Walmart to Open Next to Bloom

Wal-Mart is looking to open just outside the city limits, taking over the old Home Expo Center next to Bloom on Lee Highway.

Fairfax County issued a building permit to the discount chain on January 27. The permit for 11181 Lee Highway effects suite B, the currently empty portion of the shopping center. The existing Bloom grocery store remains according to the latest plans, said Jeremy Lasich of Fairfax County's Public Information office.

So far Wal-Mart has only expressed an interest in remodeling the inside of the store, so the company won't have to come before the county's planning board to seek approval for any building structure or exterior changes.

The new Wal-Mart store will feature a smaller, more boutique-esque style than the Fair Lakes location, according to Fairfax City manager Bob Sisson. No word yet on whether the new store will offer groceries, like its neighbor, Bloom, or how its presence will effect the K-Mart down the street.

This is a developing story. What do you think of Wal-Mart's plan to move into your community?