Target or WalMart in Oakhurst?

[Sandman]

http://www.yosemitearea.com/forums/attachment.php?attachmentid=683&stc=1&d=1221698738 (http://www.yosemitearea.com/forums/showthread.php?t=5488)

[David_V]

Target at least pays it's workers a living wage.

People were complaining about beggars and homeless outside a Walmart in Washington (I think). They talked to the homeless and found out those that were begging made more money than the Walmart employees.

[dorseygirl]

Are you serious Sandmand (Target rumor)?

[Sandman]

Are you serious Sandmand (Target rumor)?

That's the latest unconfirmed Oakhurst rumor and I also heard it from a pretty reliable source. We'll see....

[HIS_MOM]

i definatley thinks oakhurst needs a walmart. i love shopping there its very inexspensive and they have great deals i dont think we should have to drive to fresno just to pay less for something and it would bring alot more jobs to oakhurst. then maybe we wouldnt be turning into a fresno with so many homeless and jobless people. i think its unfair that so many places in oakhurst will deny u a job based upon looks or living arrangements... i think it is also unfair that most teenagers can only work summer jobs because most employment around here is seasonal.....i think walmart would bring alot of year round work for a lot of people.. plus a store that sales everything i thinks its rediculous that we have to shop at gottschalks or a thrift store for clothes if u need them right away

[yosemitewriter]

Two of the things that Oakhurst could REALLY use are a Trader Joe's and a good gym like Bally's. Both of those places would be of real benefit to the community, not only in the services they would provide, but the jobs they would create. Trader Joe's is a place that everybody loves and prices that are so much cheaper than Oakhurst stores. And we need the gym to counter-act all the fast food places in town that are sending people to an early grave.

[Ironhorse]

And we need the gym to counter-act all the fast food places in town that are sending people to an early grave.

Now that's rich! We live in an area close to places where you can go swimming, boating, walking, cycling, hiking, jogging, skiing, etc., and the ONLY thing that will counter-act the fast food joints is a GYM. Yep, that makes a lot of sense as an argument. And boy, all those expensive gyms in the cities in the valley sure do counter-act all the fast food places down there too, don't they?????

[Newcomer]

If I had to make a choice between Walmart or Target it would be Target. Walmart treats you like you are a criminal. It is hard enough for me to walk around one of those big stores and then when I find what I want I have to walk to search for a store employee and then walk back to drag them to the rack where they have the product chained to the rack and so on and so on. And then they will not give it to me, They say I will be holding this up front for you find me. NO I want the dang product to put in my cart and I am darn capable of taking it up front with the rest of my stuff. I feel really offended by this and will not shop there any more. Target never does this and I have never been treated like that at any other store. you that know me know that I do not look like a threat so why am I treated that way? Anyways, that is my vent on the subject of choosing between the 2 of them if I had to.

[Summer]

Now that's rich! We live in an area close to places where you can go swimming, boating, walking, cycling, hiking, jogging, skiing, etc., and the ONLY thing that will counter-act the fast food joints is a GYM. Yep, that makes a lot of sense as an argument. And boy, all those expensive gyms in the cities in the valley sure do counter-act all the fast food places down there too, don't they?????

Ha ha, Iron, I have to agree with you - Trader Joes and a gym sound pretty "yuppy" to me. Like you said, we have all the amenities right here for good, outdoor exercise and if you want organic/healthy foods - start a garden. It's very easy to see how places can be taken over by city folk who want their cake and eat it too. We have people who come here (and spend big bucks) to experience the nature and down to earth living, yet we have people moving here from the city who want the same thing but still want the amenities of city life. You can't have both. Yes, I complain about the weeds, insects, etc. but I am learning to live with it. At least I don't have neighbors within 6 ft. on all sides of me and bumper to bumper traffic every day. I am thankful that if I want to shop at Trader Joes and Target/Walmart - its a mere 45 min. drive. That's why I moved here.

[Red Mule]

Plus: Slightly lower costs & some extra jobs.

Minus: Local business failures resulting in fewer local business jobs and eventually - fewer shopping choices. More Off-shore products and fewer American products. Transfer of more wealth to China and support of it's industries: including child and prison labor and less regard of global warming and polution problems. Moving all those products manufactured in asia requires even more energy and produces even more polution. Then, as US manufacturing declines, American workers are forced into lower paying "service" jobs and we have increased unemployment and a lower national tax base...

I could go on, but you get the idea. As for me, I'll continue shopping at smaller local shops and looking foe US manufactured products as long as they exist. If I really need to save a dollar shopping at a discount store, I can always drive to Fresno.

But then I'll be using more gas and creating more polution... GAD! Don't get me started on that! No. Saving that extra dollar may cost us all more than we realize.

[Kahlua Kid]

Plus: Slightly lower costs & some extra jobs.

Minus: Local business failures resulting in fewer local business jobs and eventually - fewer shopping choices. More Off-shore products and fewer American products. Transfer of more wealth to China and support of it's industries: including child and prison labor and less regard of global warming and polution problems. Moving all those products manufactured in asia requires even more energy and produces even more polution. Then, as US manufacturing declines, American workers are forced into lower paying "service" jobs and we have increased unemployment and a lower national tax base...

I could go on, but you get the idea. As for me, I'll continue shopping at smaller local shops and looking foe US manufactured products as long as they exist. If I really need to save a dollar shopping at a discount store, I can always drive to Fresno.

But then I'll be using more gas and creating more polution... GAD! Don't get me started on that! No. Saving that extra dollar may cost us all more than we realize.


EXACTLY! I've been trying to avoid buying things made in China - but Good Grief - 80% of what's out there is from China these days!

[Mysteefied]

Two of the things that Oakhurst could REALLY use are a Trader Joe's and a good gym like Bally's. Both of those places would be of real benefit to the community, not only in the services they would provide, but the jobs they would create. Trader Joe's is a place that everybody loves and prices that are so much cheaper than Oakhurst stores. And we need the gym to counter-act all the fast food places in town that are sending people to an early grave.

We do have a gym here in town, It's called Fitness Zone, It's not as big as a ballys but I just got a membership there and I like that its clean and cool and affordable, they also open at 5am, so I can workout before work.

[ZipperMan]

We do have a gym here in town, It's called Fitness Zone, It's not as big as a ballys but I just got a membership there and I like that its clean and cool and affordable, they also open at 5am, so I can workout before work.

Also in YLP we have "Fitness Express" which is open 24 hours. It may be small, but it provides what you need. No need to sit in a locker room listening to bulked up guys talking about which steriods they use to get the shape they have.

[Dodgergirl]

Two of the things that Oakhurst could REALLY use are a Trader Joe's and a good gym like Bally's. Both of those places would be of real benefit to the community, not only in the services they would provide, but the jobs they would create. Trader Joe's is a place that everybody loves and prices that are so much cheaper than Oakhurst stores. And we need the gym to counter-act all the fast food places in town that are sending people to an early grave.


But, Trader Joes is corporate...and it would put a few local health food stores outta business, cause everyone I know (including myself) would shop there instead of the local places. Isn't the 'more jobs' and 'lower prices' argument the one used for WalMart? Just wondering if we're all a bit biased and would vote according to our personal needs, not the fiction of 'keeping Oakhurst rural' or whatever...
JMHO

[ZipperMan]

Just wondering if we're all a bit biased and would vote according to our personal needs, not the fiction of 'keeping Oakhurst rural' or whatever...
JMHO

I would wager that most would vote based on their personal needs.

[yosemitewriter]

I'm curious when you say "a few local health food stores". Where are they? The only one I know of in Oakhurst is Nature's Nutrients and Margina is great about ordering things she doesn't have. You can also get a few things at Raley's, but they are rather limited. I was thinking of Trader Joe's more in terms of cheaper eggs ($1.39 a dozen), a vast selection of cheeses and nuts and seeds. Cashew pieces at Raley's are up to $8.00 a pound. At TJ you can get whole cashews for somewhere around $5 a pound. It's little things like this that make a difference when you're living on a limited income.



But, Trader Joes is corporate...and it would put a few local health food stores outta business, cause everyone I know (including myself) would shop there instead of the local places. JMHO

[cattledoggiemoon]

I really hate when things get into bickering topic of city versus country and the whole stereotype judgmental attitude. What's wrong with variety of choices anyway?

This will make some people irritated but why not just say... oh lets keep shooting squirrel for dinner and maintain our quality rednecks lifestyle. Can we ever stay away from the extreme judgments?

Lack of acceptance of the reality of our economy and geography isn’t going to change anything for the better.

Regarding the comments of 'grow your own organic garden'.

Have you ever tried without a well or being on Hillview? Impossible unless you want to have health problems accumulate over the years and can afford the medical bills and call that a healthy quality lifestyle.

The solution for good organic veges I have found is http://www.tdwilleyfarms.com/ IT is a CSA farm and very reasonably and flexibly priced.

I prefer Raleys for their vege and whole foods dept too but I don't always find what I need.

RE: Trader Joes.
I think people should look up the history. The popularity is due to variety and finding items that seem unique. But the bottom line is Trader Joe's started out helping the small farmers / suppliers by attracting them to the mgt model of handling all the distribution /sales efforts and then changed in midstream once the suppliers / farmers products become popular and started asking them to sell it cheaper to them in bulk once they were exclusive with TJ. Thus TJ has taken advantage of them. So though I buy toothpaste, soap and handcream at TJ . it is not a trendy or yuppy thing but only a intelligently compared shopping thing. I can find alot of comparable items elsewhere.

Regarding Walmart / Target: I dont think anyone can complain unless they really want to get involved with the planning process of creating a town with a plan. Nothing as a group can be ignored. Time and group efforts can accomplish alot.

We need industry from somewhere.. How can anyone be so picky with the limited options we have.. We will always lose our youth to colleges and industry outside of our area because people can’t seem to come together to create a compromise that is realistic.

We could use quality mom and pop businessess too. Many of the mom and pop services in town are great but some of the unique mom and pop's go out of business due to the local lack of desire to pay by locals.

Small town can be successful but it requires change.

[wahine67]

I would love to have a Target in town, something is coming eventually so why not sooner than later? I don't want to get into a Walmart employment practices and the fact that it is evil (it is) discussion but overall, I find Target stores to have higher quality products, to be cleaner, and more attractively laid out.

In terms of the Mom and Pops, a Target would not really compete with them from my view. It would compete with Longs and maybe Raleys to an extent. Where can you find an inexpensive child's bathing suit in this town in the middle of August? Where can I buy a cheap pair of inline skates, or have a selection of bathroom rugs? You get my point, there is plenty of room for a Target. IMHO.

W.

ps. Raley's had Made in the USA clothes the other day!

[mountain momma]

Two of the things that Oakhurst could REALLY use are a Trader Joe's and a good gym like Bally's. Both of those places would be of real benefit to the community, not only in the services they would provide, but the jobs they would create. Trader Joe's is a place that everybody loves and prices that are so much cheaper than Oakhurst stores. And we need the gym to counter-act all the fast food places in town that are sending people to an early grave.

My husband and I contacted Trader Joes last year to see if they were interested in opening one here in Oakhurst. They never got back to us. It's a shame because we need one here.

[Kim]

and I'll be a happy camper.
I've boycotted Walmart ever since Easter when they had that asinine (to me, anyway) commercial with the little girl saying that Easter is all about the candy as if I would dare to think it was about anything else. Let's just ignore family, great picnics, or Jesus....it's about candy. Man, I could've slept in if I'd known that!!
If I have to have one, I'll take Target. But I don't want either.

[1roscoe]

I have hated Walmart business practices for many years. I have only shopped at Walmart once, (with my Mother). I believe if something bothers you, don't do it. While I know by my not shopping at a major chain like Walmart is not going to put it out of business if enough people don't shop there they will not remain in business.

I like America you can shop where you want. If you have a bad experence or don't like the place, don't go back.

I was really tested last Christmas. All my husband wanted was the new Eagles album. Unfortunatly this was only alvailble at Walmart. I really wanted to make him happy, but this I could not do. I gave him the money and told him if he really needed this to buy it, but I couldn't.

I guess he is a keeper. He could not shop there knowing how I feel.

He has heard the CD; still wants it for his car, but to shop at Walmart?

I have never been to Target, but I know they are not Walmart. I guess our little area of the world is growing so fast, (everyone wants to live here) it is only a matter of time before bigger chains want to move in and compete for our dollars.

We already have big chains up here. What are Long's, Von's, Raley's and Rite Aid to name a few. We must be shopping at these locations because they are still open.

I am not so differet from everyone else. I need to get the maximum value out of every dollar I spend. I have always shopped to smaller stores up here before going to Fresno. Most of the time the prices are the same, or if slightly higher I don't mind paying the differance because my time is valuable and gas now more than in the past is costly.

I guess what I am tring to say is places grow and change. If you really don't like the new business moving into your area, don't shop there. Our ir you must shop there because the pricing is so good, take some time to think about where your dollar is really going and what you may be supporting; (even if it is only pennies per purchase), before you buy.

[beautiful_mess38]

Instead of reading the "rumors" or the reliable source", all you have to do is call Madera county to see if they plan on putting a wal-mart or target in Oakhurst. It's public info. This so called rumor has been going on for years, and still no Wal-Mart. The last I heard from Madera County the answer was NO.

For me I don't want either. I don't mind taking the drive to Fresno to shop at Riverpark.

[Ironhorse]

Instead of reading the "rumors" or the reliable source", all you have to do is call Madera county to see if they plan on putting a wal-mart or target in Oakhurst. It's public info. This so called rumor has been going on for years, and still no Wal-Mart. The last I heard from Madera County the answer was NO.

For me I don't want either. I don't mind taking the drive to Fresno to shop at Riverpark.

EXACTLY! The whole controversy is ridiculous over a rumor.

[jjcheyenne]

I would love a Walmart or Target in Oakhurst. Me, being on a VERY limited income, I can't afford the high prices of the stores up here, so I don't shop much in Oakhurst. Since I work at Childrens Hospital, I just make the trip into Fresno after work to Walmart to shop. If there was one up here, I would shop there instead of going to Fresno.

[Red Mule]

In more than one post here I have seen the assumption that things are cheaper in the valley. As a local businessman I can tell you that is usually not true. Especially when you factor in the cost of transporting yourself there and back. Yes, there are some stores here that charge a lot more. But, there are many more local businesses that are willing to cut their profit margin and absorb the cost of bringing products to the mountains to remain competitive with those in the valley.

You owe it to yourself as well as to those businesses to at least do a little price shopping (including the value of your time and transportation) before assuming everything is cheaper down there. At the same time you might grow to also value the other joys of shopping locally. Such as more time left to do other things, less polution created, less traffic on the roads, and a chance to get to know and support the other people than have chosen to make this area their home.

[jjcheyenne]

I know for the things I buy, if I buy at Vons or Raleys, I can get the same things at Walmart for about $20.00 cheaper for my bag of groceries and shampoo and stuff. I already did my price checking and it saves me a lot by going to Walmart. And, it is only 5 miles from where I work. If there was a Walmart or Target in Oakhurst, it would save me on gas. But by shopping at Vons or Raleys, it would be about $40 more a month for me.

[dorseygirl]

We like Wallyworld, I have gotten my glasses/contacts there - they take my insurance, we have taken family photos - they do a great job for reasonable price, my stepdad works as a greeter at a WalMart back in the midwest and they treat him well - especially when they take off for three months to go to Texas in the winter - he always has a job to come back to. My sister happened to be in Fresno and I asked her to pick up a battery for my car - $57.00 at WalMart - $69.99 here at Kragen - doesn't cost me $12.00 to drive to Fresno and back. They have a great "craft" department - can't get any of that up here. Oakhurst is not the small good ol boys town anymore. If we didn't grow we would be dead.

[Michelle]

Well if it ever happens I do hope for a Walmart because of the main thing we go is for our hunting needs... I dont' think Target has any hunting stuff anymore....
But if they put either of them in it will shut out alot of other places in this town.. Now come summer time Walmart will be booming with all the out of the people coming for vacation...
you know they have to stop because they forgot something...
(yeah I am one of those)
Someone said one of the stores treat you like a criminal remember the area they are in and the reason why they treat people that way....
I mean Railey's I will NEVER SHOP IN and haven't in 12 of the 13 years I lived here, they treat you like they are better then you, yeah okay you are a CHECKER!!!!!! why would a person act like that....whatever..... anyways if anything comes in here I would hope for a Walmart.....
even though I like going to fresno and making it a day to take the kids and shop and do lunch, family kinda thing.. but i can adjust......:eek:

[Yosemite Joy]

Someone said one of the stores treat you like a criminal remember the area they are in and the reason why they treat people that way....
I mean Railey's I will NEVER SHOP IN and haven't in 12 of the 13 years I lived here, they treat you like they are better then you, yeah okay you are a CHECKER!!!!!!

I love Raley's I go there a few times a week. No one has ever treated me like crap there, even years ago when I was a single mom with food stamps.


I am more than happy to shop at Target IN Fresno as opposed to up here. I wouldn't pace myself!

[Michelle]

that was when they really treated me like crap when i had that stuff coming in......
talk about feeling like crap cuz you have to be on it but to go into a store and be treated like that...no thanks.............
then I went in there with a friend and they are soooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooo snobby it makes me sick..... I grew up in a grocery store because my parents owned them.... in the worse place they could and everyone was on stamps and such, never i mean never did they get treated like that.................

[jakobscalpel]

(post)

How odd. Either I'm a snob so everyone seems normal to me in Raleys or your bad visit was an unfortunate isolated experience. Raleys employees have always been nice and helpful to us. They even tolerate my kids running in the aisles and destroying merchandise. My only complaint is the sandwich deli that sometimes closes when the deli folks feel like it, as opposed to their actual stated time of 7:30.

Of course, I know many people prefer the store-that-shall-not-be-named across the street, but I despise it. Every time I run in to grab something because I'm at the blockbuster and am too lazy to cross 49 I get this.

Checkout Lady: "Do you have a store-that-shall-not-be-named card?"
Me: "No"
Checkout Lady: "Do you have a Safeway card?"
Me: "No"
Checkout Lady: "Would you like to sign up for one? You will save (insert some piddling amount here)"
Me: "No thank you"

Checkout Lady then gives me the Evil Glare that all store-that-shall-not-be-named employees are trained to perform when a no card heathen is in their store. They have periodic re-training sessions to make sure the upper lip sneer is raised a perfect four millimeters.

[ZipperMan]

I also have never been treated poorly at Raley's. I have always felt welcome. The times I shop across the street are the times when I need to buy cat food, my cat prefers a certain brand which Raley's does not carry.

[maryd]

We Definately Need A Big Dept Store. Either Walmart Or Target.

I Personally Perfer Walman.

M. D.

[Yosemite Joy]

How odd. Either I'm a snob so everyone seems normal to me in Raleys or your bad visit was an unfortunate isolated experience. Raleys employees have always been nice and helpful to us. They even tolerate my kids running in the aisles and destroying merchandise. My only complaint is the sandwich deli that sometimes closes when the deli folks feel like it, as opposed to their actual stated time of 7:30.

Of course, I know many people prefer the store-that-shall-not-be-named across the street, but I despise it. Every time I run in to grab something because I'm at the blockbuster and am too lazy to cross 49 I get this.

Checkout Lady: "Do you have a store-that-shall-not-be-named card?"
Me: "No"
Checkout Lady: "Do you have a Safeway card?"
Me: "No"
Checkout Lady: "Would you like to sign up for one? You will save (insert some piddling amount here)"
Me: "No thank you"

Checkout Lady then gives me the Evil Glare that all store-that-shall-not-be-named employees are trained to perform when a no card heathen is in their store. They have periodic re-training sessions to make sure the upper lip sneer is raised a perfect four millimeters.


Exactly. I use an old club account phone number with fake name, etc from years ago. I often wonder when someone new is going to get my old phone number. I will keep using the same number so they can get my free sandwiches or pat on the backs or whatever you get for using the card.

Why people give their information away so easily I will never know. But I don't need the grocery store to know that I buy tampons on the seventh of each month, or that my family eats Cheerios.

And has anyone else noticed the baby formula locked up by the cigarettes at the front of the store? What is the deal with that??

[dorseygirl]

When using your card at Von's - they count your sandwhiches for the free one, you can connect it to your elementary school so that they get a rebate (if the school participates) and if you spend the $50.00 or more you get the 10 cent discount on gas (which I do often) and then it is the cheapest gas in town. It is a challange for us to see how much we save using our Von's cards and items on sale, we have done almost $75.00 once.
Raley's you can get a card from your school (if the school participates) to show and get a rebate back to the school also.

[OakhurstGuy]

OK, great thread and I respect everyone's opinions... here are some of mine:
As to Walmart or Target, if one were to come to town I would prefer Target. They have greatly improved the quality of their products over the years since they first came into existance. The Walmarts that I have been to have been dirty, poorly laid out and I agree with the previous poster that they treat their shoppers as if they were criminals with their security measures. My experiences are from the stores we visited living in L.A. and now in Fresno, but I would guess their policies would carry over should they expand into our area.

As far as I know (again, I'll say this is just my opinion) there are no plans for Walmart or Target to open stores in Oakhurst. If they did so (and they have been looking into it for a long time) it would probably be in Coarsegold. They would get the YLP / Coarsegold / Oakhurst markets.

There IS however the very strong possibility of a Walgreens / Fresh & Easy market (subsidiary of the English coprporation Tesco, there was an article about them in today's Business section of the Fresno Bee) coming into Oakhurst next to Riteaid.

As for our local supermarket, I have always preferred Raley's since we moved up here. I like their selection, their employees and I think their prices, in many instances, are better than those across the street at Vons. If I have to run into Vons for something, I always regret having done so and come away frustrated wishing I had taken two minutes to drive across the street.

[Ironhorse]

I wasn't going to post again on this, but well, something just got to me. At times this board is its own worst enemy, or the worst enemy of the town anyway. ONE bad experience with a store and suddenly it's the worst store there is. I have NEVER been in Raley's and seen a bad employee/customer exchange, or been part of one. I've NEVER seen them treat someone with food stamps differently from someone with 100"s in their wallet and gold and silver jewelry hanging out all over the place. The employees are always helpful and friendly to me, even the kids who work there. They go out of their way to help me, showing a great deal of patience with me as I try to figure out the new self checkout (I get so far and it says "call manager", LOL), to getting things down off the top shelves for me, or picking up the things I can't lift, etc., etc., etc. I have seen the clerks on the receiving end of some absolutely atrocious treatment from both tourists and locals (one sided) and still be nice to them, and continue to be nice to the rest of those in line. The managers are watchful of everything that happens in the store and generally right on top of any problem. If deli counters are closed down earlier than expected, it's most likely not the employees "deciding to shut it down", it's most likely the manager saying the business doesn't warrant keeping it open later that evening. Granted, the prices are higher than I pay in the valley when I do my big shopping down there at the first of the month, but I still enjoy going in there during the month, picking up specials, etc.

To many times on here I read people saying negative things about the stores in town and the town itself, crying that they want the big ticket stores, etc.. I have to ask, WHY did you move up here? Didn't you research the area you were moving to? Did you think just because you were moving up here, WalMart and Target would follow, just for YOU? Did it occur to you that some, if not most, people moved up here to have a slower life style, without the accompanying increase in crime that the bigger stores bring with them? On the other hand, you trash the town, trash the workers, trash the schools in this town, and then wonder why no "Big ticket stores" do come up here. Why would they? I will say that the negative people, the ones always complaining are still in the minority on this board, and I hope they continue to be, but I also know from experience in life that they are the ones that "pop" out and grab the attention. I don't want the bigger stores, I would like the lower prices, but I also enjoy going to the "big city" once a month or so and I can find those prices then. It's not like I've got to drive a 1000 miles to get there. Yes, the gas is more expensive now, but if you plan your trip well and don't go every week, it's still affordable and makes sense to make that trip. No matter what this town gets in the way of new stores, restaurants, movies, etc., the bigger cities in the valley will always have more, newer, better (?), and the grass will always seem greener in the next pasture. Be careful what you wish for because one day you'll wake up and wonder why you moved up it, because it will be just like L.A., or San Diego, or San Francisco, or whatever other big city you can think of.

[gourmetgirl]

Walmart? Target? Well, this town DOES need some new woman's/men's/kid's clothing/decor business for those who cannot afford high end prices. As a woman, who does NOT get to Fresno very often, it is either Gottschalks or (nowhere else?) that you can you get/need a new outfit(on sale only), last minute, and hope that no one wears the same outfit that night! Be prepared to have a closet full of clothes from Fresno or take the chance! Mix/match/ and at least you have a choice. Also, where else can you get that fresh set of sheets/towels/curtains? at a decent price? for the last minute change of decor for company's coming guests? Personally, I would just like something else for the woman shopper! As far as the OTHER items at these chain stores....if Oakhurst doesn't have it, I guess I don't need it or will purchase locally. Why pay the gas?

[Yosemite Joy]

There IS however the very strong possibility of a Walgreens / Fresh & Easy market (subsidiary of the English corporation Tesco, there was an article about them in today's Business section of the Fresno Bee) coming into Oakhurst next to Riteaid.



That is interesting. I thought I read recently that Long's was going to be bought by Walgreen's.

/off topic sorry

[Mysteefied]

Just for the record, I've shopped for womens clothes at several places in town and found things that I liked and fit and were affordable, most of the time on sale.

Pants & Things has some really neat clothes
Also there is the discount clothing place by McDonalds
There is also another place next to Cool Bean Cafe called City Chic or something like that, very fun stuff and very affordable.

Hope that helps a little

as far as sheets go....Gottschalks is the only place I know of.

[Michelle]

And has anyone else noticed the baby formula locked up by the cigarettes at the front of the store? What is the deal with that??


That is because people steal it.............

[jakobscalpel]

If deli counters are closed down earlier than expected, it's most likely not the employees "deciding to shut it down", it's most likely the manager saying the business doesn't warrant keeping it open later that evening.

You are incorrect. When it happened to me for the third time I asked the managers and they confirmed that the deli was supposed to be open and they were surprised it was closed. I got my sandwich though.

[Ironhorse]

You are incorrect. When it happened to me for the third time I asked the managers and they confirmed that the deli was supposed to be open and they were surprised it was closed. I got my sandwich though.

Then the managers should be held responsible also, they have oversight of the deli and if they "allow" it to close down, and are supposedly "surprised" when it happens, then someone isn't doing their job.

[gitikasingh]

Oh, I love the Target... Can't stand Walmarts

[cak]

I've written to Trader Joe's a couple of times suggesting an Oakhurst location; I usually get back something close to a form letter. I keep writing. You can write, too:

Trader Joe's Company
800 South Shamrock Ave.
Monrovia, CA 91016

I think it would be a great addition to Oakhurst, and a good market for TJ.

[CatdaBrat]

Someone mentioned local grocery store prices. Today at Vons I was gonna pick up a small can of BEANS to have as a dinner side dish, until I saw the price was $3.49! So, until I revisit WinCo, there won't be any beans on the table!

[MtnBreeze]

I know for the things I buy, if I buy at Vons or Raleys, I can get the same things at Walmart for about $20.00 cheaper for my bag of groceries and shampoo and stuff. I already did my price checking and it saves me a lot by going to Walmart. And, it is only 5 miles from where I work. If there was a Walmart or Target in Oakhurst, it would save me on gas. But by shopping at Vons or Raleys, it would be about $40 more a month for me.

So if it's 5 miles from where you work then why have one here? Sorry..but I don't see the logic. Walmart may have low proces but there are other issues as far as the way they treat employees and they have a really bad rep as far as environmental issues go. I for one would vote for neither to be here....I am on limited income and I do fine shopping locally.

[BGW]

It occurred to me recently that when I do go to Fresno or Merced to do my BIG shop I hardly ever think to go to Target and I buy only a handful of things at Wal-Mart. Meaning I/We could do without either.

[Ironhorse]

It occurred to me recently that when I do go to Fresno or Merced to do my BIG shop I hardly ever think to go to Target and I buy only a handful of things at Wal-Mart. Meaning I/We could do without either.

I agree, it's about the same way for me. And a lot of the craft stuff I get there, I could as easily get elsewhere, but I get it "because" I'm there. I don't think Oakhurst is anywhere near to getting a Target or Walmart, simply because the population base simply isn't here. Even Madera didn't get theirs till their population was over 30,000. Economically, with the number of people who live up here and work in the valley, they just as easily can shop the WalMart and Targets down there, during lunch hours or on the way home. I will say that WalMart is one of the few places you can find USA made goods though, and that I like.

[jjcheyenne]

So if it's 5 miles from where you work then why have one here? Sorry..but I don't see the logic. Walmart may have low proces but there are other issues as far as the way they treat employees and they have a really bad rep as far as environmental issues go. I for one would vote for neither to be here....I am on limited income and I do fine shopping locally.

I would like one here so I would not have to wait until I go to work before I go shopping. Sometimes I need something on my days off and I have to do without until I go back to work. And, if there were one up here, I would not have to go in to Fresno to shop. I could do my shopping locally.

[1roscoe]

I live up here and work in Bass Lake. I do not like to drive to Fresno, really I hate to drive highway 41.

I shop local business. I do have a limited income to spend. Maybe I do spend a little bit more for shampoo, soap and toilet paper. But the places I shop give back to the community I live in.

They give to the elegant auction, (supports our park), the local Boys and Girls club, the sierra historical sites, the monster gargage sale and many other events that give back to our community.

I don't have to drive, I can find what I need. If it is not here maybe I don't really need it, and I know my money stays in our community.

We do not need these stores. If you go to Fresno shop there. If you don't choose to, you can find what you need up here.

[yosemitewriter]

I have not checked out this Fitness Zone yet, but do they have a sauna and jacuzzi? How about a pool? There's more to a gym than just a bunch of weights.



We do have a gym here in town, It's called Fitness Zone, It's not as big as a ballys but I just got a membership there and I like that its clean and cool and affordable, they also open at 5am, so I can workout before work.

[monkey]

They don't have a sauna or jacuzzi, which I don't see that as required for a workout, but they do have raquetball courts. There is a beautiful pool at the High School that I use frequently.

[Mysteefied]

No, this gym doesn't have a sauna or jacuzzi and it doesn't have a pool. But it does have the basics for a good workout. other than the weights, it has a room with cardio equipment, it has workout classes of all types it has the raquetball courts and a friendly staff.
Like Monky, when I want to work out in the water, I go to the pool at the high school.

[civic accord honda]

i think a walmart in oakhurst would be very nice as walmart sells everything you need at a good price and i have a friend who works at the walmart in Sonora and he said they do not treat him bad he actully likes his job there. right now were i live we dont have a walmart just a kmart (now that place i hate lol) and when i lived in the desert a couple of months ago we had a walmart and it was nice to be able to go there and get what ever i needed with out having to go to 20 diffrent stores lol

now i love oakhurst with or without a walmart but i just think a walmart would be a nice improvement

[yosemitewriter]

Thanks to you and Monkey for the information. I probably got spoiled by going to Bally's for all those years, but I was hoping for a gym with the sauna and jacuzzi. While you can probably get a decent workout at your local gym, saunas and jacuzzis are good for detoxifying the body and increasing circulation. Jacuzzis are also great for those sore muscles you get from exercising. While most people look at a gym as exercise to lose weight or build muscle, I am more interested in the health aspects that some gyms offer.
Is the pool at the high school open to the public? Do they have certain hours of use? Is it free? How does that work?



No, this gym doesn't have a sauna or jacuzzi and it doesn't have a pool. But it does have the basics for a good workout. other than the weights, it has a room with cardio equipment, it has workout classes of all types it has the raquetball courts and a friendly staff.
Like Monky, when I want to work out in the water, I go to the pool at the high school.

[monkey]

The pool is open to the public, with hours that vary depending on school activities. During the summer when school is out there is water aerobics and open adult swimming both in the mornings and evenings. Right now there is aerobics and adult swimming from 5:30pm until 7pm. The cost is $2.00 per day, or you can buy a monthly pass at around $30. or a summer pass but I don't remember what the price is. It is a BEAUTIFUL facility with hot showers, lockers, etc. They also offer swim lessons for the little ones during the summer and there is open swim from about 10am until 5pm then. Alot of dads bring their kids after work during the week for special evening sessions during summer.

[cak]

I wonder if one of the 'day spas' has a jacuzzi or sauna?

[monkey]

None that I know of except for Chukchansi's spa which has a sauna, jacuzzis, indoor/outdoor pool and steam room. There are work out facilities there also, but you have to either stay at the hotel or book a service to use the facilities.

[Velvet Rose]

I think it would be great to have those big mega stores here.We need more jobs and iam tired of driving to Fresno to shop at these stores.:yes:

[MtnBreeze]

I wonder if one of the 'day spas' has a jacuzzi or sauna?

I believe one can pay to use the sauna at Tenaya Lodge.....they aslo have a pool but not sure if you can pay for it and they might also have a jacuzzi....I'm sure if you called them you could find out if any are open to public.

[Sewing Angel]

If you want to shop at Target or Walmart, MOVE to the city!!!!!!!!!!!!

[lancemurray]

Not being a current resident of the area, I'm not sure I have much of a voice in the discussion, but having lived in Oakhurst and Ahwahnee for over 20 years I'll say it anyway. Look Out!

A big box like Walmart will effect nearly every other business in the area. Oakhurst has always been known for it's local charm and family run businesses. When you can walk into one place and purchase (most) of your hardware needs, clothes, groceries, decorating, housewares, electronics, etc. at a discounted price, local business will suffer. I'm all about competition in the economy, but at somepoint, large volume purchasing power dominates the landscape of the local economy.

Just my two cents worth.

[jojo]

Two of the things that Oakhurst could REALLY use are a Trader Joe's and a good gym like Bally's. Trader Joe's is a place that everybody loves and prices that are so much cheaper than Oakhurst stores. And we need the gym to counter-act all the fast food places in town that are sending people to an early grave.

Trader Joe's and a good gym would be great since I am tired of only finding fast food up here! But I don't want any Wal-Mart or Target up here. It would ruin the area! The teenagers are not going to benefit too much from a Wal-Mart because there are too many people unemployed up here and they most likely will get the jobs..A big store will put the local stores out of business, let's keep the big corporations out of the small towns and focus on the small stores..With big corps comes greed, more people, and housing becomes more expensive...For lousy quality at that. Walmart always attract the wrong kind of people.

JO

[lfmwriter]

I like the small town nature of Oakhurst and would not want to see it diminished by the introduction of big box stores.

Increased urbanization = increased population, higher taxes for required social services and schools, more crime and greater social problems.

I lived in a small town in Ohio that experienced such urban development. People wanted it at first. Now it's dirty, crime ridden, overpoplulated, people pay more taxes and some of the industries that started the development have left the area.

Be careful of what you wish for.

[dancingqueen]

We moved here from Monterey 5 years ago. It used to be that Monterey had no "big box stores" everyone just shopped locally in Monterey and Pacific Grove. If you wanted "big box stores" you could drive over to Salinas. Most everyone I knew did not do that, we prefered to shop locally and also at our wonderful weekly farmers market. Things changed when "the big box" stores moved in. That small home town feeling was just gone. Even if you choose not to use those stores, they are huge, you can't help but see them and their parking lots. One of the reasons we moved here was because we really like that small home town feeling. About the only thing we have missed is not having a hospital in town. We feel blessed every day when we wake and every night when we lay our head down, to live in this wonderful community.

[Patagoniamaniac]

both plus a trader joes and whole foods! LOL..Oh boy this will get some people riled up! not really, I'd rather travel to Fresno to shop at these stores..but a target would be convenient...

[Dodgergirl]

In my opinion, if a business such as Wal-Mart or Target, or Cosco (my preference) would come to the Oakhurst area, it would be one of the best things occurring here in this area. Maybe then it would be a "stepping stone" of other businesses as well (like Holiday Inn, Ramada Inn and others) and the possibilities of the Oakhurst area would also be the recipients of a "Sierra Mountains Hospital" instead of merely an Emergency place as we now have.

AND, maybe, just maybe ---- Oakhurst would be able to get out of the clutches of the supervisors of the County of Madera by becoming an Incorporated City instead of "bump in the road" sort of place donating all of their funds to the coiffers of county government.

Didn't we have a Ramada?

[BGW]

Didn't we have a Ramada?

Yup...that's who built that pink hotel across the street from CCS

[Mibrew]

I don't mind the Incorporation..... but I really don't want to see a Target or Wallmart, I have them both close while I'm in the Bay Area, and I never really use them anyway, but I know they do provide some good prices for many, but they collect a lot of trash and undesirable people around the area, I'd rather travel to these stores than bring there problems to us here in Oakhurst.

[Ironhorse]

In my opinion, if a business such as Wal-Mart or Target, or Cosco (my preference) would come to the Oakhurst area, it would be one of the best things occurring here in this area. Maybe then it would be a "stepping stone" of other businesses as well (like Holiday Inn, Ramada Inn and others) and the possibilities of the Oakhurst area would also be the recipients of a "Sierra Mountains Hospital" instead of merely an Emergency place as we now have.

AND, maybe, just maybe ---- Oakhurst would be able to get out of the clutches of the supervisors of the County of Madera by becoming an Incorporated City instead of "bump in the road" sort of place donating all of their funds to the coiffers of county government.

Sure, we could have an regular hospital then........................ to treat the victims of the crimes that would be committed by the scum that hang around the WalMarts, etc. Check in to the crime rates and how they rose in those areas (if you can find a department honest enough to give you those figures) after the WalMarts opened. Check on the increases in stolen autos and/or purse snatches and how they increase during the holiday seasons, or how the older people get mugged more around the first of the month. Bring in those big box stores...............................and bring in more crime, then we can all pretend we're living back in the valley!

[Mibrew]

I wish they could have expanded the Oakhurst Kaiser to a real big hospital like they have done in the Bay Area, but after talking to a few doctors, looks like they are just hanging in there too, and might even be cutting back : (

I think a real Kaiser Hospital would be great to have in Oakhurst.

[Dr_Schmidt]

Instead of either Target or Wal-Mart, how about a Winco store --- everyone buys food to eat and most people are always wanting more ecomical food. Winco has this.

[dancingqueen]

Oh, my gosh, I am impressed, Dr. a positive post, thoughtful and considerate AND I actually agree with you this time. Von's and Raley's could probably use a little compition.

[Dr_Schmidt]

Oh, my gosh, I am impressed, Dr. a positive post, thoughtful and considerate AND I actually agree with you this time. Von's and Raley's could probably use a little compition.

Thanks for your "vote of confidence" --- I will leave this comment intact although most of my other comments I am currently deleting (unless some comment is also good enough to leave).

[only1alphafemale]

Instead of either Target or Wal-Mart, how about a Winco store --- everyone buys food to eat and most people are always wanting more ecomical food. Winco has this.

A Winco would be great IMO~

A friend and myself started making the treck down to Fresno to go to Winco a few months back, ( when the price of gasoline started forcing the prices up so high in Raleys and Vons ) to do our grocery shopping. Not just wanting to make a dollar stretch as far as it could but needing to !

It was MORE than worth it as the differences in prices were BIG! By big I dont mean a nickel. or a dime or two, but on some items it was 50 cents to a dollar per item. I save a good 50 to 60 dollars on my grocery bill now going down to Winco and can generally get enough to last us a month, rather than just the two weeks worth we were getting up here~

OH! and I did comparison shopping between Walmart, Target and Winco on soaps and cleaners, and Winco was the same price as Walmart and Target, but range a good dollar or two dollars or more, cheaper, than you can buy them currently up here at Vons or Raleys for the same sizes and brands.