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Raynham retail giant unveils bright new look
By TIM FAULKNER, Staff Writer
GateHouse News Service
RAYNHAM —
Walmart Supercenter is introducing its new streamlined look with a two-week grand re-opening celebration.
At a ribbon-cutting ceremony last Wednesday, store employees threw a party featuring an appearance by Tony the Tiger, face painting, raffles and plenty of free samples. The three-month makeover of the 200,000-square-foot retail and grocery store includes a new floor, cash registers, display cases and a fresh coat of paint inside and out.
“It’s easier to shop,” explained store manager Bert Cabral, during a tour of the busiest Walmart in Massachusetts, Connecticut and Rhode Island. “It’s easier for customers to get in and get out.”
The most significant change, Cabral noted, is the addition of check-out lines to help ease the traffic flow for the 40,000 shoppers who visit the Raynham Supercenter each week. “It’s really going to make a difference.”
Customers will also notice that the ubiquitous yellow happy face logo has been scaled back to make way for a yellow star, called a “spark.” The new slogan “Save money, live better” replaces the famous “Always low prices” tag line.
To address customer complaints revealed in a recent Consumer Reports survey targeting clutter and long waits at registers, many aisles have been widened and shelves lowered to keep products within reach. Six new check-out lanes have also been added to speed up the check-out process.
The electronics department has become livelier, adding more products and fancier display kiosks. The customer service department widened its access area and is offering a new online delivery pickup service. The photo service center has moved from the back of the building to a new bay next to the service area.
The produce department has an airier look. The cardboard box displays have been replaced with bright open bins and new lighting to mimic a farmers market look.
The facade is awaiting two new Walmart signs, but the parking lot has been updated with new striping, shopping cart holders and trash bins. To help discourage nighttime crime, a security guard has been hired to patrol the lot from 6 p.m. until 8 a.m.
The Raynham store, which employs 500 people, opened in 1993 and expanded in 2000 to include the grocery store.
Jen Martin, co-manager at the Raynham Walmart, said the makeover is one of many underway at stores across the region. “The whole thing is to address the customers’ shopping experience.”
The celebration is expected to conclude this week with an appearance by several New England Patriots cheerleaders.
http://www.tauntongazette.com/news/x1170598564/Raynham-retail-giant-unveils-bright-new-look
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