Wal-Mart Will Not Build Rock Island Store

Following years of work and preparations, Wal-Mart has decided to longer build a Rock Island store.

Wal-Mart proposed constructing a 189,541 square foot Supercenter at Watchtower Plaza.

In a statement released by Wal-Mart Tuesday, September 6, the company says, "After much deliberation and consideration of various business factors, we have decided not to pursue development of a new store in Rock Island, IL at this time."

The statement from the company goes on to say, “We commend the visionary leadership of Mayor Pauley and the City Council and the work they have done to create a business friendly climate in Rock Island that encourages continued growth and investment in the city. We appreciate their support as we have worked through the conceptualization and complexities of a potential commercial development. We remain committed to serving our customers throughout the Quad Cities and look forward to continuing to innovate our services and invest in improving our existing stores throughout the region.”

In late July, the Rock Island City Council had granted the company an extension on the potential development agreement.

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