Neighborhood Walmart Opens on Main Street Today

Dunedin's new Walmart officially opens its doors to the neighborhood today.

The Walmart Neighborhood Market offers 34,000 square feet of “low-cost groceries, prescriptions and household products,” Walmart announced on Oct 12.

The 24-hour store opens with a cake and ribbon cutting ceremony at 7:30 a.m. The store officially opens at 8 a.m.

The 2120 Main St location is on the edge of town in Coastal Plaza (near Belcher Road), about two miles from Dunedin's downtown business sector. It will employ about 90 people, Walmart announced.

The new store features:

• Full line of groceries, including fresh produce, meat and dairy products and organic items,
• A to-go deli and bakery,
• A drive-up pharmacy, and
• A digital photo station.

"I'd rather make my purchases from the small local business man ..." Mary Anne Ellis commented on Dunedin Patch's Facebook page. "I think it's kinda sad that Dunedin has allowed Walmart to move in. The small town atmosphere and small town businesses are what make Dunedin such a beautiful place. We should not bring in these large corporations into this lovely community."

Others responded more enthusiastically.

"I can't wait!!!!" commented Veronica Shaner.

Store manager Dan Robison remarked to Dunedin Patch at a chamber of commerce event in August that the business community has embraced Walmart. Robinson joined the company in Tampa in 2002.

The company also has plans for a Walmart Supercenter at S Belcher Road and Gulf to Bay Boulevard in Clearwater.