Familiar Wal-Mart Store Relocates to Sherwood as a Supercenter
Relocated store brings additional jobs, community grants and economic support SHERWOOD, Ark., June 1, 2008 – The Wal-Mart store on Camp Robinson Road in North Little Rock has the distinction of being one of the first Wal-Mart stores ever built. When it opened in 1967, it was only the seventh store in the country. Forty-one years later, the store is now being expanded to a Supercenter and is relocating to Sherwood at 9053 Highway 107. Opening Wednesday, June 11, the relocated store will provide support for the local economy through new jobs, low prices and additional tax dollars benefiting the Sherwood community. New Job Opportunities for Pulaski County Area
The new Supercenter will bring nearly 300 new jobs to Sherwood, and the majority of the planned jobs are full-time positions. The average wage for full time hourly associates at Wal-Mart in Arkansas is $10.65 per hour.* “Our associates look forward to serving our customers and being great partners with the Sherwood community,” said Store Manager Loyd Brown. “Many associates, like me, joined because they know they have the opportunity for a long-lasting career at Wal-Mart.” Brown began his Wal-Mart career as an hourly associate 24 years ago, working in overnight maintenance at a Wal-Mart store in Benton. New Store Features Variety of Merchandise and Services
The new 206,528-square-foot store has gained more than 137,000 square feet and will feature new services and merchandise. Customers will find a pharmacy with two drive-through lanes and a full line of groceries, including fresh produce, frozen foods and bakery items. The store will also carry Wal-Mart’s new line of furniture and home accessories by Canopy™. The products are affordable for families and individuals on a budget and are typically 40 percent less expensive than similar pieces found at competing stores. Entire rooms can be furnished with Canopy™ products, which include table and bath linens, tableware, lamps and rugs. Wood furniture includes beds, armoires, dressers and chests, dining tables and chairs and occasional tables. Sofas and chairs are available in four fabric choices. Focus on Community with $18,000 in Donations
According to Brown, the store is excited to distribute $18,000 in donations to local schools and civic organizations, including $10,000 toward restoring community areas damaged or destroyed by recent tornadoes. (Editor’s Note: To review a full list of grant recipients, please see page three of this press release.) “Making a difference in our community is a priority to us,” said Brown. “We want Sherwood to be a better place because of Wal-Mart’s presence.” Like all Wal-Mart stores, the new store will provide contributions throughout the year to help neighborhood organizations. Groups interested in learning more about funding from Wal-Mart or interested in raising money at Wal-Mart stores can contact the store for details, or go to www.walmartfoundation.org. Wal-Mart in Arkansas
Click here for more information about Wal-Mart Arkansas.
As of May 2008, Wal-Mart employed 47,474 associates and owned and operated the following facilities in Arkansas: - Supercenters: 66
- Discount Stores: 17
- Neighborhood Markets: 6
- Sam’s Clubs: 7
- Distribution Centers:10
Grand Opening Celebration
The store welcomes the community to attend its grand opening celebration at 7:30 a.m., Wednesday, June 11. Mayor Virginia Hillman will cut the ribbon, officially opening the new store for business. Community leaders are expected to attend. Interviews and photo opportunities will be available for media representatives throughout the day. Additional grand opening activities include product samples and giveaways. Activities are planned to continue throughout the weekend. About Wal-Mart Stores, Inc. (NYSE: WMT)
Every week, millions of customers visit Wal-Mart 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. To learn more, visit www.walmartstores.com, or www.walmartfoundation.org. EDITOR’S NOTES
• An invitation-only open house for VIPs, Wal-Mart associates and their families is scheduled for Monday, June 9 beginning at 6:30 p.m. Preview tours will be provided and checks will be presented to representatives of community organizations. Reporters and photographers are welcome.
• Loyd Brown, store manager, can provide details about the grand opening, offer quotes for interviews and arrange for photo opportunities or preview tours. He can be contacted at 501-833-0132.
• Statements and quotes on behalf of Wal-Mart should not be obtained from or attributed to agency employees.
* Average wage taken (May 2008). See www.walmartstores.com for more details. FACT SHEET
Sherwood Wal-Mart Supercenter Store fast facts - Location: 9053 Highway 107, Sherwood, Ark.
- Originally opened in 1967 at 3801 Camp Robinson Road in North Little Rock
- 206,528-square-foot Wal-Mart Supercenter, gaining approximately 137,273 additional square feet
- Grand opening celebration: 7:30 a.m., Wednesday, June 11
- Store manager: Loyd Brown
Charitable giving
$18,000 in charitable contributions to four area organizations: - Clinton Elementary School
- City of Sherwood Parks and Recreation
- Sylvan Hills High School
- Sherwood Mayor’s Youth Council
Store features - Full line of groceries, bakery goods, deli foods, beer and wine, frozen foods, meat and dairy products, fresh produce, apparel and accessories, fine jewelry, Tire & Lube Express, expanded lawn and garden center, health and beauty aids, expanded electronics and home entertainment department, toys, digital photo lab, pharmacy with two drive-through lanes, family fun center, and Wal-Mart Connect Center
- Additionally, leased areas in the store include SmartStyle Family Hair Salon, a Regal Nail Salon, a McDonald’s restaurant, and a branch of First Arkansas Bank & Trust.
- The new Supercenter will be open 24 hours a day, seven days a week
Employment - The store plans to hire 275-300 new associates for a total employment of approximately 375.
- The average wage at Wal-Mart for full-time hourly associates in Arkansas is $10.65 per hour.*
- Store Manager Loyd Brown began his Wal-Mart career as an overnight maintenance associate in 1984 in Benton.
- Wal-Mart benefits – available to eligible full- and part-time associates – include healthcare insurance with no lifetime maximum. Wal-Mart 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 May 2008. See www.walmartstores.com for details. For more information - Store manager: Loyd Brown, 501-833-0132
- (Statements and quotes on behalf of Wal-Mart should not be obtained from or attributed to agency employees.)
- Wal-Mart information online: www.walmartstores.com; merchandise sales: www.walmart.com
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