Walmart Announces Plans for new Supercenter at Metrocenter Mall
Walmart Supercenter a Linchpin of Ongoing Metrocenter Revitalization
- 148,000-square-foot Walmart Supercenter to break ground in 2015 and open in 2016
- Supercenter a key part of plan to modernize 40-year-old Metrocenter Mall, in northwest Phoenix
PHOENIX, Arizona (June 24, 2014) – Today, Walmart announced plans to build a Supercenter at the iconic Metrocenter Mall, near I-17 and 35th Avenue, in northwest Phoenix. Work on the project is expected to begin in the first quarter of 2015 with the demolition of the former Broadway building, which has been vacant since 2006.
Officials with Walmart, the City of Phoenix and Metrocenter Mall, as well as area business owners and community leaders, were on-hand for the Supercenter announcement. This marks the single largest capital investment in Metrocenter Mall in decades.
“Metrocenter Mall is a Phoenix landmark that has served shoppers from across Arizona for decades,” said Phoenix City Councilwoman Thelda Williams. “I’m proud to be a part of this announcement with Walmart and I know that, together with its efforts and those of the City of Phoenix and area business and community leaders, Metrocenter Mall’s best days are still ahead.”
Metrocenter Mall opened in 1973 as the biggest shopping center in Arizona and one of the largest nationwide. Recent years saw Metrocenter challenged by the establishment of competing regional malls, changing shopping patterns and the Great Recession. Now, Metrocenter Mall owner Carlyle Development Group, the City of Phoenix and community leaders are intent on bringing new life to the area. In mid-March, the Phoenix City Council unanimously approved a redevelopment plan that will, over the coming decade, guide land use, infrastructure upgrades and public transportation for a 2,500-acre area, including Metrocenter Mall. Currently, the retail vacancy rate in the vicinity averages 28 percent, more than double the citywide figure.
The construction of a Walmart Supercenter is a critical part of Metrocenter’s turnaround, said Warren Fink, COO of Carlyle Development Group.
“Our vision when we acquired Metrocenter Mall two-and-a-half years ago was to bring in a well-known anchor to serve our local community. Walmart more than fulfills that requirement and we are thrilled to welcome them,” said Fink. “This is a first step toward revitalizing a once dominant mall, rebuilding customer commitment and moving forward with plans for the future of Metrocenter that include rezoning to permit complimentary uses such as multifamily apartments, senior housing, corporate offices, healthcare facilities and medical offices.”
Marcia Veidmark, Chairwoman of the North Mountain Business Alliance, is supportive of the Walmart Supercenter, and said its development should help attract additional customers and capital investment to the area.
“This is a very good day for Metrocenter Mall and for the Metro and North Mountain communities,” said Veidmark. “Walmart’s investment can be a catalyst for economic growth and job creation. We need both of these.”
New Supercenter, Same High-Quality Walmart Products and Services
The new Walmart Supercenter at Metrocenter Mall is scheduled to open in 2016. The 148,000-square-foot store will provide 24/7 shopping convenience and offer quality, value-priced general merchandise that includes apparel, electronics, toys and sporting goods. The store also will feature a full-service pharmacy and complete line of groceries, including organic selections, fresh dairy and meat departments and local favorites.
Walmart will construct the Supercenter with industry-leading technology to maximize energy efficiency, conserve water and minimize waste. Environmentally responsible features will include LED lighting, high-efficiency HVAC units and the use of drought-tolerant landscaping irrigated with a low-flow and drip watering system.
Once open, the Supercenter will employ an estimated 250 associates. A mix of full- and part-time positions will be available throughout the store, including: department managers, customer service, personnel, maintenance, sales associates, stocking positions, cashiers and more.
“Walmart is committed to the Phoenix community, and we’re thrilled this Supercenter will bring one-stop shopping convenience to our customers while playing a key role in the revitalization of Metrocenter Mall,” said Paula Ginnett, a Walmart Vice President and Regional General Manager. “This is truly a win-win, and we are grateful to Metrocenter Mall officials, the City of Phoenix, community leaders and – most of all – Walmart customers for making it possible.”
About Walmart
Wal-Mart Stores, Inc. (NYSE: WMT) helps people around the world save money and live better – anytime and anywhere — in retail stores, online, and through their mobile devices. Each week, more than 245 million customers and members visit our 11,302 stores under 71 banners in 27 countries and ecommerce websites in 10 countries. With fiscal year 2014 sales of over $473 billion, Walmart employs more than 2 million associates worldwide. Walmart continues to be a leader in sustainability, corporate philanthropy and employment opportunity. Additional information about Walmart can be found by visiting http://corporate.walmart.com on Facebookat http://facebook.com/walmart and on Twitter at http://twitter.com/walmart. Online merchandise sales are available at http://www.walmart.com and http://www.samsclub.com.
About Metrocenter Mall
Built in 1973, Metrocenter Mall totals 1.3 million square feet and is home to more than 125 retailers and department stores, including Dillard’s, Macy’s, Sears and a 12-screen Harkins Theatres. Other popular tenants include the Phoenix Conservatory of Music and in-line retailers such as Aéropostale, Bath & Body Works, The Children’s Place, Victoria’s Secret, Journey’s, Charlotte Russe and Finish Line. Enhanced by a $32 million renovation in 2007, the mall features revitalized common spaces, upgraded food court, enhanced security systems, new children’s play area and new community room. In January 2012, the mall was purchased by New York-based Carlyle Development Group (CDG), an expert in identifying and repositioning under-valued real estate assets through creative development strategies and focused management. CDG is now actively stabilizing and marketing Metrocenter Mall to new vendors and for new uses, with a goal of transforming the Phoenix retail landmark into a multi-faceted, mixed-use environment for shopping, dining and entertainment. For more on Metrocenter, visit www.metrocentermall.com. For more on Carlyle Development Group, visit www.carlyle-usa.com.
