Renovated store offers a glimpse into the next generation of shopping
BILLINGS, Mont., June 1, 2010 – The Billings Walmart, located at 2525 King Ave. W., will celebrate a grand re-opening this week, giving local shoppers a glimpse of the company’s next generation of store design and customer experience. The results of a three-month remodeling project will be unveiled at the Billings Walmart Friday, June 4, during a grand re-opening ceremony at 7:30 a.m. Among the many improvements are a new layout, wider aisles, low-profile shelving, bright interior paint scheme, enhanced lighting and easy-to-read signage to make the shopping experience more convenient for customers than ever before.
“We listened to our customers and have redesigned the store to make shopping at Walmart even easier,” said store manager Kevin Flock.
New Layout Improves Customer Experience
The remodeled Billings store features a more open shopping environment with wider aisles that contain no product displays. Walmart also aligned the departments that customers shop most frequently, making it quicker to purchase everyday items.
“The new layout is easier to navigate, which will save our customers time as they shop for necessities,” said Flock.
A bright interior paint scheme and enhanced lighting create a more inviting shopping experience and help define the store’s merchandise areas. Low-profile shelving creates an improved sightline and directional signage helps customers find the products they need.
Expanded Departments Add Value and Savings
The remodel also brings Walmart customers an expanded electronics department featuring a wide selection of the latest consumer electronics and home entertainment. The new design includes a more hands-on experience for customers with interactive displays for hi-definition Blu-ray, video gaming and portable electronics. The interactive experience enables shoppers to test new technology including laptops, cameras, phones and GPS units before purchase.
Shoppers looking to grab a quick lunch or dinner will have more choices in the store’s conveniently located deli. The store also features an expanded frozen food department and a broader assortment of dry grocery items including baking goods.
A redesigned department called Celebration Station has been added and will feature party supplies, greeting cards, balloons and helium tanks, cake supplies and gift wrap.
Grand Re-opening Activities Include Support for Local Organizations
The grand re-opening celebration is scheduled for Friday, June 4, at 7:30 a.m. and will begin with a ribbon-cutting ceremony by members of the Chamber of Commerce and County Commissioners office, who will join a group of employees who have been with the store since the original opening in 1993. The community is invited to join Joe Caton as he performs the national anthem and as American Legion members present the colors. The store will serve cake and punch to the community during the grand re-opening celebration.
During the ceremony, store associates will present grants from the Walmart Foundation to local service organizations, including Food Bank, Hospice, Boys and Girls Club, Special Olympics, MDA, Multiple Sclerosis, Council on Aging and Lavina School.
"Walmart is an asset to our community and an outstanding community member," said John Brewer, President and CEO of Billings Chamber of Commerce. "We appreciate the support Walmart provides our community with their resources, both financial and with volunteers. The investment in the remodeling of our Billings store also shows Walmart's belief in and commitment to our community," he continued.
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. Walmart is proud to support the causes that are important to customers and associates right in their own neighborhoods, and last year gave more than $467 million in cash and in kind gifts to local communities in the United States. More information about Walmart can be found by visiting www.walmartstores.com.
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EDITOR’S NOTES
- Kevin Flock, store manager, can provide details about the grand re-opening, offer quotes for interviews and arrange for photo opportunities or preview tours. He can be contacted at 406-652-9692.
- Walmart PR and Brand Reputation, 800-331-0085
- Walmart information online: www.walmartstores.com; merchandise sales: www.walmart.com
- Wal-Mart Stores, Inc. is the legal trade name of the corporation. The name "Walmart," expressed as one word and without punctuation, is a trademark of the company and is used analogously to describe the company and its stores. Use the trade name when it is necessary to identify the legal entity, such as when reporting financial results, litigation or corporate governance.