New Wal-Mart Brings Economic Benefits to Zion
Supercenter provides convenient shopping, local jobs and grants ZION, Ill., June 4, 2008 – A new Wal-Mart Supercenter opening June 11 in Zion will bring a host of economic benefits to the area. Nearby residents are looking forward to having Wal-Mart’s one-stop shopping convenience and low prices closer to home. Schools and non-profit organizations are excited about the retailer’s ongoing charitable contributions and support for community projects. An anticipated increase in tax revenue and approximately 420 local jobs add to the expected boost to the area’s economy. The new Supercenter is located at 4000 Highway 173, on the northwest corner of the intersection with Kenosha Road. In addition to its local clientele from Zion, Beach Park, Winthrop Harbor, Wadsworth and unincorporated areas of Newport and Benton Townships, the store will be a familiar stop for visitors on their way to Illinois Beach State Park, marinas and other points on Lake Michigan. “Our store is on a route frequently traveled by people who live and work in this area. Plus, with Zion’s location just south of the state line and halfway between Chicago and Milwaukee, the new Supercenter gives folks who are visiting our community another reason to stop and shop in our town,” said Store Manager Tim Horan. Store Design Incorporates Environmentally Friendly Features
The Zion Supercenter was constructed with energy-efficient technology and environmentally friendly features to reduce energy and water consumption and minimize waste. The new store features skylights that harvest daylight and reduce the amount of energy required to light the store by up to 75 percent daily. The freezer cases and non-sales areas of the store have LED lights and sensors that automatically shut off the lights when those areas are unoccupied or customers are not present. LED lighting throughout the store operates 70 percent more efficiently than traditional fluorescent lighting. Part of the cement used in the store’s concrete flooring is made with recycled materials and the floor’s finish reduces the need for chemical cleaners. Community Involvement Begins with Grand Opening Grants
Wal-Mart is celebrating the grand opening of the store by contributing $18,000 to local charitable organizations. That support includes a $5,000 contribution to the Boys and Girls Club of Lake County to assist with its new after-school tutoring program. An additional $7,000 in grants will support Zion-Benton Township High School, Central Junior High School and the city of Zion’s scholarship challenge program. Zion’s fire and police departments will share grants totaling $5,000 to support prevention-oriented public education programs and help upgrade equipment. A $1,000 grant to the Wounded Heroes Foundation will support its efforts to provide assistance to military men and women returning home with injuries suffered on the battlefield. “We realize that financial support to local organizations helps make a real difference in the community,” Horan said. “We are thrilled to provide these grants as part of our grand opening celebration. We will continue to play a leadership role in supporting the needs of Zion and neighboring communities.” The store plans to give donations away locally throughout the year. Area organizations can contact the store to inquire about grants and opportunities to raise money outside store locations throughout the year. One-Stop Shopping Convenience for the Entire Family
The new 203,818-square-foot Supercenter is designed as a convenient one-stop family shopping center with a full line of groceries, more than 30 merchandise departments and a variety of time-saving services. “Our customers will be able to find their favorite brands right in their own neighborhood and at the Wal-Mart price,” said Horan. “With today’s gas prices, being able to shop close to home offers additional savings to our customers.” Vacationers to Lake Michigan will appreciate the store’s expanded sporting goods department, including a wide selection of camping and boating equipment, sleeping bags, tents, ice chests and grills. In addition to supplies for recreational vehicles, the store can service large vans and RVs in its Tire & Lube Express. The pharmacy offers drive-through service for customers dropping off or picking up prescriptions, and those who want to talk with the pharmacist will find the pharmacy and health-related merchandise conveniently located near the store’s entrance. Customers needing to fill prescriptions will also benefit from Wal-Mart’s $4 prescription program, which includes medications for most commonly treated medical conditions. Area residents will enjoy shopping in the store’s home furnishings department, which will feature products from Wal-Mart’s new Canopy™ brand, a line of durable, affordable furniture and home accessories. Products in the home furnishings department will be organized by room and will feature more visible signage and displays showing how the products coordinate in a given room. The new Supercenter will also have a Wal-Mart MoneyCenter to offer customers convenient access to low-cost money services, including check cashing, money orders, bill payment and money transfers. New Store Brings Hometown Jobs
In addition to providing shopping convenience to customers, the store also plans to provide jobs to approximately 420 local residents. More than 50 associates have transferred to the Zion store from existing Wal-Mart locations, and five associates have worked for Wal-Mart for more than 10 years. “Working for Wal-Mart 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,” Horan said. Ribbon-cutting Celebration 7:30 a.m., June 11
Community and business leaders will join Wal-Mart associates for a ribbon-cutting ceremony at 7:30 a.m., Wednesday, June 11, and doors to the new store will open at 8 a.m. City Commissioner Lloyd Detienne will offer the invocation at the ceremony while Mayor Lane Harrison will sing the national anthem and cut the ribbon to the new store. Representatives from the Wounded Heroes Foundation will present the colors. Throughout the day, activities will include numerous product samples, character appearances and giveaways. 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 Thursday, June 5, at 6 p.m. Preview tours will be provided and checks will be presented to representatives from community organizations. Reporters and photographers are welcome.
- Tim Horan, store manager, can provide details about the grand opening, offer quotes for interviews and arrange for photo opportunities or tours. He can be reached at 847-731-8172.
- Statements and quotes on behalf of Wal-Mart should not be obtained from or attributed to agency employees.
FACT SHEET
Zion Wal-Mart Supercenter Store facts - Location: 4000 Highway 173, Zion, Ill.
- 203,818-square-foot Wal-Mart Supercenter
- Store opens at 8 a.m., Wednesday, June 11, after a 7:30 a.m. ribbon-cutting ceremony
- Store manager: Tim Horan
Store features - Full line of groceries, bakery goods, deli foods, frozen foods, meat and dairy products, fresh produce, complete liquor section.
- Merchandise departments include apparel and accessories, fine jewelry, lawn and garden center, health and beauty aids and a full line of electronics.
- The store will stock a selection of Hispanic-oriented merchandise, including specialty foods, health and beauty aids, and household products.
- Wal-Mart MoneyCenter, offering low-cost money services, including check cashing, money orders, bill payment and money transfers
- Convenience services include a Tire & Lube Express with RV service, vision center, a digital photo processing center, Wal-Mart Connect Center, family fun center and a pharmacy with two drive-through lanes.
- Leased areas and services include a Pet Care Specialists grooming salon, Cost Cutters hair salon, Davi Nails salon, a Subway restaurant and a branch of Guaranty Bank.
- Open 24 hours a day, seven days a week
Charitable giving
$18,000 in charitable contributions to seven area organizations - Boys and Girls Club of Lake County
- Central Junior High School
- City of Zion Fire and Rescue Department
- City of Zion Police Department
- City of Zion (scholarship challenge)
- Zion-Benton Township High School
- Wounded Heroes Foundation
Employment - Store plans to employ approximately 420 associates.
- Five of the store’s associates have worked for Wal-Mart for more than 10 years.
- The average wage at Wal-Mart for full-time hourly associates in Illinois is approximately $11.45 per hour.*
- 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
• Tim Horan, 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 847-731-8172.
• 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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