Walmart Expands To Meet Customer Needs

It's open to 24 hours, expanding 40,000 square feet and won't close until Christmas.

The finishing touches to the Walmart on the University Place-Lakewood border are complete as the mega-goods store unveils a full line of groceries. The grocery section's grand opening today officially makes it one of the largest, one-stop shopping centers in the community and will be matched with 85 new jobs totaling 350 associate positions.

Walmart's new produce, deli and meat section are key additions and are linked together on the west side of the mega-goods store. Jerry Kadolf, store manager, said the biggest difference is the ability for customers to get anything they need for any type of meal.

"I am proud to work for this company where there are unlimited opportunities and to bring those opportunities to our community and neighbors," Kadolf said in a press release.

There are subtle changes to accommodate the expansion but the departments to the rear and on the east side of the store remain the same. The pharmacy, tire and lube express center will not be open 24 hours.

The Asian and Hispanic foods section grew significantly to meet the growing local ethnic demographic, Kadolf said. The Lakewood Walmart opened in 2007 with the intent of developing into a full-scale food and product warehouse.

Fact Sheet

• Location: 7001 Bridgeport Way W., Lakewood (right on the UP border to the south).

• 189,000-square-foot Walmart, gaining an additional 40,000-square feet
• Store opened today following a ribbon-cutting ceremony at 7:30 a.m.
• Store manager: Jerry Kadolph
• Open 24 hours a day, seven days a week

Store features

• Full line of groceries, including a bakery, a deli serving fresh food and meal solutions for moms, meat and dairy products, and fresh produce
• More than 30 merchandise departments such as apparel and accessories, lawn and garden center, health and beauty aids, and an expanded electronics department
• Convenience services include a pharmacy, digital photo processing center, Walmart MoneyCenter and Walmart Connect Center 
• Leased areas include Subway Restaurant, Davi Nail Salon and America’s Credit Union

For more information, visit www.walmart.com or 253-512-0949.