Wal-Mart Customers Bag More Savings
New Supercenter brings more products, services and jobs to town JAMESTOWN, N.D., June 4, 2008 – Local residents anxious to save money on their groceries will be given the opportunity when Jamestown’s new Wal-Mart Supercenter opens Wednesday, June 11. Located at 921 25 St. S.W., the store has undergone an extensive 90,000 square foot addition that incorporates new services and customer conveniences including a full line of groceries, bakery and delicatessen. “Our associates have done a tremendous job serving the residents of Jamestown for 17 years,” said Store Manager John Shafer. “With our Supercenter format we will be able to enhance their shopping experience by bringing them even more opportunities to save,” he added. “Our customers can count on us to provide value on every aisle.” Wal-Mart will celebrate the opening with a brief ceremony at 7:30 a.m. The store will be open 24 hours a day Monday through Friday and open until midnight on Saturdays. It will open on Sundays at noon. Aisles of Savings Focus on Shopping Experience
According to Shafer, customers will enjoy the store’s wider aisles that are easy to navigate. They’ll also find lowered displays and new directional signage along with a fresh coat of earth-toned paint to provide a more enjoyable shopping experience. In addition to the full line of groceries, other new services include an expanded vision center, a Family Fun Center, a complete liquor store and an expanded lawn and garden department. New Jobs Added with Growth
The new store brings an increased number of associates to serve local customers. Approximately 260 associates will now be employed at the store; 100 of whom are new hires resulting from the expansion. Eighteen of the store’s associates have worked at the store since it originally opened in 1991 and 46 have been with Wal-Mart for more than 10 years. “I’m proud that we have the opportunity to provide 100 additional jobs and career opportunities to our community,” added Shafer. “I was fortunate enough to work at this store 17 years ago after its original opening and am glad that my career with the company has brought me back,” he said. “Jamestown is a great community. And I’m proud to have served as store manager the last four years.” The average wage for full-time hourly associates at Wal-Mart in North Dakota is $10.73* per hour. Shafer began his career at Wal-Mart in 1987 in Holton, Kan. Environmentally Friendly Features
Environmentally friendly features were added during the stores expansion. Now, the Jamestown store, like all new Wal-Mart stores, boasts energy-efficient technology and environmentally friendly features that reduce energy and water consumption and minimize waste. LED lighting throughout the store operates 70 percent more efficiently than traditional fluorescent lighting. 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 or associates are not present. Part of the cement used in the store’s concrete flooring is made with recycled materials from coal-fired electrical generation and steel manufacturing. This reduces the amount of limestone that is needed, which is a natural resource. “We believe that being a good steward of the environment and building a successful business are goals that can work together,” said Shafer. The store recycles a variety of material from car batteries to waste cooking oil while plastic hangers, aluminum cans and office paper are sandwiched between cardboard, bundled into bales and sent to recycling centers. Grand Opening Celebration includes $18,000 in Grants
Wal-Mart is utilizing is grand opening celebration as another opportunity to support community organizations. The store is marking its opening with grants totaling $18,000 to local groups. Grant recipients include the Jamestown Fine Arts Association, James River Senior Citizens Center and James River Humane Society. (See page three for a full list of grant recipients.) The store plans to give donations locally throughout the year. Area organizations can contact the store to inquire about grants and giving opportunities. Grand Opening Celebration
Local residents will participate in the store’s 7:30 a.m. opening ceremony. Members of the Jamestown Veterans of Foreign Wars will present the colors. Following brief comments by store representatives and city officials, a group of the store’s original associates will cut the ribbon to signify the opening. Numerous product samples and character appearances will take place throughout the day and grand opening week. 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 Sunday, June 8, at 5 p.m. Preview tours will be provided and grant checks will be presented to several representatives from community organizations. Reporters and photographers are welcome.
- John Shafer, 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 701-252-6778.
- 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
Jamestown Wal-Mart Supercenter Store fast facts - Location: 921 25th St. S.W.
- Originally opened in 1991
- 180,000-square-foot Wal-Mart Supercenter, gaining an additional 90,000 square feet
- Grand opening celebration: 7:30 a.m., Wednesday, June 11
- Store manager: John Shafer
Charitable giving
$18,000 in charitable contributions will be provided area organizations: - Jamestown Fine Arts Association
- American Cancer Society
- SAFE Shelter
- James River Senior Citizens Center
- Community Action Region VI
- American Red Cross
- Salvation Army
- James River Humane Society
Store features - Full line of groceries, deli foods, frozen foods, bakery, meat and dairy products, fresh produce and complete liquor section.
- Merchandise departments include apparel and accessories, fine jewelry, toys, health and beauty aids, lawn and garden, expanded electronics and home entertainment department.
- Convenience services include one-hour photo lab, vision center, Family Fun Center, and Wal-Mart Connect Center.
- Leased areas in the store include a SmartStyle Family Hair Salon.
- Open 24 hours a day Monday through Friday, Saturday until midnight, re-opening on Sundays at noon
Employment - The store plans to employ approximately 260 associates, gaining an additional 100 new jobs.
- Store Manager John Shafer began his Wal-Mart career as an associate in 1987.
- 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.
For more information - Store manager: John Shafer, 701-252-6778
- Wal-Mart information online: www.walmartstores.com; merchandise sales: www.walmart.com
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