New Providence Wal-Mart Jumpstarts Revitalized Retail Corridor; Doors to Open Jan. 22More than 4,000 apply for new jobs; local organizations to receive more than $37,500 in donations
PROVIDENCE, R.I., Jan. 17, 2007 – The new Providence Wal-Mart opens Monday, Jan. 22, to a community eagerly awaiting the retailer’s every day low prices, one-stop shopping convenience and discount groceries. Anxious shoppers are not the only groups interested, since the store has already received more than 4,000 applications for the 350 new positions it plans to hire by grand opening. Community groups are also excited, as several organizations will receive donations totaling $37,500 from the store in celebration of the grand opening. A ribbon-cutting ceremony will begin at 7 a.m., and doors to the new store will open to the public at 8 a.m. Located at 51 Silver Spring St., Wal-Mart is one of the first major retail establishments to open in Providence’s newest commercial corridor at the intersection of Routes 146 and 95. The former industrial area, with its closed mills, dairies and vacant buildings, is in the early stages of being revitalized as a shopping district. Wal-Mart completely redeveloped the site of an abandoned department store and shopping center, knocking down the existing buildings and replacing them with a new 135,247-square-foot store. The store’s brick façade uses three different shades of earth tone colors to blend in with the neighborhood and new landscaping was added to beautify the exterior and entrances. “The Urban League is committed to revitalizing Providence’s neighborhoods,” said Dennis Langley, president and CEO of the Urban League of Rhode Island. “This new Wal-Mart is going to be a strong partner in that revitalization, bringing all the things we need – good jobs, convenient and affordable shopping and strong support for community programs.” Store Provides $37,500 in Donations for Local Programs The Urban League is one of several organizations receiving donations as part of the store’s grand opening celebration. Its $10,000 grant will support its youth outreach and job training programs. “We are thrilled to kick off our grand opening by making charitable contributions right from the start,” said Store Manager Martin Elizardo, regarding Wal-Mart’s donations. “The Providence community has welcomed our new store and we are proud to be able to give back to groups that help our residents live safer, happier lives.” A total of $37,500 in initial donations will be given to community organizations through Wal-Mart’s Good Works community involvement program. The store will also have a budget to give donations away locally throughout the year. Organizations receiving grants include:
New Store Brings Jobs and Opportunity The store already has received 4,000 applications for the 350 planned new associate positions. Wal-Mart offers both full and part-time jobs at the store, as well as added benefits of employee discounts, eligibility for bonuses, a 401(k) plan and multiple healthcare plans associates can choose from based on their individual and family needs. “We are thrilled that so many local residents want to work at Wal-Mart,” Elizardo said. “Our associates are proud to work for a company that offers so much more than a great shopping experience. Wal-Mart has good jobs, benefits and great career opportunities.” More than three-fourths of Wal-Mart store managers started as hourly associates. Elizardo began his own career as an hourly associate in 1992, working as an unloader at a Wal-Mart in San Antonio, Texas. The average wage at Wal-Mart for full-time hourly associates in Rhode Island is $10.62 per hour.* Enhanced Store Features Appeal to Providence Residents According to Elizardo, the new Wal-Mart features many appealing elements that Wal-Mart is introducing in its new stores, including earth tone colors, concrete and wood flooring throughout the store, wider aisles and energy-efficient lighting. Customers will be able to pick up items for any meal at the store’s grocery department, including frozen foods and dairy products. “Whether they need eggs and sausage for breakfast, sandwich makings for lunch, or frozen pizzas, chicken and vegetables for dinner, our customers will be able to do much of their grocery shopping here,” Elizardo said. “We even sell ice cream for dessert.” The store boasts an expanded home entertainment and electronics department showcasing video games, MP3 players, the latest DVD players as well as high-definition and plasma TVs. The store will also feature general merchandise departments including health and beauty aids, an infant section, toys, shoes and jewelry. Customers will find home décor and organization merchandise grouped together for their shopping convenience, and the garden center offers a wide selection of gardening supplies, live plants and outdoor furniture. The apparel departments include Wal-Mart’s fashion-forward collection, Metro 7, as well as the popular apparel line, George for men, women and youth. For added convenience, the store offers a pharmacy, a one-hour photo lab, a SmartStyle hair salon, a Regal Nails salon, a Subway restaurant, a branch of Domestic Bank and a Connect Center for wireless phone sales. The store will be open from 7 a.m. until 10 p.m., seven days a week and will include 12 full-service, six express and four self check-out lanes. Grand Opening Ceremony Details The store welcomes the community to attend its ribbon-cutting celebration at 7 a.m. on Jan. 22. Elected officials, store associates and representatives from the Chamber of Commerce will cut the ribbon to officially open the new Wal-Mart. Numerous product samples and giveaways will be distributed throughout the day, and young shoppers will enjoy several character appearances. Wal-Mart Economic Impact in Rhode Island As of November 2006, Wal-Mart employed 2,266 associates and owned and operated the following facilities in the state of Rhode Island:
sales taxes and paid more than $4 million in state and local taxes. Click here to learn more about Wal-Mart in Rhode Island 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 (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 $270 million to these local communities. EDITOR’S NOTES
FACT SHEET
Providence Wal-Mart Store fast facts
Charitable giving More than $37,500 in charitable contributions will be provided to seven area organizations including:
- # # # -
|
