New Omaha Supercenter's Design Reflects Local Community
Walmart celebrates grand opening, donates $18,000 in local grants OMAHA, Neb., Oct. 23, 2008 – Midtown Omaha residents will see benefits that go beyond low prices and one-stop shopping convenience when the new Walmart Supercenter opens Wednesday. The store has taken steps to support local goals for urban design standards, improve neighborhood aesthetics and offer shoppers a product selection designed to fit their needs. The new store at 1606 S. 72nd St. opens at 8 a.m. following a 7:30 a.m. grand-opening ceremony. In addition to uncompromising value and selection, the store includes a number of features that promote easy access while building on the aesthetics of the community. Walmart worked closely with Omaha by Design, a privately-funded urban design organization that weighed in on Walmart’s 72nd and Pine project when the original plan for the site was unveiled. “In terms of large retail building design, we felt Walmart addressed a number of issues Omahans felt were important, including areas for pedestrian friendliness, landscaping and the sustainability of design and building materials,” said Connie Spellman, director of Omaha by Design. “Walmart’s new store design addressed these issues, and we applaud their efforts. This project helped our city understand the importance of establishing urban design standards to create a built environment that supports the economic and social health of Omaha.” Store Manager Jason Gregory said he’s encouraged by the response from customers who are excited about the conveniences of having a store near the Aksarben area of town. “We are eager to continue to be a part of the community and offer residents opportunities to save money while shopping a little closer to their homes,” he said. Walmart Continues Commitment to the Community
Wednesday’s grand-opening celebration includes the presentation of $18,000 in grants from the Walmart Foundation to local organizations. Among the grant recipients are several local elementary schools and the local police department. “To show our support and commitment to the Omaha community, we are providing grants to several organizations that are creating opportunities for people to live better,” said Gregory. “This is a tough economic time for most families and organizations, and we are pleased to do our part by supporting these groups who help others in need.” Focus on Sustainability
This new store, like all new Walmart stores, was constructed with energy-efficient technology and environmentally-friendly features to reduce energy and water consumption and minimize waste. For example, 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 motion-sensitive faucets reduce water usage in the store’s bathrooms and LED lighting throughout the store operates 70 percent more efficiently than traditional fluorescent lighting. “The store also has 192 skylights to harvest daylight and reduce the amount of energy required to light the store by up to 75 percent daily,” Gregory said. The store has a recycling program that uses a sandwich bale process that takes all loose plastic, hangers, aluminum cans and office paper, sandwiches them between cardboard, bundles them into bales and sends them to recycling centers. New Store Brings Hometown Jobs
In addition to convenient shopping, the 211,297-square-foot store will provide new jobs to approximately 500 residents. The average wage for regular, full-time hourly associates in Nebraska is $10.84 per hour. “Working for Walmart provides a number of career opportunities and choices for many people, from seniors looking for supplemental income to young people just starting their work experience,” Gregory said. “I am a good example of the opportunities available at this company. I started off as a temporary holiday cashier and now I am a store manager.” Grand-Opening Activities Scheduled
The grand-opening ceremony begins at 7:30 a.m. Wednesday with representatives from the local Honor Guard presenting the colors. A group of Benson West Elementary students will perform the national anthem, and Pastor Glenn Harless will lead the invocation. Following brief comments by store leaders and city officials, Lany Gomez and other chamber of commerce members will cut a ribbon to signify the opening of the new Supercenter. About Walmart Stores Inc. (NYSE: WMT)
Every week, millions of customers visit Walmart Stores, Supercenters, 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 proudly supports the causes that are important to customers and associates right in their own neighborhoods and last year gave more than $296 million to communities in the United States. More information about Walmart can be found by visiting www.walmartstores.com. Online merchandise sales are available at www.walmart.com. EDITOR’S NOTES - An invitation-only open house for Walmart associates, their families and other VIPs is scheduled for 6 p.m. Tuesday and will include tours of the new Supercenter. Reporters and photographers are welcome.
- Store manager Jason Gregory is available for interviews about the grand opening and can arrange photo opportunities or preview tours. He can be contacted at 402-393-9560.
- Statements and quotes on behalf of Walmart should not be obtained from or attributed to Sauber or other agency employees.
FACT SHEET
Omaha Walmart Supercenter Store fast facts - Location: 1606 S. 72nd St.
- 211,297-square-foot Walmart Supercenter
- Grand-opening celebration: 7:30 a.m., Wednesday; doors open at 8 a.m.
- Open House: 6 p.m. Tuesday, Oct. 28.
- Store manager: Jason Gregory
Charitable giving - Walmart Foundation is providing $18,000 in grants to area organizations:
- City of Omaha Police Department
- Nebraska Food Bank Network
- Belle Ryan Elementary
- Benson West Elementary
- Beals Elementary
- Loveland Elementary
Store features - Full line of groceries, bakery goods, deli foods, frozen foods, meat and dairy products, fresh produce, full liquor department, apparel and accessories, toys, books, infant section, fine jewelry, electronics department, home décor, sporting goods, outdoor living center, health and beauty aids, pharmacy, family fun center, Walmart Connect Center and a year-round garden center with drive-through loading
- Leased areas in the store include a Subway restaurant and a Great Western Bank branch
- The new Supercenter will be open 24 hours
Employment - The store plans to employ approximately 500 associates
- The average wage for full-time hourly associates in Nebraska is $10.84 per hour*
- Store Manager Jason Gregory began his Walmart career in 1993 in Columbus, Neb.
- 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 October 2008. See www.walmartstores.com for details. For more information - Store manager: Jason Gregory, 402-393-9560
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