OREANDA-NEWS. July 23, 2012. A newly relocated Walmart opens this month in Denison, bringing 40 new jobs, savings for local shoppers and an increase in tax revenue to support the area’s economy. Nonprofit organizations will also benefit from the retailer’s ongoing charitable contributions and support for community projects. The Denison Walmart, located at 510 Ave. C, will open to customers at 7:30 a.m., Wednesday, July 18.

Denison Mayor Dennis Fineran appreciates Walmart’s commitment to the community and says that Walmart has built a loyal base in Denison. “We are excited that Walmart has chosen our community to build a new supercenter. The move from the old building will bring an expansion of products available and create new jobs within our city. We appreciate the grant programs that Walmart makes available to our community, which further shows their willingness to be a part of our community.”
Economic Impact Includes 40 New Jobs

The relocated Walmart will employ approximately 140 associates, according to store manager Marcia Kollasch, including 40 new positions created by the relocation. Kollasch began her Walmart career in 1992 as an hourly associate at the Walmart in Carroll, Iowa. Twenty-five associates have worked for Walmart since the store originally opened in 1992.
Store Designed to Improve Customer Experience

In recent months, Walmart has taken major steps to refresh its stores, merchandising and customer experience. The improvements have all come together in the company’s newest stores, such as the Denison Walmart, with fast service and a layout designed to make the shopping experience more convenient for customers.

“The layout of the store is easy to navigate, which will save our customers time as they shop for everyday necessities,” said Kollasch. “By grouping the products that our customers most often purchase, including household cleaning and pet supplies, we are making one-stop shopping even easier.”

A bright interior color palette creates an inviting shopping experience and helps define the store’s merchandise areas. Lower shelving creates an improved sightline, and directional signage on every aisle helps customers find what they are looking for quickly.
Expanded Departments Add Value and Savings

The store now offers customers a complete grocery department, including a bakery featuring custom cakes and artisan breads, deli, dairy, frozen food, a meat department and fresh produce. The pharmacy is now adjacent to health and beauty, making it easier for customers to pick up their prescriptions while shopping for their everyday needs and also offers customers the convenience of drive-thru service.

The electronics department features a wide selection of the latest consumer electronics and home entertainment, including hi-definition Blu-ray, video gaming and portable electronics. The new digital photo lab is located at the front and can produce posters, customized greeting cards, calendars and digital prints. Customers now have easy access to these services with associates on hand to help meet their needs.

The Denison Walmart now has a Celebration Station featuring party supplies, greeting cards, balloons, helium tanks, cake supplies and gift wrap. Walmart also combined the customer service desk and Site-to-Store pick-up location in one area near the entrance. The store will also feature a fabric department with the same fabric selection.
Community Organizations Benefit from Grand-Opening Grants

As part of Walmart’s commitment to the communities in which it operates, USD 4,000 in grants from Walmart and the Walmart Foundation will be presented during the ribbon-cutting ceremony. These grants will be presented to local service organizations, including Denison Pound, Ortner Scholarship Foundation, Denison Alzheimer’s Association and the Neal Crawford Environmental Education Center.
Store Design Incorporates Environmentally Friendly Features

Like all new Walmart stores, the Denison Walmart includes energy-efficient technology and environmentally friendly features to reduce energy and water consumption and minimize waste. Low-flow toilets and faucets reduce the water used in the bathrooms. The store’s skylights harvest daylight and reduce the amount of energy required to light the store by up to 75 percent daily. LED lighting in the store operates 70 percent more efficiently than traditional fluorescent lighting.

The store also operates a recycling program, an organic waste recycling program and will promote sustainable product purchases.
Ribbon-Cutting Celebration 7:30 a.m., July 18

Community and business leaders, including Fineran, will join Walmart associates and Kollasch at 7:30 a.m., Wednesday, July 18, for a brief ribbon-cutting ceremony. Members of the National Guard will present the colors.