There is no shortage of Walmarts in and around Dallas. But City Hall sends word this afternoon: More are a-coming -- "more than a dozen new projects in the city of Dallas," per the release that follows, including three in the southern sector and one across the street from Bachman Lake, as I promised way back in May of last year.
Says the release: A Supercenter's coming to I-35 and Ledbetter Road; while Neighborhood Markets will be planted near S. Buckner and Scyene Road and N. Hampton Road and Fort Worth Avenue (the latter is going on the vacant lot presently at Fort Worth Avenue and Colorado). Meanwhile, Walmart says it's going to build a Sam's Club at Webb Chapel and Northwest Highway; says the release, it will replace the "existing location west of I-35 ... and will include new retail and restaurants." Northwest Dallas can also expect yet another Walmart "nearby," though the release isn't more specific than that. Also: "A Walmart Supercenter will be opening later this year in the currently closed Walmart discount store located on Central Expressway at Midpark just north of LBJ-635."
Mayor Tom Leppert, of course, is thrilled: "Clearly, Walmart understands the strong economic fundamentals of our city's economy and sees tremendous potential. And all indications are, if these stores do well, especially in Southern Dallas, more stores will come." No time lines are given in the announcement that follows.
Update at 3:11 p.m.: As you can see, the release says "more than a dozen new projects," but only half, if that, are named. I asked Chris Heinbaugh, Mayor Tom Leppert's chief of staff, if there is a full list. He responds: "They have not locked down all the property and deals yet. They only feel comfortable with the three in the south and the Sam's at Bachman Lake. They won't even let us have a list. And they're in different stages. Apparently, they've gone through this before and it has dramatically affected price and negotiations. I can tell you they are all over the city." He also says there are 14 projects on the to-do list.
WALMART LOOKS TO DOUBLE NUMBER OF DALLAS STORES
$200 Million Investment Includes Stores in Southern Dallas
Today, Dallas Mayor Tom Leppert announced that Walmart intends to invest $200 million to launch more than a dozen new projects in the city of Dallas, including at least three new stores in Southern Dallas. The expansion will more than double the number of locations inside the city, and is seen as a vote of confidence in Dallas.
"Clearly, Walmart understands the strong economic fundamentals of our city's economy and sees tremendous potential," said Mayor Leppert. "And all indications are, if these stores do well, especially in Southern Dallas, more stores will come."
The projects will be located in almost every part of the city. Walmart Regional Vice President Dacona Smith is particularly pleased with Walmart's expansion in Southern Dallas.
"Walmart's commitment to additional growth in the Dallas market will go a long way in bringing convenient access to fresh, affordable produce to more consumers, particularly those who live and work in areas that have been under-served for many years," said Smith. "We look forward to opening these additional stores, which will not only provide additional jobs in our community but will help more North Texans save money so they can live better.
While many of the projects will be Neighborhood Market full service grocery stores, they will also include Sam's Clubs and Supercenters, which are stores containing both general merchandise and full line grocery assortments.
One Southern Sector store is expected to be located at I-35 and Ledbetter Road. The Supercenter will provide general merchandise and groceries and create 300 full and part-time jobs. This store is planned to be approximately 180,000 square feet.
In Pleasant Grove, a Neighborhood Market by Walmart is planned near S. Buckner and Scyene Road providing that community with a large selection of affordable groceries and fresh produce, as well as a pharmacy.
And in Oak Cliff, a Neighborhood Market by Walmart is slated for a site near N. Hampton Road and Fort Worth Avenue.
District 3 Councilmember David Neumann says Walmart's timing couldn't be better.
"The neighborhood, the city and I have worked hard to create a foundation for economic growth on Fort Worth Avenue and everyone's work is paying off," said Neumann. "Walmart clearly recognizes this area is on the upswing and we're thrilled they want to be partners with this community."
Another area getting a boost is the Bachman Lake neighborhood north of Love Field. A Sam's Club is being planned at Webb Chapel and Northwest Highway, which is replacing an existing location west of I-35. This new facility will provide better access for residents in Northwest Dallas and will include new retail and restaurants. In addition, a new Walmart is being planned nearby, which will create an additional 300 jobs.
A Walmart Supercenter will be opening later this year in the currently closed Walmart discount store located on Central Expressway at Midpark just north of LBJ-635. This Supercenter will add approximately 300 new jobs as well.
Walmart will announce other specific locations in the future. Mayor Leppert says the city has built a strong relationship with Walmart.
"We have worked with Walmart for several years to build an investment program that meets their business requirements and addresses important community needs," said Mayor Leppert. "Walmart has been a tremendous partner with the City, especially in terms of education, nutrition and fighting diabetes. This expansion is clearly another sign of their commitment to Dallas."