Crowd Shows for Springfield/Marple Walmart Opening

Whether you like it or not, the Springfield/Marple Walmart is open.

A crowd of about 50 people waited in line just before dawn Oct. 12 in anticipation of its grand opening at the shopping center.

After a brief ribbon cutting ceremony, the store was doing business shortly after 7 a.m.

The national anthem played as employees ushered in the store’s first customers. Marines from the General Smedley D. Butler Detachment #741 presented the Marine Corps League Color Guard.

Store manager Anthony Deni and regional general manager Tom McAloon gave brief remarks before joining members of the Delaware County Chamber of Commerce in a cheer and ribbon cutting celebration.

While some welcome the super store with open arms, this store’s location is a who worry about increased traffic.

“We’re going to work with the township to fix any problems with traffic patterns,” Deni told Patch.  

Walmart officials said the new store will benefit the area’s economy with an increase in tax revenue. The corporation plans continued charitable contributions to nonprofits and support for community projects.

Energy-efficient LED lighting and low-flow water facilities are installed for environmentally friendly purposes. The store will “promote sustainable product purchases” and operate a recycling program, a release states.

An invite-only was held on the eve of the grand opening. Walmart charitable donations were presented to recipients Oct. 11.

A pharmacy, vision center and photo-processing center are available among the store’s 30-plus departments for one-stop shopping for groceries, electronics, apparel, beauty and household items.

Management said the store would employ 300 workers. The average hourly rate of Walmart employees in Pennsylvania is $12.15. Walmart offers benefit programs available for both full- and part-time workers. Wal-Mart Stores, Inc. employs 2.1 associates worldwide with 9,600 retailers in 28 countries, a release states.

The 120,000 square-foot store will be open seven days a week from 7 a.m. until 11 p.m.