De Blasio: Walmart unwelcome in New York City
Mayor Bill de Blasio said Thursday that Walmart stores don't belong in New York City, a sharp contrast to his predecessor Michael Bloomberg's position that the retailer creates jobs and would keep city shoppers from traveling to Walmarts in the suburbs.
"I don't think it is a state secret that I am very uncomfortable with Walmart," said de Blasio, who as a councilman and the city's public advocate railed against the giant retail chain. "I have been adamant that I don't think Walmart -- the company, the stores -- belong in New York City, and I continue to feel that."
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De Blasio, who has previously denounced the company as a killer of good jobs that ultimately cost the government money to subsidize a low-paid workforce, took no position on whether the charities should accept the philanthropy.
The Bentonville, Arkansas-based retailer has been trying for years, without success largely because of council opposition, to gain a foothold in New York City. The company did not return a message seeking comment.
http://www.amny.com/news/wal-mart-unwelcome-in-new-york-city-de-blasio-1.8351468