Renovated store offers a glimpse into the next generation of shopping
STILLWATER, Okla., July 26, 2010 – The Stillwater Walmart, located at 111 N. Perkins Road, 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 Stillwater Walmart at 8 a.m., Friday, July 30. 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 David Mooneyhan.
New Layout Improves Customer Experience
The remodeled Stillwater 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 Mooneyhan.
Among the changes, Walmart has combined the Site-to-Store pick-up location and photo lab into a single area at the rear of the store. Customers now have ready access to these services as well as associates who can provide assistance as needed.
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.
A new 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 30, and will begin with a ribbon-cutting ceremony at 8 a.m. with representatives from the Stillwater Chamber of Commerce. During the ceremony, store associates will present grants from the Walmart Foundation to two local service organizations, the American Cancer Society and Big Brothers/Big Sisters.
Josh McKim, executive director of economic development for the chamber, said, “In community after community Walmart has brought investment, job growth and revitalized retail. Walmart's recent reinvestment in Stillwater speaks to the company's commitment to the people of Stillwater by enhancing the customers’ selection and shopping experience.”
McKim added, “The company's sense of community and the fact that it is one of the largest charitable givers in the world make this company a unique combination of philanthropy and competition. The Stillwater Chamber of Commerce is proud to have Walmart as a member and is grateful for its continued commitment to Stillwater."
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 2.0 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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