Photo: Media City G — Walmart set to open new store in the Empire Center in Burbank April 6, 2016
The new Burbank Walmart Supercenter is on track to open next month, according to store manager Panthi Patel. The world’s largest retailer opened a hiring center a few weeks ago in Burbank. Patel estimates 350 associates have been hired for positions, from cashier to supervisor. In the past, Walmart has been criticized for low wages. During a phone interview today, Patel described the”incredible pay”at Walmart and how the company offers a “pathway to success.” He says “75 per cent of the promotions” are through the ranks and he feels Walmart “in the past few years has made great strides.”
The Walmart website touts its Supercenter as “one-stop shopping experience by combining a grocery store with fresh produce, bakery, deli and dairy products with electronics, apparel, toys and home furnishing.” Burbank is a brutally competitive grocery market. Recent failures in the Media City include Fresh & Easy and Haggen. Also, a new Smart & Final Extra just opened on West Verdugo Avenue last month. Still under construction, a new Whole Foods Market as part of the ambitious Talaria project in the Media District.
Not worried about the competition, Patel says he’s “very confident” the Walmart Supercenter in the Empire Center will offer great “value for the price,” which will draw customers from Burbank as well as the surrounding communities.
