Wal-Mart Working on Second Chicago Store Again

By Marcus Gilmer in News on Dec 19, 2008 8:55PM

Wal-Mart is once again looking into plans to build a second store within the city of Chicago; the chain's first store opened on the West Side in September 2006. Attempts to put in another store have started and stopped before and the chain has long had union issues with opening stores here. Still, the company seems optimistic about its chances. John Bisio, director of public affairs for Wal-Mart in Chicago, said, "We've shown ourselves to be a very viable business and a relevant one in the face of some pretty tough developments in the economy. I would guess as we come out of the holidays, we would want to have that kind of conversation [with the city]." The current store generates sales of $60 million annually. In spite of that failed attempt in Chatham earlier this year, Bisio said, "It makes sense for us to continue to look on the South Side, but we haven't formally begun any dialogue."