San Angelo Community Celebrates New Walmart Opening

This morning, at 7:30 a.m., Walmart, at 3440 S. Bryant, celebrated its grand opening and ribbon cutting. The parking lot filled up with visitors, while students from Central High School Band played upbeat songs. Students from the San Angelo Christian Academy Choir also blessed the community with God Bless America.

Additionally, Store Manager Lee Ruiz introduced his management team, store planning associates and the marketing manager. Ruiz also recognized all the vendor partners and specialty groups associated with the new store.

(Photo Courtesy of Walmart's Facebook Page)

Ruiz said, “Today, we’re opening a new store here in San Angelo with 300 plus associates. We got a lot of vendor partners here helping the store. I think you’ll love the store. [We've got] a lot of good merchandise, new merchandise, and a lot of variety of fresh produce. Our Vision Center and Pharmacy are paired together on the side of the store, so it makes it more convenient for the customer. We’ve got a lot of good merchandise in there—a lot of good pricing. We’re glad to be here.”

Ruiz added that It takes a pretty good crew to run a store like this one, and this store helps create a lot of new jobs in the community. It also creates career opportunities for associates. Ruiz thanked San Angelo for allowing this additional Walmart in the city.

(Photo Courtesy of Walmart's Facebook Page)

Harry Thomas, the new City Councilman for SM3, said the new Walmart affect him personally because he and his wife live nearby.

“My wife and I are going to be able to shop here,” said Thomas. “I live by the Base and it’s really going to be close for us.”

Beyond personal means, Thomas said this new store, in this part of the city, is vital for the whole community and citizens in the area.

(Photo Courtesy of Walmart's Facebook Page)

Since this store is in his district, Thomas said he will be in the area to speak with his constituents frequently.

“The bottom line, however, is the big increase in employment overall,” said Thomas. “It’s awesome for this whole area, and it’s another place you can buy gas. Walmart and Sam’s are some of the least expensive places in town to get that gasoline.”

Thomas said it was a great morning, and he’s looking forward to shopping at the new Walmart location.

(Photo Courtesy of Walmart's Facebook Page)

To thank San Angelo, Walmart donated $500 to the San Angelo Christian Academy, $1,000 to Shannon Medical Center, $1,500 to ASU Students Associations and $2,000 to Concho Valley Paws.