Lawrence, N.J. Wal-Mart Abandons Plans

Wal-Mart scuttles plans for Lawrence store [The Record (N.J.)]

Three months after winning a prolonged battle to build a megastore on Spruce Street, Wal-Mart announced Wednesday it is scrapping plans for the controversial project.

Citing changes in its growth strategy, the nation’s largest retailer says it no longer is interested in building a 141,000-square-foot discount store and garden center on a former car dealership site.

“It’s still a good place to do business. That hasn’t changed,’’ said John Simley, a company spokesman. “But the fact is, we’ve reprioritized. We’ve decided that we’re going to develop a fewer number of stores in this next year and the year after.”

Opponents of the plan, who fought it vigorously throughout the approval process, were elated.

“We beat the Beast of Bentonville,’’ crowed Carol Lerner, referring to the chain’s Arkansas hometown. “I view it as a real victory after three and a half years of hard work.’’

Posted by Alex Goldschmidt on Thursday, February 14, 2008

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