Residents living close to Northcross are happy about a change in plans by Wal-Mart.  Two years ago, the huge discount retailer announced plans to build an almost 200,000 square foot store at Northcross Mall.  Area residents almost immediately formed a group called Responsible Growth for Northcross to fight the giant company.  Wal-Martfinally announced plans to reduce the size of the Northcross store to under 100,000 square feet.  It looks like area residents might just support this.  Northcross Mall needs help.  It has been dying for a while and has lost many tenants.  Having Wal-Mart come in with a smaller location might be just what the mall needs to thrive again and provide welcome shops and services.

One thing that made me curious was that Wal-Mart said that it redesigned and scaled down the size of the Northcross location because of a changing business model across the country.  The company has built huge stores in smaller towns with great success.  So why the need for change?  I see it as being a political thing.  If Wal-Mart wants to go into more urban areas, they face huge opposition from residents.  A changing business model or a response to angry people?  You make the call.