Why Are There No Walmarts In New York City?

New York City is one of the largest cities in the United States. However, the city has no Walmart stores. But why are there no Walmarts in New York City? Discover why Walmart is absent in New York City in this comprehensive guide.

Walmart is a household name across the United States. From Huston, Texas, to Los Angeles, California, Walmart has become a go-to destination for millions of Americans looking for great deals. In fact, as of 2023, there are more than 4,600 stores across the country.

Unfortunately, despite Walmarts vast reach and influence, the company continues to face major obstacles in its attempts to establish a foothold in New York City. So, why are there no Walmarts in New York City? Read on to find out.

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Why Are There No Walmarts In New York City?

Walmart doesn't have stores in New York City due to price, the city's grid system, and competition. The high cost of real estate in New York City has made it difficult for Walmart to operate its large stores. In addition, Walmarts wider spread store layouts do not conform to the grid structure of the city.

Is Walmart Banned In New York City?

Walmart is not formally prohibited in New York City. The retail giant has actually made numerous attempts to open a store in the city. Unfortunately, every time Walmart tries, the company has been blocked by local political leaders and residents as well. In 2013, Walmart tried to open a store in Brooklyn but was met with strong opposition.

As reported by Newsday, former New York City mayor Bill de Blasio said that Walmart was not welcomed in New York City. "I don't think it is a state secret that I am very uncomfortable with Walmart," de Blasio said. "I have been adamant that I don’t think Walmart –the company, the stores– belong in New York City, and I feel that." De Blasio's reason for opposing Walmart's entry into New York City was because the company would take away locally owned businesses.

Do New York Residents View Walmart Negatively?

New York City is a large city with a growing population of young and politically aware individuals. The city is also a city of hundreds of small businesses and entrepreneurs. For many New Yorkers, supporting these small businesses is their top priority. As a result, Walmart has always faced strong opposition from New York residents who view the retail giant as a threat to the city's local businesses.

Even though Walmart may create job opportunities for residents, many locally owned businesses will end up closing due to competition. The closure of these businesses will not only affect the owners but will also lead to job losses and a significant impact on the local economy. Over the years, Walmart has also been criticized for several reasons, including:

Low pay.
Poor working conditions.
Its decision to reduce health insurance.

These criticisms have further fueled opposition to its entry into New York City.

How Much Would A New Yorker Spend If There Were Walmarts In New York City?

If there were Walmart stores in New York, you probably want to know how much you would spend per visit. Generally, a typical Walmart shopper spends around $50 per trip.

According to data released by the analytics firm Numerator, the typical Walmart shopper spends about $54 every time they go to Walmart. The data revealed that this customer goes to Walmart approximately 63 times per year. And every time the shopper visits Walmart, they pick 13 products in total.

Does Walmart Deliver To New York City?

Yes, Walmart does deliver to different parts of New York City. Recently, the company partnered with a grocery delivery service, Instacart, to make deliveries to New York City customers. However, not all New Yorkers get to enjoy the convenience of Walmart's delivery services. Currently, Walmart delivery through Instacart is only available in Brooklyn, the Bronx, and Queens.

How Does Walmart Deliver Via Instacart Works?

If you are thinking of ordering products using Walmart Instacart delivery, here's how to go about it:

Go to the Instacart website or download the Instacart app.
Next, sign up for an Instacart account. If you have one, just log in.
Enter your ZIP code
Once on the platform, shop for your desired products from a Walmart near you.
Add your delivery address and payment details. And place your order.
After you've placed your order, Instacart will connect you to one of their shoppers in your area.
The Instacart shopper will collect the items from the Walmart store.
The shopper will then deliver the order to your doorstep.

How Much Does Walmart Charge For Instacart in New York City?

When it comes to ordering groceries online, New Yorkers get to enjoy the convenience of having their products delivered to their doorstep. However, as a shopper, you need to keep in mind that online deliveries come with extra charges, including:

Delivery fees.
Service fees.

When you order groceries via Instacart in New York City, you need to pay Instacart a delivery fee of $3.99, along with a service fee of at least 5%.

Which Walmarts Are Closest To New York City?

There are numerous Walmart locations near New York City. They include:

Secaucus: The closest Walmart to New York City is the Walmart Supercenter in Secaucus, New Jersey. It is located just about 9 miles from the city.
North Bergen: You can also find a Walmart Supercenter in North Bergen, New Jersey. It is located only 10.5 miles away.
Bayonne: Another one is located in Bayonne, NJ, just 11.1 miles from New York City.
Valley Stream: Another Walmart Supercenter is in Valley Stream, New York. It is located only 21.2 miles from New York City.

What Grocery Chains Are There In New York City?

If you are new to New York City and are looking for a shopping experience similar to Walmart's, you must be wondering whether there are other shops in the city. Yes, there are other popular grocery chains in NYC. They include:

Target.
Sears.
K-Mart.
Best Buy.

Even though these stores don't focus on nonessentials like Walmart, you'll definitely find all the necessary items you may need.

Do Walmart Competitors Have A Positive Reputation In New York City?

Walmart competitors like Target have actually managed to create a positive reputation in New York. The chains' purposeful advertising campaigns and their commitment to supporting charitable organizations have greatly contributed to this favorable perception.

Are There Other Cities In The United States With No Walmart Stores?

New York City is not the only city that has zero Walmart stores in the US. Other cities that do not have a Walmart include:

San Francisco.
Boston.
Detroit.
Seattle.

Like New York, these cities see Walmart as a potential threat to their local businesses. This is because Walmart is a massive company that provides an extensive array of products at competitive prices. Walmart mostly caters to families in suburban areas as they often prefer to do their grocery shopping in bulk. However, New York City and the others have significant populations of young professionals and millennials who have different shopping preferences.

Bottom Line

Despite New York City being the largest city in the US, you won't find any Walmart stores. The company has made attempts to open at least one store in NYC. However, their numerous attempts have been blocked by the local community, who view Walmart as a threat to local businesses.

If you wish to shop at Walmart, you'll be pleased to know that Walmart does deliver to New York City customers through its partnership with Instacart. By using Instacart app or website, you can access Walmart's products. And have them delivered to your home.