Debunking the Wal-Mart Myths #10: East-Side Retail Trade Development is Bad for Moscow

Wal-Mart Myth #10 (there was no #9) debunked by Steven Peterson, U of I Research Economist, at the Moscow Chamber of Commerce luncheon on August 23, 2006.

Charge #10: East-Side Retail Trade Development is bad for Moscow.

Fact: Eastside retail trade development makes sense

Eastside commercial development might actually reduce overall Moscow traffic because approximately 68% of Moscow’s population lies to the east of Main Street.

Most new residential development is on the east side of town.

East side development would have reduced overall traffic in the heart of Moscow.

When the original Moscow Wal-Mart was proposed 14 years ago, opponents asserted “ironically” that Wal-Mart would increase west side traffic.

The proposed Thompson proposed shopping center would likely take 10-15 years to fill.

The property and sales taxes stay in Moscow.

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