The second Walmart Supercenter in Bakersfield opened it's doors on Wednesday morning. Hundreds of people flocked to Southwest Bakersfield to check out the new 224,000 square foot Walmart that offers the usual merchandise and groceries checking out deals on everything from TVs to tomatoes.
"We had a large group of people ready to come inside and start shopping," store manager Mike McWilliams said.
500 employees were hired to run the store. On day one, the Supercenter stepped up, giving $15,000 to several community organizations, including a $2500 grant to the Alzheimer's Association.
"This money will be used to help 41 people to receive daycare services at our Alheimer's daycare center," Kate Eucce of the Alzheimer's Disease Association said.
New customers are thrilled to have the one-stop-shop in their neighborhood.
"It was really nice, clean and there was a lot of cute Easter stuff. I was able to that and grocery shop all at the same time," Jill Matzke said.
However, Walmart's competitors aren't welcoming its new neighbor with open arms, because the discount chain is luring people like Pam Martinez away from area stores and supermarkets.
"I live over in silver creek so it's almost across the street now," Martinez said. "It's cheaper than Albertson's."
The new super Walmart also has a Tri-Counties Bank branch and a hair salon up and running inside the store.
