The results of a four-month remodeling project will be unveiled at the Hilo Walmart on Wednesday, Nov. 4, and at the Kahului Walmart on Thursday, Nov. 5 during grand re-opening ceremonies at 8 a.m. on each day.

Among the many improvements are a new layout, wider aisles, low-profile shelving, bright interior paint scheme, enhanced lighting and easy-to-read signage to make the shopping experience more convenient for customers than ever before.

“We listened to our customers and have redesigned the store to make shopping at Walmart even easier,” said Hilo store manager Terrance Crowley.

New Layout Improves Customer Experience The remodeled stores feature a more open shopping environment with wider aisles that contain no product displays. Walmart also aligned the departments that customers shop most frequently, making it quicker to purchase everyday items.

“The new layout is easier to navigate, which will save our customers time as they shop for necessities,” said Kahului store manager Chanda Keawe.

A bright interior paint scheme and enhanced lighting creates a more inviting shopping experience and helps define the store’s merchandise areas. Low-profile shelving creates an improved sightline and directional signage helps customers find the products they need.

Expanded Departments Add Value and Savings

Customers will notice the biggest change at the renovated stores in the expanded food department. The remodel also brings Walmart customers an expanded electronics department featuring a wide selection of the latest consumer electronics and home entertainment. The new design includes a more hands-on experience for customers with interactive displays for video gaming and portable electronics.

A new department called Celebration Station has been added and will feature party supplies, greeting cards, balloons and helium tanks, cake supplies and gift wrap.

Grand-Opening Activities Include Support for Local Organizations

The Hilo grand re-opening celebration is scheduled for Wednesday, Nov. 4, and the Kahului grand re-opening celebration is scheduled for Thursday, Nov. 5. Both events will begin with a traditional Hawaiian blessing at 8 a.m. Local entertainment will follow.

During the Hilo ceremony on Wednesday, store associates will present grants totaling $14,000 from the Walmart Foundation to local service organizations including:

• Special Olympics • Malama Ka Aina Hana Ka Aina Inc. • Boy Scouts of America • Keaukaha Community Association • Ike Ao • Ke Anuenue Area Health Educational Center • Marines Toys for Tots • Rock and Roll Motorcycle Club • Hawaii Academy of Arts and Sciences • Easter Seals for Hawaii • The Arc of Hilo • Hawaii Island Adult Care • Hospice of Hilo • Hawaii Children Complementary Therapy

During the Maui ceremony on Thursday, store associates will present grants totaling $12,500 from the Walmart Foundation to local service organizations including:

• Arthritis Foundation • Habitat for Humanity • Kihei Youth Center • Kula Elementary School • Maui Economic Opportunity • Na Hoaloha – Neighbors Helping Neighbors

More information about Walmart can be found by visiting http://www.walmartstores.com

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