The FINANCIAL -- Chicago’s second Walmart supercenter opened today in the Chatham Market, bringing new jobs and more affordable grocery options to the south side and marking the end of an 8-year effort to bring economic development to the area, according to Walmart.

The retailer now operates five locations across the city.At a grand opening event at 8331 South Stewart Avenue, Walmart executives were joined by Alderman Brookins and other elected officials and community stakeholders to celebrate the store’s 350 jobs and the community’s newest option for fresh food and other products local families need.

The 157,000 sq. ft. store features a full line of groceries as well as a bakery, a delicatessen, a frozen food section and meat, dairy and fresh produce sections. General merchandise areas include pharmacy, apparel and accessories, sporting goods, electronics, home, lawn and garden, fine jewelry and health and beauty.

According to Chatham store manager Keith Richards, who started his Walmart career 11 years ago as an hourly associate and most recently managed the Country Club Hills store, an emphasis was placed on local hiring.

More than three-quarters of the store associates live on the south side working in roles like store management, pharmacy, human resources, customer service, cashiers and sales associates.Construction of the store was managed via a joint venture between Powers & Sons and UJAMAA Construction, both African-American general contractors.

According to Jimmy Akintonde, President UJAMAA Construction, Inc., about 300 construction jobs were created and the selection process was inclusive and local.In addition to the two locations in Chatham, the retailer operates stores in the West Loop, Wrigleyville and Austin neighborhoods of Chicago.

Related Stories

• Heinz Raises Annualized Common Stock Dividend by 14 Cents to $2.06 Per Common Share
• Deutsche Post DHL announces mid-term Group targets
• New ISO publications to improve inspection and audit reports