Walmart's Big Apple plans on website

NEW YORK — Start spreading the news: Walmart wants to be a part of it — New York, N.Y. Though the retailer's desire to enter the city is nothing new, its latest push shows that attitudes toward the retailer opening stores in New York City are changing — in Walmart's favor.

The company recently launched WalmartNYC.com, a "community forum for customers, associates, stakeholders and public officials who want to learn more about Walmart as it continues to evaluate opportunities across the city," according to a company press release.

Walmart launched the site following a study by Douglas E. Schoen that showed 71% of New Yorkers surveyed favored Walmart coming to the city, and in the last year alone, city residents spent more than $165 million at Walmart stores outside the five boroughs.

“We know that job creation and access to affordable food are significant needs in the city, and we think our stores can be part of the solution,” said Steven Restivo, director of community affairs for Walmart. “At the same time, we know New Yorkers overwhelmingly support Walmart, so we’re using social media to listen to the conversation, tell our story and give our supporters a voice.”

Featuring media coverage, footage of Walmart shoppers from New York and facts and figures about the company, WalmartNYC.com will be a place for New Yorkers to learn more about Walmart and how they can help bring the retailer to the city, the company reported.

Walmart said that in February, it plans to set up informational kiosks at local stores in Secaucus and North Bergen, N.J., as well as Valley Stream, N.Y., to promote the new site.