Editor, The Record:
Re: Pack of hyenas have been let into the pride, Sept. 8 edition.
Am I ever tired of hearing how Wal-mart or a couple of drive-thrus are going to be the end of Mission as we know it.
I am 32 and have lived here most of my life. I have seen all kinds of stores come and go. I am sure when Real Canadian Superstore, Canadian Tire or Staples set up shop people were freaking out then too. Business, like many things, survive when they are the fittest. If the hyenas overpower the lions, then so be it; they were too weak and probably would have died off on their own eventually.
I can tell you truthfully that other than to pick up a pizza, I never step foot on First Avenue; there is nothing there for me.
Even Tim Hortons I avoid as it does not have a drive-thru. I have two small children and try to avoid going into fast food places with them. Having to unbuckle car seats, get out the stroller, lift them both out of the car, protect them from cars in the parking lot and then doing it all over again to get back into the vehicle — only this time with an armload of food and drinks — is a bit much to handle. I love drive-thrus and can’t wait for another Tim Hortons (the other one is so busy) and a Burger King.
As for Wal-Mart, I am super excited, as I hate having to drive to Abbotsford.
As I said before, I am not someone who ever shops on First. That said, I don’t think those vendors will miss me or anyone else who never shopped there. If no one else has noticed yet, Mission is growing in leaps and bounds.
The top of Cedar Street is loaded with new development, and most of these homes are probably bought by young families. These young families will probably also be looking for Wal-Marts to shop at and drive thrus to go through.
It is time to let Mission grow business-wise to accommodate its growing population and demographic.
If you hate Wal-mart, don’t shop there. That is your choice. By the sounds of these letters to the editor, I can assume there are more than a few people in Mission who will remain faithful First Avenue shoppers, and Iam glad you are there to support those businesses.
Sacha Hanley
Mission
