the state. Lembcke said she hopes the new store will act as a partner with Airway Heights and the surrounding area.

Interim City Manager Lee Bennett said he expects the store to be a good neighbor.

“We welcome the Wal-Mart with open arms,” he said.