Leavenworth Community Welcomes New Walmart
Newly relocated Walmart provides 175 new jobs, $15,000 in local grants LEAVENWORTH, Kan., July 1, 2009 – A new Walmart opens this month in Leavenworth, bringing an enhanced customer experience for local shoppers, support for the local economy with increased tax revenue and approximately 175 planned new jobs. Nonprofit organizations will also benefit from the retailer’s ongoing charitable contributions and support for community projects. The Walmart, newly located at 5000 10th Ave., will be open to customers at 8 a.m., Wednesday, July 15. 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 Leavenworth Walmart, which showcases Walmart’s commitment to bringing shoppers an upgraded product assortment and a layout designed to make the shopping experience more convenient for customers. “The layout of the store is easy to navigate, which will save our customers time as they shop for everyday necessities,” said Store Manager Doug Portenier. “By grouping the products that our customers most often purchase including health and beauty, the pharmacy and pet supplies next to our new full grocery department, 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. The Leavenworth store features a new grocery department, complete with produce, a full deli, as well as an expanded dairy and a bakery department. Lower shelving creates an improved sightline and directional signage on every aisle helps customers find what they are looking for quickly. For added convenience, the store now offers an expanded pharmacy with two drive-through lanes, one for picking up prescriptions on-the-go and the other for pharmacist consultation. Approximately 175 new jobs were created as a result of the relocation. More than 50 of the store’s associates have worked for Walmart for more than 10 years, including 13 associates who have worked at the store since its original opening in 1993 at the 3450 S. 4th St. location. Community Organizations Benefit from Grand-Opening Grants
As part of Walmart’s commitment to the communities in which it operates, $15,000 in grants from the Walmart Foundation will be presented during the grand-opening celebration. The following organizations will each receive grants to support programs that serve the community: Leavenworth County Assistance Food Bank will receive $5,000. The Mettie Heartnett Elementary School, the Leavenworth Public Schools Education Foundation, the Caritas Clinic, The Leavenworth Guidance Center and the Lansing Education Foundation will each receive $2,000. Store Design Incorporates Environmentally Friendly Features
The Leavenworth Walmart, like all new Walmartludes energy-efficient technology and environmentally friendly features to reduce energy and water consumption and minimize waste. The store has 160 skylights, which harvest daylight and reduce the amount of energy required to light the store by up to 75 percent daily. LED lighting in the store’s parking lot operates 70 percent more efficiently than traditional fluorescent lighting. In addition, the store transplanted 20 large trees that already existed on the property to create a beautiful landscape. “We are committed to our sustainable efforts,” said Portenier. “We even have our own retention pond which collects storm water so we can control the sediment on the property.” he added. 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 will promote sustainable product purchases. Ribbon-Cutting Celebration 7:30 a.m., July 15
Leavenworth Mayor Shay Baker and President of the Leavenworth-Lansing Chamber of Commerce Brian Habien, along with other local dignitaries including District 41 State Representative Connie O’Brian will join Walmart associates at 7:30 a.m. Wednesday for a brief ribbon-cutting ceremony. The Lansing High School Sound Spectrum will perform the national anthem and the Leavenworth High School ROTC will present the colors. About Walmart
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 from 6-7:30 p.m., Sunday, July 12. It will include preview tours and check presentations to representatives of community organizations. Reporters and photographers are welcome.
- Store Manager Doug Portenier is available for interviews and to arrange photo opportunities or tours. He can be reached at 913-758-1915.
FACT SHEET
Leavenworth Walmart
Store facts - Location:.5000 10th Ave., Leavenworth, Kan.
- Formerly located at 3450 S. 4th Trafficway
- 189,300-square-foot Walmart, gaining 67,300 additional square feet
- Store opens at 8 a.m. Wednesday, July 15, following ribbon-cutting ceremony
- Store manager: Doug Portenier
- 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 drive-through lawn and garden center, health and beauty aids, and an expanded electronics department
- Convenience services include a pharmacy with two drive through lanes, one which is designated for consultation and the other for pick-up, digital photo processing center and Walmart Connect Center
Charitable giving - $15,000 in grants from the Walmart Foundation to the following area organizations
- Leavenworth County Assistance Food Bank
- Nettie Heartnett Elementary School
- Leavenworth Public Schools Education Foundation
- Caritas Clinic
- Guidance Center
- Lansing Education Foundation
Employment - Store plans to employ approximately 400 associates, including 175 new positions
- The average wage at Walmart for full-time hourly associates in Kansas is approximately $10.80 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.
For more information
- Store manager: Doug Portenier, 913-758-1915.
- Walmart information online: www.walmartstores.com; merchandise sales: www.walmart.com
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