Is there a Walmart store in Somerville’s future? Time, and much deliberation, will tell.

By Andrew Firestone

Big box stores, as they are called, have received dubious reputation in the last decade, and are regarded by some as draining to the local economy. With Walmart unveiling their new plan to open a new 34,000 square foot store at the site of the abandoned Circuit City on Assembly Square, the Mayor of Somerville, Joseph Curtatone, has picked up this gauntlet. In a surprise move, Curtatone has said that he will not support licensing Walmart until he is assured that their hiring practices are ethical.

The grocery store giant, based in Arkansas, had found trouble getting their permit from the Mayor of Boston, Tom Menino, and said they planned to build a store in Somerville instead. However, Curtatone reserves the right to delay their wish in getting permits and licensing required to build and construct the store. While the location may be desirable, being right next to the future Orange Line stop and Assembly Row, the Mayor has been adamant about hiring and labor practices being humane, and holds leverage in disallowing such a store.

The move comes in line with many of the mayor’s past policies regarding stores of this size, including the Ocean State Job Lot store controversy last year.

Curtatone will meet with Walmart representatives tomorrow, Thursday, to discuss their business ethics, including issues of employee pay, benefits, and gender equality.

“Nothing concrete has been proposed yet, so these are exploratory discussions,” said Curtatone. “I know this is a hot topic at the moment and that a lot of people have strong opinions, but we’re going to take our time to listen and learn before we weigh the pros and cons of what a Walmart Market might bring to the community.”