VEGAS INC Magazine - Latest Las Vegas business news, features and commentaries about gaming, tourism, real estate and more
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? THE BIG QUESTION RIGHT NOW WILL WINCO DRIVE DOWN PRICES IN LAS VEGAS? By Steve Green senior staff writer It remains to be seen whether WinCo's prices are low enough to drive grocery prices down in the Las Vegas market. Also unknown: After the excitement of WinCo's two March 4 store openings fades, will significant numbers of Las Vegas-area shoppers make long drives to WinCo's Southern Nevada stores to shop? The majority of the valley's population lives several miles from the closest WinCo store. Someone living near Jones Boulevard and Washington Avenue, for instance, is more than 7 miles from the store at 6101 N. Decatur Blvd. in Las Vegas and 21 miles from the store at 80 N. Stephanie St. in Henderson. Hard data on which store chain has ON PAGE 1 Some say WinCo's successful track record elsewhere is an indication it will profit and grow in Las Vegas, but others note Las Vegas is a no-growth market that already features a number of discount stores. the lowest prices overall is hard to come by, analysts say. And although WinCo strives to be the low-price leader among supermarkets (not necessarily including membership stores), it doesn't promise to meet or beat competitors' prices, except during occasional holiday promotions, a WinCo spokesman said. Competitors are well aware of WinCo's operating strategies, but two didn't comment directly when asked if they would adjust their prices to compete with WinCo or match WinCo's STEVE MARCUS SHOP AROUND: Customers browse the bulk food department during the grand opening of WinCo Foods supermarket at Stephanie Street and Wigwam Parkway in Henderson last month. advertised prices. "Walmart is committed to delivering everyday low prices on products our customers need for their home and family," Walmart said in a statement. "Hardworking families in Las Vegas can trust Walmart to deliver on our mission to help them save money and live better." Marsha Gilford, a spokeswoman for Smith's Food & Drug Stores, said, "We have competed with WinCo for many years in Northern Nevada and for the last couple of years in Utah." "We have been a part of the Las Vegas market for 40 years and believe that our rewards card delivers value that is unmatched in Las Vegas," Gilford said. "And we place a great deal of emphasis on creating a memorable shopping experience for our customers — service — which differentiates us." Las Vegas' No.1 Business Resource Has Never Been More Important. Get your one-year subscription to and we'll include our best leads via email. All for only $50 a year. For additional information call 800.254.2610 or email subscriptions@gmgvegas.com VEGASINC.COM/SUBSCRIBE 6 | 2 APRIL 2012 |