Walmart Supercenter Brings Savings to Austin Community
Store features and products reflect local community AUSTIN, Minn., July 16, 2008 – Austin residents will see benefits that go beyond low prices and one-stop shopping convenience when the new Walmart Supercenter opens Wednesday. The store has taken steps to support local suppliers, improve road conditions and offer shoppers a product selection designed to fit their needs. The new store at 1000 18th Ave. NW, opens following a 7:30 a.m. grand-opening ceremony. In addition to uncompromising value and selection, the store includes a number of features that promote easy access while building on the aesthetics of the community. For instance, Walmart built a new road behind the store, three retention ponds, a bus stop, and a bike path, while adding two traffic lights. “Our city staff appreciates the Walmart Supercenter philosophy of working with our community throughout all phases of construction,” said John Erikson, Austin’s Community Development Director. “Their priority to make traveling to the new store safe and convenient adds to our excitement as this well-planned piece of retail property enhances the northwestern part of our community. The Austin community residents are excited and anxious for the grand opening.” The new store also shows Walmart’s support of local suppliers such as Austin-based Hormel, whose products are featured in the deli and throughout the store. “This community is very excited about our new store and the conveniences it will provide,” said Store Manager Lee Kruse. “We are eager to be a part of the Austin community and offer residents opportunities to save money on their favorite brands.” Walmart Continues Commitment to the Community
Wednesday’s grand-opening celebration includes the presentation of $19,000 in grants from the Walmart Foundation to local organizations. Among the grant recipients are the local fire and police departments, Austin’s schools, the Veterans of Foreign Wars Post #1216, the American Legion, Spruce Up Austin, Inc., and the City of Austin Parks & Recreation. “To show our support and commitment to the Austin community, we are thrilled to offer these grants to several organizations in our community,” said Kruse. Focus on Sustainability
This new store, like all new Walmart stores, was constructed with energy-efficient technology and environmentally friendly features to reduce energy and water consumption and minimize waste. For example, the store recycles everything from car batteries to waste cooking oil. And plastic hangers, aluminum cans and office paper are sandwiched between cardboard, bundled into bales and sent to recycling centers. 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 and also provides a use for waste products that would otherwise be sent to landfills. The floor’s finish also reduces the need for chemical cleaners. “The store also has 169 skylights to harvest daylight and reduce the amount of energy required to light the store by up to 75 percent daily,” Kruse said. LED lighting throughout the store operates 70 percent more efficiently than traditional fluorescent lighting. The new store is also committed to offering products that are affordable and sustainable. New Store Brings Hometown Jobs
In addition to convenient shopping, the store also provides jobs to approximately 325 local residents. “Working for Walmart 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,” Kruse said. Grand-Opening Activities Scheduled
The grand-opening ceremony begins at 7:30 a.m. Wednesday with representatives of the VFW presenting the colors. Darwin Lysne, local vocalist, will perform the national anthem, and Pastor Robert Berthold will lead the invocation. Following brief comments by store leaders and city officials, including Mayor Tom Stiehm, a ribbon will be cut by Executive Director Sandy Forstner and other chamber members to signify the opening of the new Supercenter. The grand opening will include numerous product samples and character appearances from Hormel Foods, Hostess, Pepsi, Little Debbies Snacks and more. Retired Minnesota Vikings players will sign autographs from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m. Friday and from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday as part of the special events that will take place throughout the weekend. About Walmart Stores Inc. (NYSE: WMT)
Every week, millions of customers visit Walmart 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 Stores, Inc. (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.com. EDITOR’S NOTES
• An invitation-only open house for Walmart associates, their families and other VIPs is scheduled for 6 p.m. Monday and will include tours of the new Supercenter. Reporters and photographers are welcome.
Statements and quotes on behalf of Walmart should not be obtained from or attributed to Hinrichs or other agency employees. FACT SHEET
Austin Walmart Supercenter Store fast facts - Location: 1000 18th Ave. NW.
- 194,000-square-foot Walmart Supercenter
- Grand-opening celebration: 7:30 a.m., Wednesday; doors open at 8 a.m.
- Open House: 6 p.m. Monday. Reporters and photographers are welcome.
- Store manager: Lee Kruse
Charitable giving
Walmart is providing $19,000 in charitable contributions to area organizations: - Young Men’s Christian Association
- Southeast MN Private Industry Council
- City of Austin
- City of Austin Parks & Recreation
- City of Austin Police Department
- Welcome Center, Inc.
- City of Austin Fire Department
- Spruce Up Austin, Inc.
- Izaak Walton League of America
- American Legion
- Austin Public Schools
- Veteran’s of Foreign Wars
Store features - Full line of groceries, bakery goods, deli foods (including Hormel Foods), frozen foods, meat and dairy products, fresh produce, full liquor department, apparel and accessories, toys, books, infant section, fine jewelry, electronics department, home décor, sporting goods, outdoor living center, health and beauty aids, pharmacy, family fun center, Walmart Connect Center, Walmart MoneyCenter, garden center
- Leased areas in the store include a Subway restaurant, and a SmartStyle Family Hair Salon.
- The new Supercenter will be open 24 hours.
Employment - The store adds new jobs to Austin by employing approximately 325 associates.
- The national average wage at Walmart for full-time hourly associates is $10.83 per hour.*
- Walmart benefits – available to eligible full- and part-time associates – include health care insurance with no lifetime maximum. Walmart 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 June 2008. See www.walmartstores.com for details. # # #
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