Expanded Walmart Brings Full Grocery Department and Enhanced Selection to Laurel220 new jobs, low prices expected to impact local community LAUREL, Md., July 26, 2010 – The wait is over for residents in Laurel eager to see their Walmart at 3549 Russett Green 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 220 new jobs to the community. The store will unveil the new expansion to customers at 8 a.m., Wednesday, Aug. 4, after a brief ribbon-cutting ceremony. “We have a loyal customer base and some have been shopping here since our original opening in 1994,” said store manager Bill Duffy. “We think they’ll love the new, easy-to-shop layout of the store and appreciate the savings we offer on the products they need.” New Layout Improves Customer ExperienceThe Laurel Walmart also features a new layout and updated design. In recent months, Walmart has taken major steps to refresh its stores, merchandise and customer experience. The improvements have all come together in the company’s newest stores with faster service, a friendlier shopping experience and cleaner stores. “The layout of the store is easy to navigate, which will save customers time as they shop for everyday necessities at our unbeatable prices,” said Duffy. “By grouping the products that our customers most often purchase we are making one-stop shopping even easier.” The new layout creates an open shopping environment with wider aisles that contain no product displays. Lower shelving throughout the store create an improved sightline and directional signage on every aisle help customers find what they are looking for quickly. Expanded Walmart Adds 220 New JobsThe store plans to employ roughly 525 associates, including approximately 220 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,” said Duffy. “I am proud to work for this company where there are unlimited opportunities and to bring those opportunities to our community and neighbors.” “It is exciting to see a business thrive and expand in today’s economy,” said Laurel Mayor Craig A. Moe. “This newly renovated store will have an indirect impact on the Laurel economy because of its value pricing that meets the needs of our local families. The new jobs the expansion creates is another indication of Walmart’s commitment to the community.” Store Design Incorporates Environmentally Friendly FeaturesThe Laurel 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 new skylights harvest daylight and reduce the amount of energy required to light the store. 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 GrantsThe store is continuing its support of the community by giving $4,000 in grants from the Walmart Foundation to local organizations. The grant recipients include Brock Bridge Elementary School, Severn Athletic Club, Reality Inc., and the Boy Scouts of America. Walmart and the Walmart Foundation have committed $2 billion to U.S. hunger relief efforts through 2015. The Fighting Hunger Together campaign will also engage Walmart customers and associates in the fight against hunger. More information can be found at walmart.com/fightinghunger. About WalmartWal-Mart Stores, Inc. (NYSE: WMT), or “Walmart,” serves customers and members more than 200 million times per week at more than 8,400 retail units under 55 different banners in 15 countries. With fiscal year 2010 sales of $405 billion, Walmart employs more than 2 million associates worldwide. A leader in sustainability, corporate philanthropy and employment opportunity, Walmart ranked first among retailers in Fortune Magazine’s 2009 Most Admired Companies survey. Additional information about Walmart can be found by visiting www.walmartstores.com and on Twitter at http://Twitter.com/Walmartnews. Online merchandise sales are available at www.walmart.com and www.samsclub.com. FACT SHEET |
