by Sheila Young
Chamber of Commerce President
People are more conscious than ever of their pocketbooks and the environment. Walmart Supercenter in Wallace is addressing both of those issues. The new store on N.C. Hwy. 41 plans to open August 19. Jeff Neil, manager of the Wallace Walmart Supercenter, and member of the Wallace Chamber of Commerce, took time out of his busy schedule to discuss some of the exciting changes. Neil began with providing some statistics. Wallace’s supercenter will be the 108th store in North Carolina. The new store size is 150,000 square feet with approximately 142,000 items of merchandise. This store will employ 250-plus associates, which includes the 100 additional employees that will be hired to run the new store. It will be Wallace’s largest employer. “This is a real boost for the local economy,” said Neil. “The complex will not only add to Wallace’s tax base but also play a direct role in sales tax revenue the town receives and other costs such as utility revenues for the town.”
Energy Conservation
Walmart is building a better store and has gone “green and energy efficient” with many of their designs and energy-conversation techniques for a more sustainable environment. Some of the ways this is being achieved is through a daylight harvesting system, energy management system and heat reclamation. Restrooms are even energy efficient, reducing water consumption by 78 percent. Many recycled products went into use at the store with reclaimed byproducts going into the cement and cabinetry.
New layout for better customer experience
Neil said the customers can enjoy a great selection of merchandise, groceries, fresh produce, gardening supplies and pharmacy — all at great prices. Walmart has taken major steps to refresh its stores, merchandise and customer experience. The grocery section will offer meal solutions including fresh produce, meats, deli items and other take home meals. The new layout creates an open shopping environment with wider aisles that contain no product displays.
Walmart has extended their enormous arms to embrace small-town Wallace. They are reaching out into the community and especially to the Wallace Chamber of Commerce. The corporation is striving hard to make the grade as a good corporate citizen. The chamber welcomes Walmart and all the people it will bring to the community. It is hoped these employees and consumers will shop at other stores before leaving town.