New Super Center provides 330 jobs
WAYNESBURG, Penn., March 11, 2009 – A Walmart Super Center opens this month in Waynesburg, bringing 330 new jobs, savings for local shoppers and an increase in tax revenue to support the area’s economy. Nonprofit organizations will also benefit from the retailer’s ongoing charitable contributions and support for community projects. The Supercenter, conveniently located at 405 Murtha Dr., near Hwy. 21 and Interstate 79, will open to customers on Wednesday, March 18.
Local leaders are excited about the new Supercenter and hope Walmart’s presence will encourage local residents to shop closer to home. “Walmart will provide the much needed opportunity for the people of Greene County to have a convenient place to shop,” said Pam Snyder, chair of the Greene County Board of Commissioners. “The store is an asset to Greene County, and we are truly looking forward to the grand opening.”
Supercenter Brings 330 Jobs to Waynesburg
The Supercenter plans to employ approximately 330 associates. Most of the positions will be full time, according to Store Manager John Dukman.
“Joining Walmart was a great career decision for me, as it has been for so many of my fellow associates,” Dukman said. “Many associates joined because they know they have the opportunity for a long-lasting career at Walmart.” Like most Walmart store managers, he started his career with the company as an hourly associate. In 2001, he joined the company as an overnight grocery stockman at a store in Mt. Pleasant. Approximately 20 of the Waynesburg store’s associates have worked for Walmart for more than 10 years.
Store Designed to Improve Customer Experience
In recent months, Walmart has taken major steps to refresh its stores, merchandising and customer experience. The improvements have all come together in the company’s newest stores, such as the Waynesburg Supercenter, with faster service, a friendlier shopping experience and cleaner stores.
The new Supercenter features wide aisles, enhanced service and a layout designed to make the shopping experience more convenient for customers. Walmart aligned the departments that customers shop most frequently. The pharmacy, for example, is adjacent to food making it easier for customers to pick up their prescriptions while shopping for their groceries.
“The layout of the store is easy to navigate, which will save our customers time as they shop for everyday necessities,” said Dukman. “By grouping the products that our customers most often purchase including health and beauty and pet supplies, we are making one-stop shopping even easier.”
A bright interior color palette creates an inviting shopping experience and helps define the store’s merchandise areas. Lower shelving creates an improved sightline and directional signage on every aisle helps customers find what they are looking for quickly. Walmart also combined the customer service desk, site to store pick-up location and photo lab in one area near the entrance. Customers now have easy access to these services, as well as associates on hand to help meet their needs.
Community Organizations Benefit from Grand-Opening Grants
As part of Walmart’s commitment to the communities in which it operates, $15,000 in grants from the Wal-Mart Foundation will be presented during the grand-opening celebration. Associates at the Waynesburg Supercenter selected Corner Cupboard Food Bank to receive a special $5,000 grant to support its meal program and other hunger-relief efforts. Other recipients include the area 4-H Clubs, Greene County United Way, Hospice Care and Waynesburg-Franklin Township Fire Department.
“As the newest neighbor in the community, we realize financial support to local organizations helps make a real difference,” said Dukman. “We are thrilled to provide these grants as part of our grand-opening celebration. I can assure you we will continue to play a leadership role in supporting the needs of Waynesburg, Greene County and neighboring communities.”
Store Design Incorporates Environmentally Friendly Features
The Waynesburg Supercenter, like all new Walmart stores, includes energy-efficient technology and environmentally friendly features to reduce energy and water consumption and minimize waste. The store’s skylights harvest daylight and reduce the amount of energy required to light the store by up to 75 percent daily. LED lighting throughout the store operates 70 percent more efficiently than traditional fluorescent lighting. Low-flow toilets and faucets reduce the water used in the bathrooms.
Ribbon-Cutting Celebration 7 a.m., March 18
Community and business leaders will join Walmart associates at 7 a.m. Wednesday for a brief ribbon-cutting ceremony. Pastor Philip Elliot from the First Baptist Church in Waynesburg will offer an invocation and community and business leaders will join Dukman to cut the ribbon to the new store. Throughout the day, customers will be able to enjoy character appearances, product samples and giveaways.
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