Do we need another Walmart on 466 in Lady Lake?

[Rainger99]

There are reports that another Walmart Neighborhood Market is going to be built at the intersection of 466 and Sumter County Road 100 in Lady Lake. This is only about 5 miles from the Walmart Neighborhood Market off 466A and about 7 miles from the Walmart Supercenter in Leesburg.

There seems to be lots of shopping choices north of 466A - there are numerous Walmart and Aldi stores and several Winn-Dixie stores.

I would think there would be a huge demand for a Walmart or Aldi south of 44 and north of the Turnpike. At the present time, our only option is Villages Grown at Sawgrass. A discount grocery store would have a monopoly in this area.

[Bill14564]

There are reports that another Walmart Neighborhood Market is going to be built at the intersection of 466 and Sumter County Road 100 in Lady Lake. This is only about 5 miles from the Walmart Neighborhood Market off 466A and about 7 miles from the Walmart Supercenter in Leesburg.

There seems to be lots of shopping choices north of 466A - there are numerous Walmart and Aldi stores and several Winn-Dixie stores.

I would think there would be a huge demand for a Walmart or Aldi south of 44 and north of the Turnpike. At the present time, our only option is Villages Grown at Sawgrass. A discount grocery store would have a monopoly in this area.

To save on space:
- You neglected to mention the Publix stores both north of 44 and the one South of 44
- If distance between stores matters, how far would a store south of 44 be from the existing Publix? Three and one half miles from Publix would get you past Sawgrass and into (or close to) Newell, right?
- The Aldis and the proposed Walmart are not on Villages property. Where is there non-Villages property south of 44 to put a new store?
- South of 44 and north of the Turnpike is pretty close to three Publix stores and not that far from the Neighborhood Market. There may be a demand but is there a true need?

It is at least possible that Aldis, Walmart, and Winn-Dixie don't see a customer base south of 44 that is close enough to available land. I have to imagine there have been discussions with the Villages about building on Villages property. Perhaps the terms haven't been desirable to those stores. Again, note that Aldis are not on Villages property and neither will be the proposed Walmart.

[JohnN]

"Do we need another Walmart on 466 in Lady Lake?"

Apparently Walmart thinks so, and so shall it be.

[Garywt]

There are about 8 Publix stores and 4 Winn Dixie’s so why not 2 Walmart Neighborhood stores. Too bad that area doesn’t have golf cart access like the shopping up north. There is a gate up north allowing you into the parking lots and it is too bad it isn’t the same on 466. I am sure the stores will do fine without the golf carts but it would be nice.

[Rainger99]

- You neglected to mention the Publix stores both north of 44 and the one South of 44
- If distance between stores matters, how far would a store south of 44 be from the existing Publix? Three and one half miles from Publix would get you past Sawgrass and into (or close to) Newell, right?
- The Aldis and the proposed Walmart are not on Villages property. Where is there non-Villages property south of 44 to put a new store?
- South of 44 and north of the Turnpike is pretty close to three Publix stores and not that far from the Neighborhood Market. There may be a demand but is there a true need?
.

I specifically referred to Walmart and Aldi. I did not mention Publix because Publix, (except for BOGO) has significantly higher prices than Aldi or Walmart.

As for distance between stores, there is an Aldi and a Publix about a quarter mile from each other in Trailwinds Village off 466A. Both seem to be doing quite well. Just like there is a Burger King, a Wendy's, a Taco Bell, and a Culver's very close to each other in that area.

Walmart and Aldi are more affordable than Publix.

According to this article, the five lowest priced grocery stores with quality merchandise in Florida are

Walmart, Aldi, Winn-Dixie, Target, and Freshfields Farm.

Cheap Grocery Stores In Florida 2022 (Top 5) - Heaven Taste (https://heaventaste.org/cheap-grocery-stores-in-florida-2022/)

I am sure there would be a demand. Not sure what you mean by true need. The Villages would survive with far fewer grocery stores in the Villages just as we could survive with 20 executive courses and 3 Championship courses.

[Bill14564]

I specifically referred to Walmart and Aldi. I did not mention Publix because Publix, (except for BOGO) has significantly higher prices than Aldi or Walmart.

As for distance between stores, there is an Aldi and a Publix about a quarter mile from each other in Trailwinds Village off 466A. Both seem to be doing quite well. Just like there is a Burger King, a Wendy's, a Taco Bell, and a Culver's very close to each other in that area.

Walmart and Aldi are more affordable than Publix.

According to this article, the five lowest priced grocery stores with quality merchandise in Florida are

Walmart, Aldi, Winn-Dixie, Target, and Freshfields Farm.

Cheap Grocery Stores In Florida 2022 (Top 5) - Heaven Taste (https://heaventaste.org/cheap-grocery-stores-in-florida-2022/)

I am sure there would be a demand. Not sure what you mean by true need. The Villages would survive with far fewer grocery stores in the Villages just as we could survive with 20 executive courses and 3 Championship courses.

So the concern isn't whether there is a need for a Neighborhood Market on 466 in Lady Lake and the concern isn't whether the folks south of 44 can get food. The concern is whether there is your preferred grocery store close enough to you and why do the 466 people have something you don't.

I'm sure it was Walmart that decided the new development would bring the customers the store will need and that the land was affordable. *Perhaps* there is no affordable land south of 44 in a location they felt would attract a customer base large enough. Yes, some Villagers would go to the market but not all of them and even fewer if it wasn't golf cart accessible. Maybe, in their estimation, those Villagers would not be enough and there are no other customers nearby.

Demand vs need. What I meant was sure, people way they want an Aldi and a Neighborhood Market and some would want a Winn-Dixie and you also mentioned Target. There can be a demand for those stores but with the Publix there is no need for another store - you *can* get groceries without them. You *want* those other stores but as long as there are other options the customer base will be shared between them. Walmart, Winn-Dixie, Aldi may be trying to determine if one of their stores can be successful with that divided customer base.

[asianthree]

OP has to drive 10 minutes to their preferred grocery, and is unhappy.OP you do know one can order groceries and someone drops in at your front door, no driving involved

I sent a note to corporate and asked for NW to be built at 466 and CR100, guess they liked my need over others :girlneener:

We drive over an hour to Gainesville for our preference in grocery, yet not complaining. It would be nice to go weekly, but I make do with what make me happy. Don’t expect someone to make my life easier, one has to find your own way

[Babubhat]

The volume of sales in the area says yes. Not complicated

[Pairadocs]

"Do we need another Walmart on 466 in Lady Lake?"

Apparently Walmart thinks so, and so shall it be.

Relative works in location planning and land acquisition for the leading (won't mention) wholesale club. Have had many interesting conversations concerning the process of all such huge chains. Believe me, he has convinced me that such corporations know exactly what is needed and where ! You might be shocked (or maybe not ?) that it goes far beyond just population concentration. They analyze every conceivable aspect of every app on your phone, not just the Walmart app (if you have one); the types of items you buy, how often, how far you drive to get them, as well volume of the existing Walmarts and all the other similar retailers. It is absolutely amazing the data available to run various analysis programs to make size, location, etc. decisions !

[Pairadocs]

OP has to drive 10 minutes to their preferred grocery, and is unhappy.

I sent a note to corporate and asked for NW to be built at 466 and CR100, guess they liked my need over others :girlneener:

We drive over an hour to Gainesville for our preference in grocery, yet not complaining. It would be nice to go weekly, but I make do with what make me happy. Don’t expect someone to make my life easier, one has to find your own way


LOL ! Must be another Trader Joe's devotee like myself ? LOL !

[Normal]

There are reports that another Walmart Neighborhood Market is going to be built at the intersection of 466 and Sumter County Road 100 in Lady Lake. This is only about 5 miles from the Walmart Neighborhood Market off 466A and about 7 miles from the Walmart Supercenter in Leesburg.

There seems to be lots of shopping choices north of 466A - there are numerous Walmart and Aldi stores and several Winn-Dixie stores.

I would think there would be a huge demand for a Walmart or Aldi south of 44 and north of the Turnpike. At the present time, our only option is Villages Grown at Sawgrass. A discount grocery store would have a monopoly in this area.


44 is wide open for development, and it will be developed. It isn’t owned by The Villages and is ripe for commercial development.

[Papa_lecki]

I am sure there would be a demand. Not sure what you mean by true need. The Villages would survive with far fewer grocery stores in the Villages just as we could survive with 20 executive courses and 3 Championship courses.

Walmart’s real estate and market evaluation group doesn’t think so.
They think north of 466 is a better spot.

[MSchad]

There are reports that another Walmart Neighborhood Market is going to be built at the intersection of 466 and Sumter County Road 100 in Lady Lake. This is only about 5 miles from the Walmart Neighborhood Market off 466A and about 7 miles from the Walmart Supercenter in Leesburg.

There seems to be lots of shopping choices north of 466A - there are numerous Walmart and Aldi stores and several Winn-Dixie stores.

I would think there would be a huge demand for a Walmart or Aldi south of 44 and north of the Turnpike. At the present time, our only option is Villages Grown at Sawgrass. A discount grocery store would have a monopoly in this area.

So lobby those stores to build in the area and convince them their current marketing demographics and strategies are incorrect.

[Garywt]

It bothers me because I live in the area where there are no discount grocery stores. And not much of anything else. Other than in the new areas, most people in the Villages, are probably within 3-5 miles of either an Aldi or a Walmart. If I need something, I have to either shop at Publix or drive about 10 miles to get to the nearest Aldi. Also, they are putting a new Home Depot about a half mile from the Lowes and they are are putting in a new Target store up on 466A.

Grocery stores: Who has the best prices on the basics? (https://www.wptv.com/lifestyle/taste-and-see/grocery-stores-who-has-the-best-prices-on-the-basics-in-south-florida)

According to the survey, they bought six basic grocery items including whole milk, eggs, white bread, apples, bacon and orange juice. Aldi prices were the cheapest. Publix was the most expensive. If you shopped at Aldi, you would save $5.49 on those items.

People in the northern part of the Villages are complaining about how busy the traffic is up north. That is because they keep building new stores in the north and are not building much down south - so if we want to shop, we have to go up north and buy food and other items. If they build 8000 homes in Middleton, I would think that most of the workers would want a low priced grocery store without having to drive 10 miles or so to get to the Aldi in Trailwinds or the Walmart Neighborhood store in Colony.

People keep saying that the stores will come. The customers are already here.

We do most of our shopping at Publix because it is closest. On occasion we go to Winn Dixie or over to Walmart near Moyer Loop. The one Aldi I can get to is old and not knowing most of the brands and not believing I could get everything we needed, we do not shop there. There are plenty of shopping all over the Villages and if they open a store outside the Villages then so be it.

[MrChip72]

Relative works in location planning and land acquisition for the leading (won't mention) wholesale club. Have had many interesting conversations concerning the process of all such huge chains. Believe me, he has convinced me that such corporations know exactly what is needed and where ! You might be shocked (or maybe not ?) that it goes far beyond just population concentration. They analyze every conceivable aspect of every app on your phone, not just the Walmart app (if you have one); the types of items you buy, how often, how far you drive to get them, as well volume of the existing Walmarts and all the other similar retailers. It is absolutely amazing the data available to run various analysis programs to make size, location, etc. decisions !

Yes, it's called analytics. This is how the modern successful chains always seem to put their stores in locations sometimes before you even notice that you need them. McDonalds has done a great job with that in TV, especially south of 44. Some other chains mainly target medium-high income individuals like Costco and Trader Joe's, which is why you sometimes have some larger cities with neither of these in them.

[Nucky]

When we did food shopping in the store a long time ago we preferred The Neighborhood Walmart. At that time it was just eight miles from our house in the Historic Section. Nice ride, beautiful store until the cashiers disappeared after eight PM. They NEVER screwed up an online order at this store until so many others found out about how great the store was. I won’t shop at the larger Walmart Stores anymore because of the aggravation of the order being wrong. Bring on this Neighborhood Market and even a few more. They are the best to save a couple of bucks in our opinions. More is better cause Da Villages ain’t getting smaller.

[Pgcacace]

There are many non-village residents near that location and the future plans in that area include a large housing development. It will be a great convenience for them. Myself included. La Zamora/ Chula Vista residents will enjoy it also. There are 2 restaurants going in there also.

[Dsritchey]

There is commercial land at the corner of Meggison and Warm Springs available for sale but nothing is being built there.

To save on space:
- You neglected to mention the Publix stores both north of 44 and the one South of 44
- If distance between stores matters, how far would a store south of 44 be from the existing Publix? Three and one half miles from Publix would get you past Sawgrass and into (or close to) Newell, right?
- The Aldis and the proposed Walmart are not on Villages property. Where is there non-Villages property south of 44 to put a new store?
- South of 44 and north of the Turnpike is pretty close to three Publix stores and not that far from the Neighborhood Market. There may be a demand but is there a true need?

It is at least possible that Aldis, Walmart, and Winn-Dixie don't see a customer base south of 44 that is close enough to available land. I have to imagine there have been discussions with the Villages about building on Villages property. Perhaps the terms haven't been desirable to those stores. Again, note that Aldis are not on Villages property and neither will be the proposed Walmart.

[Remembergoldenrule]

It bothers me because I live in the area where there are no discount grocery stores. And not much of anything else. Other than in the new areas, most people in the Villages, are probably within 3-5 miles of either an Aldi or a Walmart. If I need something, I have to either shop at Publix or drive about 10 miles to get to the nearest Aldi. Also, they are putting a new Home Depot about a half mile from the Lowes and they are are putting in a new Target store up on 466A.

Grocery stores: Who has the best prices on the basics? (https://www.wptv.com/lifestyle/taste-and-see/grocery-stores-who-has-the-best-prices-on-the-basics-in-south-florida)

According to the survey, they bought six basic grocery items including whole milk, eggs, white bread, apples, bacon and orange juice. Aldi prices were the cheapest. Publix was the most expensive. If you shopped at Aldi, you would save $5.49 on those items.

People in the northern part of the Villages are complaining about how busy the traffic is up north. That is because they keep building new stores in the north and are not building much down south - so if we want to shop, we have to go up north and buy food and other items. If they build 8000 homes in Middleton, I would think that most of the workers would want a low priced grocery store without having to drive 10 miles or so to get to the Aldi in Trailwinds or the Walmart Neighborhood store in Colony.

People keep saying that the stores will come. The customers are already here.
The problem below 44 is employees. No one lives down there except retired people. Working age is not willing to commute 1 hour or more for minimum wage type job. Second problem is increased cost to transport goods to store down there with gas prices. Remember no gas stations to fill up trucks to get to another stop or return to base.

[Sgt Ed]

There are reports that another Walmart Neighborhood Market is going to be built at the intersection of 466 and Sumter County Road 100 in Lady Lake. This is only about 5 miles from the Walmart Neighborhood Market off 466A and about 7 miles from the Walmart Supercenter in Leesburg.

There seems to be lots of shopping choices north of 466A - there are numerous Walmart and Aldi stores and several Winn-Dixie stores.

I would think there would be a huge demand for a Walmart or Aldi south of 44 and north of the Turnpike. At the present time, our only option is Villages Grown at Sawgrass. A discount grocery store would have a monopoly in this area. Hey, thats Wally Worlds problem. They put them up where they think they will make money. No sales they will be gone in a flash.

[Bill14564]

There is commercial land at the corner of Meggison and Warm Springs available for sale but nothing is being built there.

Really? The Villages owns everything else in the area but there is a commercial site that they do not own? Or they do own it but are willing to sell it and give up control over what is put there?

[NotGolfer]

I've lived here since 2009 but before that...maybe before SS was created the folks in the "historic area" and perhaps in the early SS area had to shop in Leesburg or Ocala. I don't know if they complained but that's how things were then. Also medical care was that same thing. We have friends who moved into a planned community up near Jacksonville about the same time we moved here. They had to drive about 30 minutes back then to shop etc. I don't think the folks in the southern part of T.V. are suffering too much. They knew when they bought there what the "lay of the land" was. Think of the excitement though, as they get their desired commerce etc. It will eventually come!!

[MSGirl]

There is a proposal for another Winn-Dixie to be located at 466A and Micro Racetrack. Also not Villages property

[mntlblok]

I've lived here since 2009 but before that...maybe before SS was created the folks in the "historic area" and perhaps in the early SS area had to shop in Leesburg or Ocala. I don't know if they complained but that's how things were then. Also medical care was that same thing. We have friends who moved into a planned community up near Jacksonville about the same time we moved here. They had to drive about 30 minutes back then to shop etc. I don't think the folks in the southern part of T.V. are suffering too much. They knew when they bought there what the "lay of the land" was. Think of the excitement though, as they get their desired commerce etc. It will eventually come!!

Been meaning to look into that idiom for some time, now. Looks like you'd have to be British in order to go for "lie of the land". :-)

[Regorp]

There are reports that another Walmart Neighborhood Market is going to be built at the intersection of 466 and Sumter County Road 100 in Lady Lake. This is only about 5 miles from the Walmart Neighborhood Market off 466A and about 7 miles from the Walmart Supercenter in Leesburg.

There seems to be lots of shopping choices north of 466A - there are numerous Walmart and Aldi stores and several Winn-Dixie stores.

I would think there would be a huge demand for a Walmart or Aldi south of 44 and north of the Turnpike. At the present time, our only option is Villages Grown at Sawgrass. A discount grocery store would have a monopoly in this area.

What makes the most sense would be somewhere southeast heading towards the new areas around Newell and Eastport/Middleton. Perhaps at the junction of 470 and Marsh Bend Trail. The add a pharmacy, Dunkin, and 7eleven.

[MrFlorida]

I'd rather see a Walmart than apartments.

[cjrjck]

I've seen it many times in the various places I lived. The amenities are often slow to come to newly populated areas. Walmart, for instance, is probably as good at forward projecting as any major chain, but expect at least a 5 year or more gap between the time a need arises or is perceived by the residents as existing and the time a store actually opens for business. It has been my experience, though, that once one big chain moves in others will follow quickly. I often think Lowes just waits for Walmart to figure it out and then builds a store near them.

[Bea&Mike]

There are reports that another Walmart Neighborhood Market is going to be built at the intersection of 466 and Sumter County Road 100 in Lady Lake. This is only about 5 miles from the Walmart Neighborhood Market off 466A and about 7 miles from the Walmart Supercenter in Leesburg.

There seems to be lots of shopping choices north of 466A - there are numerous Walmart and Aldi stores and several Winn-Dixie stores.

I would think there would be a huge demand for a Walmart or Aldi south of 44 and north of the Turnpike. At the present time, our only option is Villages Grown at Sawgrass. A discount grocery store would have a monopoly in this area.

We need one over here on 44 Wildwood close to Brownwood area if any Walmart to be built.

[Karmanng]

AGREe I feel that they are putting in too many golf course which means more water usage on top of that. NOT everyone plays golf or everyday either

[JMintzer]

AGREe I feel that they are putting in too many golf course which means more water usage on top of that. NOT everyone plays golf or everyday either

So, you moved into a community that is KNOWN for it's golf access and then complain that there are too many golf courses?

[Bill14564]

So, you moved into a community that is KNOWN for it's golf access and then complain that there are too many golf courses?

And in an area where others complain there are too few golf courses.

[JMintzer]

And in an area where others complain there are too few golf courses.

I was going to mention that, but figured it was a lost cause...

[Pugchief]

why did you move way south? It will take time for the are to grow.

^This. The appeal of new construction has to be weighed against the detractors. The lack of shopping, the Turnpike, no town square, etc.

As far as Walmart goes, it would make more sense in my opinion to staff the existing stores properly before trying to find employees to staff new stores. Checking out of the one in Colony can take 20+ minutes mid day, which is unacceptable. But they no doubt know what they are doing for their bottom line.

[asianthree]

There is commercial land at the corner of Meggison and Warm Springs available for sale but nothing is being built there.

Really? The Villages owns everything else in the area but there is a commercial site that they do not own? Or they do own it but are willing to sell it and give up control over what is put there?

I hope that land sits empty for a very long time. I am very happy to drive to Gainesville for TJ’s and Whole Foods, KK donuts, lunch at PF or CheeseCake. So hour and five each way, half tank of gas, and hopefully Buccee’s will be done within a year, to round out the trip. What I don’t buy at those places a very nice person in a blue truck drops off the rest of my groceries at my door.

[Rainger99]

What makes the most sense would be somewhere southeast heading towards the new areas around Newell and Eastport/Middleton. Perhaps at the junction of 470 and Marsh Bend Trail. The add a pharmacy, Dunkin, and 7eleven.

The Villages renamed 470 to Central Parkway because it was supposed to be in the center of the Villages in a few years. If that turns out to be true, I would hope that the stores would start building right away. The people are already there. There seems to be undeveloped land near 470 and the Turnpike. It would get existing customers from Warm Springs south, Turnpike traffic, and future customers from Middletown and Eastport.

[Defined]

Not to ruffle your feathers anymore then they are but there is also another full service Walmart with a medical clinic coming to Wildwood !

[tophcfa]

Great news, the check out lines at the other Walmarts are getting way too long and word has it that Wallyworld figured everyone already has to drive north anyways to play golf : )

[John Mayes]

There are reports that another Walmart Neighborhood Market is going to be built at the intersection of 466 and Sumter County Road 100 in Lady Lake. This is only about 5 miles from the Walmart Neighborhood Market off 466A and about 7 miles from the Walmart Supercenter in Leesburg.

There seems to be lots of shopping choices north of 466A - there are numerous Walmart and Aldi stores and several Winn-Dixie stores.

I would think there would be a huge demand for a Walmart or Aldi south of 44 and north of the Turnpike. At the present time, our only option is Villages Grown at Sawgrass. A discount grocery store would have a monopoly in this area.

Personally, and I may be in the minority with my feelings, I am very glad that Walmart is not anywhere close to where I live. I don’t shop at Walmart and would hate the thought of living close to one. When we moved to TV, we wanted to move to the new areas south of 44 specifically to be away from the congestion and big box stores. I know in time, more businesses will locate down this way, (when it makes business sense), but I’m fine if that’s a long ways off.

Again, personal opinion.

On the other hand, I would be very happy if a GOOD steak restaurant decided to build close by.

[Southwest737]

Less Dollar Generals and more Walmarts.

[Papa_lecki]

AGREe I feel that they are putting in too many golf course which means more water usage on top of that. NOT everyone plays golf or everyday either

There are also too many people older than 55 in The Villages.

[Battlebasset]

More shopping options are better than fewer options. Bring it on.

[GizmoWhiskers]

There are reports that another Walmart Neighborhood Market is going to be built at the intersection of 466 and Sumter County Road 100 in Lady Lake. This is only about 5 miles from the Walmart Neighborhood Market off 466A and about 7 miles from the Walmart Supercenter in Leesburg.

There seems to be lots of shopping choices north of 466A - there are numerous Walmart and Aldi stores and several Winn-Dixie stores.

I would think there would be a huge demand for a Walmart or Aldi south of 44 and north of the Turnpike. At the present time, our only option is Villages Grown at Sawgrass. A discount grocery store would have a monopoly in this area.
You would think!

[Sandy and Ed]

There are reports that another Walmart Neighborhood Market is going to be built at the intersection of 466 and Sumter County Road 100 in Lady Lake. This is only about 5 miles from the Walmart Neighborhood Market off 466A and about 7 miles from the Walmart Supercenter in Leesburg.

There seems to be lots of shopping choices north of 466A - there are numerous Walmart and Aldi stores and several Winn-Dixie stores.

I would think there would be a huge demand for a Walmart or Aldi south of 44 and north of the Turnpike. At the present time, our only option is Villages Grown at Sawgrass. A discount grocery store would have a monopoly in this area.
Several W-D’s?? Where? I only know of two here. Multiple Publix however.

[Sandy and Ed]

I'd rather see a Walmart than apartments. Nice golf courses and beautiful scenery vs shopping malls or sterile apartment buildings? I’ll take the former, thank you. We have plenty of places to shop

[Rainger99]

Several W-D’s?? Where? I only know of two here. Multiple Publix however.

There are WD in Spanish Springs, Lake Sumter, and Pinellas.

[skippy05]

The only solution is for you to sell your home and buy again in The Villages on the north side. Admit the developer scammed you into buying where he reserved almost zero land for stores and reserves all of it for houses.

[LucyP]

This location area is getting build up with new homes developments non TV but there some Villages near location. Be like round 3 for me closer then other Walmarts.
There is land to be developed non TV owned. Some stores will not build on TV land. Rent high and probably some profits from sales.

[champion6]

Not to ruffle your feathers anymore then they are but there is also another full service Walmart with a medical clinic coming to Wildwood !Oh, really? Specific location? Your source of this information? ... because you are ruffling feathers.

[Babubhat]

It’s the wrong question. Walmart data analytics says the market will support the store.

[Shadow8IA]

When The Villages announced Central Parkway in a video last winter they said it would be the center of the newer areas. It’s not going to be the center of The Villages.


The Villages renamed 470 to Central Parkway because it was supposed to be in the center of the Villages in a few years. If that turns out to be true, I would hope that the stores would start building right away. The people are already there. There seems to be undeveloped land near 470 and the Turnpike. It would get existing customers from Warm Springs south, Turnpike traffic, and future customers from Middletown and Eastport.

[coffeebean]

OP has to drive 10 minutes to their preferred grocery, and is unhappy.OP you do know one can order groceries and someone drops in at your front door, no driving involved

I sent a note to corporate and asked for NW to be built at 466 and CR100, guess they liked my need over others :girlneener:

We drive over an hour to Gainesville for our preference in grocery, yet not complaining. It would be nice to go weekly, but I make do with what make me happy. Don’t expect someone to make my life easier, one has to find your own way

I re-read the OP post and it what was said is it is 10 miles, not 10 minutes. I hate to say it but those who purchased down south must have known there is very little in the way of restaurants, grocery stores, and all sorts of retail down there. People must check out the area before purchasing if you want instant gratification. Who knows if the south will ever have the amount of retail stores and restaurants as the north does. At least those stores are dotting 466A more these days. That is a lot closer than 441.

[coffeebean]

Relative works in location planning and land acquisition for the leading (won't mention) wholesale club. Have had many interesting conversations concerning the process of all such huge chains. Believe me, he has convinced me that such corporations know exactly what is needed and where ! You might be shocked (or maybe not ?) that it goes far beyond just population concentration. They analyze every conceivable aspect of every app on your phone, not just the Walmart app (if you have one); the types of items you buy, how often, how far you drive to get them, as well volume of the existing Walmarts and all the other similar retailers. It is absolutely amazing the data available to run various analysis programs to make size, location, etc. decisions !

Are you referring to Costco? I assume by your post that we will not have a Costco close to The Villages any time soon. :(

[coffeebean]

And in an area where others complain there are too few golf courses.

That is what I keep reading too.......not enough golf courses in the south.

[coffeebean]

Not to ruffle your feathers anymore then they are but there is also another full service Walmart with a medical clinic coming to Wildwood !

Salt in the wound. OUCH!

[coffeebean]

Nice golf courses and beautiful scenery vs shopping malls or sterile apartment buildings? I’ll take the former, thank you. We have plenty of places to shop

You are right about that. But........I don't see any traffic or apartment buildings until I get on 466. That area for sure is busy but driving north on Morse Blvd to get there is nice and quiet and beautiful with rolling golf courses and very little traffic, even in the winter months.

[Michael 61]

I re-read the OP post and it what was said is it is 10 miles, not 10 minutes. I hate to say it but those who purchased down south must have known there is very little in the way of restaurants, grocery stores, and all sorts of retail down there. People must check out the area before purchasing if you want instant gratification. Who knows if the south will ever have the amount of retail stores and restaurants as the north does. At least those stores are dotting 466A more these days. That is a lot closer than 441.

I sure hope we don’t get all the retail congestion down here that is up north -Reason I bought sought of 44, and am very happy - to some of us, shopping is not our primary activity. I do as little shopping as possible, buying most everything online - A weekly Publix trip is usually about it.

[coffeebean]

I sure hope we don’t get all the retail congestion down here that is up north -Reason I bought sought of 44, and am very happy - to some of us, shopping is not our primary activity. I do as little shopping as possible, buying most everything online - A weekly Publix trip is usually about it.

Weekly trip to Publix? I wish I could do that. Hubby says they will get a search party for me if miss a couple of days going to that store. LOL.

[Michael 61]

Weekly trip to Publix? I wish I could do that. Hubby says they will get a search party for me if miss a couple of days going to that store. LOL.

😂😂- well I bet your produce is always very fresh

[MrFlorida]

I'd rather see a Walmart than another apartment complex.

[John Mayes]

I sure hope we don’t get all the retail congestion down here that is up north -Reason I bought sought of 44, and am very happy - to some of us, shopping is not our primary activity. I do as little shopping as possible, buying most everything online - A weekly Publix trip is usually about it.

Amen!

[justjim]

😂😂- well I bet your produce is always very fresh

Fresh produce and fresh meat/fish is why we like to visit a grocery three or more times a week. But to each his own.
OP, I believe, was not complaining as much as was “wishing” for more options. Absolutely nothing wrong with wishing and the options will be coming south of 44 in the future.

[asianthree]

I re-read the OP post and it what was said is it is 10 miles, not 10 minutes. I hate to say it but those who purchased down south must have known there is very little in the way of restaurants, grocery stores, and all sorts of retail down there. People must check out the area before purchasing if you want instant gratification. Who knows if the south will ever have the amount of retail stores and restaurants as the north does. At least those stores are dotting 466A more these days. That is a lot closer than 441.

Residents in the south are younger, savvy to online ordering for multitude of needs. Amazon and Krogers trucks are abundant here, why waste time at grocery when it comes to your door. My bananas just arrived, half ripe, as I specified, and very frozen Tilamook malted milk ice cream (nobody carries it in TV) Arrives at the time I choose, why waste my time and gas.

Plus many travel out of TV to eat dinner at great restaurants that just don’t exist here. Up north we would drive an hour for great restaurants, here 10 miles to great food is a bonus

Just had furniture delivered, unboxed and set up, about half of cost for the same at the furniture stores in TV.

No worries about the south, they would rather be doing fun stuff, gathering with neighbors, golfing groups, card games, happy hour and the pool, and driveway parties, than walking in a brick and mortar shop.

[coffeebean]

😂😂- well I bet your produce is always very fresh

Yes, it is.

[coffeebean]

Residents in the south are younger, savvy to online ordering for multitude of needs. Amazon and Krogers trucks are abundant here, why waste time at grocery when it comes to your door. My bananas just arrived, half ripe, as I specified, and very frozen Tilamook malted milk ice cream (nobody carries it in TV) Arrives at the time I choose, why waste my time and gas.

Plus many travel out of TV to eat dinner at great restaurants that just don’t exist here. Up north we would drive an hour for great restaurants, here 10 miles to great food is a bonus

Just had furniture delivered, unboxed and set up, about half of cost for the same at the furniture stores in TV.

No worries about the south, they would rather be doing fun stuff, gathering with neighbors, golfing groups, card games, happy hour and the pool, and driveway parties, than walking in a brick and mortar shop.

Very true about the age demographics in the south vs north. Having said that, my neighborhood in Mallory is turning over to some degree. Some younger folks are moving in so we are not all dinosaurs. LOL.

[John Mayes]

Very true about the age demographics in the south vs north. Having said that, my neighborhood in Mallory is turning over to some degree. Some younger folks are moving in so we are not all dinosaurs. LOL.

Lol!!!!

[Michael 61]

Residents in the south are younger, savvy to online ordering for multitude of needs. Amazon and Krogers trucks are abundant here, why waste time at grocery when it comes to your door. My bananas just arrived, half ripe, as I specified, and very frozen Tilamook malted milk ice cream (nobody carries it in TV) Arrives at the time I choose, why waste my time and gas.

Plus many travel out of TV to eat dinner at great restaurants that just don’t exist here. Up north we would drive an hour for great restaurants, here 10 miles to great food is a bonus

Just had furniture delivered, unboxed and set up, about half of cost for the same at the furniture stores in TV.

No worries about the south, they would rather be doing fun stuff, gathering with neighbors, golfing groups, card games, happy hour and the pool, and driveway parties, than walking in a brick and mortar shop.

Yes, pretty good assessment of the demographics south of 44 - I just completely furnished my new home, buying all furniture sight unseen online - love it! This is something my parents and their generation would not probably feel comfortable doing (heck, I even bought my house here sight unseen).

I remember my grandparents would go to the mall as an outing, they loved to window shop. My generation and those coming up behind me would rather spend our time with people and doing things rather than shopping. I guess it’s good that those up north have their many shopping options close by, and I’m happy for them. It’s just not something myself and many of my neighbors really miss or need.

[asianthree]

Very true about the age demographics in the south vs north. Having said that, my neighborhood in Mallory is turning over to some degree. Some younger folks are moving in so we are not all dinosaurs. LOL.

That said looking at how large LSL area is it may take 15 to 20 years for turnaround of younger ages. SS maybe about 10 plus years.

Brownwood will age in place for many, many years.

Middleton Will mostly be on the younger side, due to families and younger grandparents who move to help out. So that new retail are could be forever young.

I will say our parents in their 80’s shopped online for years. Both detested people who took up space standing in the middle stuck to the floor. I can’t remember last time I took one of them to a mall, plus they no longer feel safe in those crowds. So those in their eighties are even progressing into the future

[Rainger99]

When The Villages announced Central Parkway in a video last winter they said it would be the center of the newer areas. It’s not going to be the center of The Villages.

The actual quote was "this was kind of centrally located in the whole of the villages, this is kind of the middle point so we renamed 470 Central Parkway."

Nothing about it being the center of the newer areas.

The quote is about at the 55 second mark of the video.

The Villages - Florida's Friendliest Active Adult 55+ Retirement Community (https://www.thevillages.com/whatsnew/continuing-the-dream/lifestyle-center-unveiled-and-new-businesses-coming-to-the-market-at-sawgrass)

[Bilyclub]

AGREe I feel that they are putting in too many golf course which means more water usage on top of that. NOT everyone plays golf or everyday either

Apparently you don't know how the irrigation systems work in TV, especially South of 466 or at the golf courses.

[Sabella]

Relative works in location planning and land acquisition for the leading (won't mention) wholesale club. Have had many interesting conversations concerning the process of all such huge chains. Believe me, he has convinced me that such corporations know exactly what is needed and where ! You might be shocked (or maybe not ?) that it goes far beyond just population concentration. They analyze every conceivable aspect of every app on your phone, not just the Walmart app (if you have one); the types of items you buy, how often, how far you drive to get them, as well volume of the existing Walmarts and all the other similar retailers. It is absolutely amazing the data available to run various analysis programs to make size, location, etc. decisions !. I recently inquired at the neighborhood Walmart opposite colony Plaza why Walmart did not build a superstore there instead of the smaller neighborhood market . I don’t know if it’s true, but the employee at the customer service desk told me that the villages would not allow Walmart to build a superstore there. Very interesting.

[Bilyclub]

. I recently inquired at the neighborhood Walmart opposite colony Plaza why Walmart did not build a superstore there instead of the smaller neighborhood market . I don’t know if it’s true, but the employee at the customer service desk told me that the villages would not allow Walmart to build a superstore there. Very interesting.

Even if the area between the current building and 466A was available there still wouldn't be enough room for a regular size Walmart. Power lines to the East and retention ponds and golf facilities to the West.

[Michael G.]

I'd rather see a Walmart than apartments.

And those people that work at Walmart are suppose to live where??

[MrFlorida]

And those people that work at Walmart are suppose to live where??
It's a free country, they can live anywhere they want....

[JSR22]

It's a free country, they can live anywhere they want....
The workers need local and affordable housing, which is why apartments are being built.

[Pairadocs]

"Do we need another Walmart on 466 in Lady Lake?"

Apparently Walmart thinks so, and so shall it be.

Totally agree, sometimes I smile at the numbers of discussions about things just like this. I am honestly surprised that quite a few people do not realize what goes into the decisions these huge chains, grocery or other, made concerning where they want to buy or lease land for another location ! Just like for 20 years now, "villagers" have "thought" they know exactly where Trader Joe's should built their next unit, and for 20 years, Trader Joe's has essentially said they do not need our "help" in their research and development department...LOL !

[Pairadocs]

The only solution is for you to sell your home and buy again in The Villages on the north side. Admit the developer scammed you into buying where he reserved almost zero land for stores and reserves all of it for houses.

Bravo ! Finally an honest, straight, answer Big chains KNOW what they are doing. Of course a few make mis-calculations and have to close...but few and far between when you think of all the units some of these have: WM, HD, McD's, Publix, etc. they know what they are doing and know WHY they are placing a new unit.

[Pairadocs]

It’s the wrong question. Walmart data analytics says the market will support the store.

BINGO ! I think many here just don't have any idea how such things a new unit are decided by giant corporations.

[Pairadocs]

I re-read the OP post and it what was said is it is 10 miles, not 10 minutes. I hate to say it but those who purchased down south must have known there is very little in the way of restaurants, grocery stores, and all sorts of retail down there. People must check out the area before purchasing if you want instant gratification. Who knows if the south will ever have the amount of retail stores and restaurants as the north does. At least those stores are dotting 466A more these days. That is a lot closer than 441.

It's interesting to observe how individuals view such things when considering their "dream retirement". I have relatives who came down, stayed a full week, thought everything here was really lovely, prices reasonable, property taxes very reasonable, and no state income tax, but why did they decide on a planned community in another state ? It was far less "commercial", had very few "chain" restaurants, but offered some one unit, locally owned, restaurants that specialized in Italian, Mexican, Barbecue, Asian, and others, have a locally owned hardware, and the 3 vets are NOT chain "vet in the box" offices, something important to them as they have two dogs. There is a non chain, non grocery store bakery inside their community and they love the idea that even the four super markets they had to chose from are only regional chains that have a few units in the surrounding area. They found their "retirement heaven", my cousin's hubby said, is "being a 30-40 minute drive to a home depot or Taco Bell, and making a trip to those types of place something we only do a 4-6 times a year".

That's their idea of retirement, escaping what we have here and what they lived in all their working lives, yet have all the personal and medical services they need. The just love the feeling of being in a "slightly" rural. setting, but they also realize it could turn into something like our community here ... it happens ! I asked what they'd do then, lol, and they said, just try to find something else built with amenities for retirees, but not like a bee hive city ! I think they will all become like The Villages bee hive eventually due to the way people are literally pouring into SOUTHERN planned retirement communities !

[asianthree]

The only solution is for you to sell your home and buy again in The Villages on the north side. Admit the developer scammed you into buying where he reserved almost zero land for stores and reserves all of it for houses.
OP I am guessing you thought your were scammed into buying, I am so sorry you choose poorly. Many of us have been here more than 10-20 plus years, and keep moving south.

Maybe a few residents could have been scammed, basically you putting them in a category of I can’t make a decision on my own, that I have to drive 10 minutes to a store. But I don’t think that happens often.

We moved from LSL, farther away, from those retail stores you covet so much. It’s apparent that there are empty properties to build on south of 44, yet they sit empty.

Many who are moving south to get away from the crazy ugly parking lots, and Hugh backs of buildings are so glad….those lot’s remain empty.

Needing that retail addition, is age based, the younger you are, the more you appreciate green space, are more than happy to drive to someone else’s area to keep it that way. Or we just thank Kroger and Amazon drivers for using their time and fuel.

[Rainger99]

Bravo ! Finally an honest, straight, answer Big chains KNOW what they are doing. Of course a few make mis-calculations and have to close...but few and far between when you think of all the units some of these have: WM, HD, McD's, Publix, etc. they know what they are doing and know WHY they are placing a new unit.

I appear to have less faith in big corporations than many other posters.

For those of you who think big corporations "KNOW what they are doing" please explain New Coke and Bud Light and Target.

The population south of 44 is probably 30,000 and that is before Eastport and Middleton. There are Walmart stores in much smaller towns. In fact, there is one in Bushnell which has a population of about 3,000.

What is the smallest town in the U.S. with a Wal-Mart? (home, college) - General U.S. - City-Data Forum (https://www.city-data.com/forum/general-u-s/1696781-what-smallest-town-u-s-wal.html)

inc.com (https://www.inc.com/peter-roesler/8-of-the-biggest-business-mistakes-in-history.html)

[Michael 61]

I appear to have less faith in big corporations than many other posters.

For those of you who think big corporations "KNOW what they are doing" please explain New Coke and Bud Light and Target.

The population south of 44 is probably 30,000 and that is before Eastport and Middleton. There are Walmart stores in much smaller towns. In fact, there is one in Bushnell which has a population of about 3,000.

What is the smallest town in the U.S. with a Wal-Mart? (home, college) - General U.S. - City-Data Forum (https://www.city-data.com/forum/general-u-s/1696781-what-smallest-town-u-s-wal.html)

inc.com (https://www.inc.com/peter-roesler/8-of-the-biggest-business-mistakes-in-history.html)

No! We don’t want a Wal Mart south of 44!

[Normal]

No! We don’t want a Wal Mart south of 44!

Actually Route 44 will be the next 466. 470 will also build out with retail and has been zoned for such. Give it time but, 466A Wildwood is already getting there.

[Michael 61]

Actually Route 44 will be the next 466. 470 will also build out with retail and has been zoned for such. Give it time but, 466A Wildwood is already getting there.

You are probably right - 466A is starting to fill in now - I can see 44 being wall-to-wall retail between Buena Vista and Morse 5-10 years from now. I’m just enjoying the lack of retail craziness while I can, though I would welcome a few non-chain restaurants to the south (a good N.Y. Pizza joint, a taqueria that also sells breakfast burritos, a pho restaurant, a good gyros place, etc.

[Two Bills]

Do we need another Walmart.

My favorite Tina Turner song.

[Rainger99]

You are probably right - 466A is starting to fill in now - I can see 44 being wall-to-wall retail between Buena Vista and Morse 5-10 years from now.

I would think that businesses would go into 470 ahead of 44. 470 is off the Turnpike and there are a lot of people living in that area that would prefer businesses near them rather than driving up to 44 or 466A.

Putting them in on 44 won’t be much of a benefit to the people living down south.

It is less than two miles on Powell between 44 and 466A and less than 3.5 on Morse between 44 and 466A.

If you take Meggison and Morse, it is about 7 miles from 470 to 44 and about 11 miles from 470 to Powell and 44.

[MsLibertyBlend]

I mean, I would like to see a Walmart Neighborhood Market somewhere along 44 so we have an affordable option for groceries nearby. Right now, it’s really just Publix, and if I’m going to overpay, I’d rather drive up to Fresh Market. I expect once Middleton is really rooted in, Walmart may consider a supercenter somewhere further south.

[Bay Kid]

We need more Dollar General stores. Not.