Relocated store showcases latest store design and layout
LAURENS, S.C., March 12, 2009 – A Walmart Super center opens this month in Laurens, with special touches inside and out, like wider aisles and new signage that local residents will appreciate. As one of Walmart’s newest designs, the store will feature enhanced services and a layout designed to make the shopping experience more convenient for customers than ever before. The Super center will open at 8 a.m., Wednesday, March 18.
Originally opened in 1988, the store has nearly doubled in size with the relocation, adding a full grocery department with a deli and bakery and expanding its merchandise selection. Located at 922 E. Main St., the Super center is now situated atop a hill, with a buffer of trees, landscaping and green space.
“The new Super center is a breath of fresh air into Laurens’ economy,” said Mayor Sharon Brownlee. “I am a firm believer that Walmart spurs continued development and other businesses are ready to follow in its footsteps. People from around the county will come to Laurens to do their shopping, and the store will be a big boost to our revenue base. I’m especially pleased that the new facility fits right in with the overall beautification efforts for our community, with its beautiful landscaping and green space.”
The Laurens store is one of two Walmart Supercenters opening in South Carolina March 18. The other is located in Union. They are among the first stores to feature the new Walmart logo.
Layout Improves Customer Experience
The 24-hour Supercenter 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.
“In recent months, Walmart has taken major steps to refresh our stores, our merchandising and our customer experience,” said Store Manager Dorsey Thomas. “The improvements we’ve been making have all come together in our new store with faster service, a friendlier shopping experience and a cleaner store.”
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.
Super center Adds 140 Hometown Jobs
The Supercenter plans to employ approximately 320 associates, including approximately 140 new positions created by the relocation. Most of the positions will be full time, according to Thomas.
“Working for Walmart provides a number of job opportunities and choices for so many people, from seniors looking for supplemental income to young people just starting their work experience,” said Thomas. Like most Walmart store managers, he first joined the company as an hourly associate. Forty of the Laurens store’s associates have worked for Walmart for more than 10 years. Ten associates have worked at the store since it opened in 1988.
Community Organizations Benefit from Grand Opening Grants
As part of Walmart’s commitment to the communities in which it operates, $10,000 in grants from the Wal-Mart Foundation will be presented during the grand-opening celebration. Associates at the Laurens Supercenter selected United Ministries of Laurens to receive a $5,000 grant to support its food bank and other hunger relief efforts. Other recipients include the Hospice of Laurens County and Laurens Memorial Home for the Aged.
“In addition to grants from the Wal-Mart Foundation, we’ve supported these agencies and other community charitable efforts for years by hosting fundraisers, providing volunteers, and giving in-kind merchandise donations,” said Thomas. “We think of them as our partners and consider it a privilege to support the good work they do.”
Store Design Incorporates Environmentally Friendly Features
The Laurens 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.
Part of the cement used in the concrete flooring is made with recycled materials, and the floor’s finish reduces the need for chemical cleaners. Low-flow toilets and faucets reduce the water used in the bathrooms.
Ribbon-Cutting Celebration 7:30 a.m., March 18
Community and business leaders will join Walmart associates at 7:30 a.m. Wednesday for a brief ribbon-cutting ceremony. Rev. Ossie Deese from the Laurens Church of God will offer an invocation and the Color Guard from Clinton High School will present the colors. Local community leaders will join Thomas to cut the ribbon to the new store. Throughout the day, customers will be able to enjoy product samples and giveaways.
Friday, March 20, 2009
Walmart Brings Savings and Convenience to Waynesburg
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.
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.
Walmart Transforms Orland Hills Store into Super Center
New store adds full line of groceries and 150 new jobs
ORLAND HILLS, Ill., March 11, 2009 – The wait is over for residents in Orland Hills eager to see their Walmart on 159th Street become a full Super center, bringing savings to local shoppers on a full line of groceries and a wide assortment of new products and services. The Supercenter will open to customers at 7:30 a.m., Wednesday, after a 7 a.m. ribbon-cutting ceremony.
“This new Walmart Super center is a ‘Godsend’ for Orland Hills,” said Mayor Kyle R. Hastings. “Walmart has been a great business partner in Orland Hills since 1991, and this project clearly demonstrates how good things can come from mutual respect and cooperation between business and government.”
The store originally opened in October 1991 in the Orland Towne Center shopping center. With the relocation next door, the store gained an additional 84,000 square feet including a full line of groceries. The original store will soon be demolished to increase the store’s parking.
“We have a loyal customer base and some have been shopping here since our original opening more than 18 years ago,” said Store Manager Craig Harrison. “We think they’ll love the easy-to-shop layout of the new Super center and appreciate the savings we offer on the products they are looking for.”
The Orland Hills store is one of two Walmart Super centers opening in Illinois March 18. The other is located in Beardstown. Walmart is opening 10 Supercenters across the country in March. They are among the first stores in the country to feature the new Walmart logo.
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 Orland Hills Super center, with faster service, a friendlier shopping experience and cleaner stores.
The new Super center 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 layout of the stores is easy to navigate, which will save our customers time as they shop for everyday necessities at our unbeatable prices,” said Harrison. “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.
Supercenter Adds 150 New Jobs
The Supercenter plans to employ approximately 450 associates, including approximately 150 positions created by the relocation. Sixty-nine of the Orland Hills store’s associates have worked for Walmart for more than 10 years and 15 have worked at the store since it originally opened in 1991.
“Joining Walmart was a great career decision for me, as it has been for so many of my fellow associates,” Harrison said. “It makes me proud to work for this company where there are unlimited opportunities. Many associates joined because they know they have the opportunity for a long-lasting career at Walmart.”
Store Design Incorporates Environmentally Friendly Features
The Orland Hills Super center, 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. Part of the cement used in the concrete flooring is made with recycled materials, and the floor’s finish 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 newly relocated Super center is continuing its support of the area by giving $11,500 in grants from the Wal-Mart Foundation to local organizations. That support includes a $5,000 grant to the Wolves Youth Athletic Association for its recreational and organized sports activities for Orland Hills youth. Associates also chose to honor the late senior director Kay Gnech with a $2,000 donation to the fund set up in her memory to support activities for area senior citizens.
The Orland Township Food Pantry, Orland Fire Protection District and Village of Orland Hills Police Department will each receive a $1,500 grant to support their operations. The police department plans to use its grant to purchase a portable automatic defibrillator, and the fire department will use its funding toward fire-fighting and emergency response equipment.
“In addition to grants from the Wal-Mart Foundation, we’ve supported these agencies and other community charitable efforts for years by hosting fundraisers, providing volunteers and giving in-kind merchandise donations,” said Harrison. “We think of them as our partners and consider it a privilege to support the good work they do.”
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. Rev. Michael McCartney, pastor of Christian Hills Full Gospel Church, will offer an invocation and Walmart associate David Range will perform the national anthem. Members of the local post of the Veterans of Foreign Wars will present the colors. Mayor Hastings and Chamber of Commerce President Robin Wagner will join Harrison to cut the ribbon to the new store. Throughout the day, customers will be able to enjoy character appearances, product samples and giveaways.
About Wal-Mart Stores Inc. (NYSE: WMT)
Every week, millions of customers visit Walmart Stores, super centers, Neighborhood Markets, and Sam’s Club locations across America or log on to its online store at www.walmart.com. The company and its Foundation are committed to a philosophy of giving back locally. Wal-Mart (NYSE: WMT) is proud to support the causes that are important to customers and associates right in their own neighborhoods, and last year gave more than $296 million to local communities in the United States.
FACT SHEET
Orland Hills Walmart Supercenter
Store facts
* Location: 9245 W. 159th St., Orland Hills, Ill.
* 195,458-square-foot Walmart Supercenter, gaining an additional 84,000 square feet
* Store opens at 7:30 a.m. Wednesday, March 18, following a 7 a.m. ribbon-cutting ceremony
* Store manager: Craig Harrison
Store features
* Full line of groceries, bakery goods, deli foods, frozen foods, meat and dairy products, fresh produce
* More than 30 merchandise departments such as apparel and accessories, fine jewelry, a lawn and garden center with drive-through loading area, health and beauty aids, and a full line of electronics
* Convenience services include a pharmacy with two drive-through lanes, vision center, digital photo processing center and Walmart Connect Center
* Leased areas and services include a Subway restaurant, portrait studio, SmartStyle Family Hair Care salon and a branch of Woodforest National Bank.
* Open 24 hours a day, seven days a week
Charitable giving
$11,500 in charitable contributions to the following area organizations
* Orland Fire Protection District
* Orland Township Food Pantry
* Village of Orland Hills Kay Gnech Memorial Senior Fund
* Village of Orland Hills Police Department
* Wolves Youth Athletic Association
Employment
* Store plans to employ approximately 450 associates, including approximately 150 positions created by the relocation.
* Sixty-nine of the store’s associates have worked for Walmart for more than 10 years.
* Fifteen associates have worked at the store since it originally opened in 1991.
* The average wage at Walmart for full-time hourly associates in Illinois is approximately $11.67 per hour*
* Walmart benefits – available to eligible full- and part-time associates – include health insurance with no lifetime maximum. Walmart also offers a 401(k) plan and profit sharing contributions, whether an associate contributes or not, store discount cards, company performance-based bonuses, stock purchase program and life insurance
ORLAND HILLS, Ill., March 11, 2009 – The wait is over for residents in Orland Hills eager to see their Walmart on 159th Street become a full Super center, bringing savings to local shoppers on a full line of groceries and a wide assortment of new products and services. The Supercenter will open to customers at 7:30 a.m., Wednesday, after a 7 a.m. ribbon-cutting ceremony.
“This new Walmart Super center is a ‘Godsend’ for Orland Hills,” said Mayor Kyle R. Hastings. “Walmart has been a great business partner in Orland Hills since 1991, and this project clearly demonstrates how good things can come from mutual respect and cooperation between business and government.”
The store originally opened in October 1991 in the Orland Towne Center shopping center. With the relocation next door, the store gained an additional 84,000 square feet including a full line of groceries. The original store will soon be demolished to increase the store’s parking.
“We have a loyal customer base and some have been shopping here since our original opening more than 18 years ago,” said Store Manager Craig Harrison. “We think they’ll love the easy-to-shop layout of the new Super center and appreciate the savings we offer on the products they are looking for.”
The Orland Hills store is one of two Walmart Super centers opening in Illinois March 18. The other is located in Beardstown. Walmart is opening 10 Supercenters across the country in March. They are among the first stores in the country to feature the new Walmart logo.
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 Orland Hills Super center, with faster service, a friendlier shopping experience and cleaner stores.
The new Super center 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 layout of the stores is easy to navigate, which will save our customers time as they shop for everyday necessities at our unbeatable prices,” said Harrison. “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.
Supercenter Adds 150 New Jobs
The Supercenter plans to employ approximately 450 associates, including approximately 150 positions created by the relocation. Sixty-nine of the Orland Hills store’s associates have worked for Walmart for more than 10 years and 15 have worked at the store since it originally opened in 1991.
“Joining Walmart was a great career decision for me, as it has been for so many of my fellow associates,” Harrison said. “It makes me proud to work for this company where there are unlimited opportunities. Many associates joined because they know they have the opportunity for a long-lasting career at Walmart.”
Store Design Incorporates Environmentally Friendly Features
The Orland Hills Super center, 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. Part of the cement used in the concrete flooring is made with recycled materials, and the floor’s finish 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 newly relocated Super center is continuing its support of the area by giving $11,500 in grants from the Wal-Mart Foundation to local organizations. That support includes a $5,000 grant to the Wolves Youth Athletic Association for its recreational and organized sports activities for Orland Hills youth. Associates also chose to honor the late senior director Kay Gnech with a $2,000 donation to the fund set up in her memory to support activities for area senior citizens.
The Orland Township Food Pantry, Orland Fire Protection District and Village of Orland Hills Police Department will each receive a $1,500 grant to support their operations. The police department plans to use its grant to purchase a portable automatic defibrillator, and the fire department will use its funding toward fire-fighting and emergency response equipment.
“In addition to grants from the Wal-Mart Foundation, we’ve supported these agencies and other community charitable efforts for years by hosting fundraisers, providing volunteers and giving in-kind merchandise donations,” said Harrison. “We think of them as our partners and consider it a privilege to support the good work they do.”
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. Rev. Michael McCartney, pastor of Christian Hills Full Gospel Church, will offer an invocation and Walmart associate David Range will perform the national anthem. Members of the local post of the Veterans of Foreign Wars will present the colors. Mayor Hastings and Chamber of Commerce President Robin Wagner will join Harrison to cut the ribbon to the new store. Throughout the day, customers will be able to enjoy character appearances, product samples and giveaways.
About Wal-Mart Stores Inc. (NYSE: WMT)
Every week, millions of customers visit Walmart Stores, super centers, Neighborhood Markets, and Sam’s Club locations across America or log on to its online store at www.walmart.com. The company and its Foundation are committed to a philosophy of giving back locally. Wal-Mart (NYSE: WMT) is proud to support the causes that are important to customers and associates right in their own neighborhoods, and last year gave more than $296 million to local communities in the United States.
FACT SHEET
Orland Hills Walmart Supercenter
Store facts
* Location: 9245 W. 159th St., Orland Hills, Ill.
* 195,458-square-foot Walmart Supercenter, gaining an additional 84,000 square feet
* Store opens at 7:30 a.m. Wednesday, March 18, following a 7 a.m. ribbon-cutting ceremony
* Store manager: Craig Harrison
Store features
* Full line of groceries, bakery goods, deli foods, frozen foods, meat and dairy products, fresh produce
* More than 30 merchandise departments such as apparel and accessories, fine jewelry, a lawn and garden center with drive-through loading area, health and beauty aids, and a full line of electronics
* Convenience services include a pharmacy with two drive-through lanes, vision center, digital photo processing center and Walmart Connect Center
* Leased areas and services include a Subway restaurant, portrait studio, SmartStyle Family Hair Care salon and a branch of Woodforest National Bank.
* Open 24 hours a day, seven days a week
Charitable giving
$11,500 in charitable contributions to the following area organizations
* Orland Fire Protection District
* Orland Township Food Pantry
* Village of Orland Hills Kay Gnech Memorial Senior Fund
* Village of Orland Hills Police Department
* Wolves Youth Athletic Association
Employment
* Store plans to employ approximately 450 associates, including approximately 150 positions created by the relocation.
* Sixty-nine of the store’s associates have worked for Walmart for more than 10 years.
* Fifteen associates have worked at the store since it originally opened in 1991.
* The average wage at Walmart for full-time hourly associates in Illinois is approximately $11.67 per hour*
* Walmart benefits – available to eligible full- and part-time associates – include health insurance with no lifetime maximum. Walmart also offers a 401(k) plan and profit sharing contributions, whether an associate contributes or not, store discount cards, company performance-based bonuses, stock purchase program and life insurance
Tuesday, March 17, 2009
WalMart same-store sales jump last month
WalMart Stores Inc.'s sales surged in February, beating the company's forecast and retail analysts' expectations at a time when most retailers reported double-digit sales declines.
The company also raised its stock dividend Thursday for the 35th consecutive year.
Dillard's Inc. of Little Rock was among the retailers that suffered another sharp drop in sales. With unemployment rising and household incomes shrinking, department and apparel stores have tried for months to draw customers with sharply discounted merchandise with limited success.
WalMart said Thursday that last month's sales in stores open at least a year rose 5.1 percent over a year ago, well above the 1 percent to 3 percent the company had forecast. The results exclude the impact of fluctuating gasoline prices.
Analysts surveyed by Thomson Reuters had expected a 2.4 percent increase in WalMart's same-store sales.
Results from stores open at least a year exclude the impact of stores opened or closed during the period, providing a measure of performance in continuing operations.
"WalMart has got amazing traffic, and they're driving more traffic," said Patricia Edwards, a retail analyst and founder of Storehouse Partners LLC in Seattle.
WalMart, based in Bentonville, increased its dividend by 15 percent, from 95 cents to $1.09 a share.
The sales and dividend news pushed the company's stock up $1.26, or 2.6 percent, to a close of $49.75 a share on the New York Stock Exchange as the overall market plummeted to a 12-year low.
WalMart's stock has traded between $46.25 and $63.85 in the past year.
Because of its enormous scale more than 4,200 U.S. stores and 3,300-plus in its international division WalMart skews the results of U.S.-based retail operations overall.
Including WalMart's latest results, same-store sales at 35 retail chains tracked by the International Council of Shopping Centers fell only 0.1 percent in February. Excluding Wal-Mart, sales were down 4.3 percent, the trade group said.
"The tone was a little better, but the poster child of the improvement was WalMart," said Michael Niemira, the center's chief economist.
While the numbers may show that business is stabilizing, he said, it could also just be a "WalMart story" that more people are downscaling amid the tough times.
John Lawrence, an analyst with Morgan Keegan & Co. in Memphis, sees Wal-Mart continuing to improve sales.
"With five consecutive months of traffic increase, WalMart is clearly taking market share from its rivals," he wrote in a research note to clients.
"We expect the trend to continue with the trading-down effect and improving store operation." Among other retailers reporting same-store sales: Gap Inc.'s sales fell 12 percent, its Old Navy store sales fell 13 percent and Banana Republic was off 16 percent; Kohl's Corp. sales fell 1.6 percent; J.C. Penney Co. Inc.'s sales fell 8.8 percent; Nordstrom Inc.'s sales fell 15.4 percent; and Macy's Inc.'s sales fell 8.5 percent.
Dillard's reported samestore sales fell 14 percent from February's results last year, citing sluggish sales in juniors' and children's apparel.
Cosmetics sales were significantly better than the average company trend, Dillard's said.
The company said sales were slightly above the company trend in the central region, slightly below trend in the East and below trend in the West.
Low gasoline prices likely helped increase February sales at WalMart, the company said.
"We believe falling gas prices significantly boosted household disposable income in February and therefore allowed for both more trips and more spending towards discretionary categories," Eduardo Castro-Wright, vice chairman in charge of the company's U.S. stores division, said in a news release on the company's latest results.
If so, the lower fuel prices did not help all of WalMart's competitors.
Target Corp. of Minneapolis, the No. 2 discounter nationally, reported same-store sales fell 4.1 percent, which Gregg Steinhafel, chairman, president and chief executive officer, said was "in line with our planned range for the month." Other discounters did better, however. Family Dollar Stores Inc. of Matthews, N.C., with 6,643 stores at the end of February, said same-store sales were up 6.4 percent.
And regional retailer Duckwall-ALCO Stores Inc. of Abilene, Kan., with 258 stores in 23 states, reported samestore sales up 9.4 percent.
But mostly, retailers are hurting.
"It is brutal out there," Edwards said.
"People are trading down, they are shopping where they can get their food in addition to other things, and they are trying to save money any way possible," she said.
WalMart said grocery, health and wellness categories helped push sales higher, but also said shoppers spent more on items for their homes.
Edwards noted that other retailers also pointed to improvement in the home category, suggesting that people are not going out as much and are willing to spend some money to spruce up their homes.
Sam's Club, WalMart's members-only, wholesale club division, outperformed the U.S. stores operation with a 5.9 percent gain, excluding the impact of gasoline.
The U.S. stores division, which includes supercenters, discount stores and Neighborhood Market grocery stores, boosted same-store sales 5 percent.
At Sam's, food and other consumables also were mainly responsible for sales gains as shoppers avoided furniture, jewelry and other big-ticket items, the company said.
Club operator Costco Wholesale Corp. reported Wednesday that its same-store sales, excluding fuel, rose 4 percent at its U.S. stores in February.
BJ's Wholesale Club said sales were up 0.6 percent, excluding fuel.
WalMart's international sales continued to grow, though they don't look that way when converted to U.S. dollars.
Factoring out the increase in the dollar's value compared with other currencies from a year ago, sales were up 9.9 percent.
At current exchange rates, the company said, sales were down 10.8 percent in dollars.
WalMart de Mexico, a publicly traded company, boosted same-store sales by 4.7 percent.
WalMart does not report details of same-store sales for the other nations where it has stores, though it said those sales were slightly negative in Canada, positive in Japan and rose in the low single digits in Brazil.
The company also raised its stock dividend Thursday for the 35th consecutive year.
Dillard's Inc. of Little Rock was among the retailers that suffered another sharp drop in sales. With unemployment rising and household incomes shrinking, department and apparel stores have tried for months to draw customers with sharply discounted merchandise with limited success.
WalMart said Thursday that last month's sales in stores open at least a year rose 5.1 percent over a year ago, well above the 1 percent to 3 percent the company had forecast. The results exclude the impact of fluctuating gasoline prices.
Analysts surveyed by Thomson Reuters had expected a 2.4 percent increase in WalMart's same-store sales.
Results from stores open at least a year exclude the impact of stores opened or closed during the period, providing a measure of performance in continuing operations.
"WalMart has got amazing traffic, and they're driving more traffic," said Patricia Edwards, a retail analyst and founder of Storehouse Partners LLC in Seattle.
WalMart, based in Bentonville, increased its dividend by 15 percent, from 95 cents to $1.09 a share.
The sales and dividend news pushed the company's stock up $1.26, or 2.6 percent, to a close of $49.75 a share on the New York Stock Exchange as the overall market plummeted to a 12-year low.
WalMart's stock has traded between $46.25 and $63.85 in the past year.
Because of its enormous scale more than 4,200 U.S. stores and 3,300-plus in its international division WalMart skews the results of U.S.-based retail operations overall.
Including WalMart's latest results, same-store sales at 35 retail chains tracked by the International Council of Shopping Centers fell only 0.1 percent in February. Excluding Wal-Mart, sales were down 4.3 percent, the trade group said.
"The tone was a little better, but the poster child of the improvement was WalMart," said Michael Niemira, the center's chief economist.
While the numbers may show that business is stabilizing, he said, it could also just be a "WalMart story" that more people are downscaling amid the tough times.
John Lawrence, an analyst with Morgan Keegan & Co. in Memphis, sees Wal-Mart continuing to improve sales.
"With five consecutive months of traffic increase, WalMart is clearly taking market share from its rivals," he wrote in a research note to clients.
"We expect the trend to continue with the trading-down effect and improving store operation." Among other retailers reporting same-store sales: Gap Inc.'s sales fell 12 percent, its Old Navy store sales fell 13 percent and Banana Republic was off 16 percent; Kohl's Corp. sales fell 1.6 percent; J.C. Penney Co. Inc.'s sales fell 8.8 percent; Nordstrom Inc.'s sales fell 15.4 percent; and Macy's Inc.'s sales fell 8.5 percent.
Dillard's reported samestore sales fell 14 percent from February's results last year, citing sluggish sales in juniors' and children's apparel.
Cosmetics sales were significantly better than the average company trend, Dillard's said.
The company said sales were slightly above the company trend in the central region, slightly below trend in the East and below trend in the West.
Low gasoline prices likely helped increase February sales at WalMart, the company said.
"We believe falling gas prices significantly boosted household disposable income in February and therefore allowed for both more trips and more spending towards discretionary categories," Eduardo Castro-Wright, vice chairman in charge of the company's U.S. stores division, said in a news release on the company's latest results.
If so, the lower fuel prices did not help all of WalMart's competitors.
Target Corp. of Minneapolis, the No. 2 discounter nationally, reported same-store sales fell 4.1 percent, which Gregg Steinhafel, chairman, president and chief executive officer, said was "in line with our planned range for the month." Other discounters did better, however. Family Dollar Stores Inc. of Matthews, N.C., with 6,643 stores at the end of February, said same-store sales were up 6.4 percent.
And regional retailer Duckwall-ALCO Stores Inc. of Abilene, Kan., with 258 stores in 23 states, reported samestore sales up 9.4 percent.
But mostly, retailers are hurting.
"It is brutal out there," Edwards said.
"People are trading down, they are shopping where they can get their food in addition to other things, and they are trying to save money any way possible," she said.
WalMart said grocery, health and wellness categories helped push sales higher, but also said shoppers spent more on items for their homes.
Edwards noted that other retailers also pointed to improvement in the home category, suggesting that people are not going out as much and are willing to spend some money to spruce up their homes.
Sam's Club, WalMart's members-only, wholesale club division, outperformed the U.S. stores operation with a 5.9 percent gain, excluding the impact of gasoline.
The U.S. stores division, which includes supercenters, discount stores and Neighborhood Market grocery stores, boosted same-store sales 5 percent.
At Sam's, food and other consumables also were mainly responsible for sales gains as shoppers avoided furniture, jewelry and other big-ticket items, the company said.
Club operator Costco Wholesale Corp. reported Wednesday that its same-store sales, excluding fuel, rose 4 percent at its U.S. stores in February.
BJ's Wholesale Club said sales were up 0.6 percent, excluding fuel.
WalMart's international sales continued to grow, though they don't look that way when converted to U.S. dollars.
Factoring out the increase in the dollar's value compared with other currencies from a year ago, sales were up 9.9 percent.
At current exchange rates, the company said, sales were down 10.8 percent in dollars.
WalMart de Mexico, a publicly traded company, boosted same-store sales by 4.7 percent.
WalMart does not report details of same-store sales for the other nations where it has stores, though it said those sales were slightly negative in Canada, positive in Japan and rose in the low single digits in Brazil.
Prescription Drug Prices: CVS Pharmacy or WalMart?
It can be compare
I visit the Columbia City WalMart almost weekly, and I thought that I might be able to save five or ten dollars on my prescriptions. After talking to CVS Pharmacy, I called Wal-Mart pharmacy, and I expected to find out the medications were about the same in price. The first prescription would cost $43.72, and the second would cost a grand total of $6.67! I thought maybe the lady misunderstood what I was asking for, and I repeated the name and quantity of the pills I require. She had it right the first time. In all, I saved a whooping $78.79! How could my medication cost this much less at WalMart?
CVS Pharmacy is a much smaller retailer than WalMart, so naturally the markup on everything is higher. WalMart can afford to sell prescription drugs at much lower prices since they sell a wide variety of other items. CVS Pharmacy must rely on prescription drug sales to remain in business, but WalMart doesn't have to add a huge markup to the prescription drugs they sell.
If you have medical insurance and prescription drug coverage, by all means opt for convenience, but those of us who must pinch pennies because we aren't covered by insurance must shop around. If you didn't have medical insurance or prescription drug coverage, where would you rather shop for your meds? After finding out how inflated the prices are at CVS Pharmacy, I'll always shop at WalMart for all of my prescription medications. They filled my prescriptions fast, they were very friendly, and I saved enough money to fill my gas tank and buy some groceries. It was definitely worth a minute of my time to call and compare.
I visit the Columbia City WalMart almost weekly, and I thought that I might be able to save five or ten dollars on my prescriptions. After talking to CVS Pharmacy, I called Wal-Mart pharmacy, and I expected to find out the medications were about the same in price. The first prescription would cost $43.72, and the second would cost a grand total of $6.67! I thought maybe the lady misunderstood what I was asking for, and I repeated the name and quantity of the pills I require. She had it right the first time. In all, I saved a whooping $78.79! How could my medication cost this much less at WalMart?
CVS Pharmacy is a much smaller retailer than WalMart, so naturally the markup on everything is higher. WalMart can afford to sell prescription drugs at much lower prices since they sell a wide variety of other items. CVS Pharmacy must rely on prescription drug sales to remain in business, but WalMart doesn't have to add a huge markup to the prescription drugs they sell.
If you have medical insurance and prescription drug coverage, by all means opt for convenience, but those of us who must pinch pennies because we aren't covered by insurance must shop around. If you didn't have medical insurance or prescription drug coverage, where would you rather shop for your meds? After finding out how inflated the prices are at CVS Pharmacy, I'll always shop at WalMart for all of my prescription medications. They filled my prescriptions fast, they were very friendly, and I saved enough money to fill my gas tank and buy some groceries. It was definitely worth a minute of my time to call and compare.
New Tallahassee Supercenter Introduces Latest Walmart Features
Tallahassee gains a new Walmart Supercenter this month. Located on Monroe Street, the store introduces the retailer’s latest in store design and customer experience to the community. The new store will feature the company’s new logo, wider aisles, enhanced service and a special layout designed to make the shopping experience more convenient for customers than ever before. In addition to offering consumers a new one-stop shopping destination, the Supercenter will provide jobs to approximately 250 area residents and provide ongoing support to area non-profit organizations. The store will hold a grand-opening ceremony at 7:30 a.m. Wednesday, March 18, and open its doors to customers at 8 a.m.
Located at 3321 N. Monroe St., the store is on the site of former Sam’s Club that relocated in 2004. In addition to re-using the site, Walmart built the store with 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. Like many Walmart stores, waste heat from the refrigeration system is used to heat hot water for restrooms and kitchen areas. Low-flow toilets and faucets reduce the water used in the bathrooms.
Walmart’s efforts to utilize energy-efficient technology have not gone unnoticed. “Walmart is leading by example. The company can influence and encourage sustainable business practices through its operations and relationships with suppliers and vendors,” said Tim Center, vice president of sustainability initiatives for the Collins Center for Public Policy and director of Sustainable Florida.
Supercenter Brings 250 Jobs, Economic Boost to Tallahassee
The Supercenter plans to employ approximately 250 associates. Most of the positions will be full time, according to Store Manager Michael Hicks.
“Working for Walmart provides a number of career opportunities and choices for so many people, from seniors looking for supplemental income to young people just starting their work experience,” said Hicks. More than 15 of the Tallahassee store’s associates have worked for Walmart for more than 10 years.
The average wage at Walmart for full-time hourly associates in Florida is approximately $11.38 per hour*
Walmart benefits – available to eligible full- and part-time associates – include health insurance with no lifetime maximum. Walmart also offers a 401(k) plan and profit sharing contributions, whether an associate contributes or not, store discount cards, company performance-based bonuses, stock purchase program and life insurance.
The Tallahassee store is one of two Walmart Supercenters opening in Florida on March 18. The other is located in West Palm Beach.
Layout Improves Customer Experience
The 24-hour Supercenter is designed to make shopping easy for customers. Lower shelving creates an improved sightline and directional signage on every aisle helps customers find what they are looking for quickly. The layout creates an open shopping environment with wider aisles that contain no product displays.
“The layout of the store is easy to navigate, which will save our customers time as they shop for everyday necessities,” Hicks said. “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.”
The Supercenter also brings Walmart customers an expanded electronics department featuring a wide selection of the latest consumer electronics and home entertainment. The new design includes a more hands-on experience for customers with interactive displays for hi-definition Blu-ray, video gaming and portable electronics. The interactive experience makes it easier for shoppers to test new technology.
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 Tallahassee Supercenter, resulting in faster service, a friendlier shopping experience and cleaner stores.
Community Organizations Benefit from Grand-Opening Grants
As part of Walmart’s commitment to the communities in which it operates, $20,000 in grants from the Wal-Mart Foundation will be presented during the grand-opening celebration. Associates at the Tallahassee Supercenter selected America’s Second Harvest of the Big Bend to receive a $5,000 grant to support the food bank and its hunger-relief efforts. A total of $10,000 in grants will be shared by nearby schools, including Godby High School, Griffin Middle School, Springwood Elementary School and Leon County Schools. The Collins Center for Public Policy received a $2,500 grant for its Sustainable Florida program, a 20-year-old public-private alliance focused on environmental stewardship and economic development.
“We are thankful for Walmart’s support during its grand opening, which clearly demonstrates its commitment to our community and to Sustainable Florida’s goal of promoting sustainable development principles through education and collaboration,” Center said.
Ribbon-Cutting Celebration 7:30 a.m., March 18
Community and business leaders will join Walmart associates at 7:30 a.m. Wednesday for a brief ribbon-cutting ceremony. Pastor Bill Rhodes of Killearn United Methodist Church will offer an invocation and a representative from Stubbs Educational Foundation will perform the national anthem. Students from Godby High School’s Junior ROTC program will present the colors during the ceremony. Community and business leaders will join Hicks to cut the ribbon to the new store. Throughout the day, customers will be able to enjoy character appearances, product samples and giveaways.
Located at 3321 N. Monroe St., the store is on the site of former Sam’s Club that relocated in 2004. In addition to re-using the site, Walmart built the store with 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. Like many Walmart stores, waste heat from the refrigeration system is used to heat hot water for restrooms and kitchen areas. Low-flow toilets and faucets reduce the water used in the bathrooms.
Walmart’s efforts to utilize energy-efficient technology have not gone unnoticed. “Walmart is leading by example. The company can influence and encourage sustainable business practices through its operations and relationships with suppliers and vendors,” said Tim Center, vice president of sustainability initiatives for the Collins Center for Public Policy and director of Sustainable Florida.
Supercenter Brings 250 Jobs, Economic Boost to Tallahassee
The Supercenter plans to employ approximately 250 associates. Most of the positions will be full time, according to Store Manager Michael Hicks.
“Working for Walmart provides a number of career opportunities and choices for so many people, from seniors looking for supplemental income to young people just starting their work experience,” said Hicks. More than 15 of the Tallahassee store’s associates have worked for Walmart for more than 10 years.
The average wage at Walmart for full-time hourly associates in Florida is approximately $11.38 per hour*
Walmart benefits – available to eligible full- and part-time associates – include health insurance with no lifetime maximum. Walmart also offers a 401(k) plan and profit sharing contributions, whether an associate contributes or not, store discount cards, company performance-based bonuses, stock purchase program and life insurance.
The Tallahassee store is one of two Walmart Supercenters opening in Florida on March 18. The other is located in West Palm Beach.
Layout Improves Customer Experience
The 24-hour Supercenter is designed to make shopping easy for customers. Lower shelving creates an improved sightline and directional signage on every aisle helps customers find what they are looking for quickly. The layout creates an open shopping environment with wider aisles that contain no product displays.
“The layout of the store is easy to navigate, which will save our customers time as they shop for everyday necessities,” Hicks said. “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.”
The Supercenter also brings Walmart customers an expanded electronics department featuring a wide selection of the latest consumer electronics and home entertainment. The new design includes a more hands-on experience for customers with interactive displays for hi-definition Blu-ray, video gaming and portable electronics. The interactive experience makes it easier for shoppers to test new technology.
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 Tallahassee Supercenter, resulting in faster service, a friendlier shopping experience and cleaner stores.
Community Organizations Benefit from Grand-Opening Grants
As part of Walmart’s commitment to the communities in which it operates, $20,000 in grants from the Wal-Mart Foundation will be presented during the grand-opening celebration. Associates at the Tallahassee Supercenter selected America’s Second Harvest of the Big Bend to receive a $5,000 grant to support the food bank and its hunger-relief efforts. A total of $10,000 in grants will be shared by nearby schools, including Godby High School, Griffin Middle School, Springwood Elementary School and Leon County Schools. The Collins Center for Public Policy received a $2,500 grant for its Sustainable Florida program, a 20-year-old public-private alliance focused on environmental stewardship and economic development.
“We are thankful for Walmart’s support during its grand opening, which clearly demonstrates its commitment to our community and to Sustainable Florida’s goal of promoting sustainable development principles through education and collaboration,” Center said.
Ribbon-Cutting Celebration 7:30 a.m., March 18
Community and business leaders will join Walmart associates at 7:30 a.m. Wednesday for a brief ribbon-cutting ceremony. Pastor Bill Rhodes of Killearn United Methodist Church will offer an invocation and a representative from Stubbs Educational Foundation will perform the national anthem. Students from Godby High School’s Junior ROTC program will present the colors during the ceremony. Community and business leaders will join Hicks to cut the ribbon to the new store. Throughout the day, customers will be able to enjoy character appearances, product samples and giveaways.
New West Palm Walmart Brings Customers Savings and Convenience
45th Street Supercenter unveils next generation of Walmart stores
WEST PALM BEACH, 11, 2009 – The new Walmart Supercenter in West Palm Beach will celebrate its grand opening this week, giving local shoppers a glimpse of the company’s next generation of store design and customer experience. The Supercenter, located at 4225 45th St., will open to customers at 8 a.m., Wednesday.
“We’re happy to welcome this latest Walmart store to West Palm Beach and are excited about the jobs it will create for local families,” said Mayor Lois J. Frankel. “We also look forward to Walmart’s furthering the company’s record of charitable giving and local involvement in our community.”
The West Palm Beach store is one of two Walmart Supercenters opening in Florida March 18. The other is located in Tallahassee. They are among the first stores in the country to feature the new Walmart logo and store design.
“At Walmart, we're committed to saving people money so they can live better,” Store Manager Cathy Foley-Franklin said. “In today's economy, our customers are looking to us to be an advocate and find solutions that save them money on their groceries and other products that their families need.”
New Features, Layout Improve Customer Experience
The new Supercenter features wider aisles, enhanced service and a layout designed to make the shopping experience more convenient for customers than ever before. The new Supercenter 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.
“In recent months, Walmart has taken major steps to refresh our stores, our merchandising and our customer experience,” said Foley-Franklin. “The improvements we’ve been making have all come together in our new store with faster service, a friendlier shopping experience and a cleaner store.”
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.
Store Design Incorporates Environmentally Friendly Features
The West Palm Beach Super center, 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.
Part of the cement used in the concrete flooring is made with recycled materials, and the floor’s finish reduces the need for chemical cleaners. Low-flow toilets and faucets reduce the water used in the bathrooms.
Supercenter Brings 350 Jobs to West Palm Beach
The Supercenter plans to employ approximately 350 associates, according to Foley-Franklin.
“Working for Walmart provides a number of job opportunities and choices for so many people, from seniors looking for supplemental income to young people just starting their work experience,” said Foley-Franklin. Like most Walmart store managers, she joined the company as an hourly associate. She joined the company in 1985, working in receiving at a store in Okeechobee.
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 West Palm Beach Super center selected the Daily Bread Food Bank to receive a $5,000 grant to support its hunger-relief efforts. The Village Baptist Church will receive a $2,500 grant to support its food pantry. Other recipients include the Boys and Girls Club of Palm Beach County, Pop Warner Little Scholars and Urban Youth Development.
“As the newest neighbor in the community, we realize financial support to local organizations helps make a real difference,” said Foley-Franklin. “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 West Palm and neighboring communities.”
Ribbon-Cutting Celebration 7:30 a.m., March 18
Community and business leaders will join Walmart associates at 7:30 a.m. Wednesday for a brief ribbon-cutting ceremony. Rev. Patrick Moody, pastor of The Village Baptist Church, will offer an invocation and Walmart associate Andrea Douglas will perform the national anthem. Members of the local post of Veterans of Foreign Wars will present the colors during the ceremony. Throughout the day, customers will be able to enjoy character appearances, product samples and giveaways.
About Wal-Mart Stores Inc. (NYSE: WMT)
Every week, millions of customers visit Walmart Stores, supercenters, Neighborhood Markets, and Sam’s Club locations across America or log on to its online store at www.walmart.com. The company and its Foundation are committed to a philosophy of giving back locally. Wal-Mart (NYSE: WMT) is proud to support the causes that are important to customers and associates right in their own neighborhoods, and last year gave more than $296 million to local communities in the United States.
EDITOR’S NOTES
• An invitation-only open house for grant recipients and other VIPs is scheduled for 6 p.m. Saturday, March 14. It will include preview tours and check presentations to representatives of community organizations. Reporters and photographers are welcome.
• Store Manager Cathy Foley-Franklin is available for interviews and to arrange photo opportunities or tours. She can be reached at 561-683-8300.
FACT SHEET
West Palm Beach Walmart Super center
Store facts
* Location: 4225 45th Street, West Palm Beach, Fla.
* 176,311-square-foot Walmart Supercenter
* Store opens at 8 a.m. Wednesday, March 18, following a 7:30 a.m. ribbon-cutting ceremony
* Store manager: Cathy Foley-Franklin
Store features
* Full line of groceries, bakery goods, deli foods, frozen foods, meat and dairy products, fresh produce and beer and wine.
* More than 30 merchandise departments such as apparel and accessories, fine jewelry, a lawn and garden center, health and beauty aids, and a full line of electronics
* Convenience services include a pharmacy, digital photo processing center and Walmart Connect Center
* Leased areas and services include a Subway restaurant, SmartStyle Family Hair Care salon and a branch of Woodforest National Bank.
* Open 6 a.m. to midnight, seven days a week
Charitable giving
$15,000 in charitable contributions to the following area organizations
* Boys and Girls Club of Palm Beach County
* Daily Bread Food Bank
* Pop Warner Little Scholars
* The Village Baptist Church
* Urban Youth Development
Employment
* Store plans to employ approximately 350 associates
* Store manager Cathy Foley-Franklin started her career with Walmart in 1985 as an hourly associate, working in receiving at a store in Okeechobee.
* The average wage at Walmart for full-time hourly associates in Florida is approximately $11.38 per hour*
* Walmart benefits – available to eligible full- and part-time associates – include health insurance with no lifetime maximum. Walmart also offers a 401(k) plan and profit sharing contributions, whether an associate contributes or not, store discount cards, company performance-based bonuses, stock purchase program and life insurance
* Average wage taken February 2009. See www.walmartstores.com for details.
Wal-Mart in Florida
As of February, Wal-Mart employed 90,835 associates and owned and operated the following facilities in Florida:
* Supercenters: 161
* Discount Stores: 40
* Neighborhood Markets: 21
* Sam’s Clubs: 42
* Distribution Centers: 6
WEST PALM BEACH, 11, 2009 – The new Walmart Supercenter in West Palm Beach will celebrate its grand opening this week, giving local shoppers a glimpse of the company’s next generation of store design and customer experience. The Supercenter, located at 4225 45th St., will open to customers at 8 a.m., Wednesday.
“We’re happy to welcome this latest Walmart store to West Palm Beach and are excited about the jobs it will create for local families,” said Mayor Lois J. Frankel. “We also look forward to Walmart’s furthering the company’s record of charitable giving and local involvement in our community.”
The West Palm Beach store is one of two Walmart Supercenters opening in Florida March 18. The other is located in Tallahassee. They are among the first stores in the country to feature the new Walmart logo and store design.
“At Walmart, we're committed to saving people money so they can live better,” Store Manager Cathy Foley-Franklin said. “In today's economy, our customers are looking to us to be an advocate and find solutions that save them money on their groceries and other products that their families need.”
New Features, Layout Improve Customer Experience
The new Supercenter features wider aisles, enhanced service and a layout designed to make the shopping experience more convenient for customers than ever before. The new Supercenter 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.
“In recent months, Walmart has taken major steps to refresh our stores, our merchandising and our customer experience,” said Foley-Franklin. “The improvements we’ve been making have all come together in our new store with faster service, a friendlier shopping experience and a cleaner store.”
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.
Store Design Incorporates Environmentally Friendly Features
The West Palm Beach Super center, 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.
Part of the cement used in the concrete flooring is made with recycled materials, and the floor’s finish reduces the need for chemical cleaners. Low-flow toilets and faucets reduce the water used in the bathrooms.
Supercenter Brings 350 Jobs to West Palm Beach
The Supercenter plans to employ approximately 350 associates, according to Foley-Franklin.
“Working for Walmart provides a number of job opportunities and choices for so many people, from seniors looking for supplemental income to young people just starting their work experience,” said Foley-Franklin. Like most Walmart store managers, she joined the company as an hourly associate. She joined the company in 1985, working in receiving at a store in Okeechobee.
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 West Palm Beach Super center selected the Daily Bread Food Bank to receive a $5,000 grant to support its hunger-relief efforts. The Village Baptist Church will receive a $2,500 grant to support its food pantry. Other recipients include the Boys and Girls Club of Palm Beach County, Pop Warner Little Scholars and Urban Youth Development.
“As the newest neighbor in the community, we realize financial support to local organizations helps make a real difference,” said Foley-Franklin. “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 West Palm and neighboring communities.”
Ribbon-Cutting Celebration 7:30 a.m., March 18
Community and business leaders will join Walmart associates at 7:30 a.m. Wednesday for a brief ribbon-cutting ceremony. Rev. Patrick Moody, pastor of The Village Baptist Church, will offer an invocation and Walmart associate Andrea Douglas will perform the national anthem. Members of the local post of Veterans of Foreign Wars will present the colors during the ceremony. Throughout the day, customers will be able to enjoy character appearances, product samples and giveaways.
About Wal-Mart Stores Inc. (NYSE: WMT)
Every week, millions of customers visit Walmart Stores, supercenters, Neighborhood Markets, and Sam’s Club locations across America or log on to its online store at www.walmart.com. The company and its Foundation are committed to a philosophy of giving back locally. Wal-Mart (NYSE: WMT) is proud to support the causes that are important to customers and associates right in their own neighborhoods, and last year gave more than $296 million to local communities in the United States.
EDITOR’S NOTES
• An invitation-only open house for grant recipients and other VIPs is scheduled for 6 p.m. Saturday, March 14. It will include preview tours and check presentations to representatives of community organizations. Reporters and photographers are welcome.
• Store Manager Cathy Foley-Franklin is available for interviews and to arrange photo opportunities or tours. She can be reached at 561-683-8300.
FACT SHEET
West Palm Beach Walmart Super center
Store facts
* Location: 4225 45th Street, West Palm Beach, Fla.
* 176,311-square-foot Walmart Supercenter
* Store opens at 8 a.m. Wednesday, March 18, following a 7:30 a.m. ribbon-cutting ceremony
* Store manager: Cathy Foley-Franklin
Store features
* Full line of groceries, bakery goods, deli foods, frozen foods, meat and dairy products, fresh produce and beer and wine.
* More than 30 merchandise departments such as apparel and accessories, fine jewelry, a lawn and garden center, health and beauty aids, and a full line of electronics
* Convenience services include a pharmacy, digital photo processing center and Walmart Connect Center
* Leased areas and services include a Subway restaurant, SmartStyle Family Hair Care salon and a branch of Woodforest National Bank.
* Open 6 a.m. to midnight, seven days a week
Charitable giving
$15,000 in charitable contributions to the following area organizations
* Boys and Girls Club of Palm Beach County
* Daily Bread Food Bank
* Pop Warner Little Scholars
* The Village Baptist Church
* Urban Youth Development
Employment
* Store plans to employ approximately 350 associates
* Store manager Cathy Foley-Franklin started her career with Walmart in 1985 as an hourly associate, working in receiving at a store in Okeechobee.
* The average wage at Walmart for full-time hourly associates in Florida is approximately $11.38 per hour*
* Walmart benefits – available to eligible full- and part-time associates – include health insurance with no lifetime maximum. Walmart also offers a 401(k) plan and profit sharing contributions, whether an associate contributes or not, store discount cards, company performance-based bonuses, stock purchase program and life insurance
* Average wage taken February 2009. See www.walmartstores.com for details.
Wal-Mart in Florida
As of February, Wal-Mart employed 90,835 associates and owned and operated the following facilities in Florida:
* Supercenters: 161
* Discount Stores: 40
* Neighborhood Markets: 21
* Sam’s Clubs: 42
* Distribution Centers: 6
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