New Walmart Brings Value and Convenience to Cleveland
New Walmart provides 300 jobs CLEVELAND, Ga., July 22, 2009 – A new Walmart opens this month in Cleveland, bringing 300 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 new store, located at 260 Donald E. Thurman Pkwy., will be open to customers at 8 a.m., Wednesday, July 29. Economic Impact Includes 300 New Jobs
The new Cleveland Walmart will employ approximately 300 associates, according to Store Manager Barry Killian. Killian began his Walmart career in 1991 as an hourly sales associate at a store in Murphy, N.C. “We are very excited about this new Walmart store,” said Cleveland Mayor Jim Wood. “It has brought new jobs to the area, and it’s nice to see that they are hiring local people. This store will bring a big boost in sales taxes as well.” 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 Cleveland 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 Killian. “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, $13,000 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: Child Safety for White County, City of Cleveland Police Department, The Bridge, White County Food Pantry and White County Schools. Store Design Incorporates Environmentally Friendly Features
The Cleveland 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., July 29
Community and business leaders will join Walmart associates at 7:30 a.m., Wednesday, July 29, for a brief ribbon-cutting ceremony. Cleveland resident Brianna Taylor perform the national anthem, and members of the local ROTC unit will present the colors. Killian and local community officials will cut the ribbon to the new store. 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 for 6 p.m., Monday, July 27. It will include preview tours and check presentations to representatives of community organizations. Reporters and photographers are welcome.
- Store Manager Barry Killian is available for interviews and to arrange photo opportunities or tours. He can be reached at 706-219-2308.
FACT SHEET
Cleveland Walmart Store facts - Location: 260 Donald E. Thurman Pkwy., Cleveland, Ga.
- 157,094-square-foot Walmart
- Store opens at 8 a.m. Wednesday, July 29, following a 7:30 a.m. ribbon-cutting ceremony
- Store manager: Barry Killian
- 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, Tire & Lube Express, digital photo processing center, Walmart Connect Center and family fun center
- Leased areas and services include a SmartStyle Family Hair Salon and a Subway restaurant.
Charitable giving - $13,000 in grants from the Walmart Foundation to the following area organizations
- Child Safety for White County
- City of Cleveland Police Department
- The Bridge
- White County Food Pantry
- White County Schools
Employment - Store plans to employ approximately 300 associates
- The average wage at Walmart for full-time hourly associates in Georgia is approximately $11.48 per hour*
- Store Manager Barry Killian began his Walmart career in 1991 as an hourly sales associate at a store in Murphy, N.C.
- 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: Barry Killian, 706-219-2308.
- Walmart information online: www.walmartstores.com; merchandise sales: www.walmart.com
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