Demolition of the former Cargo Largo store will make way for new Supercenter on Watt Ave.
- New
store under construction at the corner of Watt and Orange Grove
avenues in North Highlands
New Walmart Supercenter will help revitalize a key commercial corridor and complement existing small businesses
SACRAMENTO,
Calif. (March 28, 2014)
– Walmart has begun work to build a new Supercenter in Sacramento
County. The new store, approved by Sacramento County Supervisors in
2012 with resounding community support, will open by early 2015.
Initial work includes demolition of the Cargo Largo store which
closed in 2008 and has been vacant ever since. The new store will
employ approximately 250 associates and will bring renewed economic
growth to the Watt Avenue corridor.
Keith
Weber, president of the Antelope-Highlands Chamber of Commerce,
expressed support for the new store which will play a key role as a
magnet for other complementary businesses to open in the area.“We
fully expect that the addition of this new Walmart store will
continue this desired trend of buoying the spirits of both business
and community members,” Weber said in a letter to the Sacramento
County Board of Supervisors in 2011.
A
recent economic
impact report by the Hatamiya group found that communities with
Walmart Supercenters experience an increase in business growth and
sales tax revenue when compared to communities without them.
The
report found that total taxable retail sales in California
communities with Walmart Supercenters increased by an average of 20.3
percent after the opening of those stores. On average, California
communities with Walmart Supercenters experienced even stronger gains
in the number of retail business permits issued than those
communities without Supercenters.
Many
in the North Highlands area, known as “the business triangle,”
have been excited for the positive effect this store will have on
this part of Sacramento County. Leaders including Sacramento County
Sheriff Scott Jones, Alan Hersh, senior vice president of the
McClellan Business Park and David Kuhnen, chairperson of the Watt
Avenue Merchants Association voiced support for the new store to
serve as a catalyst for continued economic growth and job creation
for years to come.
“The
new Walmart store on Watt Ave. in North Highlands will provide
economic revitalization by way of additional sales tax revenue for
the county and increased foot traffic from new shoppers,” said
Sacramento County Supervisor Susan Peters. “In addition, area
residents will now have easier access to fresh fruits and vegetables
– something that’s been missing from this neighborhood for a long
time.”
According
to the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA), the area
surrounding the new Walmart Supercenter is designated a “food
desert,” a term that describes urban neighborhoods and rural towns
without ready access to fresh, healthy and affordable food. This lack
of access contributes to a poor diet and can lead to higher levels of
obesity and other diet-related illnesses such as diabetes and heart
disease. The new Walmart will help alleviate this issue by giving
residents an easy, convenient and affordable way to buy fresh,
healthy food for their families.
New Energy Efficient Store, Hundreds of New Jobs
The 118,000 sq. ft. Supercenter will include a number of energy-efficient and environmentally-friendly features to reduce energy demands, conserve water and minimize waste. LED lighting will be used in exterior signage, refrigeration cases, produce, restrooms and throughout the parking lot. It will also feature the industry’s most efficient heating, ventilating and air conditioning (HVAC) units available and an energy management system for adjusting energy usage. The site will be landscaped with native, drought tolerant plants irrigated with a low-flow and drip high-efficiency irrigation system controlled by an “ET Smart” controller.
A temporary hiring center will open near the store this fall to facilitate the hiring of about 250. Positions will be available throughout the store, a mix of full- and part-time including department managers, customer service, personnel, maintenance, sales associates, stocking positions, cashiers and much more.
The store will feature quality, value-priced general merchandise including apparel, electronics, toys and sporting goods. It will also offer a full line of groceries including organic selections, fresh dairy and meat departments and local favorites. The drive-thru pharmacy will offer a full range of products and services, and pharmacy team members can answer product and prescription questions. Customers can ask about health and wellness solutions, as well.
Walmart’s Welcome Home Commitment for Veterans
As part of its pledge to military families, Walmart is committed to offering a job to any honorably discharged veteran within his or her first 12 months off active duty. To date, the company has hired more than 20,000 veterans since the launch of its Welcome Home Commitment in May 2013 and projects that more than 100,000 will be hired over the next five years.
About Walmart
Wal-Mart Stores, Inc. (NYSE: WMT) helps people around the world save money and live better – anytime and anywhere -- in retail stores, online, and through their mobile devices. Each week, more than 245 million customers and members visit our 11,302 stores under 71 banners in 27 countries and ecommerce websites in 10 countries. With fiscal year 2014 sales of over $473 billion, Walmart employs more than 2 million associates worldwide. Walmart continues to be a leader in sustainability, corporate philanthropy and employment opportunity. Additional information about Walmart can be found by visiting http://corporate.walmart.com on Facebook at http://facebook.com/walmart and on Twitter at http://twitter.com/walmart. Online merchandise sales are available at http://www.walmart.com and http://www.samsclub.com.
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