Wal-Mart Brings Convenience to Truth or Consequences

Supercenter Offers Savings, Jobs and Community Support

TRUTH OR CONSEQUENCES, N.M., Aug. 2008 – A new Wal-Mart Supercenter opening Wednesday in Truth or Consequences will bring a host of benefits to Sierra County and the surrounding area, including Wal-Mart’s one-stop shopping convenience and low prices closer to home. Non-profit organizations will receive $18,000 in charitable contributions and support for community projects. And an anticipated increase in tax revenue and approximately 180 new local jobs are expected boost to the area’s economy. A grand-opening celebration will begin at 7:30 a.m., Wednesday, and the store will open to customers at 8 a.m.

“I’m really excited about our residents having the opportunity to stay in town and shop locally, instead of having to drive 75 miles in either direction to shop at similar stores,” said Mayor Lori Montgomery. “With the anticipated increase in our gross receipts tax revenue, our city will be able to participate in federal and state programs that require matching local funds, and we can beef up the infrastructure for the entire community, including improving our roads. Wal-Mart’s presence will also spark additional growth by attracting other businesses to expand or locate here.”

The store, located at 2001 H.R. Ashbaugh Drive, is part of the newly developed Uptown area on the north side of town, off North Date Street and the Interstate 25 Business Loop. Its muted earth-tone exterior colors and the faux sandstone columns and retaining walls blend in with the Cabalo Mountains and nearby terrain. Energy-efficient technology and environmentally friendly features reduce energy and water consumption and minimize waste. Wal-Mart used xeriscaping techniques, including gravel and plants native to the Southwest that conserve water and reduce the need for fertilizers and other chemicals outside the store. Inside, the skylights harvest daylight and reduce the amount of energy required to light the store by up to 75 percent daily. LED lighting throughout the store operates 70 percent more efficiently than traditional fluorescent lighting. Part of the cement used in the store’s concrete flooring is made with recycled materials, and the floor’s finish reduces the need for chemical cleaners.

One-Stop Shopping Convenience for the Entire Family
Wal-Mart designed the new 104,494-square-foot Supercenter as a convenient one-stop family shopping destination with a full line of groceries, more than 30 merchandise departments and a variety of time-saving services.

Vacationers to nearby Elephant Butte Lake will find a wide selection of camping and boating equipment, sleeping bags, tents, ice chests and grills in the store’s sporting goods department. Customers who vacation or live in a recreational vehicle can purchase trailer tires and RV accessories in the store’s automotive department.

“Our customers will be able to find their favorite brands right in their own neighborhood and at the Wal-Mart price,” said Store Manager Patrick Roman. “With today’s gas prices, being able to shop close to home offers additional savings to our customers.”

As part of Wal-Mart’s initiative to source more locally grown fruits and vegetables, the T or C Supercenter will partner with local farmers to cut shipping costs and provide fresh food offerings. This program is designed to keep produce prices down and offer affordable selections that are fresh and healthy.

“We will have a variety of locally grown produce, including lettuce, onions, cabbage, pumpkins and chilies,” said Roman. “Our store will also offer a selection of wines from New Mexico.” For more information see http://www.livebetterindex.com/savemore.html.

Shoppers will also appreciate the layout of the Supercenter, which makes it convenient to shop for everything from groceries to electronics and sporting goods. The pharmacy and health-related merchandise are located near the store’s entrance, offering quick access to Wal-Mart’s $4 prescription program, which includes medications for most commonly treated medical conditions.

Shoppers also will enjoy the store’s home furnishings department, which features products from Wal-Mart’s new Canopy™ brand, a line of durable, affordable furniture and home accessories. The home furnishings department organizes products by room and features visible signage and displays showing how the products coordinate in a given room.

Community Involvement Begins with Grand Opening Grants
Wal-Mart is celebrating the grand opening by contributing $18,000 in grants from the Wal-Mart Foundation to several local organizations. That support includes a $5,000 grant to the Boys and Girls Club of Sierra County and its Powerhouse Youth Organization to help start a local chapter for Truth or Consequences. The City of Truth or Consequences received $5,000 in grants to upgrade public safety equipment and purchase supplies for its police and fire departments.

Other grant recipients include the Appletree Educational Center, Domestic Abuse Intervention Center, the Matthew 25 Food Pantry Ministry at the First United Methodist Church, New Mexico State Veterans Home and Truth or Consequences Municipal Schools.

“We realize that financial support to local organizations helps make a real difference in the community,” said Roman. “We are thrilled to provide these grants as part of our grand-opening celebration. We will continue to play a leadership role in supporting the needs of T or C and neighboring communities.”

New Store Brings Hometown Jobs
In addition to providing shopping convenience to customers, the store is providing jobs to approximately 180 local residents.

“Working for Wal-Mart provides a number of job opportunities and choices for so many people, from seniors looking for supplemental income to young people just starting their work experience,” said Roman, who started his Wal-Mart career in 2002 as a part-time hourly associate stocking produce at a store in Albuquerque.

Ribbon-cutting Celebration 7:30 a.m., Aug. 13
Community and business leaders will join Wal-Mart associates for a ribbon-cutting ceremony at 7:30 a.m., Wednesday, and doors to the new store will open at 8 a.m. Throughout the day, activities will include numerous product samples, character appearances and giveaways.