Pryor wants Wal-Mart to supersize

Sunday, September 22nd 2002, 12:00 am

By: News On 6

Most small towns are afraid Wall-Mart will swallow up hometown businesses. But as News on 6 Reporter Ashli Sims found out, there is one town that wants to turn its local Wal-Mart into a supercenter to keep shoppers in town.

Claremore's Wal-Mart Supercenter is only about 15 minutes away from Downtown Pryor. Some businesses are concerned that if people go to Claremore come to shop for groceries they'll stay there and shop for other things.

Ivan Pace, owns Ivan's Jewelry Owner in Pryor, "Anytime anyone leaves your town it cost your town money. We support other people's police departments and fire departments whenever you go out of town."

Some small towns fight the advent of the mega-store but not here, but here.

Most of the businesses along Pryor's main street are specialty shops and the owners say they wouldn't be threatened by a supercenter.

Lynne Walters, R&L Stamps and Things Owner says, "I'm sure its not a threat for them because they've been here forever. And we have a personal touch with it would be a one on one basis when my customers come in and I have several stamps that I'm not worrying about Wal-Mart carrying either."

Harriett Dunham, Pryor Chamber of Commerce, "We feel a supercenter here would bring people in to shop at our specialty shops to eat in our restaurants buy gas and it would be good for the economics of our area."

Ivan Pace has even written a letter to Wal-Mart President requesting a Supercenter for his town.

He's hoping the power of the pen will land his town a super store.

Wal-Mart corporate offices have not said if they are considering Pryor's request.

Almost 800 people have signed a petition in favor of a Wal-Mart Supercenter in Pryor.