Value and Convenience Intersect at San Leandro WalmartNew store brings 325 jobs, community support and more SAN LEANDRO, Calif., Jan. 8, 2009 – A new Walmart store near the intersection of Interstate Highways 880 and 238 in San Leandro will bring the retailer’s one-stop shopping convenience and low prices closer to home for many East Bay residents. The store also brings more than 300 jobs to the area and offers ongoing community support to local charitable organizations, beginning with $15,000 in grants to celebrate its grand opening. Doors to the new store will open at 8 a.m. Wednesday, Jan. 14, after a ribbon-cutting ceremony at 7:30 a.m. “Our store is on a route frequently traveled by people who live and work in this area. Plus, since the store is easily accessible from the Nimitz Freeway and other highways, folks who are visiting the area will have another reason to stop and shop in San Leandro,” said Store Manager Mark Hegarty. The store brings renewed life to 15555 Hesparian Blvd., the site of a retail store that closed a few years ago. Walmart completely remodeled the 120,186-square-foot store, upgrading the exterior facade, renovating the interior and expanding the garden center. The parking lot has been resurfaced, and trees and shrubbery have been added to the landscaping. Walmart also added environmentally friendly fixtures to reduce energy and water consumption and minimize waste. The freezer cases and non-sales areas of the store have LED lighting that operates 70 percent more efficiently than traditional fluorescent lighting. With its highly visible and easily accessible location, community leaders hope the store sparks an economic resurgence in the surrounding neighborhood, and nearby businesses are anticipating a surge in the number of shoppers coming back to the area. “The San Leandro Chamber is committed to the vibrancy of our business community, and we welcome Walmart and the more than 300 jobs this store is bringing to our community,” said David Johnson, CEO of the local chamber of commerce. “We urge San Leandro residents and businesses to ‘Shop San Leandro First!’, supporting our businesses and keeping our tax dollars local, thereby helping to maintain our vital city services.” Store to Open With 325 Associates “Working for Walmart provides a number of job opportunities and choices for so many people, from seniors looking for supplemental income to young people just starting their work experience,” Hegarty said. Like most Walmart store managers, Hegarty started his career with the retailer as an hourly associate. He joined the company in 1994, working as a cashier in his hometown of Modesto. Walmart benefits – available to eligible full- and part-time associates – include healthcare 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. One-Stop Shopping Convenience for the Entire Family “At Walmart, we're committed to saving people money so they can live better,” Hegarty said. “In today's economy, our customers are looking to us to be an advocate and find solutions that save them money on their everyday essentials and other products that their families need.” The store’s sporting goods department includes a wide selection of exercise equipment as well as camping and boating equipment, sleeping bags, tents, ice chests and grills. The store also has home entertainment and electronics departments that showcase well-known consumer electronics such as MP3 players, DVD players for home or auto and high-definition televisions. Additional areas include stationary, paper goods, pet products and household cleaning supplies. The pharmacy and health-related merchandise is conveniently located near the store’s entrance. Customers will also benefit from Walmart’s popular $4 Prescription Program, which includes more than 350 generic prescriptions and 1,000 over-the-counter medications. Other time-saving services include a digital photo processing center and a Walmart Connect Center. A Subway restaurant is located near the entrance. The store will be open from 7 a.m. to 11 p.m., seven days a week. Community Involvement Begins with Grand-Opening Grants “We know that financial support to our local organizations makes a real difference, and we will play a role in continuing Walmart’s commitment to San Leandro and neighboring communities,” Hegarty said. “Like all Walmart stores, our store will work with organizations to provide support and community grants throughout the year.” Ribbon-cutting Celebration 7:30 a.m., Jan. 14 About Walmart Stores Inc. (NYSE: WMT) EDITOR’S NOTES
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