Wal-Mart hiring for new stores

Bentonville, Ark.-based Wal-Mart Stores Inc. is planning to hire approximately 160 people to staff two Neighborhood Market stores currently under construction in Springfield.

The stores, located at 1320 S. Glenstone Ave. and 3150 W. Republic Road, are scheduled to open in the spring.

“We are excited to add both of these Walmart Neighborhood Market stores to Springfield and bring good jobs with career opportunities to the area,” said Jamie Dahmer, store manager of the West Republic Road location, in a news release.

Wal-Mart is hiring for all jobs, including supervisory positions, at the new stores.

According to the release, benefits to eligible part- and full-time workers include matching 401(k) contributions of up to 6 percent of pay, discounts on merchandise, a stock purchase program and company-paid life insurance.

The two stores are part of Wal-Mart's plans to bring four Neighborhood Market locations to Springfield, and City Councilman Scott Bailes has said on record that as many as six could be constructed. The other two confirmed stores are planned for the southwest corner of West Bypass Road and West Mount Vernon Street and south of James River Freeway at Campbell Avenue in the James River Commons development. All four confirmed stores are expected to be completed in 2012, according to Springfield Business Journal archives.

Both the South Glenstone and West Republic locations are roughly 40,000 square feet apiece and cost about $1.6 million and $1.7 million, respectively.

Wal-Mart began accepting applications for the stores Feb. 20. Those interested in applying can visit the megaretailer's career Web site.

Walmart Neighborhood Market stores are designed for quick access to grocery items with wide aisles, easy parking, quick check-outs and pharmacy drive-through lanes with a full line of grocery items, according to SBJ archives.[[In-content Ad]]