Renovated store offers a glimpse into the next generation of shopping
BOZEMAN, Mont., July 1, 2010 – The Bozeman Walmart, located at 1500 N. 7th Ave, 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 Bozeman Walmart Friday, July 2, 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 Scott Patton.
New Layout Improves Customer Experience
The remodeled Bozeman 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 Patton.
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 broad 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, July 2, at 7:30 a.m., and will begin with a ribbon-cutting ceremony by Daryl W. Schliem, president/CEO Bozeman Area Chamber of Commerce and representatives from the mayor’s office, who will join a group of employees who have been with the store since the original opening in 1994. The community is invited to join store associates as they perform the national anthem and as the colors are presented. 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. The Bozeman store has shared over $50,000 in grants and in-kind donations to the community so far in 2010. “We are on track this year in matching our 2009 investment of over $100,000 to Bozeman and surrounding town’s organizations and community service groups, through grants and donations,” said Patton.
“Walmart is an asset to our community and an outstanding community member,” said Chris Kukulski, city manager. “We appreciate the support Walmart provides our community with their resources, both financial and with volunteers. The investment in the remodeling of our Bozeman store on North 7th, also shows Walmart’s belief in and commitment to our community,” he continued.
Walmart and the Walmart Foundation have committed $2 billion to U.S. hunger relief efforts through 2015. The Fighting Hunger Together campaign will also engage Walmart customers and associates in the fight against hunger. More information can be found at walmart.com/fightinghunger.
About Walmart
Wal-Mart Stores, Inc. (NYSE: WMT), or “Walmart,” serves customers and members more than 200 million times per week at more than 8,400 retail units under 55 different banners in 15 countries. With fiscal year 2010 sales of $405 billion, Walmart employs more than 2 million associates worldwide. A leader in sustainability, corporate philanthropy and employment opportunity, Walmart ranked first among retailers in Fortune Magazine’s 2009 Most Admired Companies survey. Additional information about Walmart can be found by visiting www.walmartstores.com and on Twitter at http://Twitter.com/walmart. Online merchandise sales are available at www.walmart.com and www.samsclub.com.
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EDITOR’S NOTES
- Scott Patton, 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 406-585-8788.
- 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.