Renovated store offers a glimpse into the next generation of shopping
BOAZ, Ala., April 12, 2010 – The Boaz Walmart, located at 1972 Highway 431, will celebrate a grand re-opening this week, giving local shoppers a glimpse of the company’s next generation of store design and customer experience. The results of a three-month remodeling project will be unveiled at the Boaz Walmart at 8 a.m. Friday, April 16. Among the many improvements are a new layout, wider aisles, low-profile shelving, bright interior paint scheme, enhanced lighting and easy-to-read signage to make the shopping experience more convenient for customers than ever before.
“We listened to our customers and have redesigned the store to make shopping at Walmart even easier,” said store manager Bobby Green.
New Layout Improves Customer Experience
The remodeled Boaz store features a more open shopping environment with wider aisles that contain no product displays. Walmart also aligned the departments that customers shop most frequently, making it quicker to purchase everyday items.
“The new layout is easier to navigate, which will save our customers time as they shop for necessities,” said Green.
Among the changes, Walmart has combined the Site-to-Store pick-up location and photo lab into a single area at the rear of the store. Customers now have ready access to these services as well as associates who can provide assistance as needed.
A bright interior paint scheme and enhanced lighting creates a more inviting shopping experience and helps define the store’s merchandise areas. Low-profile shelving creates an improved sightline and directional signage helps customers find the products they need.
Expanded Departments Add Value and Savings
The remodel 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 enables shoppers to test new technology.
A new department called Celebration Station has been added and will feature party supplies, greeting cards, balloons and helium tanks, cake supplies and gift wrap.
Wednesday, April 14, 2010
Wal-Mart vows to go green
LAGUNA NIGUEL, Calif. - Wal-Mart Stores, the world's largest retailer with thousands of big box stores around the world, is looking to make those stores more environmentally friendly.
Speaking at Fortune's Brainstorm Green conference, Lee Scott, chairman of Wal-Mart's executive committee said Monday that the retailer was eyeing stores made of materials that easily revert back to the earth. Scott didn't elaborate on the plan.
A Wal-Mart spokesman said the company is also looking to use more recycled materials in the construction process. The spokesman said the company currently uses rubber in store baseboards that is made partly from old diapers, steel containing recycled components and concrete composed of 20% fly ash, a byproduct of burning coal.
The company has been criticized for its buildings in the past, especially for its tendency to build stores and then move out of them once they get too small. The empty buildings can become a headache for communities.
Scott said Wal-Mart realizes the impact this can have on towns, and is working hard to fill the spaces with other businesses once Wal-Mart moves out. He said the company has just over 100 empty stores out of over 3,000 buildings in total. That's down from over 300 empty stores a few years back.
He also said Wal-Mart has a plan to build more stores in urban areas, but that the company is facing opposition from certain segments of society that didn't want it to succeed.
0:00 /4:37Walmart's green balancing-act
'"That would be the unions," chimed in Time Inc. editor-in-chief John Huey, who was interviewing Scott at the green business conference. Unions have criticized the company for paying its employees too little.
The greening of Wal-Mart
Scott's comments were part of a wide-ranging talk with Huey on the company's plan to green up its operations.
Wal-Mart, once vilified by environmentalists for its large ecological footprint, has recently been praised in the green community for its efforts, which include commitments to use 100% renewable energy, generating zero waste at its stores and requiring its suppliers to measure their greenhouse gas output.
"The federal government isn't asking a Chinese company if they've done their carbon footprint, but Wal-Mart is," Kert Davies, research director at Greenpeace, said in an interview before the conference. "They are way ahead when it comes to this."
Davies also said the company had made big strides in reducing its energy consumption, although he said they could still do more when it comes to selling sustainable seafood and lobbying the federal government for stronger greenhouse laws.
Scott said the transition to a greener Wal-Mart did not go exactly as executives expected. He thought they would have to convince the company's rank-and-file employees on the merits of sustainability, but many of the younger workers were wondering why they hadn't done it sooner.
"We thought we were leading, but we weren't," he said. '"There were a lot of young people who were wondering when we were going to do things differently."
It's not just about saving the planet - some eco changes have paid off handsomely for the company.
Scott said repacking on certain toys has resulted in 215 fewer containers the company needs to ship each year. And an emphasis on loading trucks more efficiently has shaved 38% off the company's fuel bill.
"We were leaving 38% on the table," said Scott. "For a company that prides itself on efficiency, that was shocking."
Speaking at Fortune's Brainstorm Green conference, Lee Scott, chairman of Wal-Mart's executive committee said Monday that the retailer was eyeing stores made of materials that easily revert back to the earth. Scott didn't elaborate on the plan.
A Wal-Mart spokesman said the company is also looking to use more recycled materials in the construction process. The spokesman said the company currently uses rubber in store baseboards that is made partly from old diapers, steel containing recycled components and concrete composed of 20% fly ash, a byproduct of burning coal.
The company has been criticized for its buildings in the past, especially for its tendency to build stores and then move out of them once they get too small. The empty buildings can become a headache for communities.
Scott said Wal-Mart realizes the impact this can have on towns, and is working hard to fill the spaces with other businesses once Wal-Mart moves out. He said the company has just over 100 empty stores out of over 3,000 buildings in total. That's down from over 300 empty stores a few years back.
He also said Wal-Mart has a plan to build more stores in urban areas, but that the company is facing opposition from certain segments of society that didn't want it to succeed.
0:00 /4:37Walmart's green balancing-act
'"That would be the unions," chimed in Time Inc. editor-in-chief John Huey, who was interviewing Scott at the green business conference. Unions have criticized the company for paying its employees too little.
The greening of Wal-Mart
Scott's comments were part of a wide-ranging talk with Huey on the company's plan to green up its operations.
Wal-Mart, once vilified by environmentalists for its large ecological footprint, has recently been praised in the green community for its efforts, which include commitments to use 100% renewable energy, generating zero waste at its stores and requiring its suppliers to measure their greenhouse gas output.
"The federal government isn't asking a Chinese company if they've done their carbon footprint, but Wal-Mart is," Kert Davies, research director at Greenpeace, said in an interview before the conference. "They are way ahead when it comes to this."
Davies also said the company had made big strides in reducing its energy consumption, although he said they could still do more when it comes to selling sustainable seafood and lobbying the federal government for stronger greenhouse laws.
Scott said the transition to a greener Wal-Mart did not go exactly as executives expected. He thought they would have to convince the company's rank-and-file employees on the merits of sustainability, but many of the younger workers were wondering why they hadn't done it sooner.
"We thought we were leading, but we weren't," he said. '"There were a lot of young people who were wondering when we were going to do things differently."
It's not just about saving the planet - some eco changes have paid off handsomely for the company.
Scott said repacking on certain toys has resulted in 215 fewer containers the company needs to ship each year. And an emphasis on loading trucks more efficiently has shaved 38% off the company's fuel bill.
"We were leaving 38% on the table," said Scott. "For a company that prides itself on efficiency, that was shocking."
Thursday, March 25, 2010
Walmart Supports "Let's Move" Initiative
Earlier today, First Lady Michelle Obama announced the "Let's Move" initiative, calling for better access to and greater affordability of healthy foods for all Americans.
As the nation's largest food retailer, Walmart knows firsthand how important it is to make healthy choices more convenient and more affordable for American families. That is why the company supports the "Let's Move" campaign. For more details on our support of this initiative, please see the attached letter to the First Lady from Leslie Dach, executive vice president of corporate affairs and government relations.
As the nation's largest food retailer, Walmart knows firsthand how important it is to make healthy choices more convenient and more affordable for American families. That is why the company supports the "Let's Move" campaign. For more details on our support of this initiative, please see the attached letter to the First Lady from Leslie Dach, executive vice president of corporate affairs and government relations.
Walmart Pharmacists Prepare and Offer Tamiflu® for Oral Suspension
For Children and Elderly at More Than 4,000 Locations
Bentonville, Ark., Oct. 9, 2009 – Wal-Mart Stores, Inc. (NYSE: WMT) announced today that more than 4,000 Walmart and Sam’s Club pharmacies nationwide will address the national shortage of Tamiflu® oral suspension by converting the capsule to liquid form. The FDA-approved process, known as compounding, will ensure Americans have greater access to the well known antiviral drug often prescribed when individuals contract influenza. The liquid form is commonly taken by children, the elderly and those with difficulty swallowing the capsule form.
Due to limited inventories and commercial supplies of Tamiflu® oral suspension, the FDA approved the directions pharmacists use to compound the liquid medication from Tamiflu® capsules. This provides an alternative when the commercially manufactured oral suspension formulation is not readily available.
“We want to assure families and their physicians that our team of pharmacists stands ready to meet the needs of our patients young and old,” said Dr. John Agwunobi, president of Walmart’s health and wellness division. “We have the medication available, and we have pharmacists skilled in compounding oral suspensions.”
Tamiflu® is approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) to treat and prevent influenza. Tamiflu® (oseltamivir phosphate) is one of two FDA-approved influenza antiviral drugs that is recommended by CDC for use against the seasonal influenza virus and the 2009 H1N1 influenza virus. The liquid form is usually given to children and adults who cannot swallow a capsule.
Comprehensive information from FDA is available at http://www.fda.gov/Drugs/DrugSafety/InformationbyDrugClass/ucm100228.htm.
Bentonville, Ark., Oct. 9, 2009 – Wal-Mart Stores, Inc. (NYSE: WMT) announced today that more than 4,000 Walmart and Sam’s Club pharmacies nationwide will address the national shortage of Tamiflu® oral suspension by converting the capsule to liquid form. The FDA-approved process, known as compounding, will ensure Americans have greater access to the well known antiviral drug often prescribed when individuals contract influenza. The liquid form is commonly taken by children, the elderly and those with difficulty swallowing the capsule form.
Due to limited inventories and commercial supplies of Tamiflu® oral suspension, the FDA approved the directions pharmacists use to compound the liquid medication from Tamiflu® capsules. This provides an alternative when the commercially manufactured oral suspension formulation is not readily available.
“We want to assure families and their physicians that our team of pharmacists stands ready to meet the needs of our patients young and old,” said Dr. John Agwunobi, president of Walmart’s health and wellness division. “We have the medication available, and we have pharmacists skilled in compounding oral suspensions.”
Tamiflu® is approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) to treat and prevent influenza. Tamiflu® (oseltamivir phosphate) is one of two FDA-approved influenza antiviral drugs that is recommended by CDC for use against the seasonal influenza virus and the 2009 H1N1 influenza virus. The liquid form is usually given to children and adults who cannot swallow a capsule.
Comprehensive information from FDA is available at http://www.fda.gov/Drugs/DrugSafety/InformationbyDrugClass/ucm100228.htm.
Tuesday, June 30, 2009
WalMart with Fly Shop opens in Logan
The Salt Lake Tribune |
| A new WalMart store in Logan has opened its doors, featuring The Fly Shop, one of three in the chain nationwide. The Fly Shop is stocked with equipment and supplies for fishers and outdoor enthusiasts. The store, located at 1150 S. 100 West, is open 24 hours a day, seven days a week and employs about 350 people. Leased areas and services include a Subway restaurant and a SmartStyle Family Hair Salon. |
| |
| June 17, 2009 |
Walmart Store opening nears
Jun. 23--After more than a year of construction, the WalMart Super-center in Locust will open July 15.
Crews have been working tirelessly to stock the store as the weeks begin to wind down for the much anticipated opening.
A groundbreaking ceremony was held April 4, 2008, which was approximately 13 months after Locust City Council approved the construction of the Supercenter.
WRS Realty of Aiken, S.C. was responsible for the undertaking of the project, which included clearing, grading and site construction.
Earlier in June, WRS Reality turned the store over to Wal-Mart Stores, Inc., so everything is in place for the store opening.
A hiring drive took place in late April and May at the Stanly Community College Crutchfield Education Center.
Between 325 openings at the Locust location were filled and management anticipates filling approximately 40 more positions.
"The response has been outstanding. The manager is really excited," said Chris Neeley, a public relations representative for WalMart.
"This is a great opportunity for the Locust community. The store is in a position to be a stimulus for them."
This city is also excited for the possibilities the new WalMart Supercenter will bring to the city.
"We're excited for a major corporation like WalMart to decide to locate in the city, especially in these difficult times. Not only will they be providing more jobs to the area, but they'll also be providing a low cost shopping option," said James Inman, city administrator.
Crews have been working tirelessly to stock the store as the weeks begin to wind down for the much anticipated opening.
A groundbreaking ceremony was held April 4, 2008, which was approximately 13 months after Locust City Council approved the construction of the Supercenter.
WRS Realty of Aiken, S.C. was responsible for the undertaking of the project, which included clearing, grading and site construction.
Earlier in June, WRS Reality turned the store over to Wal-Mart Stores, Inc., so everything is in place for the store opening.
A hiring drive took place in late April and May at the Stanly Community College Crutchfield Education Center.
Between 325 openings at the Locust location were filled and management anticipates filling approximately 40 more positions.
"The response has been outstanding. The manager is really excited," said Chris Neeley, a public relations representative for WalMart.
"This is a great opportunity for the Locust community. The store is in a position to be a stimulus for them."
This city is also excited for the possibilities the new WalMart Supercenter will bring to the city.
"We're excited for a major corporation like WalMart to decide to locate in the city, especially in these difficult times. Not only will they be providing more jobs to the area, but they'll also be providing a low cost shopping option," said James Inman, city administrator.
WalMart will remodel prior to its expansion
CHICO While it's still planning to expand its Chico store into a super-center, WalMart is moving ahead with a remodeling that basically sets the stage.
Begun last month, the remodeling doesn't change the store's exterior, but creates a new interior, according to the retailer.
New shelving, new colors and new flooring are part of the remake, that the city values at $865,577.
"We're putting in low-profile shelving, bright paint scheme and easy to read signs," said WalMart corporate affairs director Tiffany Moffat, who said customer feedback helped make the decision. "We're always engaging customers to ensure the stores are clean, open and bright."
The remodeling is expected to be complete by late August. The store is open during the process.
Moffat said the company has hired 75 temporary employees to help during the remodeling, not counting the construction work. It regularly employs about 350.
Angie Stoner, WalMart senior manager public affairs, said the remodeling was planned before the expansion work got started.
"It's a priority for us to update the stores," Stoner said.
Last fall, WalMart announced that it would be remodeling 70 percent of its stores over the next five years. The Chico store opened in 1994.
WalMart's proposal to expand from 125,889 square-feet to 208,358 square-feet plus an 18,000-square-foot garden center will go to the Planning Commission on July 16. The expansion makes way for a grocery component.
After completing a draft EIR, the city pulled the document before a public hearing process got started in March 2008 to revise traffic and circulation information.
In addition, the EIR also addressed the expansion's impact on global climate change, saying there would be a less than significant cumulative impact.
If the retailer gets approval to expand, the construction could take 10 to 12 months.
Begun last month, the remodeling doesn't change the store's exterior, but creates a new interior, according to the retailer.
New shelving, new colors and new flooring are part of the remake, that the city values at $865,577.
"We're putting in low-profile shelving, bright paint scheme and easy to read signs," said WalMart corporate affairs director Tiffany Moffat, who said customer feedback helped make the decision. "We're always engaging customers to ensure the stores are clean, open and bright."
The remodeling is expected to be complete by late August. The store is open during the process.
Moffat said the company has hired 75 temporary employees to help during the remodeling, not counting the construction work. It regularly employs about 350.
Angie Stoner, WalMart senior manager public affairs, said the remodeling was planned before the expansion work got started.
"It's a priority for us to update the stores," Stoner said.
Last fall, WalMart announced that it would be remodeling 70 percent of its stores over the next five years. The Chico store opened in 1994.
WalMart's proposal to expand from 125,889 square-feet to 208,358 square-feet plus an 18,000-square-foot garden center will go to the Planning Commission on July 16. The expansion makes way for a grocery component.
After completing a draft EIR, the city pulled the document before a public hearing process got started in March 2008 to revise traffic and circulation information.
In addition, the EIR also addressed the expansion's impact on global climate change, saying there would be a less than significant cumulative impact.
If the retailer gets approval to expand, the construction could take 10 to 12 months.
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