Irwin Walmart Welcomes Shoppers to New StoreNew Walmart provides nearly 300 jobs IRWIN, Pa., Jan. 18, 2012 – A new Walmart opens this month in Irwin, bringing nearly 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 Walmart, located at 915 Mills Drive, will be open to customers at 7 a.m., Wednesday, Jan. 25 after a brief ribbon-cutting ceremony. Economic Impact Includes Nearly 300 New JobsThe new Irwin Walmart will employ approximately 300 associates, according to store manager JoAnna Kubasky. Nineteen of the store’s associates have worked for Walmart for more than 10 years. Kubasky is a Pennsylvania native who began her Walmart career in 2002 as an intern before becoming an assistant manager at the Mt. Pleasant Walmart. Store Designed to Improve Customer ExperienceIn 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 Irwin 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 Kubasky. “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. Store Design Incorporates Environmentally Friendly FeaturesThe Irwin Walmart, 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 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. 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 a.m., Jan. 25Community and business leaders will join Walmart associates at 7 a.m., Wednesday, Jan. 25 for a brief ribbon-cutting ceremony. Katie Kratzenberg, a student from Norwin High School will perform the national anthem and the Irwin Boy Scout Troop will present the colors. Store associates will cut the ribbon to the new store. Grant Presentations 6 p.m., Jan. 24Store associates will award several grants to local nonprofit organizations during a reception at 6 p.m. Tuesday, Jan. 24. Reporters and photographers are welcome. Among the grant recipients:
In addition to these store-level grants, the Greater Pittsburgh Council of Boy Scouts will receive a $50,000 grant awarded through the Walmart Foundation’s State Giving Program. The funding will support the council’s “Scouting for Food” campaign, now in its 25th year, to feed needy people throughout southwestern Pennsylvania. To be considered for support, perspective grantee organizations must submit applications through the Walmart Foundation State Giving Program’s online grant application. Applicants must have a current 501(c)(3) tax-exempt status in order to meet the program’s minimum eligibility criteria. Additional information about the program’s funding guidelines and application process are available online at www.walmartfoundation.org/stategiving About Walmart FACT SHEET |
