Economic & Fiscal Impacts of

Walmart1 on Washington, DC

Walmart at 5939 Georgia Ave. NW

1 Wal-Mart Stores, Inc.

Walmart at 99 H St. NW

January 2015

Table of Contents
Introduction 2
Executive Summary 5
Background 10
Key Findings 14

HR&A Advisors, Inc.

Economic Impacts of Walmart on Washington, DC 1

INTRODUCTION

HR&A Advisors, Inc.

Economic Impacts of Walmart on Washington, DC 2

About HR&A
HR&A Advisors, Inc. (HR&A) is an industry leading real estate,
economic development, and public policy consulting firm based in
New York City, with offices in Washington, DC, and Los Angeles.
The firm has worked with numerous public agencies, non-profit civic
organizations, and private sector corporations across the country to
assess the economic and fiscal benefits of business operations, real
estate developments, tourism, infrastructure projects, and public
policies.

HR&A Advisors, Inc.

Economic Impacts of Walmart on Washington, DC 3

Walmart engaged HR&A to analyze economic and fiscal impacts of

its open and planned stores in the District of Columbia.
HR&A investigated a series of hypotheses at the scale of the District
and neighborhood levels.
The impacts HR&A studied included:
Walmarts role in providing retail offerings to a generally
underserved market;
Jobs created through construction and operations in open and
planned stores;
The benefit of bringing fresh and affordable food to
neighborhoods lacking options;
The anchoring impact of bringing a large retail amenity to
neighborhoods; and
The impact of Walmart and the Walmart Foundations charitable
contributions.
HR&A Advisors, Inc.

Economic Impacts of Walmart on Washington, DC 4

EXECUTIVE SUMMARY

HR&A Advisors, Inc.

Economic Impacts of Walmart on Washington, DC 5

Executive Summary

The District of Columbia has long lacked sufficient retail options for its diverse and
growing base of residents. For years, District residents have had to travel to
surrounding jurisdictions to shop for basic goods, costing the District lost sales taxes
and undercutting the Citys efforts to support more vibrant, mixed-use
neighborhoods. Unmet retail potential in Washington, DC is estimated at over $3
billion per year.

Walmarts arrival in the District in December 2013 is stemming that negative trend,
while delivering an array of other benefits to the District and its residents. One year
after the first two Walmart stores opened in the District, a study commissioned by
Walmart and conducted by HR&A Advisors defines these benefits.

HR&A Advisors, Inc.

Economic Impacts of Walmart on Washington, DC 6

Executive Summary

Walmart can save a DC family of four approximately $1,300 per year 18% of
the average DC households annual grocery store bill on food and other typical
grocery store items.1 In addition, each District Walmart will bring fresh food at
affordable prices to areas identified by the U.S. Department of Agriculture as
food deserts. Every District Walmart store is or will be in locations where healthy
food shopping options make up less than 10% of the current neighborhood retail
offerings.

Walmart will generate more than $6 million in taxes to the District this year based
on the operations of its 2 open stores. These net new revenues can help the District
meet a wide array of needs. By way of example $6 million in District revenue
could support the annual costs of:
Salaries for nearly 120 teachers or police officers;
Refurbishments of 6 playgrounds; or
Debt service on bonds for the construction of 6 new or significantly
modernized community centers.2
1 - Based on HR&A analysis of industry benchmark market comparison data published in 2013.
2 - Assumes a level-debt service payment over a 20 year period with a 5% interest rate.

HR&A Advisors, Inc.

Economic Impacts of Walmart on Washington, DC 7

Executive Summary

Construction of the first two stores and the Fort Totten store, which is currently under
construction, supports 630 direct and multiplier jobs. In addition to direct
construction industry employment, ancillary jobs are supported in the architecture,
engineering, food service, and health care industries.

Walmarts two stores employ more than 700 people, of which 65% are District
residents. Walmart is responsible for half the growth in retail jobs in the District in
2013. Walmart stores in the District hire more people per foot of store space than
other grocery or convenience stores on average. A higher percentage of Walmart
employees live in the same ward as the store than is typical for all employment in
the 2 wards with open stores.

810 total jobs (direct employment by Walmart plus multiplier jobs) are supported
by Walmarts first two stores. In addition to direct retail industry employment,
ancillary jobs are supported in the real estate, food service, and health care
industries.

HR&A Advisors, Inc.

Economic Impacts of Walmart on Washington, DC 8

Executive Summary

Walmart is catalyzing additional community investment in parts of the District that

need it. More than 26,000 SF square feet of additional new development
including restaurants, banks, and retailers and more than 300 new residential
units are directly attributable to the open Walmart stores.

Walmart and the Walmart Foundations support for District community-based social
service organizations has also generated significant economic and fiscal benefits for
the city. HR&A estimates that Walmart and the Walmart Foundations $14 million
philanthropic investment in the District between FYE 2010 and FYE 2014 has
generated 160 jobs and $16.5 million in total compensation at more than 200
organizations.* These organizations generate additional benefits to the District
through their activities.

For example, the Walmart Foundations $3 million investment in the

Washington@Work customer service training program was created to help District
residents get the skills and training they need to gain employment. The Community
Foundation for the National Capital Region has reported that Washington@Work
has resulted in 618 job placements and 30 promotions since 2011.

*Note: Walmart's fiscal year starts Feb. 1 and ends Jan. 31.
HR&A Advisors, Inc.

Economic Impacts of Walmart on Washington, DC 9

BACKGROUND

HR&A Advisors, Inc.

Economic Impacts of Walmart on Washington, DC 10

Walmart opened two stores in the District of Columbia in December

2013 and plans to open three additional stores.
Georgia Ave NW
OPENED: December 2013
105,000 Sq. Ft.
Fort Totten
Under Construction
118,000 Sq. Ft.
H St NW
OPENED: December 2013
85,000 Sq. Ft.
Capitol Gateway
Planned
130,000 Sq. Ft.
Skyland
Planned
125,000 Sq. Ft.
HR&A Advisors, Inc.

Economic Impacts of Walmart on Washington, DC 11

These stores will be highly accessible to over half the District's

population.

Georgia
Ave

Fort
Totten

H St

Skyland

Source: KLNB Retail; US Census; HR&A

HR&A Advisors, Inc.

62% of
the City
Trade areas cover 42 of
the Districts 68 total
square miles.
Capitol
Gateway

57% of
the Residents
370,000 of the 647,000
DC residents live in these
trade areas.
Economic Impacts of Walmart on Washington, DC 12

Walmart store locations are or will be easily accessible by public

transportation, facilitating access by residents and workers.
Average
Buses / Hour

Average
Trains/Hour

Georgia Ave, DC

22

H St, DC

61

Fort Totten, DC

46

14

Capitol Gateway, DC

10

Skyland, DC

31

Landover, MD

Alexandria, VA

Walmart Location
Urban Locations

Georgia
Ave

Fort
Totten

H St

Suburban Locations

Capitol
Gateway
Skyland

Source: WMATA; HR&A

HR&A Advisors, Inc.

Compared to nearby suburban

locations, all the Walmart locations
in DC are more accessible by transit.
Having reliable access to
employment helps workers obtain
and keep jobs.
Economic Impacts of Walmart on Washington, DC 13

KEY FINDINGS

HR&A Advisors, Inc.

Economic Impacts of Walmart on Washington, DC 14

Finding #1: Walmart is providing

much needed new retail in
Washington, DC.

HR&A Advisors, Inc.

Economic Impacts of Walmart on Washington, DC 15

The District loses out on approximately $3 billion in spending each

year due to a lack of shopping opportunities.

$6 B

$3 B

Lost
Spending

$3 B
Potential Spending

Current Spending

Note: A 2008 study by Social Compact estimated that the District misses out on $1 billion per year on retail spending. Publically available
information on this study does not describe the methodology employed by this study. A similar recent study has shown a retail gap estimate of
$2.8 billion for the District (DC Development Report, Washington, DC Economic Partnership, 2014).
Source: ESRI, 2013; ICSC; U.S. Census Bureau LEHD; HR&A
HR&A Advisors, Inc.

Economic Impacts of Walmart on Washington, DC 16

Billions

Like many, but not all, other cities, the District is experiencing a
shortage of retail options.
$30

$12.6 B

$25
$20
$4.6 B

$15
$7.3 B
$10

$2.2 B
Surplus

$2.2 B

$5
$0
Washington, DC Charlotte, NC

Chicago, IL

Potential Spending

San Francisco,
CA

Seattle, WA

Current Spending

Source: ESRI, 2013; HR&A

HR&A Advisors, Inc.

Economic Impacts of Walmart on Washington, DC 17

On a per resident and worker basis, the District is more under-retailed

than other cities.
Retail Gap, per Individual
$8,000
$6,000
$4,000
$2,000
$$(2,000)
$(4,000)
Washington, Charlotte, NC Chicago, IL San Francisco, Seattle, WA
DC
CA
Source: ESRI, 2013; HR&A
HR&A Advisors, Inc.

Economic Impacts of Walmart on Washington, DC 18

Retail growth in DC has primarily been in specialized sectors, with a

decline in supermarkets and department stores.
Percentage Change in the Number of Stores, 2006-2012
Office Supplies and Stationery
Sporting Goods
Cosmetics and Beauty
Pet and Pet Supplies
Convenience
Beer, Wine, and Liquor
Department
Home Centers
Supermarkets
Clothing
Specialty Food
Hardware
Nursery and Garden
Florists
Discount Department
Sewing and Needlework
-100% -80% -60% -40% -20% 0%

20% 40% 60%

Source: US Census County Business Patterns; HR&A

HR&A Advisors, Inc.

Economic Impacts of Walmart on Washington, DC 19

The shortfall in potential spending in the District is seen across all

major Walmart supply categories.
Current Spending vs. Potential Spending
$2,500

Millions

$2,000
$1,500
$1,000
$500
$Grocery

Health &
General
Personal Care Merchandise
Current Spending

Source: ESRI, 2013; HR&A

HR&A Advisors, Inc.

Clothing

Electronics &
Appliances

Potential Spending
Economic Impacts of Walmart on Washington, DC 20

Walmarts market entry aligns with the priorities of several key

District wide retail initiatives.
2010 Retail Action Roadmap

Filling in the gaps in neighborhood markets;

Creating new business concentrations;
Cultivating and strengthening locally owned small businesses.

2012 Retail Action Roadmap

Providing a greater selection of products and services;

Supporting thriving retail streets in the District.

2012 Retail Action Strategy

HR&A Advisors, Inc.

Strengthening the citys retail base at both the citywide and local scale;
Promoting vibrant commercial districts with a broad range of retail
businesses;
Creating expanded opportunities for small and local retailers.
Economic Impacts of Walmart on Washington, DC 21

Finding #2: Walmart is providing

needed affordable shopping to the
District.

HR&A Advisors, Inc.

Economic Impacts of Walmart on Washington, DC 22

Between 2011 and 2013, DC housing costs grew steadily, while

disposable income flattened, driving the need for affordable retail.
Household Income vs Housing Cost

Disposable Income

Housing Cost1
2010

2011

2012

2013

1 - Indexed housing prices are uses as a proxy for housing cost.

Source: Housing Prices - HFHA House Price Index; Disposable Income - Bureau of Economic Analysis, Disposable Income Summary, DC; HR&A
HR&A Advisors, Inc.

Economic Impacts of Walmart on Washington, DC 23

Retail growth has been concentrated in higher end stores.

CITY CENTER

GEORGETOWN

14th STREET

PENN QUARTER

Images: BadWolfDC; DC UrbanTurf; Washington CityPaper; ThreadConscious.com

HR&A Advisors, Inc.

Economic Impacts of Walmart on Washington, DC 24

Items for sale at Walmart are more affordable than in most grocery
stores in the District.
In a comparison of a basket of off-brand items, Walmart offered the lowest price
when compared to the largest competitors in the DC market.

Off Brand Basket Price

$54

$75

$83

$88

$93

$94

$95

Difference from Walmart

- 28%

0%

+11%

+17%

+24% +25%

+27%

Source: Estimates are based on 2014 HR&A analysis of October 2013 industry benchmark data from Checkbook.org, Super Market Comparison
as reported in "Guess Which DC Grocery Store is Cheapest and Which is Most Expensive", Anthony Sodd, October 2013, Streetwise Media.
http://dcinno.streetwise.co/2013/10/24/guess-which-dc-grocery-store-is-cheapest-andwhich-is-most-expensive/; HR&A.
HR&A Advisors, Inc.

Economic Impacts of Walmart on Washington, DC 25

Walmart can save a DC family of four approximately $1,300 per

year, based on industry benchmarks.
Average annual cost of food for a
household in the District

$7,300

Average discount below other DC

chain grocery stores

18%

Average annual savings for a DC

household

$1,300

Source: Estimates are based on 2014 HR&A analysis of October 2013 industry benchmark data from Checkbook.org, Super Market Comparison
as reported in "Guess Which DC Grocery Store is Cheapest and Which is Most Expensive", Anthony Sodd, October 2013, Streetwise Media.
http://dcinno.streetwise.co/2013/10/24/guess-which-dc-grocery-store-is-cheapest-andwhich-is-most-expensive/;Washington, DC Economic
Partnership; HR&A.
HR&A Advisors, Inc.

Economic Impacts of Walmart on Washington, DC 26

Finding # 3: The economic and fiscal

benefits from Walmart in the
District begin with store
construction.

HR&A Advisors, Inc.

Economic Impacts of Walmart on Washington, DC 27

The construction of 3 Walmart stores will support 630 jobs over the
construction period.

630
Jobs
480
Direct
Jobs

150
Multiplier
Jobs

Source: Walmart; IMPLAN; HR&A

HR&A Advisors, Inc.

Economic Impacts of Walmart on Washington, DC 28

Finding # 4: The opening of 2 stores

in December 2013 has produced
immediate benefits to the District.

HR&A Advisors, Inc.

Economic Impacts of Walmart on Washington, DC 29

The two open Walmart stores currently support 810 jobs in the District
from direct and multiplier impacts.

810
Jobs
740
Direct
Jobs

70
Multiplier
Jobs

Source: Walmart; IMPLAN; HR&A

HR&A Advisors, Inc.

Economic Impacts of Walmart on Washington, DC 30

The two open stores will generate approximately $6.4 million in

annual tax revenues to the District.

$6.4 Million
Annual Tax Revenues
Sales
Tax

Property
Tax

Corporate
Business
Tax

Personal
Income Tax

Source: Walmart; IMPLAN; HR&A

HR&A Advisors, Inc.

Economic Impacts of Walmart on Washington, DC 31

$6.4 Million in taxes can fund a range of ongoing District costs and
initiatives.
For example:

Salaries for nearly 120 Police officers

Salaries for nearly 120 teachers

6 playground renovations
Debt service on bonds for the construction of 6 new or
significantly modernized community centers*
Note: *Assumes a level-debt service payment over a 20 year period with a 5% interest rate.
Source: Walmart; IMPLAN; DC Office of Tax and Revenue; Alex Waza (Icon); DCPS; MPDC; HR&A
HR&A Advisors, Inc.

Economic Impacts of Walmart on Washington, DC 32

Finding # 5: Walmarts two stores

are employing DC residents.

HR&A Advisors, Inc.

Economic Impacts of Walmart on Washington, DC 33

Walmart is bringing jobs to the District.

Over 700 people are employed at open

locations
The majority are full-time employees
Over 65% of current associates are DC
residents

Source: Walmart; Image: Massa Montalto Architects

HR&A Advisors, Inc.

Economic Impacts of Walmart on Washington, DC 34

Walmart is supporting local hiring by employing a higher percentage

of ward residents compared to the average in all wards.
Percentage of Workers Living and Working in the Same Ward
25%
% Walmart Employees

19%

20%

14%

15%
10%

% Ward Workers that Live in Ward

11%

10%

9%

8%
5%

5%

5%

10%

6%

0%
Ward
4
Workers
in Ward
Ward 4:
Brightwood
Crestwood
Fort Totten
Petworth

14,930

Ward
6
123,952

Ward 6:
Capitol Hill
Capitol Riverfront
NoMa
Southwest Waterfront

Ward
1

Ward
2

Ward
3

Ward
5

23,312

369,258

37,102

48,386

Ward 1:
Adams Morgan
Columbia Heights
Howard University
LeDroit Park

Ward 2:
Downtown
Dupont Circle
Georgetown
West End

Ward 3:
Cleveland Park
Friendship Heights
Tenleytown
Woodley Park

Ward 5:
Bloomingdale
Brookland
Eckington
Trinidad

Ward
7
5,461
Ward 7:
Benning
Capitol View
Hillcrest
Skyland

Ward
8
11,953
Ward 8:
Anacostia
Congress Heights
Douglass
Washington Highlands

Source: Walmart; U.S. Census Bureau LEHD, 2011; HR&A

HR&A Advisors, Inc.

Economic Impacts of Walmart on Washington, DC 35

Walmart accounted for over half of the growth in retail trade jobs in
the District of Columbia due to its two store openings in 2013.
Percentage Change in Employment, Retail Trade, 2013

5.3%

3.4%

Walmart
Employment

2.2%
1.1%

-3.8%
Total
Retail
Jobs

2009

2010

2011

2012

2013

17,800

18,400

18,600

19,000

19,300

Source: BLS; HR&A

HR&A Advisors, Inc.

Economic Impacts of Walmart on Washington, DC 36

Jobs at the open stores contributed to the retail trade sector outpacing
total job growth by almost 4x in 2013.
Employment Changes

5.3%

3.4%
1.5%

2.2%

2.0%
1.1%

1.2%

1.4%

-0.3%

-3.8%
2009

2010

2011
Total

2012

2013

Retail Trade

Source: BLS; HR&A

HR&A Advisors, Inc.

Economic Impacts of Walmart on Washington, DC 37

Each Walmart in the District supports more employment than an

average grocery or food store.
Employees per 1,000 Square Feet
3.6

2.0
1.1

Walmart DC Store

Average Grocery Store

Notes:
Buildings used for retail or wholesale of food: grocery store or food
market, gas station with a convenience store, convenience store.
The average grocery store is 33,000 SF
Data include all jobs, full time or part time, not full time equivalents.

Convenience Store
(Grocery, food mart, &
convenience store)

Source: Walmart, Progressive Grocer, U.S. DOE Commercial Buildings Energy Consumption Survey; HR&A
HR&A Advisors, Inc.

Economic Impacts of Walmart on Washington, DC 38

Finding #6: Walmart and the

Walmart Foundation are providing
significant support to DC charities.

HR&A Advisors, Inc.

Economic Impacts of Walmart on Washington, DC 39

Between FYE 2010 and FYE 2014, Walmart and the Walmart Foundation
have awarded over $14 million to not-for-profit organizations in DC.
Community
Development
$0.4 M

Environment &
Sustainability
$0.2 M

Education
$0.9 M

Other $2.3 M

Workforce
Development
$6.6 M

Health &
Wellness
$3.7 M

Source: Walmart; Walmart Foundation; HR&A

HR&A Advisors, Inc.

Economic Impacts of Walmart on Washington, DC 40

HR&A estimates these contributions have created and supported jobs

at recipients, affiliated not-for-profits, and local businesses.

185

$16.5 M

Jobs

Employee Compensation

140
45
+
Direct
Multiplier

$13.0 M
$3.5 M
+
Direct
Multiplier

$197,000
Tax Revenue1
$93,000 $104,000
+
Direct
Multiplier
Source: Walmart; IMPLAN; HR&A
HR&A Advisors, Inc.

1 Sales + income tax. Income tax from employees and sales tax from multiplier activities.
Economic Impacts of Walmart on Washington, DC 41

The $3 million Walmart Washington@Work Work Readiness Initiative

supported a range of individuals in the District.
As reported by the Community Foundation for the National Capital Region, based on the $1.5
million grant they received:

1,047
Program Graduates

739
Individuals
Improved their
Basic Skills

618
Job Placements

464
Earned a
Credential

370
Enrolled in PostSecondary
Education or
Training

30
Earned a Promotion

Note: Education and employment results as reported by The Community Foundation for the National Capital Region. The Community Foundation
received $1.5 million from the Walmart Foundation. The University of the District of Columbia (UDC) also received $1.5 million. The numbers
reported above do not include data from UDC's grant award.
Source: The Community Foundation for the National Capital Region
HR&A Advisors, Inc.

Economic Impacts of Walmart on Washington, DC 42

As a result of the Washington@Work partnership, the Community Foundation's

five subgrantees successfully raised $13.7 million from additional sources.

Walmart Washington@Work

Additional Grants

Source: The Community Foundation for the National Capital Region

HR&A Advisors, Inc.

Economic Impacts of Walmart on Washington, DC 43

Finding #7: Walmart is increasing

access to fresh and healthy foods.

HR&A Advisors, Inc.

Economic Impacts of Walmart on Washington, DC 44

Each Walmart is located in a USDA identified food desert, meaning

the areas have limited access to grocery stores.
Residents live more
than mile from a
grocery store
Residents live more
than 1 mile from a
grocery store
Food Desert:
A census tract with a
substantial share of residents
who live in low-income areas
with low levels of access to a
grocery store or healthy,
affordable food retail
outlets.
Source: U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Economic Research Service (ERS); Food Environment Atlas; HR&A
HR&A Advisors, Inc.

Economic Impacts of Walmart on Washington, DC 45

In fact, Walmart stores are in locations where healthy food shopping

options make up less than 10% of the local retail offerings.

Modified Retail Food Environment Index

No healthy food
0.1% - 5%
5.1% - 10%
10.1% 37.5%

Modified Retail Food Environment Index (mRFEI):

The CDCs Division of Nutrition, Physical Activity
and Obesity, measure of the number of healthy
and less healthy food retailers in an area.
Source: United States Centers for Disease Control and Prevention; HR&A
HR&A Advisors, Inc.

Economic Impacts of Walmart on Washington, DC 46

Access to healthy food is a pressing problem, but 4 out of 5 Walmart

stores are located in wards with obesity rates over 60%.
Percentage of Overweight or Obese Residents per Ward
Ward 4:
66%
Ward 3:
44%

Ward 1:
62%
Ward 2:
52%

Ward 5:
69%
Ward 6:
43% Ward 7:
86%

Ward 8:
76%

Source: DC Department of Health; HR&A

HR&A Advisors, Inc.

Economic Impacts of Walmart on Washington, DC 47

Walmart provides a range of grocery items and sales in this category

are 41% of the total.

Non-grocery
Sales

Grocery
Sales

41%

59%

Source: Walmart; HR&A

HR&A Advisors, Inc.

Economic Impacts of Walmart on Washington, DC 48

Finding #8: Walmart enhances

economic development in
neighborhoods.

HR&A Advisors, Inc.

Economic Impacts of Walmart on Washington, DC 49

Walmart stores in the District are serving as development anchors and

bring a range of development types.
Georgia Ave NW

Freestanding along
a retail corridor.

Georgia Ave NW

Fort Totten

Integrated within a
mixed-use building.

H St NW
&
Fort Totten
Capitol Gateway

Anchoring a large
scale development.
HR&A Advisors, Inc.

Skyland
&
Capitol Gateway
Economic Impacts of Walmart on Washington, DC 50

Benefits are derived from the construction of Walmart stores, but also
as anchors to larger developments.

Walmart stores at H St. and Fort Totten provide a

retail amenity to over 650 residential units.
At Capitol Gateway Marketplace, Walmart is
anchoring 26,000 square feet of retail and 312
residential units.
The Walmart at Skyland Town Center will anchor
over 200,000 square feet of retail and 476
residential units.
HR&A Advisors, Inc.

Economic Impacts of Walmart on Washington, DC 51

There is a precedent of big box retail development in the District

revitalizing neighborhoods.
Columbia Heights is located in Northwest
DC and is considered today to be one of the
Districts most diverse and economically
strong neighborhoods. Facing economic
challenges between the 1970s and 1990s,
the area was designated an Enterprise Zone
in 1997 and Columbia Heights received a
range of tax-incentives and District financing
to
encourage
private
development.
Redevelopment was focused around the
Columbia Heights Metro stop, which opened
in 1999 and served to anchor future
residential,
retail,
and
commercial
development.
In early 2008, DCUSA opened the largest retail development in DC at the time, with 890,000
SF of retail adjacent to the Columbia Heights Metro. The retail building is anchored by a twostory Target, along with other retailers such as Bed Bath & Beyond, a Best Buy, and a
Washington Sports Club. Since opening, the DCUSA site has served to anchor the development
of 1,300 multifamily units with ground floor retail, and a 55,000 SF Giant supermarket open
24 hours a day.
HR&A Advisors, Inc.

Economic Impacts of Walmart on Washington, DC 52

The successful redevelopment of Columbia Heights serves as a

benchmark for the anchoring effects of affordable big-box retail.

Georgia
Ave

Fort
Totten

Columbia
Heights

H St

Capitol
Gateway

Skyland

Number of Stores

Retail Stores per 1,000 Residents

10
9
8
7
6
5
4
3
2
1
0

Columbia
Columbia
Heights
Heights

H St.

Georgia
Ave

Ft. Totten

Skyland

Captiol
Gateway

Residents around Columbia Heights

have up to 10x more retail stores than
residents in other areas of the District.
Compared to established retail areas,
Walmart is entering into underretailed neighborhoods.

Source: CoStar; site surveys; Walmart; HR&A

HR&A Advisors, Inc.

Economic Impacts of Walmart on Washington, DC 53

A diversity of business types co-locate around Walmart stores.

Walmarts arrival brings foot traffic, and signals to other retailers the potential
strength of a location.
Art Supplies
Beauty Supplies/Salon
Books & Comics
Childcare Services
Clothing Related
Florists
Food & Beverage
Home Furnishings
Mail/Shipping
Pet
Professional Services
Stationary
Specialty Grocers Vitamin and Nutrition

Source: Walmart; HR&A

HR&A Advisors, Inc.

Economic Impacts of Walmart on Washington, DC 54

The new Walmarts are catalyzing new retail investment in the

surrounding neighborhoods.

Georgia Ave Walmart

99 H St. Walmart

New retail establishments have opened in

the commercial area adjacent to and
around Walmart, including a bank,
restaurants, a gym and a salon.

4 out of 5 store spaces in the 10,000 SF

of ancillary retail are occupied by a
range of businesses serving local
residents and workers.

The Fitness
Factory

Decadence
Restaurant

B Forever
Flawless Salon

CH Brite
Cleaners

Source: Walmart; JBG; HR&A

HR&A Advisors, Inc.

Economic Impacts of Walmart on Washington, DC 55

Economic & Fiscal Impacts of Walmart on Washington, DC

HR&A Advisors, Inc.

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