Walmart Brings Savings and Convenience to Lanoka Harbor
New Lacey Township Walmart provides 375 jobs Lanoka Harbor, NJ, Oct 7, 2009 – A new Walmart opens this month in Lanoka Harbor, bringing 375 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 580 US Hwy 9, will be open to customers at 8 a.m., Wednesday, Oct. 7. Economic Impact Includes 375 New Jobs
The new Lanoka Harbor Walmart will employ approximately 375 associates, according to store manager George W. Smith Jr. Smith has worked for Walmart for 15 years. Before opening the New Jersey store, he spent four years in Southern Maryland. Store Designed to Improve Customer Experience
In 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 Lanoka Harbor 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 Smith. “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. Walmart also combined the customer service desk, site to store pick-up location and photo lab in one area near the entrance. Customers now have easy access to these services, as well as associates on hand to help meet their needs. Community Organizations Benefit from Grand-Opening Grants
As part of Walmart’s commitment to the communities in which it operates, $21,000 in grants from the Walmart Foundation will be presented during the grand-opening celebration. The following organizations will be recipients of these grants: Lacey Food Bank, Goodwill Industries Inc., Popcorn Park Zoo Associated Humane Societies, Lanoka Harbor Volunteer Fire Co., Lanoka Harbor Volunteer First Aid Squad, Lacey Township Police Dept., Friends of Lacey Township Library and the Morning Star Food Pantry. Store Design Incorporates Environmentally Friendly Features
The Lanoka Harbor Walmart, like all new Walmartludes 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. 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 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 7:30 a.m., Oct. 7
Community and business leaders will join Walmart associates at 7:30 a.m. Wednesday for a brief ribbon-cutting ceremony. Local High School student Alicia Dishon will perform the national anthem, and members of VFW Post #9503 will present the colors. Smith, several associates and Lacey Township dignitaries will cut the ribbon to the new store. About Walmart
Every week, millions of customers visit Walmart stores, 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. Wal-Mart Stores, Inc. (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 $378 million to local communities in the United States. EDITOR’S NOTES
• Store Manager George W. Smith Jr. is available for interviews and to arrange photo opportunities or tours. He can be reached at 609-242-4315.
• An invitation-only open house for grant recipients and other VIPs is scheduled from 6 p.m. until 8 p.m. Tuesday, Oct. 6. It will include entertainment, preview tours and check presentations to representatives of the community organizations. Reporters and photographers are welcome.
• Store Manager George W. Smith Jr. is available for interviews and to arrange photo opportunities or tours. He can be reached at 609-242-4315. FACT SHEET
Lanoka Harbor Walmart Store facts - Location:580 US Hwy 9, Lanoka Harbor, NJ
- 142,047-square-foot Walmart
- Store opens at 8 a.m. Wednesday, Oct. 7, following a 7:30 a.m. ribbon-cutting ceremony
- Store manager: George W. Smith Jr.
- Open 24 hours, seven days a week
Store features - Full line of groceries including a bakery, a deli serving fresh food and meal solutions for moms, meat and dairy products, and fresh produce
- More than 30 merchandise departments such as apparel and accessories, a lawn and garden center, health and beauty aids, and an expanded electronics department
- Convenience services include a pharmacy, digital photo processing center and Walmart Connect Center.
Charitable giving - $21,000 in grants from the Walmart Foundation to the following area organizations:
- Lacey Food Bank
- Goodwill Industries Inc.
- Popcorn Park Zoo Associated Humane Societies
- Morning Star Food Pantry
- Lanoka Harbor Volunteer Fire Co.
- Lanoka Harbor Volunteer First Aid Squad
- Lacey Township Police Dept.
- Friends of Lacey Township Library
Employment - Store plans to employ approximately 375 associates
- The average wage at Walmart for full-time hourly associates in New Jersey is approximately $11.44 per hour*
- 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 February 2009. For more information
• Store manager: George W. Smith Jr., 609-242-4315.
• Walmart information online: merchandise sales: www.walmart.com # # #
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