The Alley News

Local First Chicago along with the City of Chicago's Department of Housing and Economic Development, the Chicago Office of Tourism & Culture and more than 50 neighborhood chambers of commerce, community organizations and businesses have launched a city-wide Buy Local campaign for the 2011 Holiday Season.

Unwrap Chicago: Eat, Drink & Buy Local educates citizens on the importance of buying locally.
Buy Local in Chicago These Holidays!

View more videos at: http://nbcchicago.com.

Tell Walmart to go away!

A group of Lakeview East residents on Thursday repeated a reoccurring mantra that Walmart isn't welcome in their neighborhood.

They were joined by union reps and local labor organizers to speak out about a proposed, 31,000-square-foot "Neighborhood Market" planned to occupy a former PetSmart space at 2840 N. Broadway.

Earlier this month, Wal-Mart representatives said at a community forum that Lakeview can benefit from the groceries, pharmaceuticals and general merchandise the store plans to sell. But residents said the neighborhood's food market is already saturated.

On Thursday, union leaders reiterated that big-box chains hurt small businesses and that a new Walmart would be no different.

"These bigger name stores have destroyed us," said Mark Thomas, owner of The Alley Stores.

Thomas came out in support of small business and said he's had to lay off many of his employees because of big-box competition.

Melissa Ryzy, of Local First Chicago, said the community is already dominated with business and needs more local stores. She also said Walmart doesn't represent good jobs or benefits.

"We can’t afford to have a neighbor like Walmart, because they pay less [and] we pay more," Ryzy said.

"I would love to see nothing but local business lining this strip. ... All these storefronts could be local, and the money could stay in our community."

Steve‬ Restivo, a Walmart spokesman, responded to residents' concerns in a statement on Thursday. He said new chain stores tend to attract new businesses, including a West Side location in Chicago that saw new businesses open to take advantage of the big box's customer activity.

"Businesses there generally have products and services we don’t offer – or specialize in areas where we just can’t compete," Restivo said.

Chain representatives recently said the company is eyeing a River North location, as well.

Lakeview Community Says “No Way” to Low Pay
April 22, 2011

For Lakeview locals, prospect of Wal-Mart is a no-sale
April 21, 2011

Small retailers, others speak out against Lakeview Wal-Mart
April 21, 2011

Neighbors Protest East Lakeview Wal-Mart Plan
April 21, 2011

Labor, neighbors rally against Lakeview Walmart
April 21, 2011

Protest held over proposed Walmart
April 21, 2011

Chicago Cigar Lounges: THE SNOB REPORT
December 25, 2010

Mark Thomas OWNS the Alley
December 17, 2010

Chicago Fashion Trends Examiner
May 28, 2009

Rebel Rebel: My dad owns The Alley. So what?
April 21, 2009

Chicago sings the travel blues
October 27, 2008

A local college student takes us to the haven for all things goth and punk.
September 10, 2008

Top cat of The Alley carves out offbeat empire
October 26, 2007

Bad boy Alley turns thirty
June 6, 2006

Don't Be Afraid to Wander Down Chicago's Alley
June 19, 2005

Sex toys, cigars, and jewelry all in one stop
March 5, 2002

Reviews

Check out the Beautiful Disasters Fashion show featuring Taboo Tabou and The Alley Chicago at Bon v by JM Couture.

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