Wal-Mart Supercenter Set to Debut in Benson; Low Prices and Broad Assortments in Store for Area ShoppersNew store supports area with $35,500 in grants and more than 250 new jobs
BENSON, Ariz., Nov. 1, 2006 – Residents in Benson will no longer have to travel to Tucson or Sierra Vista to experience complete, one-stop shopping and everyday low prices when the new Wal-Mart Supercenter celebrates its grand opening on Wednesday, Nov. 8. The Supercenter is located three miles off of Interstate 10 at 201 S. Prickly Pear. Doors to the new store will open to the public at 8 a.m., following a 7:30 a.m. grand opening ceremony. “A lot of our residents currently travel 30 to 50 miles each direction to go shopping,” says Benson Mayor George Scott. “The new Supercenter will allow those shoppers to stay close to home now and not have the added expense of driving a great distance for their needs.” Scott also anticipates the new store will bring additional shoppers into Benson both from surrounding communities and tourists traveling on I-10. Wide Selection of Groceries and Products Just in time for the holiday season, the new 99,700-square-foot Wal-Mart Supercenter has all the necessities for a Thanksgiving feast, holiday décor and gifts for loved ones. The store features a full line of groceries including a bakery, a delicatessen featuring rotisserie chicken, a frozen food section, meat, dairy and fresh produce sections, and liquor sales. The grand opening will also debut Wal-Mart’s “Toyland,” featuring the hottest toys at the coolest prices. Customers will be able to fill a child’s wish list with everything from classic favorites such as Baby Alive, digital and electronic toys, board games, and plush toy characters that come to life. “We know our customers will love the wide selection of products we will offer and I’m pleased we’re located in such a convenient location,” says Store Manager Diane Bingham. “We look forward to welcoming our shoppers and providing a reliable, comfortable shopping experience for them.” A customer-oriented layout, new navigational signage and flat-screen televisions suspended from the ceiling to provide shoppers with valuable information are just a few highlights of the new Supercenter. The interior of the store features earth tones, concrete floors and vinyl-wood floors in the apparel departments. Overall, the store has 36 general merchandise departments including a full lawn and garden center, health and beauty aids, home décor, a full line of accessories, apparel including Wal-Mart’s “George” line, and fine jewelry. The store also has a home entertainment and electronics department showcasing well-known consumer electronics such as MP3 players, iPods, DVD players for home or auto and high-definition televisions. Other store features include a pharmacy, a one-hour photo lab and a Wal-Mart Connect Center for wireless phone sales. The new Supercenter’s exterior exhibits a brown and tan color palette, and the interior was built with an environmentally-friendly design, with skylights and energy-efficient lighting. The store will be open to customers 24 hours a day, seven days a week and will include 10 full-service and four express check-out lanes. Store to Distribute $35,500 in Community Grants; Provide Tax Boost According to Bingham, the Benson Supercenter will announce $35,500 in donations to local charitable and civic organizations in recognition of its grand opening. Four recipients will each receive $4,000 grants, including the City of Benson Food Bank, the City of Benson Fire Department, the City of Benson Police Department and the Benson Unified School District. Editor’s Note: To review a full list of grant recipients, please see page 4 of this press release. In addition to the charitable donations, the Supercenter is expected to generate increased sales tax revenue for the city. “The increase in sales tax revenue will give our city the opportunity to complete a number of projects we haven’t been able to do in the past,” says Mayor Scott. “We are in the initial stage of planning for a city pool. The tax dollars will allow us to invest back in the city such as improving our streets,” adds Scott. “We will do all we can to support our community,” says Bingham. “We want residents to know that we not only look forward to assisting them with their shopping needs, but we thoroughly enjoy backing great community causes.” The store will also have a budget to give donations away locally throughout the year. Organizations can contact the store to inquire about grants, matching grants and opportunities to raise dollars outside store locations throughout the year. Store to Provide New Jobs to Community The Supercenter plans to employ approximately 255 associates. The store had received more than 630 applications for these positions through October. The national average wage at Wal-Mart for full-time hourly associates is approximately $10.11 per hour.* “We have assembled a great team of associates at our store,” says Bingham. “We are excited to open our doors and will work hard to please our customers.” Bingham started her Wal-Mart career in 1984 as a department manager in El Paso, Texas. Grand Opening Ceremony Details The store welcomes the community to attend its celebration at 7:30 a.m. on Nov. 8. Associate Gene Byer will conduct the invocation at the opening ceremony, and representatives of the Veterans of Foreign Wars will present the colors. Carla Manclester will perform the national anthem. Members of the Chamber of Commerce will cut the ribbon to officially open the new store. Mayor Scott and Benson Police Chief Glenn Nichols are scheduled to attend the event. Wal-Mart Economic Impact in Arizona EDITOR’S NOTE: See www.walmartfacts.com for more information about Wal-Mart in Arizona. As of September 2006, Wal-Mart employed 28,800 associates and owned and operated the following facilities in the state of Arizona:
About Wal-Mart Stores Inc. (NYSE: WMT) Every week, more than 176 million customers visit Wal-Mart stores, Supercenters, Neighborhood Markets, Sam’s Clubs or a subsidiary location in 15 countries around the world. In each of the countries where Wal-Mart operates, the company and its Foundation are committed to a philosophy of operating globally and giving back locally. Wal-Mart is proud to support the causes that are important to customers and associates right in their own neighborhoods, and last year gave more than $270 million to these local communities. To learn more, visit www.walmartfacts.com, www.walmart.com or www.walmartfoundation.org. EDITOR’S NOTES
FACT SHEET
Benson Wal-Mart Supercenter Store fast facts
$35,500 in charitable contributions to several area organizations:
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