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Thursday, 22 July 2010 7:29 P.M.

New Walmart store opens at the Livonia Marketplace complex with 380 new jobs

LIVONIA, Mich. -- A new Walmart opened in Livonia, bringing approximately 380 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 29574 7 Mile Road, will opened to customers at 8 a.m., Wednesday, August 4.

"We are pleased to welcome a new Walmart to the City of Livonia," said Mayor Jack E. Kirksey of Livonia. "The corporation's economic investment in this new store, especially during these tough economic times, offers a wonderful opportunity for our community. We are delighted with the new jobs provided and, just as importantly, with the renewed economic vitality that Walmart's presence will bring to this once-vibrant shopping area. Livonia will also benefit greatly from the company's charitable contributions to our service organizations."

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 Livonia 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 Mohamad Atwi. “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.

Store Design Incorporates Environmentally Friendly Features

The Livonia 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.

Community Organizations Benefit from Grand-Opening Grants

As part of Walmart’s commitment to the communities in which it operates, $16,000 in grants from the Walmart Foundation will be presented during the grand-opening celebration. These organizations will each receive grants to support programs that serve the community, including Livonia Chamber of Commerce, Livonia Community Foundation, Livonia Police Department, Livonia Fire Department, Livonia Food Bank and Clarenceville High School.

Walmart and the Walmart Foundation have committed $2 billion to U.S. hunger relief efforts through 2015. The Fighting Hunger Together campaign will also engage Walmart customers and associates in the fight against hunger. More information can be found at walmart.com/fightinghunger.