Let's Get the Rumor Mill Cranking Again

The Hawkins Companies brochure for their Highway 270 & Airport Road development now lists "Shopko" as a "Neighbor". All the other neighbors listed are on the Moscow-Pullman Highway. Hmmmmmm. If a Supercenter is approved in Moscow, that would leave their old location on Warbonnet Dr. in Moscow open. Would ShopKo fill the void that Wal-Mart leaves behind? Or is ShopKo going to build next to Lowe's? Or is Hawkins Companies just casting the net of neighbors wider? After all, ShopKo is Pullman's lone offering to the mix of retailers.

Hawkins Companies list of clients has the following quote from WinCo:

“WinCo Foods, Inc. has worked with Gary Hawkins and the development company on about ten development opportunities in addition to several projects that were brokered by them. During that time, they were undoubtedly the BEST firm our company has ever used, which is a strong statement. I say that because their honesty and integrity has shown through in every detail.”

– Paul A. Simmons
VP Retail Development
WinCo Foods, Inc

Could WinCo be moving into the new development at Highway 270 & Aiport Rd. along with Lowe's. Why not? What better way to compete with the two new Supercenters than to move to Washington, where there is no sales tax on most food items, as opposed to Idaho. The best of both worlds, low prices and no tax.

Of course, Citizen Hosick will demand that Wal-Mart pay to study all of this before the Pullman Supercenter can be approved.