Protesters Speak Out Against Walmart

By Jessica Gould

As developers discuss plans for Walmart's first D.C. stores, some residents are making their opposition known.

A band of singers trudged their way through the snow-covered streets of Northwest D.C., but these carolers weren't interested in spreading holiday cheer.

"It's our city and we'll fight if we have to," they sang.

In November, Walmart announced its plans to open four stores in the District. Labor unions and some neighbors are opposing the move. Ward 4 resident Geoff Millard is one of them.

"We don't need a company that comes in and lowers wages and actually takes away jobs," he says.

That's why, Millard says, he joined a dozen other protesters to picket outside the home of Dick Knapp, whose company, Foulger-Pratt, is planning to lease its Ward 4 space to Walmart.

"Walmart, stay out of our town," they chanted.

Knapp however, says the new Walmart will be good for the community and good for the District.

"The moderate income residents on Georgia Avenue are often in need of competitively priced goods," he says.

Walmart representatives say the four new stores will bring a total of 1,200 new jobs to the city, and will provide fresh groceries to under-served areas.