First Wal-Mart in the City of Cleveland Set to Open
Wal-Mart contributes to city’s economic development
Begins with approximately 350 new jobs, consumer savings and a commitment to support enrichment opportunities for the area’s workforce
CLEVELAND, Ohio (Oct. 24, 2007) – The first Wal-Mart store in the City of Cleveland will open its doors at 8 a.m. Wednesday, Oct. 24. The opening of the new Wal-Mart Supercenter at 3400 Steelyard Drive is part of the revitalization of an abandoned industrial valley to a thriving retail center, bringing new jobs and opportunities to save money to the city’s residents.
Saving Money. Living Better.
Customers in Ohio save an average of $2,515 by shopping at Ohio’s 141 Wal-Mart stores and 30 Sam’s Clubs according to new research from Global Insight. The study, recently released by Wal-Mart, shows that the retailer now saves American families an average of $2,500 each year, up 7.3% from $2,329 in 2004.
Additionally, in its first year Wal-Mart’s $4 prescription drug program saved customers in Ohio more than $23 million, and the company recently announced the addition of 24 $4 generic medications to the program and three $9 prescriptions. These medicines are available at commonly dispensed quantities up to a 30-day supply. The $4 program provides a solution for the more than 1,240,000 uninsured Ohio residents (according to the Kaiser Family Foundation) who may presently avoid filling prescriptions and remain untreated. Customers at the Steelyard Commons Supercenter will enjoy these prescription savings.
For those customers who are outside of mainstream banking, a Wal-Mart MoneyCenter will be available, providing convenient access to low-cost money services, including check cashing, money orders, bill payment and money transfers. Wal-Mart’s every day low pricing on these services can save customers 25 to 50 percent or more over other leading money service providers.
"Wal-Mart is demonstrating its commitment to the Cleveland community," said Mayor Frank Jackson. "We are working to rebuild our neighborhoods, support local businesses and create excellent educational and recreational opportunities for our residents. By working with us and not taking a tax exemption, Wal-Mart is helping us reach our goals," said Mayor Jackson.
Giving Back Locally
As a part of its opening celebration, Wal-Mart is showcasing its companywide commitment to support the organizations that work to better its communities. This week, the Wal-Mart Foundation will provide $115,000 to various organizations across Cleveland. Nearly half of these contributions will support programs focused on job skills training, student retention and workforce education – all with the purpose of providing opportunities for U.S. workers to succeed in school and the work environment.
Organizations interested in learning more about funding can contact the store for details, or go to www.walmartfoundation.org
Sustainability 360 – concepts become reality in new store
Introduced by Wal-Mart CEO Lee Scott earlier this year, "Sustainability 360” is a companywide emphasis on taking sustainability beyond reducing the company’s direct environmental footprint to engaging Wal-Mart’s associates, suppliers, communities, and customers. In the Steelyard Commons Supercenter, low flow faucets will help reduce water usage by about 80 percent; a high reflectivity roof membrane will reduce the buildings cooling load by approximately eight percent; approximately 70 percent of the store’s hot water needs will be generated by reclaiming the waste heat from refrigeration equipment; and occupancy and motion sensors in rooms and refrigeration cases automatically turn off lights when the space/cases are not in use. Additionally, three bio-retention cells, used as a storm water quality and storm water quantity control practice, are incorporated into the entire shopping complex. The cells use the chemical, biological and physical properties of plants, microbes and soils for removal of pollutants from storm water runoff.
Products and Services that Customers Want
Cleveland’s Wal-Mart Supercenter will feature a product mix tailored to meet the needs of the community including a variety of Hispanic foods, produce from LoPresti’s and Great Lakes Brewing Company beers. The store offers a wide selection of apparel and home products that trend to a more urban style, as well as convenience services of a pharmacy, one-hour photo lab and Wal-Mart Connect Center for wireless phone sales. Customers can enjoy the added convenience of a Subway located inside the store.
Designed as a one-stop family shopping center, this new 217,000-square-foot store features a variety of departments including family apparel, health and beauty aids, household needs, electronics, toys, fabrics and crafts, lawn and garden supplies, jewelry and shoes.
350 Jobs for Local Residents
The new store will provide much needed jobs to the Cleveland market with plans to hire approximately 350 associates, most of which will be full-time positions. The national average wage for full-time hourly associates at Wal-Mart is $10.65 per hour*.
“We’re glad to bring these jobs to the city,” said Chris Jones, manager of the Cleveland Wal-Mart. “The incredible number of applicants really demonstrates that Clevelanders want the competitive wages and benefits Wal-Mart provides.” Jones continued by adding, “This store will show what a great community asset Wal-Mart can be, as an employer and an affordable resource for thousands of Cleveland’s working families.”
Jones, like 76 percent of store managers, began his Wal-Mart careers as an hourly associate ten years ago. His first job was as a sales floor associate at a store in Talladega, Ala.
Providing Economic Growth and Opportunity
The store is one of only 10 Jobs and Opportunities Zone stores in the country and as such is investing in small businesses and related community organizations to generate economic opportunity in the community through education and marketing support.
“Wal-Mart is a neighborhood retailer, and we are committed to being an integral part of the community and to helping it grow and prosper,” said Jerry Spencer, Regional General Manager for Wal-Mart. “Our customers and associates are members of the community, and we look forward to providing them and all of Cleveland’s families with more convenience, more choice and more cost savings.”
About Wal-Mart Stores, Inc.
Wal-Mart Stores, Inc. operates Wal-Mart discount stores, Supercenters, Neighborhood Markets and Sam’s Club locations in the United States. The Company operates in Argentina, Brazil, Canada, China, Costa Rica, El Salvador, Guatemala, Honduras, Japan, Mexico, Nicaragua, Puerto Rico and the United Kingdom. The Company’s securities are listed on the New York Stock Exchange under the symbol WMT. More information about Wal-Mart can be found by visiting www.walmartfacts.com. Online merchandise sales are available at www.walmart.com.
EDITOR’S NOTES
• Media Contact: Emily Lauer, Edward Howard, 216-781-2400
* Average wage taken yearly (August 2007). See www.walmartfacts.com for more details.
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