Wal-Mart Supercenter opens with new values and conveniences         

$18,000 in donations presented to community; store is one of three Supercenters to open in Illinois in March

[March 13, 2007]  Lincoln's Wal-Mart officially relocates and reopens its doors Wednesday as a new Supercenter, bringing more one-stop shopping conveniences and expanded selections of merchandise and groceries to customers throughout the area. In one stop, shoppers can select their bakery and deli items in the expansive grocery area, then head over to electronics and browse the store's high-definition flat screen TVs.

The store is relocated from 1501 Woodlawn Road. The exterior features an updated look with a tri-color paint scheme and extensive landscaping, outdoor lighting and convenient parking. The new store features many of the appealing new elements of Wal-Mart stores, including energy-saving skylights, LED and efficiency lighting, wider aisles, concrete and vinyl wood flooring throughout the store.

The Lincoln store is one of three Wal-Mart Supercenters to open in Illinois this week, as communities in Rockton and Pontiac also celebrate the grand opening of new Wal-Mart Supercenters on Wednesday. Combined, the three stores will contribute $63,750 to local community organizations and hire nearly 500 employees.

"As a community partner during the last 29 years, Wal-Mart has committed to supporting organizations and activities that improve our communities, help our youth and grow community spirit," said Cody Atkins, store manager.

The store will present $18,000 to organizations even before doors open. The store will provide one special $10,000 grant to the Lincoln Park District to help fund a new skateboarding park for the community. In addition, a special $5,000 grant to the Lincoln Area Young Men's Christian Association will be used to help fund additional youth activities.

Grand opening celebration

When: 7:30 a.m. Wednesday (doors open 8 a.m.)
Community leaders are expected to attend the grand opening ceremony. Interviews and photo opportunities will be available for media representatives.

Where: 825 Malerich Drive, Lincoln

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Lincoln Wal-Mart Supercenter fact sheet

Store fast facts

• Location: 825 Malerich Drive, Lincoln

• 193,000-square-foot Wal-Mart Supercenter

• 7:30 a.m. grand opening ceremony, Wednesday; doors open at 8 a.m.

• Store manager: Cody Atkins

Store features

• Merchandise departments include family apparel, expanded household organization department, complete grocery department, health and beauty aids, household needs, expanded electronics department, toys, infant section, expanded lawn and garden, jewelry and shoes

• Other special features: Tire & Lube Express, a vision center, one-hour photo lab, new pharmacy layout with two drive-through lanes, SmartStyle hair salon, a Subway restaurant, branch of State Bank of Lincoln, a family fun center, a Wal-Mart Connect Center and complete liquor department

• Open to customers 24 hours a day, seven days a week

• 18 full-service and eight express checkout lanes

Interesting employment facts

• 550 applications thus far; store plans to employ 150 new associates; 310 total jobs expected at the store.

• The average wage for full-time hourly Wal-Mart associates in Illinois is approximately $10.91 per hour.*

• 50 associates at the store have worked for Wal-Mart for more than 10 years, and 25 associates have worked at the store since the original grand opening.

• Wal-Mart benefits -- available to full- and part-time associates -- include health care insurance with no lifetime maximum. Wal-Mart also offers a 401(k) plan and profit-sharing contributions whether an associate contributes or not, store discount cards, performance-based bonuses, discounted stock purchase program, and life insurance.

* Average wage taken December 2006. See www.walmartfacts.com for details.

Charitable giving

$18,000 in charitable contributions to several area organizations:

• Lincoln Area Young Men's Christian Association

• Lincoln Park District

• Habitat for Humanity

• Senior Citizens of Logan County

For more information

• Cody Atkins, store manager, can provide details about the grand opening, offer quotes for interviews and arrange for photo opportunities or preview tours. He can be contacted at 217-732-2395.

[Text from Wal-Mart news release]