Wal-Mart details plans for six new Chicago stores
Chicago -- Walmart has announced two additional store openings for Chicago, bringing the total number of stores it plans to open in the Windy City by 2013 to six.
The new stores will create close to 1,000 new jobs and nearly 200 construction jobs putting Walmart on the path to meeting the goals outlined in its "Chicago Community Investment Partnership."
Chicago Mayor Richard Daley said the stores will bring fresh food and groceries to some of the city's most underserved neighborhoods.
Walmart's plans for Chicago now include the following projects:
- Supercenter in Pullman at 111th St. and South Doty Ave. (opening spring 2013)
- Supercenter in West Chatham at 83rd St. and Stewart Ave. (opening spring 2012)
- Walmart Market in the West Loop at West Monroe St. and South Jefferson St. (opening fall 2011)
- Walmart Market in West Englewood at West 76th St. and South Ashland Ave. (opening spring 2012)
- Walmart Express™ in West Englewood at South Western Ave. and West 71st St. (opening winter 2012)
- Walmart Express™ in West Chatham at 83rd St. and Stewart Ave. (opening summer 2011)
Chicago's Walmart Express stores will be less than 30,000 sq. ft and will focus on a broad assortment of brands at everyday low prices, selling grocery, pharmacy and limited general merchandise. Walmart Market – previously called Neighborhood Market – will range in size from 30,000 sq. ft. to 60,000 sq. ft. and provide a wider assortment of fresh grocery, as well as a bakery and delicatessen. The Walmart Supercenter will continue to serve as a one-stop destination, offering full service grocery as well as a wide range of general merchandise.
The chain announced plans last year to open several dozen stores across the city in a five-year plan called "Chicago Community Investment Partnership."
The first Walmart that opened in Chicago in 2006 was fought by labor who claimed unfair wages. But after long negotiations, labor leaders dropped their opposition last year when the chain agreed to pay starting wages above the state's minimum wage.