At the very least, everyone seemed to agree that it’s the best bet right now for Pullman and Roseland.
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“We are writing a new chapter in Pullman,” Emanuel declared. “This is a great day.”
Beale initially flirted with various manufacturers, though it became clear that a big-box retailer would be an easier draw. He thought Ikea might be interested. Nothing came of it. He turned to Walmart.
The new store didn’t come for free. More than $37 million in city, state, and federal tax money has been committed to redeveloping the old Ryerson site, including $11 million in tax increment financing funds. That’s essentially a subsidy for Walmart, the largest corporation in the world.
He wasn’t the only one full of zeal. Dozens of new employees—mostly young African-Americans, all wearing matching blue shirts and khakis—were literally leading cheers for Walmart.
