Business & Tech
Walmart Market Prepares for Grand Opening
New grocery store in nearby Levittown will be first ever on Long Island; Store manager discusses what the market has to offer.
A new 49,395 square foot Walmart Market on Hempstead Turnpike in Levittown is nearing completion and should be ready for its grand opening, scheduled for Wednesday, July 10 at 8 a.m.
Employees were stocking shelves and setting up displays early Monday afternoon, with store manager Nadine Negron supervising their work.
“I’m excited,” said Negron, who brings five years of retail experience at various supermarkets, including Whole Foods Market. “We’re bringing the same product that our competitors carry at a reasonable, more affordable price. And we do believe in everyday low pricing. You can see it in certain items here.”
The market is about one-quarter the size of a large format Walmart Store and similar to a typical grocery store. It features a variety of products, including fresh produce, meats and dairy products, deli and frozen foods, bakery items, pet supplies and household supplies, a full pharmacy and more.
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“What we bring also is the freshness – the fresh produce, fresh bakery, fresh deli, the meat,” Nadine said.
Nadine said she have already completed hiring her staff of about 100. Positions include sales associates, supervisors and department managers, and Nadine said that 90 percent of those hired were non-Walmart and came from Levittown, Bethpage or a nearby community.
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“My team is very passionate opening up something that is brand new and we’re excited to be the first on Long Island,” Nadine said.
The arrival of the Walmart Market in Levittown has drawn mixed reactions from residents. While some are happy to see a large vacant building be filled, others have said that Walmart hurts small businesses and doesn’t pay employees well. A union rally against the Walmartwas recently planned in front of the store but was canceled due to weather conditions.Walmart has stated that the store will offer benefits to eligible employees that include matching 401(k) contributions of up to 6 percent of pay, discounts on general merchandise, an Associate Stock Purchase Program and company-paid life insurance.
"For me, I’ve only had experiences with Walmart, and it has only been good," Nadine said. "It has only been positive and I’m excited about this opportunity."
The store will be open seven days a week, from 7 a.m. to 11 p.m. except on their grand opening Wednesday, when doors will open at 8 a.m.
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