Walmart Neighborhood Market Opens in La Palma

Walmart (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

By Brian Hews

Walmart opened La Palma’s first Walmart Neighborhood Market on Friday, May 10, after a brief ribbon-cutting ceremony at 7:30 a.m. The new store is located at 5420 La Palma Avenue and is open 6 a.m. to 11 p.m. daily. The new store will provide local customers with a new, convenient option for their grocery shopping needs, including fresh produce and pharmacy services.

“I am excited to see Walmart open a new store in La Palma. This new store will be an economic stimulus for the surrounding community and the City as a whole,” said La Palma Mayor Steve Hwangbo. “The Walmart Neighborhood Market’s emphasis on providing fresh, affordable groceries to local residents will certainly be welcome here.”

The Walmart Neighborhood Market format offers quick and convenient shopping, with a full-grocery department, including organic and natural selections. The store features prepared food options, fresh-baked breads, self-serve deli and a bakery. The La Palma store is also tailored to the community, offering local favorites.

The pharmacy offers a full range of products and services. Pharmacy team members can answer product and prescription questions and offer health and wellness solutions.

“It’s always great to see companies like Walmart invest in our area,” said Connie Pedenko, President and CEO of the West Orange County Regional Chamber of Commerce. “Walmart provides quality jobs for area residents, and its positive economic impact will be a boost for our local economy.”

The grand-opening celebration includes presentations of $8,000 in grants from Walmart and the Walmart Foundation to local community groups. These groups include John F. Kennedy High School, Kiwanis Club of La Palma, La Palma Christian Center, La Palma Continental Little League, La Palma Police Department and Walker Junior High School.

The new store employs more than 65 full- and part-time associates. The first Walmart Neighborhood Market opened in 1998, and today there are approximately 250 Walmart Neighborhood Market stores nationwide.

Store manager Charlie Ochoa began his Walmart career in 2003 as an hourly associate in asset protection at a store in Rialto.

“I am very excited to open our Walmart Neighborhood Market, giving the people of La Palma an option to shop for very affordable groceries, but most of all an opportunity to save money so they can live better,” said Ochoa.