Walmart: Protesters 'only a small group' against Decatur opening

DECATUR, Ga. — Walmart is defending its impending arrival to a Decatur neighborhood, saying its opponents only represent a 'small group' of people against the store's opening.

Walmart's response comes after dozens gathered  at a Saturday morning demonstration.  Protesters carried signs as they marched down Church Street from Suburban Plaza, the prospective location of the store, to Decatur Square.  Protesters said the effort is intended to raise awareness on how establishing a Walmart store would impact their neighborhoods.

Meanwhile, Bill Wertz, a spokesman for the retailer giant, said many people in Decatur are pleased about the store's opening.

As for concerns about congestion, he said traffic speaks to the demand for the store, and can be good for surrounding businesses.

“I think the fact we might bring traffic is a compliment to the idea that we are popular,” Wertz said. “And that can very good for surrounding businesses.”

A local resident argued a different point of view.

"...Back to the developers and back to Walmart, and back to our elected officials, and ask them to really rethink this development.  It's not in the best interest of our community, and we would like something that is," she told Channel 2 Action News.

The store is expected to bring 300 jobs to the area.

WSBTV