Walmart Brings Savings and Convenience to Camden
Newly relocated Walmart provides 170 new jobs CAMDEN, Ark., May 14, 2009 – A new Walmart opens this month in Camden, bringing 170 new jobs, savings for local shoppers and an increase in tax revenue to support the area’s economy. Nonprofit organizations will also benefit from the retailer’s ongoing charitable contributions and support for community projects. The Walmart, located at 950 California Ave., will be open to customers at 8 a.m., Wednesday. “This project is the culmination of a lot of work to get this Walmart here,” said Camden Mayor Chris Claybeck. “We are excited about the number of jobs it will create as well as the shopping opportunities that the store will present for the citizens of Camden.” Approximately 170 new jobs were created as a result of the relocation, and more than 30 of the store’s associates have worked for Walmart for more than 10 years. Store Designed to Improve Customer Experience
In recent months, Walmart has taken major steps to refresh its stores, merchandising and customer experience. The improvements have all come together in the company’s newest stores, such as the Camden Walmart, with fast service, a friendly shopping experience and clean stores. The new Walmart features wide aisles, enhanced service and a layout designed to make the shopping experience more convenient for customers. Walmart aligned the departments that customers shop most frequently. The pharmacy, for example, is adjacent to food making it easier for customers to pick up their prescriptions while shopping for their groceries. “The layout of the store is easy to navigate, which will save our customers time as they shop for everyday necessities,” said Store Manager Marion Cole. “By grouping the products that our customers most often purchase including health and beauty and pet supplies, we are making one-stop shopping even easier.” A bright interior color palette creates an inviting shopping experience and helps define the store’s merchandise areas. Lower shelving creates an improved sightline and directional signage on every aisle helps customers find what they are looking for quickly. Walmart also combined the customer service desk, site to store pick-up location and photo lab in one area near the entrance. Customers now have easy access to these services, as well as associates on hand to help meet their needs. Community Organizations Benefit from Grand-Opening Grants
As part of Walmart’s commitment to the communities in which it operates, $20,000 in grants from the Walmart Foundation will be presented during the grand-opening celebration. The following organizations will each receive $5,000 to support programs that serve the community: Bearden CDC, Christian Health Center, Court Appointed Special Advocates (CASA) and the Oasis Animal Shelter. Store Design Incorporates Environmentally Friendly Features
The Camden Walmart, like all new Walmartludes energy-efficient technology and environmentally friendly features to reduce energy and water consumption and minimize waste. The store’s skylights harvest daylight and reduce the amount of energy required to light the store by up to 75 percent daily. LED lighting in the store operates 70 percent more efficiently than traditional fluorescent lighting. The cement used in the concrete flooring is made with recycled materials, and the floor’s finish reduces the need for chemical cleaners. Low-flow toilets and faucets reduce the water used in the bathrooms. The new store also operates a recycling program and will promote sustainable product purchases. Ribbon-Cutting Celebration 7:30 a.m., May 20
Community and business leaders will join Walmart associates at 7:30 a.m. Wednesday for a brief ribbon-cutting ceremony. The Camden Fairview High School Band will perform the national anthem. Members of the Camden Chamber of Commerce will cut the ribbon to the new store. 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. More information about Walmart can be found by visiting www.walmartstores.com. Online merchandise sales are available at www.walmart.com. EDITOR’S NOTES
• An invitation-only open house for grant recipients and other VIPs is scheduled at 6 p.m., Saturday, May 16. It will include preview tours and check presentations to representatives of community organizations. Reporters and photographers are welcome.
• Store Manager Marion Cole is available for interviews and to arrange photo opportunities or tours. He can be reached at 870-836-8010. FACT SHEET
Camden Walmart Store facts - Location: 950 California Ave., Camden, Ark.
- Formerly located at 1270 State Hwy. 4 Bypass S.W.
- 153,865-square-foot Walmart, gaining 60,276 additional square feet
- Store opens at 8 a.m. Wednesday, May 20, following a 7:30 a.m. ribbon-cutting ceremony
- Store manager: Marion Cole
- Open 24 hours a day, seven days a week
Store features - Full line of groceries including a bakery, a deli serving fresh food and meal solutions for moms, meat and dairy products, fresh produce and beer and wine
- More than 30 merchandise departments such as apparel and accessories, a lawn and garden center, health and beauty aids, and an expanded electronics department
- Convenience services include a pharmacy, digital photo processing center, Family Fun center and Walmart Connect Center
- Leased areas and services include a SmartStyle family hair salon.
Charitable giving - $20,000 in grants from the Walmart Foundation to the following area organizations
- Bearden C D C
- Christian Health Center
- Court Appointed Special Advocates (CASA)
- Oasis Animal Shelter
Employment - Store plans to employ approximately 320 associates, including 170 new positions
- The average wage at Walmart for full-time hourly associates in Arkansas is approximately $10.86 per hour*
- Walmart benefits – available to eligible full- and part-time associates – include health 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 February 2009. See www.walmartstores.com for details. Walmart in Arkansas - As of April, Walmart employed 48,535 associates and owned and operated the following facilities in Arkansas:
- Walmarts: 67
- Discount Stores: 16
- Neighborhood Markets: 7
- Sam’s Clubs: 7
- Distribution Centers: 20
Learn more about Walmart in Arkansas. For more information
• Store manager: Marion Cole, 870-836-8010.
• Walmart information online: www.walmartstores.com; merchandise sales: www.walmart.com # # #
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