Walmart plans to build a stand-alone grocery store in northwest Omaha — the company's first such store in Nebraska.
The 34,000-square-foot neighborhood market will be in the 90th and Lake Streets area, said Ryan Irsik, a company spokesman. That's about one-sixth the size of the Walmart Supercenter at 168th Street and West Maple Road.
"It is basically a small little Walmart market," Irsik said.
Omaha Planning Director Rick Cunningham said he understands that the Arkansas-based Walmart plans other grocery stores in the city, although Irsik declined to confirm that.
Walmart last week opened the first of five market stores opening by Nov. 2 in Wichita, Kan. It was the retail giant's first venture into that city with the smaller market stores, though it has been building them since 1998.
Last year, Walmart said it planned to build a variety of different store formats in addition to its supercenters, including medium-format stores of 30,000 to 60,000 square feet, and urban, convenience-type stores known as Walmart Express.
The "three-format portfolio will drive expansion to urban markets and small towns, as well as fill in gaps in existing markets," Bill Simon, president of Walmart's U.S. division, said in a report on the company capital expenditure plans.
Earlier this year, the nation's largest grocer said it would reformulate thousands of products to make them healthier and push its suppliers to do the same, joining first lady Michelle Obama's effort to combat childhood obesity.
In addition, Walmart executives said it would build up to 300 stores by 2016 in so-called food deserts — pockets where fresh meat and vegetables are hard to get. The U.S. Department of Agriculture defines a food desert as a low-income neighborhood where the nearest grocery store is at least a mile away. In a rural area, it's 10 miles.
The 90th and Lake Streets area is not considered a food desert because it has other grocery stores, including a No Frills Supermarket at 8005 Blondo St.
But Cunningham said he sees Walmart's decision to bring the stand-alone market to Omaha as the company is making a push to serve food deserts as a hopeful sign that it will expand into eastern Omaha. He said he welcomed other grocery chains in low-income neighborhoods, too.
"Our position on any grocery store, especially those going into food deserts, is very positive," said Cunningham.
Lonnie Eggers, vice president and chief operating officer of the Omaha-based No Frills Supermarkets chain, said he had heard rumors but no confirmation or details of a Walmart market before now.
He said No Frills is used to competition, expects that from Walmart and is ready for the challenge.
"We're just going to have to continue to be as good as we possibly can and hope customers realize that independent, locally owned supermarkets need their support now more than ever," Eggers said.
The full range of products to be sold at the new Walmart market includes fresh meats, vegetables, dairy products, dry goods and staples, bakery and deli items, canned and packaged goods, and pet and household supplies, Irsik said. Each neighborhood market employs about 95 associates, the company's website says.
"We're always looking for opportunities to serve our customers better and closer to home," Irsik said.
He expects neighbors to like the physical look and layout of the new Walmart market. He said design will conform to the existing neighborhood.
The Omaha Planning Board will get its first look at early stages of the Walmart project at its Sept. 7 meeting.
Contact the writer:
402-444-1224, cindy.gonzalez@owh.com
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