Sanford Walmart Brings More Jobs, Fresh Savings
Newly relocated Walmart provides 350 jobs, $18,000 in local grants SANFORD, ME, July 1, 2009 – A new Walmart opens this month in Sanford, bringing approximately 140 planned 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 1930 Main St., will be open to customers on Wednesday, July 15, following a ribbon-cutting ceremony at 7 a.m. 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 Sanford Walmart. 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 Bill Chase. “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. Approximately 140 new jobs were created as a result of the relocation. Twenty-fve of the store’s associates have worked for Walmart for more than 10 years, including 10 associates who have worked at the Sanford store since its original opening in 1993. Community Organizations Benefit from Grand-Opening Grants
As part of Walmart’s commitment to the communities in which it operates, approximately $18,000 in grants from the Walmart Foundation will be presented during the grand-opening celebration. The following organizations will each receive funds to support programs that serve the community: York County Shelter Programs; Sanford Kiwanis Club; Waban Projects Inc.; Laudholm Trust; Sanford-Springvale Historical Society; Literacy Volunteers of Greater Sanford; Sanford Library Association and the Sanford Fire Department. High-Efficiency Store Design Incorporates Environmentally Friendly Features
The Sanford Walmart includes energy-efficient technology and environmentally friendly features to reduce energy and water consumption and minimize waste. As part of the high-efficiency design, the heating, cooling, refrigeration and lighting systems at the new Sanford Walmart have been refined to further conserve energy and reduce greenhouse gas emissions. 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 7:00 a.m., Wednesday, July 15
Community and business leaders will join Walmart associates at 7 a.m. Wednesday, July 15, for a brief ribbon-cutting ceremony. The ceremony will feature a medley of patriotic music, performed by AMVETS Post #3. Representatives from the American Legion of Sanford will also participate in the ceremony. Throughout the day, customers will be able to enjoy character appearances, product samples and giveaways. About Walmart 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 at 6 p.m., Tuesday, July 14. It will include preview tours and check presentations to representatives of community organizations. Reporters and photographers are welcome.
- Store Manager Bill Chase is available for interviews and to arrange photo opportunities or tours. He can be reached at 207-324-0726
FACT SHEET
Sanford Walmart Store facts - Location: 1930 Main St.
- Formerly located at 1327 Main St.
- 198,563 square-foot Walmart, gaining 105,375 additional square feet
- Store opens at 7:30 a.m. Wednesday, July 15, following a 7 a.m. ribbon-cutting ceremony
- Store manager: Bill Chase
- Store Hours: 6 a.m. - midnight
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, 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, digital photo processing center and Walmart Connect Center
Charitable giving - $18,000 in grants from the Walmart Foundation to the following area organizations
- York County Shelter Programs
- Sanford Kiwanis Club
- Waban Projects Inc.
- Laudholm Trust
- Sanford-Springvale Historical Society
- Literacy Volunteers of Greater Sanford
- Sanford Library Association
- Sanford Fire Department
Employment - Store plans to employ approximately 350 associates, including 140 new positions
- The average wage at Walmart for full-time hourly associates in Maine is approximately $12.06 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: Bill Chase, 207-324-0726
- Walmart information online: www.walmartstores.com; merchandise sales: www.walmart.com
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