lockhartkitchen
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This was in my local paper today:
Walmart says no to Lions Club Christmas trees in its lot
First the store evicted the Yamhill County Action Partnership's annual giving tree. Now it is has told the McMinnville Lions Club it may no longer sell trees from the store's expansive parking lot.
The move was not a local choice, according to corporate spokeswoman Deisha Galberth. It simply reflects more consistent enforcement of existing corporate policy.
" Read on... unbelievable. Trees to help the over 16% unemployed people in my county will no longer have that because Walmart wants to keep the shopping area " clear of congestion and distractions". Bah humbug. How many of us have seen the numerous commercials recently. They just want more money. We will have many children out of presents this year, without the Walmart Christmas tree location. I will be out on Black Friday boycotting this store. I encourage everyone who feels this is an outrage, to pass this article on to everyone they know, and encourage a boycott of Walmart.
During the past year, the chain has tried to streamline the shopping experience for its customers, Galberth said, and that means keeping the store's shopping area and parking lot clear of congestion and distractions.
Groups interested in selling fireworks or holding car washes in the Walmart parking lot will not be welcome next summer either, she said. They involve fundraising and soliciting, which have never squared with corporate policy, even though they have been allowed in some locations.
However, the store will continue to allow Salvation Army bellringers to solicit donations, and members of the Girl Scouts to sell cookies, in the vestibule or along the sidewalk directly in front of the store, Galberth said. Unlike the store's sales floor and parking lot, that area is subject to local discretion, she said.
The Lions Club has sold its trees from the Walmart parking lot for about 10 years, according to McMinnville banker Todd Caster, who has been serving on the service club's Christmas tree committee for about 25 years. Sales were conducted from space fronting Highway 99W, far from the store entrance, he said.
Mike Colvin came to the rescue, inviting the club to set up shop down the highway at the Chuck Colvin Auto Center. He even agreed to clear the area to permit unobstructed sales.
However, Caster said Walmart wouldn't even allow him to post a sign in the club's usual location to tell customers the operation had moved to the auto dealership. He fears that could cut into the take from one of the club's most important fundraisers.
Caster said the Lions Club had always maintained a cordial relationship with the store. He said people who bought their trees from the club often went on into the store to purchase ornaments and decorations.
"We were stymied, because we weren't going to go around (the store manager) and take on Walmart," he said. He said the move had left the club with some bruised feelings.
Galberth said there is no chance the company is going to reverse its decision on parking lot activities, but said it would welcome the Lions to stage a fundraising effort along its sidewalk space during a different season. She said the local manager would be calling to explore interest and options.
Walmart says no to Lions Club Christmas trees in its lot
First the store evicted the Yamhill County Action Partnership's annual giving tree. Now it is has told the McMinnville Lions Club it may no longer sell trees from the store's expansive parking lot.
The move was not a local choice, according to corporate spokeswoman Deisha Galberth. It simply reflects more consistent enforcement of existing corporate policy.
" Read on... unbelievable. Trees to help the over 16% unemployed people in my county will no longer have that because Walmart wants to keep the shopping area " clear of congestion and distractions". Bah humbug. How many of us have seen the numerous commercials recently. They just want more money. We will have many children out of presents this year, without the Walmart Christmas tree location. I will be out on Black Friday boycotting this store. I encourage everyone who feels this is an outrage, to pass this article on to everyone they know, and encourage a boycott of Walmart.
During the past year, the chain has tried to streamline the shopping experience for its customers, Galberth said, and that means keeping the store's shopping area and parking lot clear of congestion and distractions.
Groups interested in selling fireworks or holding car washes in the Walmart parking lot will not be welcome next summer either, she said. They involve fundraising and soliciting, which have never squared with corporate policy, even though they have been allowed in some locations.
However, the store will continue to allow Salvation Army bellringers to solicit donations, and members of the Girl Scouts to sell cookies, in the vestibule or along the sidewalk directly in front of the store, Galberth said. Unlike the store's sales floor and parking lot, that area is subject to local discretion, she said.
The Lions Club has sold its trees from the Walmart parking lot for about 10 years, according to McMinnville banker Todd Caster, who has been serving on the service club's Christmas tree committee for about 25 years. Sales were conducted from space fronting Highway 99W, far from the store entrance, he said.
Mike Colvin came to the rescue, inviting the club to set up shop down the highway at the Chuck Colvin Auto Center. He even agreed to clear the area to permit unobstructed sales.
However, Caster said Walmart wouldn't even allow him to post a sign in the club's usual location to tell customers the operation had moved to the auto dealership. He fears that could cut into the take from one of the club's most important fundraisers.
Caster said the Lions Club had always maintained a cordial relationship with the store. He said people who bought their trees from the club often went on into the store to purchase ornaments and decorations.
"We were stymied, because we weren't going to go around (the store manager) and take on Walmart," he said. He said the move had left the club with some bruised feelings.
Galberth said there is no chance the company is going to reverse its decision on parking lot activities, but said it would welcome the Lions to stage a fundraising effort along its sidewalk space during a different season. She said the local manager would be calling to explore interest and options.
