BEEBE -
In our currently economy anytime people hear the word 'jobs,' they want to know one thing: where.
It looks as though many jobs are on the way for one central Arkansas city.
A spokesperson for the Arkansas headquartered retail giant, Walmart, says it anticipates beginning construction on a supercenter in Beebe. The opening of the store is expected to bring in 300 jobs at the location.
The current location is set to be built on the corner of West Center Street and Commercial Place.
That area may look like an abandoned lot for the time being but within a year it's set to be home to a business that promises everyday low prices. Those slashing of numbers behind the dollar sign isn't something that one resident we found welcomes.
"It angers me. I think that Walmart is trying to squeeze the little man out and they've basically done a good job so far," said resident Katrina Smith.
"Beebe was kind of untouched and that was the reason I wanted to move here in the first place."
For an area like White County, which is experiencing an almost two-percent hike above the state average for unemployment, Walmart expects to provide a boost.
However, as a local gas station cashier Smith isn't sure if a trade out of traffic is worth it.
"I guess there are positives and negative points. I mean it'll bring jobs here, but it'll also bring a lot of traffic, congestion and other problems with it that we didn't have here before," Smith believes. "This is like the dream hometown."
Meanwhile, Beebe resident Nelda Alexander has a different view of what the blue fronted store could mean to her city.
"There's a lot of people that have been out of work, looking for work. Some are losing their homes, so this would be a big, big boost for this community," Alexander said.
As Alexander left a local grocery store she told us work isn't the only thing she sees Walmart bringing to the table, but also convenience.
"I'm very pleased that we're getting a Walmart. Everybody I've talked to is pleased because we have to go to a Walmart in either Searcy or Cabot, so that will be very convenient for everyone in this area," she added.
Beebe Mayor Mike Robertson told us Saturday this afternoon this is a dream they've been waiting for some time to come true, and that he expects construction to begin sometime in August.
Job applications are expected to be available in the beginning of 2013 before the store's open in late spring early summer of next year.
