Wal-Mart Announces Plans for Site on Chicago's West Side
CHICAGO -- Wal-Mart has filed a planned development application marking the company's first entry into downtown Chicago at the corner of North and Kilpatrick Avenues on the city's west side. If approved, Wal-Mart says the 150,000-square-foot unit, which will be located at the site of the old Lever shampoo factory, could open by the spring of 2005.
"Having the first Chicago Wal-Mart store in the 37th ward will be a great benefit to the community," said Alderman Emma Mitts. "The new store will further re-establish the area's business viability, create new jobs, and retain sales tax revenues in Chicago by encouraging West Side residents to shop in their own community."
Once ground is broken, Wal-Mart expects between 100 to 200 construction jobs to be created for the 10- to 12-month construction project. The nation's largest retailer operates 48 stores in the Chicagoland area and continues to expand around the state.
"We recognize that Chicago is a very important market, which is why we're committed to this new store in this neighborhood, and we will continue to evaluate the city for new sites for additional Wal-Mart stores and Sam's Clubs," said John Bisio, Midwest regional manager of community affairs for Wal-Mart.
In related news, Wal-Mart last weekend entered the Bangor, Maine market with a new supercenter, which is expected to ignite a fierce competition in the Bangor-Brewer area between it and the two traditional supermarket competitors currently dominating the marketplace there: Hannaford Bros. and Shaw's.
"Having the first Chicago Wal-Mart store in the 37th ward will be a great benefit to the community," said Alderman Emma Mitts. "The new store will further re-establish the area's business viability, create new jobs, and retain sales tax revenues in Chicago by encouraging West Side residents to shop in their own community."
Once ground is broken, Wal-Mart expects between 100 to 200 construction jobs to be created for the 10- to 12-month construction project. The nation's largest retailer operates 48 stores in the Chicagoland area and continues to expand around the state.
"We recognize that Chicago is a very important market, which is why we're committed to this new store in this neighborhood, and we will continue to evaluate the city for new sites for additional Wal-Mart stores and Sam's Clubs," said John Bisio, Midwest regional manager of community affairs for Wal-Mart.
In related news, Wal-Mart last weekend entered the Bangor, Maine market with a new supercenter, which is expected to ignite a fierce competition in the Bangor-Brewer area between it and the two traditional supermarket competitors currently dominating the marketplace there: Hannaford Bros. and Shaw's.