The FINANCIAL -- A new Walmart opens this month in Weirton, bringing approximately 175 planned new jobs, savings on a full line of groceries 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 400 Three Springs Drive, will be open to customers at 8:30 a.m., Wednesday, March 17.

“The opening of the newly relocated Walmart has certainly brought about a lot of buzz,” said Brenda Mull, president of the Weirton Chamber of Commerce. “The increase of new jobs will have a positive impact on the community, and the increased size of the store will offer a wider selection to shoppers. This can only enhance our economy. The city of Weirton is definitely looking to grow forward. There are usually business followers with the opening of a Walmart store and we hope this location will not be the exception to the rule.”

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 Weirton Walmart.

The new Walmart features wide aisles, 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 pharmacy, for example, is adjacent to food making it easier for customers to pick up their prescriptions while shopping for their groceries.

“The layout of the store is easy to navigate, which will save our customers time as they shop for everyday necessities,” said store manager Coleen Byerly. “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. Walmart also combined the customer service desk, Site-to-Store pick-up location 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.

Approximately 175 new jobs were created as a result of the relocation. More than 30 of the store’s associates have worked for Walmart for more than 10 years, including 20 associates who have worked at the store since its original opening in 1993.

Community Organizations Benefit from Grand-Opening Grants

As part of Walmart’s commitment to the communities in which it operates, $4,000 in grants from the Walmart Foundation will be presented during the grand-opening celebration. The following organizations will each receive funds to support programs that serve the community: Community Bread Basket, Hancock County 4-H Foundation, Oak Glen Association and Weirton Christian Center.

Store Design Incorporates Environmentally Friendly Features

The Weirton Walmart, like all new Walmart stores, includes energy-efficient technology and environmentally friendly features to reduce energy and water consumption and minimize waste. 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 cement used in the concrete flooring is made with recycled materials, and the floor’s finish reduces the need for chemical cleaners. Low-flow toilets and faucets reduce the water used in the bathrooms. The new store also operates a recycling program and will promote sustainable product purchases.

Ribbon-Cutting Celebration 8 a.m., March 17

Community and business leaders will join Walmart associates at 8 a.m. Wednesday for a brief ribbon-cutting ceremony. The Weirton High School Band and Madonna High School cheerleaders will perform, and representatives from a local American Legion Post will present the colors.

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