Walmart Brings Savings on Fresh Produce to Watertown
Expanded store adds full line of groceries and 250 new jobs WATERTOWN, N.Y., Nov. 4, 2009 – The wait is over for residents in Watertown eager to see their Walmart at 20823 NYS Rt. 3 bring savings on a full line of groceries and a wide assortment of new products and services. The new Walmart is designed to make shopping easy for customers. The store’s expansion brings 250 new positions to the community and will open to customers at 8 a.m. Wednesday, Nov. 11, after a brief ribbon-cutting ceremony. The store originally opened in 1992 in Watertown. The expansion has increased the store’s size by more than 87,000 square feet to make room for a full line of groceries including fresh produce, meat and dairy products, a bakery and a deli serving fresh food and meal solutions for moms. The store also features an expanded electronics department offering the latest in consumer electronics and home entertainment. “We have a loyal customer base and some have been shopping here since our original opening,” said store manager Chris Coleman “We think they’ll love the new, easy-to-shop layout and appreciate the savings we offer on the products they are looking for.” 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 Watertown 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 Coleman. “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 New Jobs
The store plans to employ approximately 450 associates, including approximately 250 positions created by the expansion. “Joining Walmart was a great career decision for me, as it has been for so many of my fellow associates,” Coleman said. Store Design Incorporates Environmentally Friendly Features
The Watertown store, like all new Walmart stores, includes 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. Part of 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. Community Organizations Benefit from Grand-Opening Grants
The store is continuing its support of the area by giving $5,000 in grants from the Walmart Foundation to local organizations. That support includes grants to: Urban Mission, North Country Children’s Clinic, Citizens for Recovery Institute, Toys for Tots and Jefferson County Sheriff’s Department “Shop with a Cop.” Ribbon-Cutting Celebration 8 a.m. Nov. 11
Community and business leaders will join Walmart associates at 8 a.m. Wednesday, Nov. 11 for a brief ribbon-cutting ceremony. 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. Walmart (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 $378 million to local communities in the United States. More information about Walmart can be found by visiting www.walmartstores.com. *Our stores will match the price of any local competitor's printed ad for an identical product. Not applicable to Walmart.com. Restrictions apply. See store for details. FACT SHEET
Watertown Walmart Store facts - Location: 20823 NYS Rt. 3, Watertown, N.Y.
- 116,397-square-foot Walmart, gaining an additional 87,000 square feet
- Store opens at 8 a.m. Wednesday, Nov. 11, following a brief ribbon-cutting ceremony
- Store manager: Chris Coleman
- 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, and fresh produce
- More than 30 merchandise departments such as apparel and accessories, fine jewelry, a lawn and garden center with drive-through loading area, health and beauty aids, and a full line of electronics
- Convenience services include a pharmacy, vision center, digital photo processing center and Walmart Connect Center
- Leased areas and services include a Dunkin Donuts, SmartStyle salon and a branch of Woodforest National Bank.
Charitable giving - $5,000 in grants from the Walmart Foundation to the following area organizations:
- Urban Mission
- North Country Children’s Clinic
- Citizens for Recovery Institute
- Toys for Tots
- Jefferson County Sheriff’s Department “Shop with a Cop”
Employment - Store plans to employ approximately 450 associates, including approximately 250 positions created by the expansion.
- Eleven associates have worked at the store since it originally opened in 1992.
- The average wage at Walmart for full-time hourly associates in New York is approximately $11.86 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 August 2009. See www.walmartstores.com for details. For More Information - Store manager Chris Coleman is available for interviews and to arrange photo opportunities or tours. He can be reached at 315-786-0145
- Walmart information online: www.walmartstores.com; merchandise sales: www.walmart.com
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