New store adds full line of groceries and 200 new jobs
NORRISTOWN, Pa., May 8, 2009 – The wait is over for residents in Norristown eager to see their Walmart at 650 S. Trooper Road bring savings to local shoppers on a full line of groceries and a wide assortment of new products and services. The new Walmart is designed to make shopping easy for customers. The layout creates an open shopping environment with wider aisles that contain no product displays. Walmart also 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 store will open to customers at 7 a.m., Wednesday, after a brief ribbon-cutting ceremony.
The store originally opened in 2001 in West Norriton Township. The expansion has increased the store’s size by more than 62,000 square feet including a full line of fresh produce, meats, bakery and an expanded electronics department.
“We have a loyal customer base and some have been shopping here since our original opening,” said Store Manager Bill Begley. “We think they’ll love the easy-to-shop layout of the new Walmart and appreciate the savings we offer on the products they are looking for.” The store is among the first stores in the country to feature the new Walmart store design.
Expanded Walmart Adds 200 New Jobs
The store plans to employ approximately 425 associates, including approximately 200 positions created by the relocation. “Joining Walmart was a great career decision for me, as it has been for so many of my fellow associates,” Begley said. “As a native of Norristown I am proud to bring good jobs with career opportunities our community and neighbors.”
Layout Improves Customer Experience
In recent months, Walmart has taken major steps to refresh its stores, its merchandise and its customer experience. The improvements have all come together in the company’s newest stores, such as the Norristown store, with faster service, a friendlier shopping experience and cleaner stores.
“The layout of the store is easy to navigate, which will save our customers time as they shop for everyday necessities,” said Begley. “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.”
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.
Store Design Incorporates Environmentally Friendly Features
The Norristown store, 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 150 skylights harvest daylight and reduce the amount of energy required to light the store by up to 75 percent daily. LED lighting in the store operates 70 percent more efficiently than traditional fluorescent lighting. The concrete flooring is made with recycled materials and reduces the need for chemical cleaners. Low-flow toilets and faucets reduce the water used in the bathrooms.
Community Organizations Benefit from Grand-Opening Grants
The store is continuing its support of the area by giving $8,000 in grants from the Wal-Mart Foundation to local organizations. That support includes grants to Family Service of Montgomery County as well as to several West Norriton groups including the Little League, police department and fire department.
Ribbon-Cutting Celebration 7 a.m., May 13
Community and business leaders will join Walmart associates at 7 a.m. Wednesday for a brief ribbon-cutting ceremony. Five associates who were working for the store at its original opening in 2001 will cut the ribbon to officially open the expanded store. Throughout the day, customers will be able to enjoy character appearances, product samples and giveaways.
No comments:
Post a Comment