2,500 Apply for Jobs at Norwich Wal-Mart Supercenter

NORWICH, N.Y., June 23, 2006 – Long-term Wal-Mart associates have been selected to cut the ribbon to mark the official opening of the newly expanded Norwich Supercenter at 7:30 a.m. on Wednesday, June 28. Immediately following the ribbon cutting, store associates will assist grand opening shoppers as they view the store’s wider aisles, new apparel lines and expanded garden center. The store is located at 5396 State Highway 12.

In addition to the Norwich store, two other Supercenters have opened across the state of New York this month. Supercenters in Albion and Camillus opened June 14.

2,500 Applications Received for 300 New Jobs

According to Store Manager Constance Giordano, the new store will employ a total of 450 associates. More than 2,500 local residents applied for the select group of 300 hired to fill the new jobs at the expanded store. “We have a strong history of taking care of our associates, and the addition of these new roles creates a renewed sense of excitement about our future,” said Giordano. “We were thrilled to see the large pool of applicants that speaks to our reputation as an employer, especially the benefits of working for Wal-Mart.”

Twenty-four associates have worked for Wal-Mart since the opening of the store in 1994, and 30 associates have worked for Wal-Mart for more than 10 years. Giordano began her career with Wal-Mart as a bakery associate 12 years ago in “I feel I am proof that Wal-Mart associates have wonderful opportunities for advancement and growing their careers,” said Giordano. “My career path has taken me to many places with Wal-Mart, and it’s wonderful to be operating a store not far from where I grew up.”

Wal-Mart benefits – available to full- and part-time associates – include healthcare insurance with no lifetime maximum. Wal-Mart offers a choice of as many as 18 health plans that cost as little as $11 a month in some areas. Wal-Mart also offers a 401(k) plan and profit sharing contributions, whether an associate contributes or not, store discount cards, performance-based bonuses, discounted stock purchase program and life insurance. The average wage at Wal-Mart for full-time hourly associates in New York is $10.17 per hour.*

Enhanced Store Features

Originally opened in 1994, the newly expanded store has gained more than 100,000 additional square feet. Grand opening shoppers will be the first to see many new features Wal-Mart will offer at the new Supercenter. Noticeable upgrades include an expanded garden center, wider aisles, wood floors that accent department areas, and an expanded electronics center with high-definition televisions. Another new highlight will be two Wal-Mart.com terminals to allow customers to compare and purchase electronics from a wide selection of products available online. The store will also feature the company’s popular apparel line, George for men, women and youth.

According to Giordano, the new 195,248-square-foot Supercenter features 36 general merchandise departments including apparel and accessories, fine jewelry, a lawn and garden center, health and beauty aids, and a full line of electronics. In addition, store offers organic foods, Hispanic and kosher foods, a bakery, a delicatessen, a frozen food section and meat, dairy and fresh produce sections.

EDITOR’S NOTE: The store also features local suppliers. Please call or e-mail contact above for furr details.

Other store features include a Tire & Lube Express, a vision center, a pharmacy, a portrait studio, a one-hour photo lab, a Regal Nails salon, a Smart Style hair salon, a Subway restaurant, an Optima gas station, beer and wine sales, and a Wal-Mart Connect Center for wireless phone sales. The Norwich Wal-Mart will be open to customers 24 hours a day, seven days a week and will include 11 full-service, 10 express and four self check-out lanes.

A Focus on Community

The new will provide community grants throughout the year to neighborhood organizations. “Our associates are proud that we can positively impact area organizations with $18,000 in grants as we open the doors to the community’s newest Supercenter,” said Giordano. “Local organizations need financial support from area businesses such as Wal-Mart in order to fulfill their mission of improving the quality of life for people in our community. We are proud to be able to help them continue their good work.”

Each Wal-Mart store has the opportunity for many organizations to receive grants upon opening day and throughout the year through Wal-Mart’s Good Works community involvement program. Organizations receiving grants upon the store’s grand opening include:

• American Cancer Society
• Catholic Charities
• Chenango County Area Agency on Aging

The store welcomes the community to attend its celebration at The colors will be presented by the American Legion and the national anthem will be performed by William Kimbark. Wal-Mart associates will cut the ribbon to officially open the new Supercenter. Numerous product samples and give-aways will be distributed throughout the day.

Wal-Mart Economic Impact in

EDITOR’S NOTE: See www.walmartfacts.com for more information about Wal-Mart in New York.

As of May 2006, Wal-Mart employed 35,088 associates and owned and operated following facilities in state of

• Supercenters: 37
• Discount Stores: 46
• SAM’S CLUBS: 17
• Distribution Centers: 4