Wal-MartWal-Mart Stores Co. is planning to open a new batch of grocery stores all over the country, starting with the location at Wauwatosa, Wisconsin.

Wal-Mart plans to open one of its neighborhood markets at the former Jewel-Osco site over at 3850 N 124th St. in Wauwatosa. The area, which is 5.5 acres in size, has remained unoccupied for the past four years.

Wal-Mart Spokesperson, Lisa Nelson, said that the process of redeveloping an existing building is both expensive and challenging for the company. However, redevelopment also takes them a step forward in terms of their sustainability goals.

As for the new neighborhood market that will be opened, the company will be implementing a store design that will be energy efficient. The market will be offering food choices that are healthy, such as fresh made deli food items and fresh produce. The neighborhood market will be able to cater to people who are residing or working near the store.

The company will be requesting for a permit for conditional use, which is an important requirement of the city. This permit will be used for their new market model. Approval for the permit has been recommended by the Department of Community Development.

Although the total area of the redevelopment site is 101,000 sq. ft., the new neighborhood market will occupy only around 38,000 sq. ft., with the inclusion of a drive-thru service and a pharmacy. The rest of the area will be reserved for other retail tenants. This is according to Tammy Szudy, Wauwatosa city planner.

Nelson has also stated that once ready, the neighborhood market would hire a maximum of 90 people, excluding those jobs that will come from the retail tenants. Currently, the average hourly rate for full time Wa-lMart associates in Wisconsin is $12.98.