Walmart Expansion Brings Fresh Selections to Fenton
Expanded store adds full line of groceries and 120 new jobs FENTON, Mich., June 24, 2009 – The wait is over for residents in Fenton eager to see their Walmart at 3700 Owen 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 easier for customers. The new 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 a.m., Wednesday, July 1, after a brief ribbon-cutting ceremony. The store originally opened in 2002, and the expansion has increased the store’s size by more than 77,000 square feet including a full line of groceries such as fresh produce and meat, a deli and a bakery. “The Fenton Regional Chamber of Commerce is excited about the Walmart expansion in Fenton,” said Shelly Day, president of the Fenton Regional Chamber of Commerce. “Not only does the increase in services provide convenience, it is also a boost to our local economy allowing area residents to ‘look and shop local.’ Walmart continues to be supportive by providing grant contributions to local community events.” 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 Fenton 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 Joseph Barendse. “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. 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. Expanded Walmart Adds 120 New Jobs
The store plans to employ approximately 320 associates, including approximately 120 positions added by the relocation. “Sixteen of our associates have worked for Walmart for more than 10 years,” said Barendse. “Fifty-three have worked at this store since its original opening in 2002,” he added. Store Design Incorporates Environmentally Friendly Features
The Fenton store, like all new Walmartludes energy-efficient technology and environmentally friendly features to reduce energy and water consumption and minimize waste. The store’s 150 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 a.m., July 1
Community and business leaders will join Walmart associates at 7 a.m. Wednesday for a brief ribbon-cutting ceremony. Store associate Katie Walker will perform the national anthem, and members of a local Veterans of Foreign Wars post will present the colors. Representatives from the Fenton Regional Chamber of Commerce 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: 3700 Owen Road, Fenton, Mich.
- 215,494-square-foot Walmart, gaining an additional 77,697 square feet
- Store opens at 7 a.m. Wednesday, July 1, following a brief ribbon-cutting ceremony
- Store manager: Joseph Barendse
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 Walmart MoneyCenter Express, pharmacy, vision center, digital photo processing center and Walmart Connect Center
- Leased areas and services include a SmartStyle Family Hair Care salon
- Open from 6 a.m. until midnight, seven days a week
Employment - Store plans to employ approximately 320 associates, including approximately 120 positions created by the expansion.
- Sixteen associates have worked for Walmart for more than 10 years.
- Fifty-three associates have worked at the Fenton store since it originally opened in 2002.
- The average wage at Walmart for full-time hourly associates in Michigan is approximately $11.39 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 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:
• An invitation-only open house for grant recipients and other VIPs is scheduled for 7 p.m., Tuesday, June 30. It will include preview tours and check presentations to representatives of community organizations. Reporters and photographers are welcome.
• Store Manager Joseph Barendse is available for interviews and to arrange photo opportunities or tours. He can be reached at 810-750-1132. # # #
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