New Walmart could cut in to White Oaks – but there’s room for both: Analyst

A new Walmart has been announced for Wonderland and Wharncliffe in 2028. CTV’s Bryan Bicknell looks into the local impacts.

Walmart has announced plans to build a new supercentre at the northwest corner of Wonderland and Wharncliffe roads.

City Coun. Anna Hopkins, in whose ward the new store will be located, said it’s been a long time coming.

“It’s a growing area, a lot of residential development coming this way. And we’ve been waiting a long time to have this enterprise corridor developed,” Hopkins said.

A decade ago, there were concerns around approving up to one million square feet of commercial space within the Southwest Area Plan, but the city council of the day went ahead anyway.

Owned by York Developments, the vacant land is being transformed into a commercial centre called The District.

The 140,000 square foot Walmart will have groceries, electronics, general merchandise, and a pharmacy.

The closest existing Walmart is the Walmart Supercentre at White Oaks Mall, which is just a few kilometres from where the new one will be built. White Oaks Mall management said it will be business as usual at its Walmart, and in fact, they believe the mall anchor store will likely become busier in years to come.

“The location here at White Oaks Mall for Walmart is a very successful one,” explained White Oaks General Manager Tarik Kasem. “High traffic store, it’s been around for many, many years. And they have plans to continue to invest in this space here at White Oaks Mall. Both interior, exterior plans.”

Retail analyst Bruce Winder of Bruce Winder Retail predicts there will eventually be enough business for both south London Walmarts.

“So, it’s probably going to make sense over time. It’s going to cannibalize a little bit of the existing Walmart, but certainly there’s probably room for two. But five kilometres feels a little tight, but you never know,” Winder said.

The new Walmart Supercentre is expected to open in 2028.