Editor:
I would first like to emphasize that I am a twice in 10 years off-Coast shopper at Wal-Mart.
I am absolutely amazed at the remarks of Michael McLaughlin to the Sunshine Coast Regional District board (BCI study, Coast Reporter, May 21). He says that shopping at a local Wal-Mart would be the same as shopping off-Coast. How does shopping at a local Wal-Mart differ from shopping at the local London Drugs, Canadian Tire, Shoppers Drug Mart or any other local outlets of national retailers?
Would not a local Wal-Mart employ local people like they do? Perhaps we could suggest to the SCRD that they hire a more comprehensive thinker.
For a start, he and they should know that the U.S. statistic for a family of four, earning $30,000 a year, shopping at Wal-Mart saves $800 per year. Do we not have more than enough $30,000 families on the Coast that an extra $800 would benefit?
A Wal-Mart would force adaptation on the part of local businesses. Adaptation and change have been going on since the Industrial Revolution. Increased competition always has beneficial outcomes.
A.F. (Gus) Butt
Sechelt
