OREANDA-NEWS. May 31, 2012. The wait is over for residents in Yreka and the surrounding communities eager to see their Walmart at 1906 Fort Jones Road bring savings on a full line of groceries and a wide assortment of new products and services. The new Walmart is designed to make shopping easy for customers. The store’s expansion brings 50 new jobs to the community. The store will unveil the expansion to customers at 8 a.m., Wednesday, May 23, after a brief ribbon-cutting ceremony.

“We have a loyal customer base and some have been shopping here since our original opening,” said store manager Rob Johnson. “We think they’ll love the new, easy-to-shop layout of the store and appreciate the savings we offer on the products they need.”

“While I am a supporter of new business in the area, I am especially drawn to already-established business retention and expansion,” said Yreka Mayor Rory McNeil. “I am pleased that Walmart has been doing well enough in our community to be able to expand to its current size and scope of services. We appreciate all that Walmart does for the community -- not just the jobs created and the sales tax revenue generated, but also the charitable works.”
New Layout Improves Customer Experience

The Yreka Walmart also features a new layout and updated design. In recent months, Walmart has taken major steps to refresh its stores, merchandise and customer experience. The improvements have all come together in the company’s newest stores with faster service, a friendlier shopping experience and cleaner stores.

“The layout of the store is easy to navigate, which will save customers time as they shop for everyday necessities at our unbeatable prices,” said Johnson. “By grouping the products that our customers most often purchase we are making one-stop shopping even easier.”

The new layout creates an open shopping environment with wider aisles. Lower shelving throughout the store creates an improved sightline, and directional signage on every aisle helps customers find what they are looking for quickly.
Expanded Walmart Adds 50 New Jobs

The store plans to employ approximately 250 associates, including approximately 50 positions created by the expansion. “Joining Walmart was a great career decision for me, as it has been for so many of my fellow associates,” Johnson said. “I am proud to work for this company where there are unlimited opportunities and to bring those opportunities to our community and neighbors.”

“In this time of high unemployment rates, it's a boon to have 50 new jobs created,” McNeil said.
Community Organizations Benefit from Grand-Opening Grants

The store is continuing its support of the community by giving USD 1,600 in grants from the Walmart Foundation to local organizations. The grant recipients include Siskiyou Canine Association, Siskiyou Opportunity Center, YMCA and Yreka Community Resource Center.