Company kicks off grand opening by giving $25,000 to local nonprofits

APOPKA, Fla. -- (Business Wire)

Sam’s Club associates and managers will join with local residents and officials to open the company’s newest location at 1500 S. Orange Blossom Trail in Apopka this Thursday, Aug. 20 following an 8 a.m. grand opening ceremony.

“It’s been a wonderful experience bringing more than 170 jobs to the community,” said Club Manager Tony Street. “We’ve had a great talent pool to choose from and we hope to show the people of Apopka a level of member service they have never seen before.”

New Club Gives $25,000 to Local Non-Profit Groups

The grand opening celebration will focus on the company’s commitment to being a club of the community. Sam’s Club associates selected several local nonprofit organizations to receive $25,000 in community giving grants. Grant award winners include:

• Apopka Literacy Program
• Apopka Fire Department
• Apopka Police Department
• VFW Post #10147
• Rotary Club of Apopka
• Canine Companions for Independence
• Justice and Peace Office
• Habitat for Humanity
• Casa Del Alfarero La Luz Del Mundo
• John Bridges Community Center

“Community giving is something we are very proud of at Sam’s Club. Our associates are excited to be giving back and volunteering in the community,” added Street.

Last year, Sam’s Club and Walmart provided over $82 million dollars in cash and in-kind donations to nonprofit organizations in the state of Florida. These donations represent community grants, food donations and associate volunteer efforts from stores, clubs and the Walmart Foundation.

Grand opening ceremony features special guests and events

Apopka Mayor Joe Kilsheimer and members of the Apopka Chamber of Commerce will be among those in attendance at Thursday’s grand opening ceremony. The VFW Color Guard will post colors and Brock Short will perform the national anthem.

Sam’s Club will also showcase a variety of food samples and product demonstrations. Special events include samples and demos from Vitamix Blenders, Chef Shamy Gourmet Butters and Rhineland Cutlery to name a few.

To add to the excitement of the grand opening weekend, the club will host former University of Florida football player and seven-time Pro Bowl defensive end Jack Youngblood. He’ll be meeting fans and signing autographs Saturday, Aug. 22 from 1 to 3 p.m.

Pharmacy and Hearing Center among Amenities

The Apopka club will have a full-service pharmacy where members and the public can take advantage of great savings on medications they use every day. Free grand opening health screenings will assess cholesterol, blood pressure, vision, hearing and a variety of other wellness areas, and will run Thursday 8/20 from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m., Friday 8/21 from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. and Saturday 8/22 from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Layout, Bright Atmosphere, Expansive Selections Await Members

The new Sam’s Club features a shopper-friendly interior layout and measures approximately 140,000 square feet. Members can rely on fresh produce, quality meats, and home meal solutions among the huge selection of merchandise. The club also boasts an array of service offerings for its members. In addition to the pharmacy, the club also features an Optical department and Hearing Aid Center. Members can find services tailored to their business needs such as credit card payment processing, mobile payroll and legal services. Membership also includes special savings on vacation planning through Sam’s Club Travel.

Membership Information

A Sam's Club membership is an investment that more than pays for itself. Whether buying for a household or a business, a Sam's Club member can access exclusive savings on merchandise and outstanding benefits. For more information on benefits and pricing, visit SamsClub.com/membership.

Non-members are encouraged to visit the new club and take advantage of a free One-Day Pass available online or in the club at the Member Service Desk.

About Sam’s Club

Sam’s Club, a division of Wal-Mart Stores, Inc. (NYSE: WMT), is the nation’s eighth largest retailer and a leading membership warehouse club offering superior products and services in 652 clubs across the U.S., as well as in Brazil, China and Mexico. To learn more, visit the Sam’s Club Newsroom or interact with Sam’s Club on Twitter and Facebook.

View source version on businesswire.com: http://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20150817006246/en/

Contacts:

Sam’s Club
Dianna Gee, 800-331-0085
Dianna.Gee@samsclub.com

Source: Sam’s Club