OREANDA-NEWS. August 16, 2012. A new Walmart opens this month in Tarpon Springs, bringing 200 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 Walmart, located at 41232 U.S. Highway 19 N., will open to customers at 8 a.m., Wednesday, Aug. 15.

Economic Impact Includes 200 New Jobs

The new Tarpon Springs Walmart will employ approximately 200 associates, according to store manager Tom Bigler. Bigler began his Walmart career in 1991 as an assistant manager trainee at a store in Port Clinton, Ohio. One associate at the Tarpon Springs store has worked for Walmart for more than 25 years and comes from a nearby store.

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 Tarpon Springs Walmart, with fast service, a friendly shopping experience and clean stores.

The new Walmart features enhanced service and a layout designed to make the shopping experience more convenient for customers. Walmart aligned the departments that customers shop most frequently.

“The layout of the store is easy to navigate, which will save our customers time as they shop for everyday necessities,” said Bigler. “By grouping the products that our customers most often purchase, 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. Walmart also combined the customer service desk, Site-to-Store pick-up location,

MoneyCenter and photo lab in one area near the entrance. Customers now have easy access to these services, as well as associates on hand to help meet their needs.

Community Organizations Benefit from Grand-Opening Grants

As part of Walmart’s commitment to the communities in which it operates, USD 12,000 in grants from Walmart and the Walmart Foundation will be presented during the grand-opening celebration. Citizens Alliance for Progress will receive USD 2,000 to support programs that serve the community, as well as the Tarpon Springs Housing Authority,

St. Petersburg College and the Tarpon Springs High School. The following organizations will each receive USD 1,000: Boys and Girls Club of the Suncoast, Metropolitan Ministries in Pasco, Shepard Center of Tarpon Springs, and Wheelchairs 4 Kids, Inc.

Store Design Incorporates Environmentally Friendly Features

The Tarpon Springs Walmart, like all new Walmart stores, includes energy-efficient technology and environmentally friendly features to reduce energy and water consumption and minimize waste. LED lighting in the store operates 70 percent more efficiently than traditional fluorescent lighting.

Low-flow toilets and faucets reduce the water used in the bathrooms. The new store also operates a recycling program that includes organic composting and will promote sustainable product purchases.

Ribbon-Cutting Celebration 7:30 a.m., Aug. 15

Community and business leaders will join Walmart associates at 7:30 a.m., Wednesday, Aug. 15, for a brief ribbon-cutting ceremony. Members of the Tarpon Springs High School Band and Choir will perform the national anthem and local Girls Scouts will post the colors. Mayor David O. Archie alongside Bigler will cut the ribbon to the new store.