Walmart Brings Jobs and Consumer Savings to Algonquin
Expanded store adds full line of groceries and 130 new jobs ALGONQUIN, Ill., June 24, 2009 – The wait is over for residents in Algonquin eager to see their Walmart at 1410 S. Randall Road bring savings on a full line of groceries and a wide assortment of new products and services. The newly expanded Walmart is designed to make shopping easy for customers. The layout creates an open shopping environment with wider aisles that contain no product displays. Walmart also aligned the departments that customers shop most frequently. The store will open to customers at 7:30 a.m., Wednesday, July 1, after a brief ribbon-cutting ceremony. The store, which originally opened in 2003, has gained more than 41,000 square feet including a full line of fresh produce, meat, a deli and bakery and an expanded electronics department. “This store has been a partner in the Algonquin community since 2003, not only as a successful business but also a contributor to many local organizations,” said Algonquin Village President John Schmitt. “The expansion is a bonus for our community, bringing 130 new jobs and the added shopping convenience that the store’s full line of groceries and added merchandise provides.” Layout Improves Customer Experience
In recent months, Walmart has taken major steps to refresh its stores, its merchandise and its customer experience. The improvements have all come together in the company’s newest stores, such as the Algonquin store, with faster service, a friendlier shopping experience and cleaner stores. “The layout of the stores is easy to navigate, which will save our customers time as they shop for everyday necessities at our unbeatable prices,” said Store Manager Joshua Weaver. “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.” Lower shelving creates an improved sightline and directional signage on every aisle helps customers find what they are looking for quickly. Customers now have easy access to these services, as well as associates on hand to help meet their needs. Expanded Walmart Adds 130 New Jobs
The store plans to employ approximately 330 associates, including approximately 130 positions added by the expansion. “My own career is proof that Walmart offers unlimited opportunities to associates who are willing to work hard,” said Weaver, who began his career with the company as an hourly stockman in 1992 at a store in East Dundee. Sixty-one of the store’s associates have worked at the store since its original opening in 2003, and 29 have worked for Walmart for more than 10 years. Store Design Incorporates Environmentally Friendly Features
The Algonquin store, 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 throughout the store operates 70 percent more efficiently than traditional fluorescent lighting. Low-flow toilets and faucets reduce the water used in the bathrooms. Ribbon-Cutting Celebration 7:30 a.m., July 1
Community and business leaders will join Walmart associates at 7:30 a.m. Wednesday for a brief ribbon-cutting ceremony. Tina Longfellow, wife of Co-Manager Scott Longfellow, will perform the national anthem; she is also a Walmart associate and works at the Huntley store. Tory Gum, vice president for advancement at Judson University, will lead the invocation, and store associates who have worked at the store since its original opening in 2003 will cut the ribbon to officially open the expanded store. Throughout the day, customers will be able to enjoy character appearances, product samples and giveaways. Store Facts - Location: 1410 S. Randall Road, Algonquin, Ill.
- 192,328-square-foot Walmart, gaining an additional 42,401 square feet
- Store opens at 7:30 a.m. Wednesday, July 1, following a brief ribbon-cutting ceremony
- Store manager: Joshua Weaver
Store Features - Full line of groceries including a bakery, a deli serving fresh food and meal solutions for moms, meat and dairy products and fresh produce
- 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 Tire & Lube Express, portrait studio, pharmacy with two drive-through lanes, vision center, digital photo processing center and Walmart Connect Center
- Leased areas and services include a Subway restaurant and branch of WoodForest National Bank
- Open 24 hours a day, seven days a week
Employment - Store plans to employ approximately 330 associates, including approximately 130 positions added by the expansion.
- Twenty-nine associates have worked for Walmart for more than 10 years.
- Sixty-one associates have worked at the Algonquin store since it originally opened in 2003.
- The average wage at Walmart for full-time hourly associates in Illinois is approximately $11.70 per hour*
- Store Manager Joshua Weaver began his Walmart career as an hourly stockman at a store in East Dundee in 1992.
- 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 May 2009. See www.walmartstores.com for details. About Wal-Mart Stores, Inc. (NYSE: WMT)
Every week, millions of customers visit Walmart Stores, 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:
• Store Manager Joshua Weaver is available for interviews and to arrange photo opportunities or tours. He can be reached at 847-458-5620. # # #
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