Fresh Finds at Harvard's First Walmart Supercenter
New store caters to local community HARVARD, Ill., July 16, 2008 – Harvard residents will soon have a chance to spice up their shopping lists when Walmart opens the first Supercenter this month. The new store offers customers savings on an expanded line of products including fresh groceries and a wide selection of products that meet the needs of Harvard’s diverse culture. Shoppers will get a firsthand look at the new store located at 21101 Mc Guire Road, following a grand opening ceremony Wednesday, July 16, at 8 a.m. The celebration will include an appearance by Miss America Kirsten Haglund. “This new store is going to bring so much more to the community than we have had for the past 20 years,” said Store Manager Dawn Welsh. “In addition to the unique products we’ll have in the store, we’ll also have many of the familiar products made right here in Illinois.” Selections Designed to Cater to Community
Walmart has been part of the local community since 1988 and the new Supercenter is continuing its commitment to meet the needs of local residents. For example, Hispanic customers will find a wide variety of find popular brands such as Maseco, Bimbo and La Preferida Foods as well as Spanish greeting cards and many other products to meet their needs. “Our community has a wide variety of tastes and looks to us to provide value and savings on the products they need,” added Welsh. “ The store features a full line of groceries including fresh produce, a fresh bakery and an array of side dishes and freshly prepared meals in the delicatessen. Walmart is committed to offering more local fruits and vegetables to keep produce prices down and provide affordable selections that are fresh and healthful. The Harvard Supercenter will partner with local farmers to provide fresh corn from Twin Garden Farms, produce from Strubie Distributing and the store will carry Dean’s milk as part of the company’s efforts to support local economies, cut shipping costs and provide fresh food offerings.
For added convenience, the new store has a one-hour photo lab and a full liquor store. The store will carry products from Walmart’s new Canopy™ brand, a line of durable, affordable furniture and home accessories. Store Brings Economic Boost to Harvard
Harvard will also see the economic benefits of the store opening, including the 175 planned new jobs. The store will employ more than 265 total associates. “The new Walmart store is providing a real economic spark to our town,” said Harvard Mayor Jay Nolan. “Many of our residents have been traveling out of town to get their groceries and supplies. Walmart’s new Supercenter is bringing jobs and tax revenue back to Harvard.” Store Design Incorporates Environmentally Friendly Features
The new Supercenter was constructed with energy-efficient technology and environmentally friendly features to reduce energy and water consumption and minimize waste. The store features skylights that harvest daylight and reduce the amount of energy required to light the store by up to 75 percent daily. 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. Plastic hangers, aluminum cans and office paper are sandwiched between cardboard, bundled into bales and sent to recycling centers. The new store is also committed to offering products that are sustainable and affordable. Support of Harvard Community Includes $19,000 in Grants
In celebration of the grand opening, the Walmart Foundation will give grants totaling $19,000 to local charitable organizations. (Editors note: For a complete list of grant recipients, please see page 3 of this release.) The Northern Illinois Food Bank will receive a $2,000 grant to assist in food delivery programs in McHenry County. The Food Bank distributes more than 1.2 million pounds of food annually to 27 partner food assistance sites in McHenry County, helping the 14,000 people living in poverty. “The donation from Walmart will enable us to get food to seniors who would otherwise go without,” said Sue Ericson, director of development at the Northern Illinois Food Bank. “With the rise in gas and food costs, we have more people than ever needing our services. We count on community business partners like Walmart.” Miss America Joins Grand Opening Celebration
Harvard community leaders and store associates will celebrate the Supercenter grand opening with a ceremony at 8 a.m., Wednesday, July 16. Miss America, Kirsten Haglund, will sing the national anthem and sign autographs for customers. Additional activities will include a ribbon cutting by store associates and Mayor Jay Nolan as well as presenting of the colors by local Boy Scout Troop 210. Grand opening activities planned throughout the day include product samples, giveaways and character appearances. About Wal-Mart 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.org. EDITOR’S NOTES - An invitation-only open house for VIPs, Walmart associates and their families is scheduled for Monday, July 14 from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. Preview tours will be provided and checks will be presented to representatives from community organizations. Reporters and photographers are welcome.
- Statements and quotes on behalf of Walmart should not be obtained from or attributed to agency employees.
FACT SHEET
Harvard Walmart Supercenter Store fast facts - Location: 21101 Mc Guire Road
- Originally opened in 1988
- 149,000-square-foot Walmart Supercenter, gaining an additional 108,000 square feet
- Grand opening celebration: 8 a.m., Wednesday, July 16
- Store manager: Dawn Welsh
Charitable giving
$19,000 in charitable contributions will be provided area organizations: - Blackhawk Area Boy Scout Council
- City of Harvard Fire and Rescue
- City of Harvard Parks and Recreation Department
- City of Harvard Police
- Diggins Public Library
- Family Health Partnership Clinic
- Harvard School District
- Northern Illinois Food Bank
- Special Olympics Illinois
- Trinity Lutheran Church Food Pantry
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 digital photo lab, vision center and Walmart Connect Center.
- Leased areas in the store include a SmartStyle Family Hair Salon, Subway restaurant and a branch of Woodforest Bank.
- Open daily 6 a.m. to 11 p.m.
Employment - The store plans to employ approximately 265 associates, gaining an additional 175 new jobs.
- Store Manager Dawn Welsh began her Walmart career as an hourly associate in 1991 in El Paso, Texas.
- Walmart benefits – available to eligible full- and part-time associates – include healthcare 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.
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