Wal-Mart Stores, Inc. : Walmart Ready to Reveal New Store to Eureka Shoppers

New Walmart provides 170 jobs, plus savings on wide selection of merchandise

EUREKA, Calif., June 13, 2012 - A new Walmart opens this month in Eureka, bringing 170 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 new Walmart, located at 3300 Broadway St. at Bayshore Mall, will be open to customers at 8 a.m., Wednesday, June 13, following a 7:30 a.m., ribbon-cutting ceremony.

Economic Impact Includes 170 New Jobs

The new Eureka Walmart will employ approximately 170 associates, according to store manager Gabrielle Long. Long began her Walmart career in 2005 as an assistant manager trainee at a store in Braden River, Fla.

"We are encouraged when a business, large or small, makes an investment in the local marketplace," said J. Warren Hockaday, president and CEO, Greater Eureka Chamber of Commerce. "Walmart brings a significant commitment to the community and will provide jobs for more than 170 local people. Its location at the Bayshore Mall will benefit other local businesses as well in that it will attract additional customers to the regional shopping area. It is a win-win situation for Walmart and for the community. Walmart's decision to do business in Eureka represents a welcome and important vote of confidence in the North Coast economy."

"Bayshore Mall is uniquely positioned as the only enclosed shopping center in the North Coast region of California," said Andrew Silberfein, president and chief executive officer of Rouse Properties. "Its prime location and impressive roster of more than 75 leading retailers has helped establish Bayshore as the region's premier family shopping destination. Adding a top retailer like Walmart will only help enhance the mall's position in the market for years to come."

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 Eureka 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 Long. "By grouping the products that our customers most often purchase, including health and beauty 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.

Community Organizations Benefit from Grand-Opening Grants

As part of Walmart's commitment to the communities in which it operates, grants from the Walmart Foundation will be presented during the grand-opening celebration.

Store Design Incorporates Environmentally Friendly Features

The Eureka 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.

Ribbon-Cutting Celebration 7:30 a.m., June 13

Community and business leaders will join Walmart associates at 7:30 a.m., Wednesday, June 13, for a brief ribbon-cutting ceremony.

About Walmart
Wal-Mart Stores, Inc. (NYSE: WMT) serves customers and members more than 200 million times per week at more than 10,130 retail units under 69 different banners in 27 countries. With fiscal year 2012 sales of approximately $444 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://walmartstores.com, and 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.

FACT SHEET
Eureka Walmart Store facts

• Location: 3300 Broadway St. at Bayshore Mall, Eureka, Calif.
• 73,270 square-foot Walmart
• Store opens at 8 a.m., Wednesday, June 13, following a 7:30 a.m. ribbon-cutting ceremony
• Store manager: Gabrielle Long
• Open 6 a.m.-11 p.m., seven days a week

Store features

• Grocery department, including bakery items, deli products, fresh produce, dry and frozen foods, and liquor
• Merchandise departments such as apparel and accessories, health and beauty aids, and electronics
• Convenience services include a pharmacy and digital photo processing center

Employment

• Store plans to employ approximately 170 associates
• The average wage at Walmart for full-time hourly associates in California is approximately $12.79 per hour*
• Walmart's benefit program is available to eligible full- and part-time associates and provides a variety of affordable health and well-being benefits including medical insurance with no lifetime maximum. Walmart also offers matching 401(k) contributions of up to 6 percent of pay, discounts on general merchandise for store associates, a Sam's Club membership for club associates, an Associate Stock Purchase Program and company-paid life insurance. Additionally, eligible associates receive quarterly incentive based on the company performance.

* Average wage taken April 2012. See www.walmartstores.com for details.

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