At the forefront of Sustainable Development,
An innovative model store unique in energy efficiency.
Wednesday, May 14, 2008, Ponce, Puerto Rico - Wal-Mart Puerto Rico today celebrated the opening of a new Wal-Mart Supercenter on Avenida Baramaya Ponce. The store combines a department store and supermarket under one roof to benefit consumers and will generate 200 additional jobs in the region.
As part of its Sustainable Development program, the new model store is 20% more energy efficient and includes sustainable features such as:
• Smart lights that increase in intensity according to sunlight
• Air-conditioners with cooling systems that save more energy
• Refrigerators and freezers which use "Glycol" to minimize the use of refrigerant and increase efficiency
• Bathrooms that are fully automatic and "Low Water Use" for more efficient and sustainable use of water
• LED lights installed in all refrigerator doors, which are 33% more energy efficient
The store has 511 associates, 167,000 square feet, 24 cash registers and ample parking. With the opening of this store, Wal-Mart Supercenter now has two stores in Ponce (Barayama and Cotto Laurel) to meet the needs of families in the region.
In addition to the wide variety of household goods, groceries and general merchandise, customers can also enjoy other services and products in the electronics, optics, bakery, pharmacy, gardening, and home and office furniture departments. The store also has other commercial establishments, including:
• SmartStyle Hair Salon (beauty salon)
• Regal Nails Salon and Spa
• Picture Me (photo studio)
• Gaby Mini-Donuts
• Mr. Quick's
• McDonald's
• Deli
• Mr. Pretzel's
• AT & T
• DirecTV
• Coinstar (currency)
• ATM Banco Santander
• Lotus, Revenge, 2 Paste, Paste Pega 4 and 3
• PRT-Dmax
• MoneyGram (money transfers)
• Money Center (provides money orders and other services)
• Vending machines for refreshments and snacks
• Pastry
• Redbox (rental movies for $ 1)
• AguaPura (filling machine)
• Family Fun Center (playroom)
• Teddy Bear Stuffers (stuffed animals)
As part of the opening ceremony, and according Wal-Mart's corporate mission to leave a positive legacy in our communities, checks for $43,000 were distributed to various schools and community organizations, including:
• State Police (Seal Beach)
• Municipal Police
• Lucy Elementary School Grillasca
• College Dr. Stack
• Cancer Foundation and Health of Puerto Rico
• Museo de Arte de Ponce
• Centers Sor Isolina Ferre
About Wal-Mart Puerto Rico:
On the Island since 1992, Wal-Mart Puerto Rico operates 7 Wal-Marts, 7 Wal-Mart Supercenters, 9 SAM'S CLUB membership stores and 31 Supermercados Amigo. The Company is the largest private employer on the island, with nearly 14,000 associates. Recently, Wal-Mart Puerto Rico received the President's Award, given by the Puerto Rico Products Association for its support of Puerto Rican industry and job creation. For more information, visit www.walmartpr.com.
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