Wal-Mart plans to begin building a store on Georgia Avenue NW next month, and with construction already under way on its store off North Capitol Street, the retailer could open its first two District stores by the end of next year.
Since announcing in late 2010 that it planned to open four stores in the District, the chain has had to temper its expectations. The original time line of opening four by the end of 2012 quickly proved unrealistic, and Wal-Mart acknowledged delays in the spring.
Although the retailer has faced some opposition from community leaders and residents upset about its management practices, Wal-Mart spokesman Steven Restivo attributed the delays to the complexity of the mixed-use projects where its stores will locate. Unlike the chain’s sites in many rural areas, all but the Georgia Avenue project in D.C. are part of mixed-use developments, and none are owned by Wal-Mart.
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