New Michigan Wal-Mart SC to Cater to Middle Eastern Shoppers

One of Wal-Mart's newest supercenters is designed to meet the needs of a diverse, multicultural community that includes many Middle Eastern shoppers, the retailer said yesterday. The 193,741-square-foot store, which opened yesterday in Dearborn, Mich., features bilingual employees, as well as foods from local supplier Tut's Imports, among other diverse products.

"We have been working for over a year with local residents to identify the specific products that they would like to shop for at Wal-Mart," said store manager William Bartell in a statement. "We want to make sure that our shelves are stocked with the products that families in Dearborn need at a great price."

The store's grocery department, for example, will offer shoppers a wide selection of Middle Eastern products, Wal-Mart said. Customers will also find a diverse selection of merchandise from health and beauty products to greeting cards.

The store will also be committed to customer service, according to the retailer. Shoppers who need assistance in Arabic or Spanish will be able to look at any associates nametag to know the languages they speak. "Making it easy for customers to find the answers to their questions is a priority for our store associates," Bartell said.

In addition to the selection of groceries and general merchandise, the supercenter brings new conveniences including a pharmacy, a lawn and garden center, a one-hour photo lab, a vision center, a Subway restaurant, a Wal-Mart Connect Center for cellular phone sales, and an expanded electronics and home entertainment department.

The Dearborn supercenter is even collaborating with the Henry Ford Museum and the Arab American National Museum to develop a unique display for the store, the Bentonville, Ark.-based chain said. Wal-Mart said.

The Dearborn store will also contribute $28,000 in grants to local charitable organizations.

As of February 2008, Wal-Mart owned and operated 65 Supercenters in Michigan, as well as 19 discount stores and 26 Sam's Clubs.
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