2,000 traders hit plan to put up mega mall near Clark eco zone

ANGELES CITY - About 2,000 medium and small traders in communities near the Clark Special Economic Zone have started airing their strong opposition to the plan to establish SM mall branch in this city.

Several owners and operators of grocery stores spearheaded by Freddie So of Freeway Commercial, Edgardo Tan of Jenra Mall and Leila Gomez of Hida’s Grocery Store have expressed the fear of hundreds of small time and medium traders that the establishment of an SM mall would portend a tremendous impact on the income and livelihood of small and medium businesses.

“Small enterprises in this city and the adjoining towns of Mabalacat, Magalang, Porac, in Pampanga and Capas and Bamban in Tarlac would suffer losses in revenues and even hamper their growth should the SM conglomerate sets up another mall near the Clark zone,” So said.

Although there is no definite plan yet for SM to establish another mall near Clark zone, several traders have started voicing their opposition to it.

Many local business operators have expressed belief that several business establishments may close shops because of global economic uncertainties and the mushrooming of big time malls.

They cited the newly established SM mega mall in nearby City of San Fernando, another mall of Robinson’s near it and the recent opening of Makro supermarket in Mabalacat, Pampanga.

Almost all traders near Clark zone also expressed fear that another SM mall near it may result to the massive dislocation of thousands of their workers.

It is estimated that some 2,000 medium and small commercial establishments near the zone have some 100,000 people directly and indirectly dependent on these establishments.

Some proponents for the establishment of another SM mall have been eyeing an area near the Clark main gate.

If approved, a portion of the mega mall will occupy an area within the Clark Special Economic Zone which will give SM owners the privilege to import goods and items free of tax.

Losses feared by small producers who see malls gobbling up market.

Many local traders said that if SM mall is established near and inside the Clark zone and allowed to operate, Clark Development Corp. (CDC) would be deprived of revenues from the existing duty-free shops inside the zone.

Several local traders and their dependents have asked local authorities to consider the welfare of thousands of people who might be displaced by establishment of another mega mall near the Clark zone.

[ Clark Special Economic Zone Wiki ]