Howell Walmart Shows Off New Look At Celebration Friday

HOWELL, NJ — The Howell Walmart Supercenter will host a celebration Friday to present its finished new look after a remodel to create a more customer friendly atmosphere with expanded shopping options.

There are other Walmart Supercenters in Monmouth County, and one nearby in Freehold Township had its own remodel completed in April, the company said. There is also a Neptune Supercenter.

But the Howell renovation is something special, being part of a national Walmart rollout of renovated stores in 30 states to the tune of half a billion dollars, the company said.

Billed as the biggest rollout in company history, it was accomplished in Howell with the store still operating, said a spokesman. The Howell Supercenter is at 4900 Route 9.

"It was like a giant Rubik's Cube," said spokesman Michael Cherenson, SCG Advertising and Public Relations, of the of the work in the store.

Highlights of the new store renovation include more apparel and home lines, "curated" product collections, and new fresh and dry pet food.

The store will celebrate the new look and offerings with Walmart associates – including two who helped open the store 27 years ago – and local community leaders participating in a ribbon-cutting ceremony and community festivities.

The celebration will begin at 8:30 a.m. on Friday, Nov. 3, and will include the presentation of colors by local veteran groups, as well as the performance of The National Anthem by performers from Rebel Remix of Howell High School, the company said.

During the Howell celebration, Walmart Store Manager Yvonne Angello will highlight the store’s transformations as well as the new interactive features now available to customers.

Included are:

• Activated corners: Displays are featured at the corners of home lines, baby and apparel to "pull customers in and help them touch, feel and become a part of the space."
• Elevated departments: Products will be featured that are out of their boxes so customers can imagine them fitting into their daily lives.
• New products and categories: Expanded pet department, including selection of Fresh Pet food; new apparel brands like Reebok, Polo, Chaps, Sam & Libby, and more.
• Expanded grocery: Includes new and diverse offerings including new Latin and International selections.
• Reconfigured store layout: To provide more convenient access to well-shopped areas like grocery, pets, hardware, toys, auto, as well as an upgraded pharmacy and mother’s room.
• Improvements at checkout: A transformed front end will speed up checkout time with self-checkout lanes and staffed registers for customer convenience and includes a Walmart+ lane for easier checkout for members.
• Refreshed interior and exterior: Includes new paint and signage for easier navigation throughout the store.
• Lighting enhancements: New fixtures and LED lighting throughout the store for better line of sight and easier navigation.
• Digital touchpoints: These will be located throughout the store so customers can see online offerings through the use of QR codes and digital screens.

Howell community donations, mural

“This store is a vital part of our community, providing a place for people to shop, connect, and build relationships,” Angello said. “I’m proud of this store and each of our associates who work hard every day to serve our customers and communities. I’m confident our customers will love these updates and I know our associates can’t wait to welcome them.”

And there will be a lot of Howell participation at the event.

First, Angello and associates will present grants to local nonprofit organizations, including:

• $2,500 to the Howell Township Police Department for its annual “Shop with a Cop” event.
• $1,500 to Girls Scouts of Monmouth County.
• $1,500 to Spread Kindness of Lakewood, a local nonprofit helping those in need.
• $1,500 to United States Submarine Veterans Inc.

The day will include free tastings and treats from Walmart vendors, visits from various mascots – including the Phillie Phanatic – plus music, fun, and games.

And Howell will soon have its own interior mural to highlight the township.

Howell is part of Walmart’s Community Mural Program, the largest public art installation celebrating communities across America, the company said. "Walmart’s Community Mural Program is an important part of each store’s transformation and furthers Walmart’s commitment to the local community."

The mural is not yet completed, said Cherenson, but should be a major feature of the store once it is created.

The Howell store continues to offer the following shopping options:

• Pickup: Walmart’s pickup option provides the convenience of online shopping and allows customers to quickly collect their groceries without stepping out of their vehicles, free of charge. Customers using SNAP benefits in most states have this option too.
• Delivery: Walmart’s delivery service is also contact free. There is also express delivery, with an option to have deliveries made in under two hours.
• Walmart Pay: A touch-free way to pay.

Walmart+ is a membership program for customers. It includes things such as free delivery from the store, free shipping with no minimum order, a Paramount+ Essential subscription, mobile Scan & Go, member pricing on fuel, and more. You can sign up or get more information at Walmart.com/plus.

In the past two years, Walmart has invested nearly $9 billion to upgrade more than 1,400 stores across the country, the company said.

In New Jersey, Walmart Inc. has 70 retail "units" and can be accessed online through Walmart.com. The company employs 24,365 associates in New Jersey.

In FY23, Walmart and the Walmart Foundation contributed more than $9.4 million in cash and in-kind donations to local nonprofits in New Jersey, the company said.

Additional information about Walmart can be found by visiting its corporate website and Instagram, Facebook and LinkedIn channels.