Supporters of Chicago’s only Wal-Mart are gathering at the West Side store Tuesday morning to celebrate its first year in business.

Chicago Public Radio’s Chip Mitchell has more.

**

When Wal-Mart opened in the Austin neighborhood just over a year ago, critics of the Arkansas-based company predicted it would displace many West Side retailers. Last month, a Chicago Public Radio analysis of sales taxes collected from the area suggested that the 142,000-square-foot store might be having that effect.

But the store’s local supporters say they’re not hearing many complaints. Reverend Joseph Kyles chairs the 37th Ward Pastors Alliance.

KYLES: Austin needs a store like Wal-Mart that will offer that many jobs to young people who would not otherwise probably be employed. 

Wal-Mart says nearly all of the 443 employees are African American or Latino. And the store wins praise from shoppers for convenience and prices.

Now Wal-Mart is eyeing a former industrial site on Chicago’s South Side. But that plan faces stiff opposition in the City Council.

I’m Chip Mitchell, Chicago Public Radio.