By Elizabeth Ladzinski
DNAinfo Reporter/Producer
MANHATTAN — Despite massive opposition to retail giant Walmart's plans to open a city store, a Quinnipiac University poll claims the majority of New Yorkers say they'd shop there.
"The results affirm what we have been hearing for months: New Yorkers want Walmart," said Steven Restivo, Director of Community Affairs for Walmart, of the poll results.
The majority of New York City residents questioned (68 percent) say that they would shop at a Walmart in the city if it was convenient, according to the poll.
Sixty-three percent acknowledged that Walmart can be tough on its employees and on its mom-and-pop competitors, but said they would shop there anyway.
"With too many communities living with double-digit unemployment and limited access to affordable groceries, we continue to evaluate local opportunities that will allow us to do what we do best: open stores, create jobs, stimulate economic development and lower the cost of living for customers," Restivo said.
The poll results come over a month after the retail giant boycotted a City Council hearing, "When Walmart Comes to Town: The Effect on Small Businesses and Communities," designed to study the possible impact of opening the store.
Walmart has been considering East Harlem— already home to competitors like Target and Costco — and Ladies Mile, the landmarked retail strip on Sixth Avenue between 15th and 24th streets, as a possibility for the new location.
Jill Colvin contributed reporting.
