Why withdraw Wal-Mart welcome mat?

Posted on Tuesday, October 18, 2005

Why withdraw Wal-Mart welcome mat?

According to the Oct. 9 Business section article Giant retailer barred from project, Wal-Mart is not welcome at the Shops of Midtown Miami. Those are the sentiments of Miami Commissioner Johnny Winton. The retailer is not welcome because of ''its image,'' Winton claimed.

Yet the biggest box retailer of the mall, Home Depot, is welcomed by Winton with open arms in Coconut Grove. The Grove, once the jewel of Miami, is being given to Home Depot on a silver platter by Winton, who scolded Grove residents who opposed it.

Wal-Mart agreed to build an urban pedestrian-friendly retail establishment, much like Home Depot has agreed to in the Grove.

I wonder which home-improvement store will end up at Midtown. Is it Home Depot, Commissioner Winton?

MARC DAVID SARNOFF, Coconut Grove

Copyright 2005 Knight Ridder

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