The Walmart Neighborhood Market, at 2255 N University Parkway, held a grand opening ceremony for its new store on April 9.
The ceremony began at 7:30 a.m. and introduced the new store to the community members who were in attendance. About 100 people came to see the new store open.
The ceremony started with a flag ceremony. A local Boy Scout troop raised the flag and led the audience in the Pledge of Allegiance. After the flag ceremony, the management team was introduced to the community.
“This is a community Walmart,” said Matthew Thomas, Walmart store manager.
He emphasized that the store wasn’t just placed in Provo randomly; it was put there to be an active part of the community.
During the ceremony, the store donated checks to various local organizations. The Provo Walmart donated to the Girl Scouts of America, Provo School District, the Boy Scouts of America and Intermountain Healthcare. The donations ranged from $1,500 to $2,500.
The ceremony finished with the team of managers officially cutting the ribbon to let customers in the store.
As customers walked through the store, they were greeted by vendors who were handing out free products.
“I think Provo is excited,” Thomas said. “I hope we can help meet their daily needs.”
The new Neighborhood Market Walmart is different from the Walmart Super Center in Orem because Neighborhood Market Walmarts are more similar to traditional grocery stores. The Neighborhood Market Walmart will not sell things such as electronics or outdoor sports supplies.
The parking lot at the new Provo Walmart is smaller than the parking lot at the Orem Walmart. About two-thirds of the parking spots were full during the grand opening ceremony.
