Wal-Mart Will Cost Seattle Jobs, Revenue: Study

SEATTLE — A new report from Puget Sound Sage, an economic policy advocacy organization here, concludes that each new Wal-Mart store opening in a Puget Sound neighborhood will result in a loss of $13 million of net economic output and $14 million in lost wages over 20 years.

"We know now the true economic impact a Wal-Mart store has on a neighborhood when it moves in," researcher Christopher Fowler said in a statement. "The research shows that the negative impact is due to the use of the Wal-Mart business model. A new 'generic' grocery store does not equal economic harm, but a new Wal-Mart does."

Wal-Mart has announced plans to open at least four new stores in Central Puget Sound, the group said. Puget Sound Sage is a coalition of labor, faith and community organizations, including the United Food and Commercial Workers union, a longtime Wal-Mart foe.