Report: New Yorkers spending more at Walmart

New York City -- New York City residents spent nearly $200 million at about a dozen Walmart stores in the New York metropolitan area in 2010, up about 20% from the amount reported in a previous 12-month period, the company said Monday, according to Crain’s New York.



Although Wal-Mart does have any stores in New York City proper, the chain is determined to break into the market and is working to overcome opposition from labor, community and small business groups.



An ad campaign being launched Tuesday in three dozen community newspapers blames “special interests” for keeping Walmart out of the city, according to the report, while opponents continue to argue that Walmart will harm low-income New Yorkers and small businesses.



On Monday, the heads of three City Council committees sent a letter to Walmart asking it to reconsider its decision not to appear at a hearing Thursday examining the retail giant’s potential impact on the city, Crain’s reported.